Today's Daily Devotional

[panthersix]

Indeed they are a prepared bunch, Jenny!!

Ok, Ranger pathersix... I give... I was bluffing you. I have no proof.

Shana

You're probably one of them (a wife)! But you're probably not too, too biased by it since your on ArmyRanger.com!

[DrD]

You're probably one of them (a wife)! But you're probably not too, too biased by it since your on ArmyRanger.com!

Weeeell, I am not really a wife anymore. Urgh. Our dating/getting back together attempt was a tragic fiasco.

Shana

[panthersix]

You're probably one of them (a wife)! But you're probably not too, too biased by it since your on ArmyRanger.com!

Weeeell, I am not really a wife anymore. Urgh. Our dating/getting back together attempt was a tragic fiasco.

Shana

sorry, didn't mean to bring up bad stuff...

[Jenny Lynn]

You're probably one of them (a wife)! But you're probably not too, too biased by it since your on ArmyRanger.com!

Weeeell, I am not really a wife anymore. Urgh. Our dating/getting back together attempt was a tragic fiasco.

Shana

Shana,
I am so sorry, time heals all things and where one door closes another opens.

I have a feeling Ranger Bugsy and or Ranger garyedolan will be along soon with some great words too, they always post something moving that gets me to think and reminds me we are not alone!

You dear are not alone, always remember that. Hugs, jenny

Break... OK mushy moment over

[Jenny Lynn]

This thread sets my hair on fire everytime I come in here. Wonder whats up with that?

Ranger ., is that similar to ... oh I went and the church walls began to cave in, just kidding...... it's real good to see ya back here at ArmyRanger.com you've been away too long.

Jenny

[DrD]

Thanks Jenny. :D

sorry, didn't mean to bring up bad stuff...

No apology needed. :D Sometimes... we are incompetent at the stuff that is most important (marriage, kids... whatever).

Shana

[Jenny Lynn]

Thanks Jenny. :D

sorry, didn't mean to bring up bad stuff...

No apology needed. :D Sometimes... we are incompetent at the stuff that is most important (marriage, kids... whatever).

Shana

Shana,
I like to think of it as we learn as we go, it's not incompetence, just a little wiser the next time we are faced with a similar challenge, I've seen the pictures of your kids in the fox hole, to me you are not incompetent as a mom, I see the looks on those kid's faces and to me they are happy kids, pat yourself on the back for that young lady! You're doing good.

Jenny

[Bugsy]

July 24, 2009

The Living Word

READ | Hebrews 4:12-13

The Bible is the most amazing book ever written. God used human beings to record His thoughts and words on paper so that we could know Him (2 Peter 1:20-21). The One who spoke the universe into existence still speaks just as powerfully through the pages of the Bible that you hold in your hands.

At the moment of salvation, believers receive the Holy Spirit, and the lines of communication with the Lord are opened. Whenever the Scriptures are read, the children of God are capable of hearing His voice, and the Spirit enables them to understand and put into practice what they have heard.

The Lord says His Word is so effective that it always accomplishes the purpose for which He sends it (Isa. 55:10-11). The Bible is not just a good book with comforting verses. It is active and alive and “performs its work in [those] who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). The Word of God has the power to change our lives if we will believe Him and do what He says.

God uses Scripture to transform us from the inside out. His Word has the quality of a sword that cuts through our hearts and judges thoughts and intentions, delivering light to the darkness hiding in our souls. This Book tells us not only who God is, but also who we are.

Sometimes life’s concerns can deafen our spiritual “ears.” Before reading Scripture, ask God to help you hear and understand what He’s saying. As you believe and obey, your spiritual hearing will become more acute, and your time in the Word will be an intimate conversation with the Lord.

[Bugsy]

July 25-26, 2009

God’s Scriptural “Benefit Package”

READ | 2 Timothy 3:14-17

This world offers a variety of financial plans, weight loss programs, and a host of other opportunities which all claim to yield beneficial results. But nothing is as profitable to us as Scripture.

God’s plans for you do not stop at salvation. His goal is that you become conformed to the likeness of His Son, and the tool He uses to achieve His purpose is the Bible. Today’s passage outlines His comprehensive program for your spiritual transformation.

