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Time for Spiritual Remodeling

Today's Devotional
You should start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “You should start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Fix Up Time.” Dave Branon wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Ephesians 4:20–32. The key verse is “Be made new in the attitude of your minds.” Ephesians 4:23. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
Background: 
Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus (The book of Ephesians) when Ephesus’ culture was very much like the world today. It was one in which the claims of Christ were disregarded, corruption was widespread throughout its institutions, and people were prone to use others to advance themselves. The apostle Paul challenged the believers in Christ for their heart-response to be in contrast to this culture. We live with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
My comments to you:
The areas I need the Holy Spirit to make real, heart-based improvement in me are my temper and use of harsh words. I will start by asking The Holy Spirit to help me from the inside. 
The presence of the Spirit makes changes on the inside that can help you reflect Jesus in your words and actions. He helps you replace lying with speaking “truthfully” (v. 25). He guides us to avoid sin in anger (v. 26). He directs us to speak words that are “helpful for building others up” (v. 29). These Spirit-controlled actions are part of the internal change manifested in kindness, compassion, and forgiveness (v. 32). The Spirit works in us to imitate Jesus Himself and reflect the heart of our heavenly Father (v. 24; 5:1).
Reflect:
In what areas do you need the Holy Spirit to make real, heart-based improvement in you through His leading and strength? How will you get started?
My prayer for us:
Loving God, thank You for making us a new creation in Christ. Help our actions, through Your guidance, to reflect the change You’ve made in us.
Learn more about the Trinity.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/09/01) Fix Up Time, Dave Branon, retrieved from www.odb.org 01/09/2021 Fix Up Time.
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God’s Mercy and Grace Is Always Available

Today's Devotional
You should start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Mercy and Grace.“ James Banks wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from 2 Chronicles 34:1–8. The key verse is [Josiah] began to seek the God of his father David.” 2 Chronicles 34:3. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
Background: 
In the Old Testament, the Israelites were rebellious. In 2 Kings 18:4–7, When Hezekiah became king of Judah, he destroyed all the idols that Israel worshipped. However, The Kings that followed Hezekiah were wicked. Manasseh was Judah’s most wicked king (2 Kings 20:21–21:18 and 2 Chronicles 33:1-11). Nothing could stop the inevitable and devastating effects of King Manasseh’s decades of wickedness. While awaiting his execution, King Manasseh repents, God restores him, leading a great revival (2 Chronicles 33:12-20).  In (2 Kings 21:19-26; 2 Chronicles 33:20-25) Amon who proceeded Manasseh had nothing to do with the true God and never humbled himself before the Lord, as his father Manasseh had. Amon increasingly violated God’s commandments. After two years as king, the servants of Amon conspired against him and assassinated him in his own house. Josiah became King of Judah at the age of 8 and,” [Josiah] began to seek the God of his father David.” 2 Chronicles 34:3
My comments to you:
I reflect on the time I was involved in an accident with a speeding car. The most incredible mercy I saw from God is He did not allow me to die as a condemned sinner. I truly believed He spared my life so I will be saved through the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Our God is the master of unanticipated mercies. He can cause great good to occur unexpectedly out of life’s most unfavorable circumstances. 
Reflect:
What mercies have you seen from God that you never anticipated? How does the thought that He’s able to bring about unexpected good give you hope today?
My prayer for us:
Heavenly Father, we praise You for never changing. Your mercies are “new every morning!” (Lamentations 3:23). Help us to look forward to what You have for us today.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/30) Mercy and Grace, James Banks, retrieved from www.odb.org 30/08/2021 Mercy and Grace. 
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All Good Good Gifts Come From God

Today's Devotional
You should start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “The Ultimate Healer.“ Jennifer Benson Schuldt wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Numbers 21:4–9 and 2 Kings 18:4–7. The key verse is “[Hezekiah] broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made.” 2 Kings 18:4. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
God showed my family and me His goodness through other people. Before I was a Christian, I credited people for their goodness. After my family and I became Christians, we knew and credit God for His goodness through other people.
Background: 
In the Old Testament, the Israelites were rebellious and criticized Moses and God for their situation in the wilderness. God sent venomous snakes, and many Israelites died. The Israelites confessed their sins to Moses and asked him to pray to God to take the snakes away. God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and set it on a pole. God told Moses that anyone bitten by a snake would live when they looked at the bronzes snake. (Numbers 21:4–9)
2 Kings 18:4–7 When Hezekiah became king of Judah, he destroyed all the idols that Israel worshipped and the bronze snake Moses built. The Israelites burned incense to it, and King Hezekiah considered this idolatry. 
Think of God’s gifts to you. Have any of them become objects of praise? These gifts are evidence of God’s mercy and grace. Only our holy God—the source of every good 
gift (James 1:17) is worthy of worship.


