NO LAZY RIVER - Daily Devotional from Godtube

One of our favorite family vacation sites is a beautiful beach community located in an adjoining state. We like to go there during the “off season” when few tourists are around. Though the ocean water is a little chilly, we enjoy swimming in an indoor pool. Also, there’s a lazy river that surrounds the pool and holds a special appeal for our kids. They’ve tried to swim against its current over the years, only to be carried in the opposite direction.

My husband and I must frequently swim against the flow of society’s values in order to bring our children into a healthy, godly understanding of who they are. Whether we’re considering our experience in youth ministry or my work in Christian education, we return to this truth: We’re ultimately responsible for the spiritual education of our children.

Active training of our children can be exhausting (Proverbs 22:6). Following the flow of society in our parenting choices, however, will lead to “lazy river” results for our children—an aimless journey affording them no real direction and little strength (Proverbs 29:18). Likewise, keeping them sheltered in Christian environments won’t do much better in preparing them for the rigors of true discipleship (Matthew 22:9; Mark 16:15).

While the greatest spiritual deposit I can make in my children’s lives is to bring God’s knowledge and discipline to them (Proverbs 22:15,17-19), I must also understand that they’ll never learn to persevere in their faith if I remove every obstacle of pain or discouragement from their paths. The training pool isn’t always easy, but as we look to God’s Word we can rest in His promise that “the LORD preserves those with knowledge” (v.12). —Regina Franklin

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Proverbs 22:1-21


Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it (v.6).

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Read Matthew 5:1-
16 and consider how parents can actively develop in their children the attributes that Jesus presents.

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What are some valuable lessons you learned from your parents or other influential adults? How has the Word challenged you recently in your relationship with your kids or other children
you know?

KEEPING YOUR COMMITMENT TO JESUS - Daily Devotional from Godtube

Tuesday December 16

keeping your commitment to Jesus

As my wife tried to get home from visiting our daughter over the holidays, bad weather shut down numerous flights. After 2 days, she had a fistful of boarding passes for planes that couldn’t leave the ground, and she joined thousands of weary travelers scrambling for places to stay.

The occasional delay is one thing. Sleeping on your luggage is quite another.

Jesus apparently spent a lot of time sleeping on the ground. When someone declared, “I will follow you wherever you go,” Christ told him, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head” (Luke 9:57-58).

No doubt, many people showed Jesus hospitality. But it’s odd to think of Him as homeless. The simple fact remains that He wasn’t averse to sleeping under the stars.

In the week prior to Jesus’ death, Luke tells us, “Each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives” (21:37). Then, early in the morning, He would go back to the temple to teach.

I like the idea of this outdoorsy, accessible Jesus. Imagine the Creator of the cosmos going up the mountain to talk with His Father deep into the night. But then I’m reminded of His hard statement: “The Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” The Son of God, born in a stable . . . wandering as a homeless rabbi . . . nailed to a cross.

Commitment to a great cause sounds adventurous, but reality soon intrudes. Believing in Jesus is easy, but following Him poses a challenge. He may lead me to places I don’t care to go. And my pledge of allegiance rings hollow if I don’t count the cost. “Anyone who . . . looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God” (v.62). —Tim Gustafson

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Luke 9:57-62


Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head (v.58).

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Matthew 11:28-
30 has some great encouragement for you if you’re weary but still want to follow Jesus.

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What commitments (if any) have you made to Jesus? How can you seek His help in living up to them?

The Age of FALSE PROPHETS and DECEIVING SPIRITS

1 Timothy 4 The Message (MSG)

Teach with Your Life

4 1-5 The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they’ve lost their capacity for truth. They will tell you not to get married. They’ll tell you not to eat this or that food—perfectly good food God created to be eaten heartily and with thanksgiving by believers who know better! Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God’s Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy.

6-10 You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.

11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.

15-16 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.

Andrew Storm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBpw2oQrvMM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCcGaTRwG_4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWeUNoR30_0

Messages from John Todd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoIGs22Jvmo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxedLLEqWGo

You can find many more videos about the False Prophets and Seducing Spirits  on Youtube. 

God has call His Children to be SET APART from the WORLD ~

2 Corinthians 6:17 The Message (MSG)

14-18 Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way:

“I’ll live in them, move into them;
    I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people.
So leave the corruption and compromise;
    leave it for good,” says God.
“Don’t link up with those who will pollute you.
    I want you all for myself.
I’ll be a Father to you;
    you’ll be sons and daughters to me.”
The Word of the Master, God.

May God give you wisdom to know that HE is the ONE and ONLY TRUE GOD. May God give you wisdom to discern the difference between FALSE PROPHETS and DECEIVING SPIRITS and those TRUE PROPHETS and the HOLY SPIRIT!!

AN UNWED MOTHER - Daily Devotional from Godtube

Friday December 12

an unwed mother

Imagine this scene. Joseph leading a donkey-drawn carriage towards Bethlehem. Inside that carriage sits his pregnant wife, Mary. She was found to be pregnant before they had consummated their marriage! This would be the scandal of the town. Imagine the gossip and stares. Surely she was a promiscuous woman. And both of them are guilty of premarital sex!

