Beside the Still Waters v. 2

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Description

This is a 366 day devotional book. The pieces found in this book were selected from the fourth, fifth, and sixth years of the bi-monthly devotionals distributed free throughout the United States by Still Waters Ministry of Clarkson Kentucky. These readings are as diverse as the men who wrote them. Few books will possess so many different challenges because few books have so many authors that hold your attention. There is a theme verse for each day and a short Bible reading at the end of each days reading. By following the Bible reading schedule at the bottom of each reading, you will read through the Bible in one year. At the back of the book are the contributor's index, a Scripture index, and a subject index. These serve to enlarge the usefulness of the book.

Sujets

• Philosophie et théologie

Informations

• Publié par: Vision Publishers LLC
• Date de parution: 30 novembre 2012
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781932676686
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 7 Mo

Extrait

Volume Two Indexed

Vision Publishers Harrisonburg, Virgina

Copyright © 2006 by Still Waters Ministries Copyright © 2006 by Vision Publishers, LLC

ISBN: 1-932676-06-6

All Scripture references are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Published by Vision Publishers, LLC A subsidiary of EVC Enterprises, Inc. Harrisonburg, Virginia

Cover Design: Lonnie D. Yoder

For additional copies or comments contact us at: Vision Publishers P.O. Box 190 Harrisonburg, VA 22803 Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] (see order form in back)

Still Waters Ministries is supported by tax-free donations. The bi-monthly devotional booklets are distributed free of charge.

For more information on Still Waters Ministries or to give a gift of money, write to: Still Waters Ministries 270 Antioch Road Clarkson, KY 42726 Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

A royalty payment from the sale of these books will go to Still Waters Ministries.

Introduction

Some caterpillars can be identified by the plants they feed on. The caterpillar of the cabbage butterfly feeds on cabbage and the caterpillar of the alfalfa butterfly feeds on alfalfa. The monarch butterfly is sometimes called the milkweed butterfly because the caterpillar feeds on milkweed plants. People, too, can be identified by the diet they choose. If others could see the things you feed on, how would they identify you? Would they call you a sharp busi- nessperson, a great orator, an aspiring athlete, or would they notice that you are a dedicated Christian? You are what you eat is a good old saying. Eating carrots will not turn a man into a carrot, but it is impossible to be physically healthy without a healthy diet. The Christians spiritual health is likewise dependent on a heathy spiritual diet. It is impossible to stay healthy as a Christian while feeding on the junk food of the world. If you would avoid spiritual ill health, you must feed your mind on the things of God every day. For that reason, I am excited to introduce this second volume of 366 selectedBeside the Still Watersreadings. I trust devotional this book will help you maintain a healthy habit of daily coming into the presence of God and feeding your soul on Him. May the scraps of the world seem dull and tasteless beside the delicacies of Gods Word! On behalf of Still Waters Ministries, I extend a hearty thank you to everyone who has contributed in making this book possible. Above all, we thank God for the opportunity to place this book in your hands. We hope you enjoy it! Henry Yoder, Editor Still Waters Ministries

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January 1 ____________________________________________

Jubilee

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor . . . to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18a, 19

What a great expectation! What a year to look forward to! The thrill of the great Jubilee when all lands returned to their original owner, debts were canceled, and slaves were freed. After you have made all your mistakes, and adverse circumstances have plunged you into poverty, you are now given the opportunity to start all over again. No one should have become extremely rich nor extremely poor, because of the year of Jubilee. This was a command to the children of Israel under the old dispensation. We are now living in New Testament times. Jesus, however, quoted here an interesting verse from the book of Isaiah. Are you poor and needy? Jesus came to bring you good news. Are you broken-hearted and your life torn apart? Jesus came to heal you. Are you a captive bound with many chains? Jesus came to set you free. Like a bride who shines forth with joy when she is united with her bridegroom, so we can expe- rience, in Christ, the thrill of Bible Reading:Isaiah 61 starting a new life, a new begin- One Year Bible Reading Plan: ning, a new leaf. Matthew 1 This is the Christians year of Genesis 1, 2 jubilee, the acceptable year of the Lord. What a great expectation! Roger Rangai, Lott, TX

Salvation produces a change within that breaks the chains of sin.

