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Home | Daily Word: "NATURE
I am restored through my communion with nature.
Year-round, nature is the doorway to my restoration. Whether I am taking in the brisk winter air or the scent of spring, scouting out a summer picnic or hiking on a crisp fall afternoon, nature feeds my soul and restores my spirit.

I marvel at the sights, sounds and scents of each season, realizing that the same omniscient power that created such beauty also created me. I am no less amazing than the most spectacular sunset and no less magnificent than the rarest flower.

I look forward to moments alone in nature where I rediscover my oneness with God and the universe, gaining a new perspective, a quiet heart and a healthier outlook.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; ... he restores my soul. --Psalm 23:2, 3"

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Our Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus

Our Daily Bread

Lambs May Wade

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November 4, 2011 — by David H. Roper

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Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: 2 Timothy 3:13-17

All Scripture . . . is profitable. —2 Timothy 3:16

Bible in a year:
Jeremiah 32-33; Hebrews 1

Author C. S. Lewis says that reli- gious concepts are like soups—some are thick and some are clear. There are indeed “thick” concepts in the Bible: mysteries, subtleties, and complexities that challenge the most accomplished mind. For example, “[God] has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens” (Rom. 9:18). And yet, in the same volume there are thoughts that are crystal “clear”: simple, attainable, and easily grasped. What could ever surpass the simplicity of the clear affirmation in1 John 4:16, “God is love”?

John Cameron, a 15th-century writer, suggests, “In the same meadow, the ox may lick up grass, . . . the bird may pick up seeds, . . . and a man finds a pearl; so in one and the same Scripture are varieties to be found for all sorts of conditions. In them, the lamb may wade, and the elephant swim, children may be fed with milk, and meat may be had for stronger men.”

All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in God’s Book, the Bible—ocean depths that can stir the most sophisticated mind, and shallow areas that can be negotiated by any simple, honest soul.

Why hesitate? “All Scripture . . . is profitable” (2 Tim. 3:16). Jump in!

Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine,
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there. —Hodder

God speaks through His Word—take time to listen.

Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee

Home | Daily Word: "GUIDANCE
I rest in the awareness of God, and I am guided in right ways.
If I am facing a crossroads in my life, or an important decision, or if I simply want a greater sense of divine direction, I affirm the invocation as taught by Jesus, "Your will be done."

This simple affirmation helps me turn within and reaffirm my faith in God. It allows me to release my fears and invite divine direction. My task is to get myself--including any negative thoughts, fears or concerns--out of the way and allow the presence of God to guide me. When I trust in the Presence within me and follow its lead, I am blessed in countless ways. I have confidence that the path I am following is leading me to opportunities for peace, joy and freedom. What a blessing it is to relax and trust in God.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.--Matthew 6:10"

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Our Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus

Our Daily Bread

Mouth Guard

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November 2, 2011 — by David C. Egner

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Read: Proverbs 15:1-7

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. —Proverbs 15:2

Bible in a year:
Jeremiah 27-29; Titus 3

I was walking in a subway in Minsk, Belarus, with my friend Yuliya and her daughter Anastasia when I suddenly fell face first onto the dirty concrete floor. I don’t remember the fall, but I do remember suddenly having a mouth filled with sand, gravel, and grit. Ugh! I couldn’t get that stuff out of my mouth quickly enough!

I didn’t enjoy what went into my mouth on that embarrassing occasion. But Scripture teaches that it’s more important to guard what comes out of our mouths. When the writer of Proverbs 15 said that “the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness” (v.2), the word translated pours forth literally means “explodes out.” Rash accusations, angry words, and verbal abuse can do immeasurable and lifelong harm. The apostle Paul spoke bluntly about this: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Eph. 4:29)—no dirty talk. He also said to “[put] away lying” and to “speak truth” (v.25)—no lies. And later, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you” (v.31)—no character assassination. What comes out of our mouths should be wholesome and uplifting.

We guard carefully what goes into our mouths—and rightly so. To honor God, let’s also keep tight control on the words that come out of our mouths.

Lord, help us to control our tongues,
To clean up what we say,
To use words that will edify,
To honor You today. —Sper

Be careful of your thoughts—they may become words at any time.

Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee

Home | Daily Word: "SHIFT
I shift my thinking and make new choices.
As I look at my life, I see some things working remarkably well. I am blessed by talents and gifts, and the opportunity to use them. But I also notice things that aren't working as well. In those areas, perhaps a shift is needed. If I keep doing the same thing over and over again, I cannot expect a different result. So today, I decide to make some new choices. Even small changes, made consistently, can make a great difference.

I begin by shifting my thoughts. As ideas for change come to mind, the accompanying spiritual support also becomes clear. As I make adjustments and alter my course, one thing never changes: Every moment of every day, I am loved and led by Spirit.

I have good advice and sound wisdom; I have insight, I have strength. --Proverbs 8:14"

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Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee

Home | Daily Word: "PROMISE
Today holds great promise.
Each day holds great promise and endless possibilities. Perhaps I'll make a new friend or be inspired to write a poem or create a work of art. Maybe a prayer will be answered, harmony and peace will come to a troubled relationship, or an insight will become clear to me today.

When I open to the surprises and delights of each new day, I let go of limited or rigid expectations. If something doesn't turn out exactly as I planned, I open to what is. God is present in me, and all is well.

I am present to life as it unfolds. I trust in God and appreciate both the small and large blessings that each day holds. I eagerly await life's surprises.

O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you. --Psalm 84:12"

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Our Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus

Our Daily Bread

Staying Clean

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November 1, 2011 — by David C. McCasland

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Read: Psalm 119:9-16

Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. —Psalm 119:11

Bible in a year:
Jeremiah 24-26; Titus 2

During a business trip to Philadelphia, I walked down Broad Street toward City Hall each morning to catch the subway. Each day I passed a long line of people waiting for something. They were a cross-section of humanity in age, ethnic origin, and appearance. After wondering about it for 3 days, I asked a man on the sidewalk why all those people were standing in line. He told me that they were on probation or parole after breaking the law and had to take a daily drug test to show that they were staying clean.

This struck me as a vivid illustration of my need to stay spiritually clean before God. When the psalmist pondered how he could live a pure life, he concluded that the key was to consider and obey God’s teaching. “Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. . . . I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word” (Ps. 119:11-12,16).

In the light of God’s Word, we see our sin, but we also see God’s love in Christ. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

By His grace . . . staying clean.

Lord, grant that we may hear You speak
As truth within Your Word we seek;
And may it show us all our sin
And make us clean without, within. —D. De Haan

Read the Bible to be wise, believe it to be safe,
practice it to be holy.