A few months before, Joseph had to make a difficult decision. He could have easily exonerated himself by publicly exposing Mary’s perceived infidelity. But, in doing so, it would have led to Mary’s death (Deuteronomy 22:23-27). Joseph had wanted to break off the engagement discreetly, a course that would not shame or harm her (Matthew 1:19). But that was not to be. For an angel ordered him to proceed with marrying the pregnant Mary as planned, for “the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit” (v.20). And Joseph was to name the baby boy “Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (v.21).

We’re not told how much the distraught and confounded man truly understood about his situation. But we are told that Joseph simply obeyed. He immediately “did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born” (vv.24-25).

Today, there’s not a hint of anything scandalous about Jesus’ birth, or that Jesus was an illegitimate son (John 8:41). Instead, there’s an inexplicable sacredness and indescribable awesomeness about a virgin who was with child.

The story of the unwed mother is the story of God’s power (Matthew 1:18), God’s salvation plan (v.21), and God’s presence (v.23). By God’s grace, we experience those same things today. —K.T. Sim

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Matthew 1:18-25


The child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (vv.20-21).

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Read Isaiah 7:14 and consider what the prophecy revealed about “Immanuel.”

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If you had been Joseph, would you have believed Mary if she had told
you that “she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit”? (Matthew 1:18). Why or why not? How are you experiencing God’s power, plan, and presence today?

EARTH'S SHADOW - Daily Devotional for Godtube

Thursday December 11

earth’s shadow

When I see the moon at its thinnest stage, I sometimes think of a passage I read in Flannery O’Connor’s A Prayer Journal. The writer composed these poetic words for God: “You are the slim crescent of a moon . . . and my self is the earth’s shadow that keeps me from seeing all the moon . . . I do not know you God, because I am in the way. Please help me to push myself aside.”

As I consider these thoughts, I have to admit that there’s a part of me that feels entitled to have comfort in this world while still enjoying a deep closeness with Christ. Jesus said, however, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways” (Mark 8:34). For me, this means not stomping my feet when God tells me “no,” not pouting when God says “wait,” and not grumbling when God gives me a new task.

Like all people, I was born with an inner devotion to myself. Fortunately, Jesus has made me aware of it, and has offered to help me curb it with commandments such as, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). This is His kind and gentle way of showing me that my self-love is truly automatic. He didn’t need to teach me to pursue my personal comfort or to seek self-preservation—I’m a natural in those areas! Sadly, it’s true.

Thankfully, Jesus also said, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake . . . you will save it” (Mark 8:35). Deepening our devotion to Christ means moving from a “me-centered” life to a “God- centered” life. And as we turn away from our self-serving desires, God will give us new desires (Galatians 5:24). He’ll also give us a better view of His glory as we remain in His shadow. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

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Mark 8:31-38


If you give up your life for my sake . . . you will save it (v.35).

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Look up Nehemiah 5:14-18 to see how Nehemiah’s selflessness reflected his God-fearing attitude. Read Acts 
5:1-5 to see the cost of selfishness in Ananias’ life.

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What’s the relationship between love and selfishness? What changes, if any, is God asking you to make in order to increase your devotion to Him?

LAVISH GENEROSITY - Daily Devotional from Godtube

Wednesday December 10

lavish generosity

During my last year of high school, I saved up my money in order to buy extravagant gifts for my family. When Christmas came, I blew the whole $1,100 on my parents, my sister, and my grandparents. I imagined that—with college looming—I might never have the chance to be as generous with my money again.

It would be dangerous, however, to equate generosity only with giving money or gifts. It’s also true that since we live in a culture where the insatiable desire for more threatens to overwhelm us, it’s good to distinguish between generosity and obsessive, selfish consumerism. Still, I consider myself an apologist for the old-fashioned practice of Christmas gift-giving. Done well, I believe that giving to another can reflect in some small way the very heart of God’s extravagant gift—the Gift we celebrate each December 25 (Luke 1:46-55).

The very heart of God’s good news is lavish generosity. The gospel shatters our narrow self- centeredness because it declares a truth that borders on the absurd: God, Creator and Ruler of all, came to us . . . to us. And God came as a helpless baby . . . a baby. This Gift first came to Mary, and she was overwhelmed. “The Mighty One . . . has done great things for me,” she exclaimed (v.49).

This Gift has been extended to us all—a gift beyond our wildest imagination, and one we could never manage on our own. This Christmas, in honor of the Greatest Gift, I’ll be giving gifts too. I want to give more of my time, more of myself and my attention, more words and prayers and hugs. But also, I’ll be giving a few gifts that are lavish— gifts that make for joy and smiles (vv.46-47). I’ll be following God’s example. —Winn Collier

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Luke 1:46-56


Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:15).

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Read Matthew 7:11. What does this verse
tell us about God’s generosity? What does it say about God not being stingy in His giving?

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What’s the most lavish gift a person has ever given you? How has God demonstrated His generosity to you?

