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PresbyCan Daily Devotional
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Manage series 1214539
Content provided by Robin Ross. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Robin Ross or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
A daily Christian devotional based on real-life experiences
…
continue reading
80 episodes
Mark all (un)played …
Manage series 1214539
Content provided by Robin Ross. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Robin Ross or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
A daily Christian devotional based on real-life experiences
…
continue reading
80 episodes
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×Matthew 28:20b – And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (ESV) Today, when Caroline renewed her driving licence online, it reminded me of the time 51 years ago when I received my provisional driving licence. I learnt how to drive, and then I passed my test on October 3rd, 1973. Today's event also reminded me of the 52 years since I became a Christian, saved by grace through asking Jesus into my life. As a teenager, heaven seemed on a far distant horizon, or at least its entry was an open-ended question. Now, heaven and God have become an ever-approaching reality, rather than a speck in the distance. I ask how we, who are walking the tightrope of linear time, can comprehend an eternity with a God Who is genuine and not a fable. What sort of house will we have? Can we have a pet? Who will mow the lawn? Will there be a lawn with our house in heaven? Will my house just be a shed with the dog? The more I have walked with Jesus over the years, I find that the answers to these questions about how I will fit in heaven are truly beyond my comprehension and frankly irrelevant. In the Bible, we see that existence with Jesus will be different: free from sin, shame, and sorrow, with an unlimited intimacy in the presence of God. Then, I had no idea of how to combine thoughts of the Father as a holy, awesome, creator God, with Jesus as my personal Saviour and companion in life. How can the two be combined? But isn't that what Jesus shows us through His incarnation? The Holy Spirit is there with Jesus encouraging us not to settle for less than He is willing to give. When I passed the driving test 51 years ago, I gained the knowledge of how to become a careful driver, not just as a learner. I would like to say I was a vigilant driver, but that would be stretching the truth a little, now less so. Fifty-two years ago, I held out my hand to Jesus and gave to Him what I could. In return, He disclosed to me that I passed into membership in the kingdom of God. I would like to say I became a vigilant member of the Christian community, but that would be stretching the truth, too. Despite a shaky start, over time, we learn. I believe Jesus will take what we can honestly give and then encourage us to get up and follow Him. Let's do that! John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV) Prayer: Lord, apart from You we can do nothing of worth. Teach us that we may learn what it means to be a part of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.…
Isaiah 61:3 – To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. (KJV) I went through a period of my life when I wasn't sure exactly where I fit in. My parents were divorced when I was a little girl. No one could fully explain the who, why, or when to me. All I knew was I didn't live with Daddy or my sisters any more. For a long time, people told me it had nothing to do with me. I now know that even though it really had nothing to do with me, it still affected my life a great deal. I searched and searched for relief from my pain. I searched in the bottle, and then, I tried drugs. Still, I had no relief. Yes, the alcohol and drugs numbed my pain. But when the effects wore off, I still had pain. Then finally on a cold Sunday afternoon in Germany in a small army chapel, I heard the voice of God say, "It's time." I remember looking around thinking someone had whispered in my ear. Then, I heard the voice again, and I knew in my heart that it was time to give my life to God. That was eleven years ago. What happened to the pain? I gave it all to Jesus. The Bible says, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7 KJV) He took away the deep and festering wounds of my childhood. That little lost girl is no longer; a saved and healed woman emerged out of the ashes. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalm 30:5 KJV) People often ask me why I praise the Lord the way I do. To put it simply: He gave me "beauty for ashes". No matter what the situation in our lives is, there is hope. There is nothing too hard for God. He will work it out. There is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel, and His name is Jesus. There is an old saying, "Jesus may not come when you want Him, but He is always on time." My brothers and sisters, be encouraged and be strong. Remember all God's promises are yea and amen. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your healing hand, Your love, Your patience, and Your compassion. Heal, set free, and deliver all who are hurting, as only You can. Give us strength, O Lord. We love You and praise You for Your mighty acts. Great is Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.…
