A Time to Speak

And so the series continues......

-AMR ;-)

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Question of the Day

The barren wife of a community leader, she suffered ridicule from his other wife who bore him several children. Pleading with God for a child, she lived up to her promise when he came by giving him to the local judge/priest to raise for God. She later bore five more children. Her praise of God set the standard for Mary when she found she was pregnant with Jesus.

Yesterday's Answer: Eli 1 Samuel 1-4
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A Time To Throw Away

I had a nice intro I was working on but pine lost it so you're on your own today...

Enjoy (i thought it was appropriate, given the moving we've all done recently....)

-AMR ;-)

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Question of the Day

As a judge and the father of two deeply troubled and rebellious sons, this religious leader becomes the surrogate father and mentor to his nation's future leader. He died in grief over the demise of his sons.

Yesterday's Answer: Jonah
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A Time for Hugs

I'm back! Did you miss me??

Anyway, I'm finally home and working on getting settled and unpacked before I start work this thursday....

This devotional continues on the series from Ecclesiastes...I apologize for the interuptions, but I hope that you've been able to spend some time on your own in the word regularly, even without these devotionals. I know it's tough to adjust when we move and have to settle into a new routine, but that QT with God can provide constancy, and a chance to forget about your stressors, if only for a little while each day. Don't forget that God's got your back, and if you let him, he'll help you through anything!

-AMR

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Question of the Day

Full of hatred for the foreign capital city and its inhabitants, he flees God's call to serve them only to be shipwrecked and uniquely taken captive. Surprisingly rescued, he goes to the city and is angry and depressed when they respond to God's message.

Previous Answer: Cain Genesis 4
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A Time for Emotions

Today's devotional continues with the series focusing on Ecclesiastes. Sorry about missing yesterday but graduation madness took over. I hope that everyone is enjoying themselves, and the freedom from (academic) stress. I can't believe it's really over....

God Bless!
-AMR

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Question of the Day

In a jealous fit this vegetable farmer murders his own brother only to live the rest of his life in mortal fear. He loses his mother's affection when she focuses her love on a new third child as a replacement for her murdered son.

Previous Answer: Jacob Genesis 27-50
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A Time for Positives

Congratulations to my fellow graduates! Today's the big day (well, at least the first big day). Today's devotional continues with the study of Ecclesiastes begun yesterday.....

-AMR ;-)

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Question of the Day

After tricking his elderly father into giving him his brother's inheritance with the help of his mother, he gets caught in the vicious intrigue of his wife's family empire and struggles to extricate himself. He resorted to deceit to gain his own wealth only to have to flee and then lose it all to famine. He died as a refugee in a foreign land.

Yesterday's Answer: Rachel Genesis 29, 30
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A Time for Harvest

Read Eccelesiastes 3:1-14. I came across a series of devotionals written by Peggy Hoppes that talk about God's time, and what that means in our lives. Each day will focus on a verse, or a series of verses. School's over so take some time out to think about what she has to say :-).

God Bless
-AMR ;-)

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Question of the Day

This shapely daughter of a very manipulative and wealthy farmer became very jealous of her unattractive sister and resorted to sexual politics. Successful in her campaign she married her sister's husband but died during a very difficult childbirth.

Yesterday's Answer: Benjamin Genesis 35-49, Judges 1, 20, 21
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Justice and Peace

Hey folks....this one's from the daily devo. Sorry to have missed a day, but I hope that you were able to spend some time in the word regardless....

God Bless and good night.
-AMR ;-)

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The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Justice and Peace

2 Timothy 2:23 "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." (NIV)

What do you get into arguments about most often? Arguments are many times foolish and stupid. While God loves justice, he also loves peace. Jesus prayed that we would be one, unified body. The next time you find yourself getting into an argument, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. It will benefit both you and the person you're arguing with.

Father, help me to avoid foolish arguments.

Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.

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Question of the Day

As the cherished 12th son of a troubled family of herdsmen, he becomes a bartering chip for food during an acute famine. Later he mismanaged so poorly that he almost lost his inheritance and his descendants.

Previous Answer: Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11, 12

The Measure of Love

Love is always a difficult subject, because it's very hard for us to truly understand love, as God intended it. We're petty and hypocritical. We often hold grudges and hold others to standards we ourselves can not even hope to maintain. We can be fickle and inconsistent, none of which bodes well for a relationship of any kind.

The best way to learn about love is to look at Jesus, and the example he set for us culminating in the ultimate sacrifice.

-AMR ;-)

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Question of the Day
Pregnant from a war-time seduction, she watches her lover arrange her military husband's death. She then mourns, marries her lover and bears a son destined to world acclaimed wealth, wisdom and a journal full of job despair.

Previous Answer: Jethro Exodus 18
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The Worship Cup

Today's selection is taken from the Daily Devo. It talks about honoring God, and how we can not serve two masters (matthew 6:24; luke 16:13).