Using Your Gift - Daily Devotional from Godtube

Tuesday December 9

using your gift

The 2013 film Frozen tells the story of a troubled princess named Elsa who possessed a special gift— the power to create ice and snow. We’re not talking about making iced tea. No—with a flick of the wrist, this princess could unleash a blizzard that would instantly turn a warm summer day into a cold winter wonderland.

But as a young girl, Elsa’s gift nearly resulted in the death of her sister Anna. Scared that she couldn’t control her special ability, the princess chose to hide it and live alone in fear. By the end of the film, however, Elsa discovered that genuine love was not only the key to controlling her powers for the good of others, but it also opened the door to restoring relationships that years of fear and misunderstanding had stolen.

The apostle Paul longed for the young, upstart church in Corinth to make the same discovery about the power of love when it came to their “special abilities” (1 Corinthians 12:1). Apparently, questions and misunderstandings over the meaning of “spiritual gifts” had arisen that threatened to drive the young local church apart. Paul reminded them that all spiritual gifts were important and were “given to each of us so we can help each other” (v.7). He wanted them to understand that the highest virtue of all—love—holds the key to the exercising of their gifts and the resolution of the tensions that threatened their unity.

None of us comes close to living up to Paul’s famous description of genuine love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), but with God’s help we can grow into “a way of life” that is “best of all” (1 Corinthians 12:31).

Rather than allow fear and misunderstanding to pull us apart, let’s show love; it has the power to knit us together. —Jeff Olson

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1 Corinthians 12:31–13:7 

So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all (12:31).

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Read 1 Corinthians 13:3 and see what it says about the importance
of love.

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How have you struggled with thinking your spiritual gift is less important or more important than others? What fears might be holding you back from exercising your “gift” for God’s glory?

Preparing The Way - Daily Devotional from God Tube

Monday December 8

preparing the way

On July 21, 2013, media outlets worldwide held their collective breath as they waited for the birth of the child of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The baby was third in line to the British throne, and so when Prince George was born the next day there was hardly a newspaper or news program that didn’t herald the announcement front and center.

A star would pay the Creator homage (Matthew 2:9), angels would call out in worship, “Glory to God in highest heaven” (Luke 2:14), and shepherds and wise men would travel from afar to give Jesus the glory and gifts that He deserved (Matthew 2:11; Luke 2:15-16). But before Jesus was born, another baby entered the world. That baby would grow to be the man called by God to announce His message of repentance and to prepare the way for the coming King. As we read in Luke 1, an angel heralds not only Jesus’ birth, but also the birth of the prophet John the Baptist (v.17). While in his mother’s womb, John would leap with joy as Jesus—while in Mary’s womb—came close to him (v.41).

Later as a man, John began a ministry that would pave the way for the greatest King the world would ever know. But while John made his own headlines, he ultimately came to realize the true identity of Jesus and to proclaim that He was the Messiah. All will bow to this King—stars and angels, shepherds and wise men. As Paul wrote, “Christ will be revealed from heaven . . . the King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).

Christmas stands as a vivid reminder of Jesus’ identity as the King of Kings. May we prepare the way for others to bow before this King as we proclaim His good news this Christmas. —Peter Chin

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Luke 1:13-17


He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children (v.17).

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Read Revelation 5:6-14 for another powerful image of Christ as King, worthy of all praise and glory.

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When you worship God, what image of Him do you most commonly hold in your heart and mind? How can you prepare the way for others to hear the good news 
of Jesus the King this Christmas?

Better Than Myself - Daily Devotional from GOD TUBE

Sunday December 7

better than myself

Charles complained to his friend about some lower back pain. He was seeking a sympathetic ear, but his friend gave him an honest assessment. “Your back isn’t your problem,” he pointed out. “It’s your stomach. Your stomach is so big it’s pulling on your back.”

Would you have been offended if someone said that to you?

In his column for REV! Magazine, Charles shared that he resisted the temptation to be offended. He lost the weight and his “back” problem went away. Charles recognized that “an open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (Proverbs 27:5-6).

The trouble with most of us is that we’d rather be ruined by praise than helped by criticism. Truth hurts. It bruises our ego. It calls for change. It makes us uncomfortable.

We need to recognize that true friends don’t find pleasure in hurting us. Rather, they love us too much to deceive us. They’re people who show loving courage by pointing out what we likely already know well—things we’ve found hard to accept and truly address. They tell us what we need to hear and not only what we want to hear.

Author Vaughn Roberts wrote, “There is a certain ‘niceness’ to a friendship where I can be, as they say, myself. But what I really need are relationships in which I will be encouraged to become better than myself. Myself needs to grow a little each day. I don’t want to be the myself I was yesterday. I want to be the myself that is developing each day to be more of a Christlike person.”

Do you have friends who are helping you grow in Christ? Make an effort to maintain those friendships. They’ll help you become better than today’s version of yourself. —Poh Fang Chia

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Proverbs 27:5-10, 27

An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy (vv.5-6).

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Read Ephesians 4:15 to remember the attitude we ought to have when speaking the truth.

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How well do you take criticism? Why is it vital that you accept hard words spoken in love and speak the truth in love to others?