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God Will Lift You Up!

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Rise Again.” Lisa M. Samra wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Proverbs 24:15–18. The key verse is, “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” Proverbs 24:16. 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 strengthened me after many difficult disappointments by opening new opportunities when other opportunities closed. Today I struggle with a torn ligaments and a damaged knee cap. I am frustrated because I can not do things I would normally do daily. However, I know God will cure me in due time. 
We will face trials and disappointment, but God will always be close to bringing comfort and strength to help us rise above the problems and disappointments. 
Therefore, if you recently experienced a devastating disappointment or failure and feel like you’ll never recover, Scripture encourages us not to rely on our strength but put our confidence in God and His promises. 
Reflect 
How has God strengthened you after a difficult disappointment? How does that give you encouragement for the struggles you face today? 
My prayer for us:
Heavenly Father, thank You that in every trial and disappointment, You’re always close, offering comfort and strength to help us rise again.
Visit ChristianUniversity.org/SF108 to discover how you can best serve others and understand yourself better.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/06) Rise Again, Lisa M. Samra, retrieved from www.odb.org 06/08/2021 Rise Again.
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How To Be Great In God’s Kingdom

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Greatness.” Sheridan Voysey wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Mark 9:33–37. The key verse is, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” Mark 9:35. 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.
People think a great person excels in wars and sports, the ones who get all the attention. Having all the attention and the spotlight on me is what I called great. Now I know I was wrong. Like everything else in this world, God’s ways are opposite. Greatness in God’s kingdom means serving others and not bring attention to yourself. Now I serve as Jesus’s kind of greatness as God’s humble servant.
How about you? How do you want to be recognized as great?
Reflect 
When you think of a “great” person in history, what image comes to mind? How can you pursue Jesus’ kind of greatness today?
My prayer for us:
Dear God, help us to serve others humbly.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/05) Greatness, Sheridan Voysey, retrieved from www.odb.org 05/08/2021 greatness.
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Lighten Your Baggage!

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Walking with Jesus.” Karen Pimpo wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Hebrews 12:1–3. The key verse is, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Hebrews 12:1. 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.
Before following Jesus, I had a lot of baggage, such as pride, resentment, self-gratification, to name a few. To throw all this baggage off, I had to give my heart to Jesus.
To finish well on our journey as believers in Jesus requires careful consideration of what we bring. We are told To “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” (Hebrews 12:1) To become overburdened with sin or distracted by things outside of God’s purpose carries unnecessary weight.
In the Bible, God will provide directions for following Jesus. We know what habits, dreams, and desires are worth bringing along when examining them in the Scriptures. When we travel light, we finish well.
Reflect 
What’s hindering you in following Jesus? What would it look like to “throw it off”?
My prayer for us:
Jesus, helps us travel lightly according to Your wisdom and to finish well.
Visit ChristianUniversity.org/SF104 to learn more about strengthening your walk with God.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/03) Walking with Jesus, Karen Pimpo, retrieved from www.odb.org 03/08/2021 Walking with Jesus.
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I Am God’s Adopted!

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “The Beauty of Adoption.” Con Campbell wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Galatians 3:26–4:7. The key verse is, “In Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith.” Galatians 3:26. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words. So my words from God will 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.
Before I became a child of God, I was like Michael Oher. Once I became a child of God, I viewed myself as belonging to God’s family. 
In Jesus, we are made “children of God” through faith in Him (Galatians 3:26). We’re adopted by God and become His sons and daughters (Galatians 4:5). As God’s adopted children, we receive the Spirit of His Son, we call God “Father” (Galatians 4:6). We become His heirs and coheirs with Christ and full members of His family.
Reflect 
How does being a child of God affect your self-identity? In what ways does this change the way you view yourself?
My prayer for us:
Thank You, Father, for making us Yours. Help us to understand our identities as Your children.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/02) The Beauty of Adoption, Con Campbell, retrieved from www.odb.org 02/08/2021 The Beauty of Adoption.
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No Room For Envy

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Overcoming Envy.” Sheridan Voysey wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from 1 Samuel 18:5–9. The key verse is, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” 1 Samuel 18:7. 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.
Envy is pure evil. It causes wars and deaths on all levels. God teaches us about envy through His Word. In 1 Samuel 18:5–9, David’s victory over Goliath, the Israelites heartily sing, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). The comparison made King Saul envious of David’s success. He is afraid of losing his throne (vv. 8–9). Saul begins a long pursuit to take David’s life. 
There is no room for envy in a Christian’s or anyone’s heart. We must overcome evil.
Reflect 
Whom are you most tempted to envy? How can you celebrate their success?
My prayer for us:
Loving God, I thank You for our friends’ and colleagues’ successes. 
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/07/29) Overcoming Envy, Sheridan Voysey, retrieved from www.odb.org 29/07/2021 Overcoming envy.
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Smile! Reflect The Joy Of God’s Blessings