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January 2 ____________________________________________

Eagle or Chicken

They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31b

A man once found an eaglet and placed it in the barnyard with his chickens. The eaglet grew and became quite accustomed to barn- yard life. One day a man who studied the habits of birds came by. He watched, fascinated, as the farmer tossed grain into the barnyard. The young eagle, along with the chickens, scampered hurriedly after it. The man picked up the eagle and held it high, perched on his fingers. Okay, eagle, he said, you are not a chicken; you are an eagle. Open your wings and fly. The eagle looked up to the sky, then down at the chickens, and jumped back down to eat grain. Again, the man scooped up the eagle, this time climbing up on the barn roof, and repeated his com- mand. Again, the eagle jumped down. The next morning, the man took the eagle up a hill and faced east to behold a lovely sunrise beaming its warm, glowing colors. Okay, eagle, he said as he raised the eagle high. You are not a chicken; you are an eagle. Open your wings and fly. The eagle excitedly watched the sunrise, until its very eyes seemed to glow. Then it lighted off his fingers and was airborne. The man watched the eagle fly into the sunrise until it was a mere speck in the sky. As we live in this world, we are so often tempted to satisfy ourselves with this worlds chicken feed when we can soar like the eagle to heavenly places in Christ Jesus! If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which Bible Reading:Hebrews are above, where Christ sitteth 11:13-16; Ephesians 4:1-7 on the right hand of God. Set One Year Bible Reading Plan: your affection on things above, Matthew 2 not on things on the earth Genesis 35 (Colossians 3:1, 2). Roger Rangai, Lott, TX

Evil communications corrupt good manners.

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January 3 ____________________________________________

With Christ We Have Everything

And ye are complete in him. Colossians 2:10

One day while working at a job, someone made this remark to me: If you have family and health, you have a lot. I readily agreed with him. Certainly, I have much to be thankful for. But then, upon further reflection on this mans statement, I was inspired with another thought, If we have Christ, we have every- thing. Maybe I dont have everything I want, or could wish for. But with the Lord Jesus as my Savior and Master, what else do I need? David says, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. And Paul affirms, But my God shall supply all your need accord- ing to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). In todays Bible readings, would you notice with me some of the many things we have in Christ? We have grace and peace, a living hope, an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance, Gods keep- ing power, all things that pertain unto life and godliness, ex- ceeding great and precious promises, and being partakers of His divine nature. Many more things could be mentioned from other Scriptures, such as the privilege of coming to God in prayer, of fellowship with fellow believers, and the indwelling presence of Gods Spirit. Whether or not we have health, family, money, or abundance of earthly things, in Christ we truly have everything, both now and for eternity. Let us always be thankful Bible Reading:1 Peter 1:1-8; for these blessings and privi- 2 Peter 1:1-8 leges, which we have received One Year Bible Reading Plan: from our loving Lord. Let us Matthew 3 faithfully and readily share Genesis 68 with others the good news of His great love. Mark Kropf, Cataldo, ID

When Christ is truly our life and our all, then He is all we need.

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January 4 ____________________________________________

Just One Look From You, Lord

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him. Revelation 1:7a

Heavenly Father, it is with remorse that I look back at the times when I have taken lightly my walk with You. As I look into Your Word, it pierces my heart. Especially when I can recall other times that I enjoyed gazing into Your face with sweet peace and assur- ance that I was in Your will. So may Your eyes be upon me today, Lord; to guide and instruct, to comfort and bless. And, if necessary, chasten and correct me, so that in the end, I may enjoy a closer walk with You. A closer walk with You! O, Father, this is my prayer! May my heart always pant for You as the hart pants after the water brooks. May our fellowship be so close that I will need just one look from You, Lord, and I shall heed Your slightest bidding. And so, heavenly Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that Bible Reading:Psalm 32:8-11; when You look upon me today, Luke 22:56-62 tomorrow, and most of all at the One Year Bible Reading Plan: great judgment day, I shall meet Matthew 4 Your gaze and not be ashamed. Genesis 911 In Jesus name, Amen. Roger Rangai, Lott, TX

When it seems hardest to pray, we should pray the hardest.

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January 5 ____________________________________________

To Whom Are You Looking?

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2a

Recently, a chorus gave a program at our church. As they sang, their faces reflected the joy of the message in the songs. From where I sat, I could see the singers, as well as the face of the director. I soon noticed something very impotant. He was in constant com- munication with the members of the chorus, and their eyes con- stantly were focused on him. By his signals, they knew what song was next, when to increase or decrease. By keeping their eyes on him, they were not distracted by faces in the audience, noises of children, or even someone trying deliberately to get their atten- tionto make them laugh or otherwise lose their focus. Remaining focused on their leader sent the message that group harmony was important. I was impressed with a distinct parallel. Christ is my leader. He is in constant communication with me. If my eyes remain focused on Him, I will see His signals when to increase or decrease. I will see the direction in which He is leading me. If my eyes stay fixed on my Leader, I will not see those things that might distress me and cause me to lose my peace. If my eyes are on Jesus, I will not be distracted by those who would like to see me get sidetracked. The world will see that my heart is steadfast to follow Him, and that I will not be moved. It will do no Bible Reading:Colossians good to try to lure me away from 3:1-17 Him and from my comrades. One Year Bible Reading Plan: If I love Jesus and want to Matthew 5:1-26 keep perfect harmony in the Genesis 1214 body, I will keep my eyes fo- cused and fixed on Him. Jan L. Heisey, Taylorsville, MS

Turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of His glory and grace. Helen Lemmel, 1922

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