-AMR ;-)

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The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
The Worship Cup

1 Corinthians 10:21 "You cannot drink the cup of
the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot
have a part in both the Lord's table and the
table of demons." (NIV)

It might sound odd or extreme to suggest that a person would worship both God and demons. But worship is an attitude of the heart, an expression of who or what you value. If yourexpression shows worship that honors God and worship that honors Satan at the same time, we

cannot truly worship God with all of our heart. Who do you worship?

Father, I want to worship you alone.

Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.

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Question of the Day

Owning an agribusiness, he employs his new son-in-law. Later he teaches him the dangers of centralized management and decision-making after watching him during a whole day of bone wearying dispute settling. He recommends delegation and management selection criteria.

Yesterday's Answer: Absalom 2 Samuel 13-18

Quick Fixes

Do you ever feel like running away when you have a problem? Or just simply ignoring it in the hopes that it will go away? Personally, I lean towards the "ignoring" side of the spectrum...taking every opportunity to keep myself busy to prevent my mind from dealing with the problem. I realize that that, like many other things that we do, is simply a bandaid for the problem, rather than a solution, but it's so much nicer to "take the easy way out."

In the long run that's not healthy for us, spiritually or otherwise. This devotional continues along the idea of being "still before God." Enjoy!

-AMR ;-)

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Question of the Day

As the son of the boss, he retaliated for the rape of his sister by murdering the rapist. He then broke his dad's heart by trying to overthrow his operation. He died violently in the process.

Yesterday's Answer: Abraham Genesis 11-25
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I Need a Break!

Good morning! As I sit here, the sun is rising to start off a brand new day. I know that a lot of you are probably stressed out because of finals, but cheer up-- the end is near! I came across this article and I thought it was appropriate, given the time of year. It basically comes down to the idea of being still before God, and not letting our earthly problems and stressors comsume us. I know it's kinda long but I hope you take the time to check it out, if not today, than at least at some point when you've got more time.

Enjoy and God Bless!
-AMR ;-)

(p.s. sorry about missing yesterday but by the time i had an opportunity to put it together it was already rather late, so I just figured i'd let it go...)

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Question of the Day

He married a beautiful woman. They left their homeland and then he risked losing her through lying about their relationship. He concluded major land subdivision negotiations with his nephew. Career changes led to a name change too.

Previous Answer: Adam & Eve Genesis 3
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Mother's Laws

Hey folks....it's that time of year again....don't forget to call your mom and wish her a happy mother's day!

-AMR

P.S. Keep up the good work studying.....it may be painful now, but you'll feel much better in the long run if you really try your best now. Don't let an entire semester's worth of work go to waste, simply because you didn't feel like studying for that last big test!

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Question of the Day

They decided to improve on the operations handbook, being skeptical of the designer/owner's wisdom. So they wrote their own rules and lost their job sharing role as joint managers/developers. They ended up out of the operation toiling in sweat and pain.

Yesterday's Answer: Noah Genesis 6-9
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Knowing Too Much

Did you ever think there was such a thing as "knowing too much"? Of course there is...the author of this devotional is kind enough to elaborate for us.

Good luck with everything!
-AMR

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Question of the Day

As the great, great grandson of a family murderer, he married and his three sons pioneered major industries in human history - cattle, music and iron work. But he then is gripped by fear and resorts to murder and becomes paranoid about retaliation toward himself.

Previous Answer: The Woman of Proverbs (had you stumped on that one, didn't I....heh heh) Proverbs 31
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Are You Exhausted?

I figured that this devotional is appropriate because these days you probably are feeling fairly wiped out, with all the finals, papers, and projects our profs throw at us at the end of the year. Basically, just try to keep everything in perspective. Yes, these exams and other things are important, and you should study and do your best in the preparation, but in the grand scheme of life, they are fairly insignificant. Don't forget to continue to take time out for God, especially in the midst of all these stressors. Cast your burdens on him, and he will sustain you (Psalm 55).

Keep the Faith!
-AMR ;-)

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Question of the Day

She defied the standards of her day - woman were baby factories and must produce males at that. But she managed a varied operation including real estate, food production, textiles and even gave employees training. She labored night and day while her husband bragged about her - only to be described as the perfect mom in Mother's Day sermons.

Previous Answer: Samuel (1 Samuel 1-25)
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Because of the Weeds

Hey folks--

Sorry to have missed yesterday but I was a little preoccupied with my recital and my mother :-). Anyway, no words of wisdom from me today, tomorrow! I promise! ;-)

-AMR

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The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Because of the Weeds

Matthew 13:28 "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull the weeds up?' 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.'" (NIV)

The wheat represents Christians, the desired crop grown by God. The weeds represent those who are spiritually lost. Sometimes we wonder why God allows evil in the world. While the answer to this question doesn?t come easily, we do know that we need to grow strong roots of patience, endurance and understanding.

Father, help me to grow stronger because of the weeds.

Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.