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “The Joy God Provides.” Cindy Hess Kasper wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Proverbs 15:13–15,30. The key verse is, “A cheerful heart is good medicine..” Proverbs 17:22. 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.
Proverbs remind us that “a cheerful look brings joy to the heart” and “a cheerful heart is good medicine” (15:30 nlt; 17:22).
The smiles of God’s children are from the supernatural joy we possess. It is a gift that God frequently brings into our lives. As a result, we encourage people who carry heavy burdens to share or help those looking for answers to life’s questions. 
In conclusion, when we experience suffering, our joy still shines through. When life seems dark, choose joy. Let our smiles be the window of hope to reflect God’s love and the light of His presence in our lives.
Reflect:
What else does the Bible teach us about the joy found in God? How does inner joy contribute to a healthy mind, body, and spirit?
A prayer for us: 
The joy You provide is our strength, dear God. Help us to be a messenger of Your love to others.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/07/27) The Joy God Provides, Cindy Hess Kasper, retrieved from www.odb.org 27/07/2021 The Joy God Provides.
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How Do You Bloom For Christ?

Today's Devotional
I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Blooming for Jesus.” Patricia Raybon wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from John 13:31–35. The key verse is, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34. 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 witness.
God calls us to love one another, even if we’re not each other’s “favorites.” Looking past each other’s faulty “weeds,” we’re enabled by God to extend love to others, even in temperamental seasons. We love one another; we are blessed, and we bloom in Christ.
Reflect & Pray
Whom is God asking you to love, even if that person isn’t your “favorite”? What can you do to show that person more of the love of Christ?
A prayer for us: 
Dear Jesus, prune our hearts so we can learn to love others in Christ.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/07/26) Blooming for Jesus, Patricia Raybon, retrieved from www.odb.org 26/07/2021 Blooming for Jesus.

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Are You Really A Christian?

Today's Devotional

I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Prejudice and Forgiveness.” Arthur Jackson wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Acts 10:23–28. The key verse is, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.” Acts 10:34 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 witness.

As I read this devotion, it hit home. The perisher confesses that he did not vote for the church to install a black pastor because of his prejudices. He begged for forgives. He said that he does not want the junk of bigotry and racism spilling over into my kids’ lives. 

I do not know what else to say. God continues to work in human hearts to correct our misguided perspectives about others. He helps us to see that “God does not show favoritism” (v. 34). As Christians, we have to live the life on earth as we expect to live in Heaven. If you are a true Christian, you know what you must do.

Reflect & Pray:

What disorienting circumstances are you experiencing? How might you ask God to help guide you today? 

My Prayer for Us:

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not left us alone in the challenging and disorienting circumstances of life. Would you please help us to rely on You to guide our steps today?

Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/07/17) Prejudice and Forgiveness, Arthur Jackson, retrieved from www.odb.org 17/07/2021 Prejudice and Forgiveness

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God Will Navigate You Through Life’s Storms

I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Navigating the Storms of Life.” Lisa M. Samra wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Psalm 43. The key verse is, “Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me.” Psalm 43:3 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 witness.

While navigating life, there are times when life gets so overwhelming. We feel disoriented. Life’s unexpected tragedies can quickly leave us feeling lost and confused. It can be a cancer diagnosis, the death of a loved one, a job loss, a betrayal by a friend. 

During my life, I experienced all the above. There is only one way to get oriented in the right direction. Pray to God as the psalmist did in Psalm 43. When you feel disoriented and lost, God’s faithful guidance through His Spirit and loving presence can comfort you and light your way. 

Reflect & Pray:

What disorienting circumstances are you experiencing? How might you ask God to help guide you today? 

My Prayer for Us:

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not left us alone in the challenging and disorienting circumstances of life. Would you please help us to rely on You to guide our steps today?

Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/07/16) Navigating the Storms of Life, Lisa M. Samra, retrieved from www.odb.org 16/07/2021 Navigating the Storms of Life.

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How To Satisfy Your Urge to Be With God

Today's Devotional

I start every day with God and reading daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Longing for God.” Tim Gustafson wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Nehemiah 1:5–11. The key verse is, “Even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen.” Nehemiah 1:9.  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 witness.

Before I became a Christian, I had the longing to know God. I spent nights reading the Bible. I rejoiced with tears when I Accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Now, I cannot start my day without communing with God. 

God has placed in our hearts a yearning for Him. The dissatisfaction we sense deep down is a longing for God. We are yearning to be home with Him. 

Satisfy your desire to have a relationship with Him through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Reflect & Pray:

What is your idea of home and why? In what ways do you sense yourself longing for God?

My Prayer for Us:

Father, help us understand that only You can satisfy our longings. Help us be at home with You, no matter where we are.

Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/07/13) Longing for God, Tim Gustafson, retrieved from www.odb.org 13/07/2021 Longing for God.