Reflect: 
How has God shown you His goodness through other people? Why is it so easy to give people credit for what God has done in your life?
My prayer for us:
Dear God, we worship You as the all-powerful God who hears our prayers. Thank You for sustaining our lives and caring for us.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/27) The Ultimate Healer, Jennifer Benson Schuldt, retrieved from www.odb.org 27/08/2021 The Ultimate Healer.
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Make the Right Choice

Today's Devotional

Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Heeding the Warnings.“ Dave Branon wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Matthew 10:1–7 and Matthew 10:32–33. The key verse is Whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:33. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.

I remember the day when I finished my training. The other five and I were warned if we get caught, we will be executed. That warning stuck with me. Jesus gave a warning of impending doom for those who did not heed the warning about the coming kingdom and putting their trust in Him.

Background: Jesus sent out the twelve disciples to spread the word of God’s coming kingdom (Matthew 10:7). Jesus warned, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32–33

God provided a Savior and a plan for us to be in His presence for eternity. If we choose to turn away from God and reject His message of salvation and the real life He offers for both now and forever, we lose out on the opportunity to be with Him.

Reflect: 

Why is rejecting Jesus such a serious thing? How have you chosen to respond to His call?

My prayer for us:

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing salvation through Jesus. And thank You for sending warnings to remind us of the importance of putting our faith in Him.

Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/26) Heeding the Warnings, Dave Branon, retrieved from www.odb.org 26/08/2021 Heeding the Warnings.

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Take Care of Your Parents, Grandparents, and Relatives

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “A Good Reason.” John Blase wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from 1 Timothy 5:1–8. The key verse is “Put [your] religion into practice by caring for [your] own family.” 1 Timothy 5:4. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
I looked after my parents and grandparents while they lived. Now, all of them died, but I tried to support my children and other relatives. As a family, we stay connected through zoom, text, emails, and phone calls.
Background: God cares deeply about the marginalized. The concept of respect for the aged was written into ancient Jewish law. Leviticus 19, which repeats the Ten Commandments, including the one to honor parents (v. 3), also says, “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God” (v. 32). In 1 Timothy 5:1–8, Paul discusses respect for the elderly in his letter to Timothy. Timothy was to show the utmost respect for an “older man,” and he was to see that the church cared for widows in genuine need and without family to provide for them (vv. 3–8). Children and grandchildren of widows were to show respect for their elders by caring for them. 
As Christians, we cannot practice caring for family members if they deserve it. This practice is contrary to God’s law. Take care of them because “this is pleasing to God” (v. 4).
Reflect: 
If your parents are still living, how would you describe your relationship with them? Regardless of what kind of job they did as parents, what are some ways you can take care of them right now?
My prayer for us:
Father, give us grace and mercy as we seek to care for those who cared for us. And help us to remember the reason we are doing it.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/25) A Good Reason, John Blase, retrieved from www.odb.org 25/08/2021 A Good Reason.
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Trust God To Provide Your Needs

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “God’s Provision.” Poh Fang Chia wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Genesis 1:11–13, Genesis 1:29–30. The key verse is, “See how the flowers of the field grow. . . . Will he not much more clothe you?” Matthew 6:28, 30. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
In the past, God provided my family and me with food, shelter, safety, and beauty for the eys to see. I know He will continue to provide.
Background: In addition to the creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2, you find several passages in Scripture that portray God as Creator and Provider. Psalm 8 points to God’s hand in the creation and His care for humanity: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (vv. 3–4). Job 38–39, God names many of the creatures and other wonders He’s created and His provision for them. Psalm 104 describes God stretching “out the heavens like a tent” (v. 2), and the Psalmist declares, “All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time” (v. 27). The New Testament describes Jesus as the Creator (John 1:1–3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:15–17).
If you find it hard to trust God to meet your needs, take a nature walk. Let the walk remind you of Jesus’ assuring words: “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’. . . Your heavenly Father knows that you need [all these things]” (Matthew 6:31–32).
Reflect: 
How has God provided for you in the past? How can you continue to lean on His provision in the present?
My prayer for us:
Loving Father, You are a generous provider. Help us to trust You to meet our needs.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/24) God’s Provision, Poh Fang Chia, retrieved from www.odb.org 24/08/2021 God’s Provision.
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God’s Command: Love your Enemies

