Daily Devotional

[Ronnie W. Stark]

It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. (NIV) ( Ecclesiastes 5:5 )

Obligation, guilt, reciprocate, these are only a few reasons that cause us to make promises whether or not we intend on keeping them. When we don't follow through on our promises this leaves other people let down and frustrated. Or something even worse happens, they begin to not trust in our future promises. It's challenging, but let's practice committing only to promises we know we can keep and intentionally following through on those we have already made.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah (NLT) ( Psalm 4:4 )

Your face gets flushed, your blood begins to get hot, and your head begins to throb. These are physical signs that anger is beginning to control you in the moment. When our anger gets out of control there is never a good result. In such situations, the smartest thing is to remain silent and take some time to think overnight. In the morning, after time has passed, it's easier to respond with a calmer stance.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. (NIV) ( Matthew 11:25 )

Wisdom can be a blessing, but it can also be a stumbling block. With too much wisdom we begin to rationalize and explain away. This may sound counterintuitive at first, however, without using our heart it's easy to become cold, impersonal, and use logic to remain justified. Keep a childlike perspective to be willing to learn and be wrong.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. (NIV) ( Ecclesiastes 5:12 )

A good sleep does always come after a physically exhausting day. There's nothing like a good night's rest when you wake energized and refreshed in the morning. However, if you are unable to sleep because you are kept awake at 3:15 a.m. worrying about possessions, you may want to take a closer look at your priorities. Is that possession really worth what it is costing you in sleep every night, patience towards others, or attitude during the day?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. (NIV) ( Philemon 1:7 )

When friends get together each encounter promises to hold a time of connection. Sometimes we need to vent and release emotions but if we aren't careful we can leave them feeling burdened and drained. When you connect with your friends, do they walk away refreshed and thankful for your love? What act of kindness could you do for a friend today to lift them up?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (NIV) ( Deuteronomy 6:5 )

We all have some passions in life. Why not pour your passion into God? What does that entail? Just think about the actions you take when doing something that you love. You think about it all day. You want to spend all your time on it. You put it first above all other things. Now channel all those actions towards God and you will see grace filter through your day leaving behind anger, guilt and selfishness.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. (NIV) ( Proverbs 15:32 )

Discipline can be a hard thing to take, especially as an adult when we are so used to getting everything our way. But isn't it true that when you fight discipline it only makes things worse? Those who fight it end up feeling the pain much harsher. Public figures who deny scandals and later turn out to be true are disciplined much harsher. Don't fight it and grow.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (NIV) ( Hebrews 12:11 )

When you are training for a marathon, it's often helpful to have a coach guide and correct you. Waking up early in the morning, practicing in the rain, and enduring through the cold elements challenge your discipline. A coach keeps you accountable and ensures you stay on track. Yet, there is no feeling quite like finishing a marathon. When your Coach pushes your limits remember you are preparing for a marathon. It may be painful, but you can push through.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. (NIV) ( Genesis 1:29 )

We are blessed with a God who provided for us from the very beginning. He still does today, when we have food in our cupboard. However, not everyone receives the same blessings you and I have. Let's share our blessings with others and provide for others as God has done for us. God sees this and brings you flowers every spring.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (NIV) ( James 4:12 )

God is the perfect judge because He created the law. When we judge other people it is a sign we don't trust God will judge accordingly. Or it is a sign that our own authority is greater than God's. Both of these ideas are far from the truth. If you find yourself looking down on another person, try focusing on your love and appreciation for them. Your love leaves a greater impact than your judgement.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. (NIV) ( Proverbs 27:12 )

The difference between the prudent and the simpleton is in their response to danger signs. When the dentist mentions to work on flossing, the prudent person changes their daily habit. By blindly moving forward and not taking action, we are forced to take more painful action later on such as having a difficult conversation, foreclosure, or painful oral surgery. What danger do you foresee that you could take action on today?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. (NIV) ( James 1:1 )

This passage was written by James, the brother of Jesus. We as humans see our siblings realistically with their faults and failures. Isn't it against the norm to hear one man say their brother was the Son of God? Doesn't this lend more authenticity to Christ when even his own brother admitted his divinity to be true? Keep this in mind when other people challenge your faith.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. (NIV) ( Ephesians 5:25 )

The second part is the challenge to all. Being loving is good but is your action the result of giving or getting? One way of showing your love is by encouragement. Encourage her in her good deeds even if it diminishes your pride. Put her first always like God did for us.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. (NIV) ( John 14:11 )

Much of the work Jesus did on earth was miracles he performed. However, in present day we discount the credibility of miracles because we rely heavily on reason and logic but a large portion of believing in miracles is having faith in God. Is there an area in your life where a miracle is needed? Maybe it's in your relationships, finances or in your heart. Don't give up on believing. Miracles can and do happen but only through your faith in God.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (NIV) ( Philippians 4:5 )

This verse isn't asking us to put on a show and make it obvious for everyone to see that we are considerate. Instead it is saying our consideration should be so well thought out it becomes obvious to the amount of thought involved. What does consideration look like? Anticipate others' needs, have empathy, tolerate personality differences, use basic manners or even being punctual. Focus on one area of consideration you can work on improving today.

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