Daily Devotional

[Ronnie W. Stark]

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. (NIV) ( James 1:26 )

Our tongues can get the better of us if we let them. But it doesn't have to be that way if we work on improving control over our tongue. When our tongue goes uncontrolled it allows others to connect the things we say to what we profess to believe. Let's not let our uncontrolled tongues negate all that we stand for and who we believe in. Put your effort in holding back your tongue as an effort to improve your self-control.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NIV) ( Proverbs 17:17 )

It's almost expected for our friends to be loyal and our family to help but there is a precursor to this that we don't always think about. These relationships need to be nurtured. Have you reached out to a friend lately to offer some help or simply meet for lunch? Make an effort to engage in an activity together with a friend or family member. Building your relationships will not go unnoticed over time.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. (NIV) ( Romans 2:15 )

Do you ever get a feeling inside convicting you to take an action? Sometimes we fight and wrestle and don't want to give money to the needy or raise our hand in worship or whatever you are feeling compelled to do. When we resist too long the moment will pass us by and we are left wondering, or worse, seeing the consequences. But giving in to our conscience and taking action feels good when we know we are doing right. Is there something you are feeling convicted about? Take action now!
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (NIV) ( 2 Corinthians 6:14 )

It can be a challenge at times to work with unbelievers. Putting God first is a major paradigm shift that changes how many decisions are made. Because of this, it is very important to be strong and rooted so that you influence Godly ways onto others and not soak in the ways of an earthly mind. Remember to be a light to others by showing others how God always shines love and grace.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." (NIV) ( Mark 9:23 )

Some days can be a bit lackluster or uninspiring. If you're having too many of those days, maybe it's time to be inspired to do great things. It's possible if you believe. However, this belief is not in your capabilities but rather in God who can provide for you something far greater than what you're thinking now. Use your imagination then trust God!
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. (NIV) ( Psalm 69:3 )

Do you ever feel tired? I mean tired of just trying so hard and yet just moving inches. Maybe you're trying to mend a relationship, advance your career, or just trying to gather yourself emotionally. Despite these valleys in your life, don't give up on hope. This hope is the purposefulness of your tribulations that God has planned to produce the most beautiful story about you. Be patient, strong and trust in Him. Do not give up.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish." (NIV) ( Isaiah 29:14 )

How heavily do you lean upon wisdom? Leaning on wisdom can be helpful but sometimes it can be harmful to our faith. Sure, it's logical to take out an insurance policy, but are you depending on that policy for security when trouble comes or are you looking to Christ to rescue you? Is the wise decision you're making today leading you to or away from God?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. (NIV) ( 1 Corinthians 1:4 )

It is such a joyful event when a friend or loved one accepts Jesus Christ into their lives. This is something we should celebrate and be thankful for. Because we love that person so much we want the best for them and walking in the light and love of God is a gift. While everyone may not accept this gift, it is our calling to share it.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (NIV) ( Ephesians 5:21 )

God blessed us with marriage to be the primary person that shows your spouse God's love for them. It's not because they deserve it or have earned it, but because of the grace you have been given. This will mean you are the first person to say sorry, or you will have to come home from work to help your spouse clean, or you take the blame when it's not your fault. What can you do for your spouse today that reveals God's love for them?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (NIV) ( Romans 12:12 )

This verse is a helpful nugget of guidance to get us through dark times. As a believer in Christ we have hope and not just a random hope, but a confident hope. We can confidently believe in a time when hurt, pain, and sorrow will end. It's comforting to know amidst all of your despair and discouragement there is one thing you can be sure of which is that it will come to an end.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. (NIV) ( 1 Timothy 5:3 )

Believe it or not, God has left instructions for us to take care of one another. One group of people we need to look out for are widows. We as the body of Christ need to extend ourselves to those who find themselves as widows. Anyone who protects and cares for widows will truly be blessed by God. Do you know of anyone God has placed in your life who is a widower for you to look after?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (NIV) ( 1 Thessalonians 5:11 )

While encouraging others is part of following God, how you receive those encouraging words is just as important. Instead of responding with a negative reaction that promotes lack of confidence, accept it gracefully with a simple thank you or one with sincere gratitude. God made you in his image and values your every thought and presence.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

And you say, 'What a burden!' and you sniff at it contemptuously," says the LORD Almighty. "When you bring injured, crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?" says the LORD. (NIV) ( Malachi 1:13 )

Walking by faith in the Lord is not an easy path. It comes fraught with a journey of constantly recognizing we aren't perfect, seeking and maintaining peace around us, or even living with honor and integrity. But learning to grow and walk according to God's commands is part of a relationship with God. Don't turn up your nose, it's not too hard! Along the path you will be rewarded and blessed greatly. Are you regularly seeking to learn more of God's ways?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. (NIV) ( Psalm 119:100 )

Think of someone who you believe to be wise. More often than not that person is older than you. With age comes wisdom, but that is not to say that wisdom only comes with age. When you are obedient to God and his teachings the Lord will bless you with insight. Have you noticed a growth of wisdom from walking with the Lord?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (NIV) ( Proverbs 22:6 )

When you have children there is always an excess of people who want to advise you on how to raise them. The above verse is also a piece of advice as well. However, this is advice coming from God who created us and knows how we fit together. Why not accept advice from THE person who knows us the best and help them get familiar with God.
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