The other night, as I was searching on YouTube, I found a documentary entitled, " Made in China: the Amazing Story of the Bible in China ". As I watched, I was startled to hear the narrator state that China prints the majority of Bibles that are published in all countries, even North America! I found that hard to believe, but I discovered on the Nanjing Amity Printing Company website that it was established in 1988 and is "a major exporter of quality Bibles and presently exports to satisfied customers in over 158 countries and regions. … By the end of April 2024, more than 260 million Bibles have come off our production lines … in 229 different languages". Amity produces an average of 70 Bibles per minute and is by far the biggest printer on earth, secular or Christian. I've always heard that in modern China, religion of any sort is suppressed, yet the Amity website claims they've distributed more than 200 million Bibles in China. This sounds encouraging, until I read: Chinese Bibles printed by Amity Press … are ONLY available to registered Christians in Three-Self (government-approved) churches. The 60 million or more house church believers that we [Asia Harvest] serve are strictly forbidden from getting a single crumb of them. … The Communist party has now slashed the quota they allow Amity to print domestically to about 1/3 of what it was a few years ago, so even the registered churches are facing a huge shortage of God's Word. ( asiaharvest.org ) I wondered if the Chinese could access the Bible online and found this: After banning the online sale of Bibles and Christian materials, the Chinese government has … tightened the control of religious content online … meaning that sharing about faith on social media will be declared illegal while the creator or sharer of the post may face punishment. ( opendoorsuk.org ) When King Henry VIII created the Church of England in 1534, he declared that Bibles could be printed in English. Then in 1604, King James I approved the development of the King James Version. Since then, many translations and paraphrases have been created and are readily available both in print and online. Many of us have several Bibles in our homes and one or more Bible-reading sites bookmarked on our computers or phones. And, unlike the people in China, we have unlimited access to those Bibles. But how often do we take advantage of that access? How often do we stop to think that, not only in China, but in other countries as well, there are many who could lose their lives if found with a Bible? Do we truly believe, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105 ESV) and that "Man shall … live … by every word that comes from the mouth of God"? (Matthew 4:4 ESV) Remember the children's song? "The B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the book for me. I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E." Let's make that our pledge. Prayer: Lord, help us to treasure and use Your Word, the Bible. Amen.…
Ephesians 4:13 – This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. (NLT) I can see them now — all daintily lined up on stools. But that was only the beginning. In a time that many don't remember — although it wasn't too many years ago — most women's work was at home, not in the workforce. They cooked, cleaned, raised kids, and made clothes by hand and with sewing machines. Amazon didn't exist to fulfill their every desire, nor did they do all their clothes shopping at a nearby retail store or mall. But they did shop for one thing. Many retail stores had a section where bolts of cloth lounged about. A counter hosted several stools with a large catalog at each stool. A woman would sit on the stool and thumb through the catalog until she found the piece of clothing she wanted to make for herself or a family member. Once discovered, she noted the pattern number associated with the garment. Then came the next step. Near the counter, large racks or filing cabinets sat. Patterns were alphabetized or chronologically numbered. The pattern told how much cloth was needed to make the garment. Next, the mom would select what colour and type of material she wanted, take the bolt of cloth to a counter where a customer rep worked, and have her measure out and cut the amount of material needed to make the item. But the housewife and mom still hadn't finished her task. Now, she had to take the cloth home, lay it on the kitchen table or some other large area, place the pattern on top, and cut out the cloth as the pattern showed. The most arduous task followed — sewing the garment by hand or with a sewing machine, which not all households could afford. The garment also had to be sized correctly. Needless to say, no one took their clothing for granted. They appreciated all the time invested in the making process. It didn't happen overnight or in a couple of days. Although the above scenario doesn't often happen anymore, whoever makes clothing — even if it's a machine — must still follow a pattern. So must we, if we expect to grow spiritually as God expects. The age-old pattern hasn't changed. Study the Bible regularly, using a translation we can understand and enjoy. Spend time daily praying, giving our requests to God, and listening for His guidance. Hang around with other believers who will encourage and model spiritual maturity for us. God's pattern for spiritual growth hasn't changed — and never will. Life gets busy, and priorities can easily get jumbled, so let us each follow the correct pattern to enjoy the best life. Prayer: Father, help us to follow the correct pattern for spiritual growth. Amen.…
Mark 12:30 – Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (KJV) I have been in a holding pattern for many months now, like an airplane that's awaiting the okay to take off. The only trouble is that I don't know where I'm supposed to go or what I'm supposed to do next. The control tower is silent. I rev my engines; I call in for feedback. I receive silence. I want to serve; I want to know what my ministry is, but the answer is silent. I find myself thinking that I must be doing something wrong. Maybe I haven't prayed hard enough. Maybe God is mad at me. Why isn't He responding to me? It is difficult for me to realize that silence is one way that the Lord says to me, "Wait." So, I cool my jets and put myself in park. But my attitude is not one of gratefulness and devotion. I am angry and dejected. Doesn't the Lord want me? Doesn't He know that there are only so many days and years in a life? My days are melting away, not counting for anything. But it is in the silence that I finally begin to hear Him again. I do not sense His direction, but I know His love. His love is what will guide me. He is more interested in my relationship