Daily Devotional

[Ronnie W. Stark]

Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. (NIV) ( Psalm 22:11 )

When you know you are entering an intense period which challenges your strength, remember to invite your Heavenly Father to walk with you. Who better to walk with you? He is always there to listen, He will bring you blessings when they are most needed, and He has the power to change not only your attitude but others' as well.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NIV) ( Matthew 6:34 )

At the very root of worry is fear. Fear of the unknowns or what if's can erode away the security we find in God. Don't let this fear overtake you and allow the worry to creep in your thoughts. Place your confidence in Jesus that He will provide and comfort you. Then pray.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (NIV) ( Matthew 27:46 )

It's okay to be angry at God for a short time, but don't walk away from your relationship with Him. Don't allow your anger to become uncontrolled. Instead, work through the anger and emotions. Your relationship with Him will grow deeper and stronger. In time, you will look back on this time with a renewed spirit of the glories God can do.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? (NIV) ( Lamentations 3:39 )

When we feel God is disciplining us we get angry and shake our fists at him. If you feel He has turned his back on you it is exactly the opposite. Because He loves you he wants to teach you. As parents we want our kids to learn the difference between right and wrong. How could our children say we don't love them because they receive discipline from us? Isn't that further from the truth?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

The man who was dying blessed me; I made the widow's heart sing. (NIV) ( Job 29:13 )

It's so easy to get consumed with our world and we often overlook other people. But we feel such encouragement when someone we admire takes an interest in us. Believe it or not, you are very powerful as well. You have the ability to make other peoples' hearts sing and flutter, especially to those without hope.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (NIV) ( Luke 12:31 )

Do you have everything you need? Does what you need match up according to the Kingdom of God? Let God's Kingdom come in to your work, play, business, friendships, all areas of your life. Don't hold back. Align your life to be constantly seeking God and His Kingdom.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money. (NIV) ( Acts 8:18 )

Poor Simon was too far from understanding the concept of faith. The Spirit lives within you through repentance of your sins and asking for forgiveness. Instead, Simon wanted to cut to the chase and receive the benefits of the power of the Holy Spirit. Today we do the same thing, attend church thinking it will make up for the time we didn't read our Bible or spend time with God. Stretch yourself beyond this type of thinking and reach for a relationship. Invest your time in God.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (NIV) ( Genesis 4:7 )

In this verse God is warning Cain, the son of Adam and Eve, about the danger of sin. God characterized sin as something that can be tamed but with deliberate focus. Self-control is a muscle that needs to be exercised and with practice it gets easier and easier to do. What can you do to strengthen your self-control muscle?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (NIV) ( 2 Corinthians 4:7 )

The light shining in our hearts is the news that Jesus Christ is our Lord. We are charged with the task of showing the world how Christ has changed us. However, when we show these great abilities over time, it is easy to get puffed up and think we are the ones who are responsible for the greatness. Rather, it is important to stay connected to God and always remember He is the ultimate source of power.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. (NIV) ( Psalm 139:1 )

The Lord is very familiar with us and who we are. He knows our likes, disgraces, and even our triumphs. There's no use hiding from God. It's impossible to hide or deceive Him, He already knows our thoughts. Even if you are fearful of rejection, rest affirmed, He loves you too much. He still accepts you, no matter what you have buried deep in your heart.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (NIV) ( 1 Corinthians 10:13 )

Temptations can range from seemingly harmless distractions to life threatening addictions and everything in between. Where does yours fit in? The irony is that this one thing that is so personal to you is a struggle for many others too. Remember that you are not alone in many ways. Trust in God and lean on Him for the strength to overcome them each day. Only He can make you stronger than you think.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (NIV) ( James 5:11 )

Sometimes a course in your life extends further than planned and leaves you with an empty tank. It can be exhausting even to the point of near tearful surrender. But remember what James says that you will be honored for your endurance. Keep on patiently enduring and remember to emphasize the treasures in life as those blessings will fill your empty tank.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. (NIV) ( 2 Corinthians 5:9 )

Whether we know it or not, our lives are moving in a direction. If we are not intentional about goals, achievements, or accomplishments, it is easy to get swept away in the business of life. It's important to remember the ultimate goal is to please God, which can be done through different avenues. What are you working towards in your life and is it pleasing to God?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. (NIV) ( Psalm 82:3 )

It is not enough to pray for God to send someone to rescue the oppressed when you are very capable. What if God has already chosen you and He's waiting on you to decide if you want to help? What if your impact could prevent even more people from being taken advantage of? Wouldn't that be a remarkable legacy if you could make a difference, even if it was only one person's life?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (NIV) ( Exodus 14:14 )

When you find yourself full of despair and hopelessness, look to God. When everyone around you says it can't be done, it's not worth your energy, or you have too much to lose; Do not allow your obstacle to appear larger than what God can handle. Remember God is greater than the obstacle at hand. Have faith in Him and He will fight the battle for you.
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