Daily Devotional

[Ronnie W. Stark]

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (NIV) ( Mark 10:25 )

No one ever really thinks of themselves as being rich and we often characterize our wants as needs. When you look around and see those who have less it's easy to let your heart harden over time and ignore them. We even go so far as to tell ourselves "I can't give to this hungry man, because I have to pay for my 'need.'" Don't allow your wants to be stumbling blocks to the Kingdom of God.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. (NIV) ( James 5:14 )

With so much love from family surrounding us, it's a blessing to be alive. At times, our loved ones become ill and we get saddened from these difficult times. However, recovery arises from the power of prayer. If you have a family member who is ill, pray for them and ask others for their support and prayers. If you have a friend who is traveling down this path, you can pray for their loved one too.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (NIV) ( Romans 8:26 )

When we are confronted by our weaknesses it's easy to get discouraged. Take heart in this passage and know the Holy Spirit will guide us. The next time you encounter a weakness be comforted in knowing God is at work.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. (NIV) ( Genesis 1:14-15 )

It seems like we wake up everyday and go about our lives without pausing but rather rushing. Hit the pause button for a moment today and admire the surroundings that God has provided so graciously to us. Remember, God loves you so much that He lights candles for you in the sky every night!
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. (NIV) ( Proverbs 21:23 )

Sometimes emotions can get the best of us and cause us to say words we don't truly mean. Or we are charged with emotions and choose words with different implications than we intended. When you get in this state do your best to stabilize and then try to communicate emotions when you can better watch your tongue.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. (NIV) ( Proverbs 23:4 )

Do you know when to quit? Is enough really ever enough? Not only is wisdom important in quitting, but so is self-discipline. Isn't it financially true, just as you are about to reach quitting time something shiny and new comes along and becomes more important. Know when to quit, finish it out, and stay finished.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. (NIV) ( Luke 6:47-48 )

Staying grounded in God's word is essential to a strong faith that withstands floodwaters. But it's also essential to apply what you have learned to your life. With a firm faith you can weather any storm when it comes your way in life. Are you laying the foundation for a solid faith?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. (NIV) ( Romans 13:8 )

If you don't show your love for someone, it may appear to others that they are not loved. Are you sidetracked by your busy day that you're forgetting the little things? Those little things add up and become powerful enough to send the wrong message. Overcome this and send a loving message. What speaks to your loved one? If it's confidence, encourage them. If it's feeling pretty, compliment them. If it's strength, support them. Fulfilling this law will honor God.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. (NIV) ( Psalm 89:1 )

Upon what conditions do you give your love? Or is love a condition of good behavior? When someone we love does things or makes decisions that we disagree with, that's not the time to use our love as a tool for manipulation. Unconditional love is pure and everlasting regardless of behavior. Is there anyone who doesn't deserve your unconditional love? That's exactly the person you should focus on loving.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (NIV) ( Ecclesiastes 4:4 )

What drives you and your purpose in being successful? Do you resent your neighbor because of what they have? The wrong motives for success can keep you from actually enjoying success. Otherwise, you will never become successful in your own eyes. There will always be someone more successful to come along. As Solomon says, keeping up with the Jones' is fruitless.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. (NIV) ( Matthew 25:29 )

Are you spending each day utilizing your God given talents? If not, think about doing things that take advantage of your special talents and then put a lot of muscle behind it. When we make wise choices and use our talents to the fullest extent, success follows.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (NLT) ( Romans 12:16 )

There's always someone smarter than you and richer than you. Yet when we find ourselves around someone who is less capable, pride can get in the way. Treat those who are not as fortunate as you with respect, just like you would want to be treated from those who have more resources than you.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. (NIV) ( Proverbs 25:28 )

Hundreds of years ago, city walls were a source of protection from invading forces. In the same way city walls protect a city, Solomon is also saying self-control protects a person from outside attacks.  A few areas people may struggle with balance is emotion, financial, verbal, food consumption, etc.  What areas do you struggle with self-control?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. (NIV) ( John 14:1 )

Heart troubles can be the worst. Hurts happen. Are you doing what you can to be troubled free? If you don't take the time to deal with those hurts and root them out, they will prevent you from being a whole, healthy person. How can you tell if your heart is troubled? Look at your emotional reactions and figure out the reasons behind your reactions. Then trust.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (NIV) ( 1 John 2:4 )

Having a relationship with Jesus will keep you grounded and leaning into a growing faith. A growing faith is a good sign. In a relationship, truth is spoken, conviction is felt, and confidence in God strengthens. Walk in the truth and obey God's commandments. Was there a time in your life when you weren't living in the truth? What were the circumstances?
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