with Him than in my service to Him. One phrase I heard in church caught my attention: "Not ability but availability." In my idea of a ministry, I imagine putting forth a superhuman effort, a self-denial so pervasive that it takes all my strength, all my mind, all my soul, all my heart. I forget that this self-denial is not a sacrifice but a blessing. The Lord did not tell us to serve with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. He told us to love Him in that way. Service is an outpouring of love, not a matter of personal effort. It is not so much a matter of putting the self to death, but of receiving a better life. In meditating on this concept, other distortions in thought are brought to light: Not Ability But Availability Not grasping but receiving Not doing but being Not giving but releasing Not claiming but believing Not fearing but loving Not worrying but caring Not seeing but knowing Not leaving but arriving Not forcing but willing Not searching but seeking Not increasing but absorbing Not trying but pleasing Not winning but surrendering Not achieving but blessing Not boasting but praising Not earning but receiving grace Not working but exercising faith Not dying but entering eternal life. Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for thinking that it is my own effort that will bring about worthy service. I need You to correct my thinking. Help me, please, to love You. Let me be consumed with love for You. By Your Holy Spirit, let Your love be manifest to others through righteous acts which You have ordained for me to do. Thank You for allowing me a role in Your kingdom. Amen.…
Each year leading up to February 14, there is a rush, fueled by the chocolate and floral industries, to purchase candy and flowers for the ones we love the most. No flowers declare love more than the roses! But they are also the quickest to fade. The sentiments of Valentine's Day fade pretty quickly, too! The next day, the heart-shaped chocolates are marked down by 50%. To me, the Valentine experience says everything about the frailty and "best before date" of human love. I am so glad that God's perfect love has no shelf life to worry about! The apostle John says it best: 1 John 4:17-21 – By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. (NASB 1995) As followers of Christ, we will survive judgment, but God wants so much more for us than confidence; He wants us to shine forth His truth in love! As we abide in Jesus and He in us, we take on His identity in our lives. Spiritually, we have His standing before God, not fully mature yet, but shining out that agreement with His truth and our love for each other. The love of God is so different from what is promoted on Valentine's Day! "We love, because He first loved us" (v.19) is a powerful statement. Before the world existed, He loved each of us. Love comes from Him, and our love flows as a response to Him. We are saved by trusting in Jesus for sin's pardon by faith, and love is the fruit. Buying a Valentine's Day gift for our loved ones is thoughtful and kind, but we are commanded to love our brothers and sisters in Christ much more. We are His disciples, and we are to love others as He did. Can you learn to love God, Whom you can't see, by loving His children, whom you can see? Oh, how He loves you and me, Oh, how He loves you and me. He gave His life — what more could He give? Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me, Oh, how He loves you and me. – Kurt Kaiser Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that we love because You first loved us. Amen.…
At this time of the year, stores are filled with pink and red merchandise. The pressure is on to buy chocolates, a stuffed animal, or various other novelties to express love to someone. At the very least, the vast assortment of Valentine's cards ranges from romantic to funny. As children, we would buy books of cards we had to cut out, with cute sayings that we took great pains to match appropriately to our classmates. Then, these cards were "mailed" in a decorated box in the classroom. We waited with great anticipation for February 14th to see how many cards we would receive, and to enjoy a party. The kind of love expressed on greeting cards is not the same as God's love. The heading in my Bible for the well-known love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, states, "Love is the greatest". Here are some qualities of this love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (NLT) Every year, Terry and I are asked to look after our four grandchildren for a few days while their parents go on a holiday by themselves. The children are now much more reasonable than when they were younger. We said "yes" again, hoping there would be no major challenges. We filled the summer days with interesting activities and outings. Then, the "drama" hit. On the sixth day, at the supper table, I told the youngest to finish her milk. Big meltdown! I ignored her, and she retreated to the closet to cry and wail loudly. I was irritated and did not react in love. I had so wanted our days to go smoothly. That morning, I had even journalled Psalm 37:5 – "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you." (NLT) But had I done that? When I calmed down, the Holy Spirit showed me that my irritability stemmed from perfectionism, which I thought I had conquered. Hadn't the pastor just said in his sermon that nothing ever goes perfectly when people are involved? The Holy Spirit further showed me that through my expectations, I was ignoring Nelly's real needs. Philippians 2:3b-4 – Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (NLT) Valentine's greetings and gifts are great, but real love, God's love, is much different. Let us endeavour to meet others' needs, and not demand our own way or react when our own goals are blocked. Prayer: Lord, help us to live with Your kind of love, being patient and kind, and seeing the needs of our fellow human beings. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.…
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