F.O.C.U.S

We could all use a little extra "focus" in our lives...
heh heh. Enjoy!
-AMR

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The Dilemma of Obedience

Today's Devotional comes from our friend Oswald Chambers (my utmost for his highest). The question of obedience and God's will is a topic that seems to come up frequently, and Mr. Chambers makes a good point. It's important to be wise in our interpretation, however, because Satan will disguise himself to try to lead us astray. The best thing to do is to prayerfully submit your decisions to God (first! not after you've tried a few things and run into difficulties).....he will answer, just be patient (james 1:5-6)

-AMR

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Question of the Day

Born late to his parents, this only child was reared by the local priest. He became the sitting judge but also toured the area administering justice. He was pressured into appointing a king. His first appointee turned out to be a rogue full of pride and jealousy. His second appointee became the greatest ruler Israel ever had. He also was an author of Israel's historical writings.

Yesterday's Answer: Amos
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What Are You There For?

Today's devotional was written about church services, but it can be applied to any sort of fellowship you're involved in (e.g. IV). If you feel like you're not getting anything out of fellowship/service, and you're becoming disillusioned with the idea in general, take some time out to think about what you've done to contribute yourself. Fellowship is a two way street (cliche, i know but i'm too tired to be original :P) meaning you have to give if you expect to receive. The verse that was put on the IV seniors shirt is rather appropriate to this subject:

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (proverbs 27:17).

Together we help each other to grow.

-amr ;-)

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Question of the Day

He was a herdsman and vinetender from the countryside south of Jerusalem. He became a severe social and governmental critic in the northern province of Israel who exposed the unethical gain of wealth and the oppression of the poor. He made the government very poor and his warnings of cultural/economic collapse all came true.

Yesterday's Answer: Jonathan 1 Samuel 16-31
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Pray First!

I originally set out to find a devotional about waiting on the Lord; basically being faithful enough to God to wait for him to answer your prayers on his time. However, this one really struck me, because it really reflects my attitude towards a lot of my own problems at times. I tend to do as much as possible on my own, before being confronted with the reality that I can't do it. Only then do I look to God and others. As I think about all of this, I realize that it's kinda wierd because my first reaction to a difficulties that are external to me is prayer followed by action.

Take some time to think about your own reaction to trouble/problems......do you really allow God to get in on the front line of action?

-AMR ;-)

p.s. please pray for the resolution of a problem with the space reservation for the upcoming concert.....thanx :-)

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Question of the Day

As the privileged child and heir to the boss, he forsook it all for his friendship with one his dad saw as a usurper. An accomplished soldier he became known for his peace making and risky affectionate loyalty for his friend.

yesterday's answer: Solomon I & II Kings, Ecclesiastes
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Three Ingredients

Today is the national day of prayer. I know this is coming out kinda late but take some time extra time out to pray today (i think you're supposed to do it at like noon or 12:30, but anytime is better than nothing :P). Pray for our nation, NYC, this campus....whatever God puts on your heart.

Also, take some time out to think about today's devotional, because I think that love and self-discipline are two of the harder lessons to learn. Speaking from experience (spending ~35 hours over 2 days with 3 other people putting together a "semester long" project), love and self-discipline (along with patience) are easily tested. The minute you think you've got it figured out is when you need God's help the most. Ask him to show you what it really means to love someone unconditionally.

-AMR ;-)

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The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Three Ingredients

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (NIV)

When these three ingredients are combined - power, love, and self-discipline, Satan better watch his back! God's spirit gives us armor (see Ephesians 6). God prepares us to be able to stand and fight in spiritual battles. But lets not get overly aggressive. In order to be "more than conquerors" we must also have love and self-

discipline.

Father, help me to be full of your power, love, and self-discipline.

Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.

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Question of the Day

As the product of a palace affair he becomes the world's most powerful militarist, builder and judge trading in women, horses and chariots with foreign nations. Frustrations beset him and he writes of the hopelessness of work, wealth and wisdom.

previous answer: Deborah Judges 9

Something Beautiful

This reminds me about a song my mom tried to explain to me about "sending up the timbers".....can't get my thoughts together enough to explain though......

g'nite
-amr

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The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Something Beautiful

1 Timothy 6:18-19 "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (NIV)

It doesn't matter how rich or poor we are. We still have something to share with others: goodness. In this way, we begin to store up treasures for ourselves in heaven. God wants to make something beautiful from your life.

Father, help me to find ways to share goodness with others.

Holy Bible, New International Version. Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.

Spontaneous Love

Happy May everyone! I'm sorry to disappoint today but you're going to have to do without my words of wisdom today :P. By request, today's devotional is taken from yesterday's words from our good friend Oswald Chambers (my utmost for his highest). For those of you in my (new) SG, think about how it's relevant to our discussion of romans 12 (i suggest that the rest of you find some time to read it.....).

Hope that you're continuing to take time out for God on a daily basis, even in the midst of all the work/stress that school is throwing at us these days.

God Bless all of you!
-AMR

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Question of the Day

She was a national judge and leader. Her military commander refused to go to battle without her partnership. She ends up commanding the battle, achieving victory and then leading the nation in a victory song with him.

Yesterday's answer: Ruth
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