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Loving Your Enemy.” Mike Wittmer wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Acts 1:1–8. The key verse is, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria.” Acts 1:8. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
I had my share of people whom I had personal grudges, and I am sure you hold grudges against people. I know that when people see the love of Christ in you, they soften their attitude towards you. 
Background: The Assyrians conquered northern Israel, including Samaria. After defeating the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the Assyrians adopted a policy of racial assimilation. They deported the Jews to Assyria and brought in other people groups to repopulate Samaria and marry the remaining Jews still in the land. The Samaritans devised their religion, a hybrid of Judaism and paganism (2 Kings 17:22–41), with a temple of their own on Mount Gerizim (see John 4:20–23). The Samarians action created deep-seated hostility between the peoples of Judea and Samaria (Ezra 4:1–3)
Jesus brought salvation for all people, including Samaritans. He ventured into the heart of Samaria to bring living water to a sinful woman and her town (John 4:4–42). His last words to His disciples were to follow His example. They share His good news with everyone, beginning in Jerusalem and dispersing through Samaria until they reached “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
We must share His good news with everyone. Jesus matters more to us than our grievances. Love your “Samaritan.”
Reflect 
How can you begin to show love to those who are not very loving? When have you been loving to a problematic person and then found them softening?
My prayer for us:
Father, may the waves of Your love crash over us, producing a torrent that streams to others through us.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/23) Loving Your Enemy, Mike Wittmer, retrieved from www.odb.org 23/08/2021 Loving Your Enemy.
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God’s Kingdom Is Accessible To All

I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Accessible to All.” Xochitl Dixon wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Matthew 7:13–14. The key verse is, “Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:14. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.

I remembered how I respond to the good news; I cried. I was overwhelmed with relief that I was a child of God. That day, I told everyone what had happened to me and my choice and wanted to learn how to share the good news with others. 

The gate is small because God the Son is the only bridge that can reconcile fallen man and God the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit (vv. 13–14). Scripture also says that believers from every people, nation, and societal rank can enter heaven and bow before the King of Kings and worship together around His throne (Revelation 5:9).

Reflect 

How did you respond after hearing the good news? How can you be more intentional about sharing it with others?

My prayer for us:

God the Father, please empower us through Your Holy Spirit to show others the accessible path that leads to Your approachable Son, Jesus.

Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/11) Accessible to All, Xochitl Dixon, retrieved from www.odb.org 11/08/2021 Accessible to All.

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God Disciplines Out of Love For Us

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Love That Disciplines.” Daniel Ryan Day wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Proverbs 3:11–12. The key verse is, “Do not despise the Lord’s discipline.” Proverbs 3:11. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
All of us faced and experienced discipline at some times in our lives. We learned to discipline our children through our parents. Most of the time, it was not pleasant. As a result, sometimes we fear God’s discipline, and other times we misinterpret bad things in our lives as God’s discipline. It is far from the heart of a loving Father who disciplines us because He delights in us and corrects us because He loves us.
Discipline gets a bad rap at times. The word discipline is traced back to “disciple” as one who follows another for learning. When God disciplines us, it is for our knowledge or correction. God lovingly corrects us when we make wrong choices or trains us for a new purpose. 
Instead of fearing God’s discipline, we need to learn to accept his instruction. When we hear God’s voice of correction in our hearts or experience conviction when reading Scripture, we should thank God that He delights in us enough to lead us to what is the best. 
Reflect 
How do you recognize God’s discipline? How do you sense the love of God in the midst of it?
My prayer for us:
God, help us to recognize Your discipline so that we can discover the freedom You offer.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/10) Love That Disciplines, Daniel Ryan Day, retrieved from www.odb.org 10/08/2021 Love That Disciplines.
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Do Not Let Fear Stifle The Love Of Christ

Today's Devotional
Do Not Let Fear Stifle The Love of Christ
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Fearless Love.” Monica La Rose wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from 1 John 3:1 and 11-18. The key verse is, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” 1 John 3:14. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
I know I am still growing in Christ. I have fears that keep me from showing love and compassion to others in some situations. I do not volunteer to go into mission fields for fear of dying or financial support. However, I am willing to minister to the sick in hospitals, to people in prisons, and to the homeless. 
John reminded early believers in Christ to let love wither or hide in the face of our fears is really to live “in death” (1 John 3:14). Filled and empowered with the Spirit’s self-giving love is to experience the resurrection life in all its fullness (vv. 14, 16). 
Reflect 
When are you most prone to let fear stifle your love for others? How can you grow in experiencing and sharing the Spirit’s boundless love within those fearful places?  
My prayer for us:
God of love, You are love, and to live in love is to live in You. We long to live with that kind of fearless, joyous love. Fill us with Your Spirit, and carry us ever deeper into Your love until fear dissolves and Your love flows freely through us.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/09) Fearless Love, Monica La Rose, retrieved from www.odb.org 09/08/2021 Fearless Love.