The foundation is laid with the teaching of Scripture’s basic truths. These fundamental doctrines about God’s character and work anchor our souls during the storms of life and protect us from deception. Since we all have certain flesh patterns, perfection is impossible, and we at times fall into sin. Then Scripture offers reproof, and we sense conviction about our wrongdoing.

This is followed by correction. The Lord never convicts us and leaves us in the mess we have made. He provides the instruction that we need to make things right.

The final step is training in righteousness. Think of this as a one-on-one discipleship course with the Word of God. If we heed the instruction and discipline of Scripture, we’ll grow in obedience and godliness and eventually will find that we need less reproof and correction.

Full participation in the Lord’s scriptural benefit package involves three steps: 1) read the Bible each day; 2) believe everything God says in His Word (Heb. 4:2)—not just the parts that appeal to you; and 3) do what God says. You will become equipped and qualified to fulfill His purpose for you.

[Bugsy]

July 27, 2009

The Land Mine of Insecurity

READ | Romans 8:33-39

If someone were to ask, “Do you feel good about yourself?” what would you say? Would your thoughts be filled with all sorts of self-doubt and second-guessing, or would you be able to stand tall and say, “Yes, I do feel good about myself”?

Many people, including believers, cannot say that. They have become so crippled with insecurity that they’ve surrendered practically every ounce of usefulness in the kingdom of God. This is one of the deadliest dangers in the Christian life, and it can creep into our hearts and minds without our knowing—until it’s too late.

You see, there are many landmines that explode dramatically, such as sexual sin, unforgiveness, and fear. But insecurity is different. It’s more like a slow-burning flame sitting just beneath the surface, affecting everything about your life and subtly destroying you from the inside. This issue may be harder to identify, but it’s as dangerous a landmine as any other we could discuss.

What do we mean by “insecurity”? It’s a feeling of inadequacy, compounded by a sense of complete helplessness, purposelessness, disapproval, or rejection. All of these things can add up and weigh us down terribly if we do not learn how to identify insecurity and then filter it out of our lives.

Spend time today in earnest prayer and honest self-discovery. Ask the heavenly Father to shine His light on any area of insecurity that may be lurking in your heart. Then, request that He remind you in a powerful, glorious way just how special you are in His eyes.

[Bugsy]

July 28, 2009

The Causes of Insecurity

READ | Psalm 8

Insecurity is a subtle danger. In order to recognize this problem in our lives, we must take an honest look at where it originates. Let’s identify some common causes for a lack of confidence.

First, insecurity grows out of a persistent sense of being unaccepted. When we grow up thinking no one really likes us, we turn into chronically shy, unconfident adults.

Second, tragedy can initiate such feelings. Broken homes, the death of a loved one, and other relationship scars can be causes.

Third, a poor body image can damage self-esteem. The issue may be body shape, weight, birthmarks, hair loss, or anything else that leads people to see themselves in a negative light. The result is a sense of shame and self-consciousness that permeates every personal interaction.

Fourth, insecure individuals often have a history of feeling overshadowed by others. When this happens, they are preoccupied with people who seem smarter, wealthier, nicer-looking, more successful, etc. This creates doubt in their ability to achieve anything themselves.

Fifth, a serious “life failure” can result in a tremendous loss of self-esteem. Because we pour ourselves into our work and families, a setback in these areas has the potential of crushing our spirits.

If any of these causes sound familiar, examine your heart carefully for any resulting insecurity. Remember, this is a danger that can lie dormant for years before blowing up in your face. Don’t allow it to fester in your heart any longer! Bring it to God, who wants to free you from its damaging effects.

[Bugsy]

July 29, 2009

Preventing Insecurity in Your Child

READ | Ephesians 6:1-4

We can easily forget how powerful a parent’s influence is upon a child. A simple, offhand comment from a distracted mom or dad may be all it takes to plant a seed of insecurity that rankles for years. Let’s consider some ways we could inadvertently cause a lack of confidence in our kids.

First, a home atmosphere marked by chaos and volatility will keep children off balance, on guard, and nervous. As adults, they may feel rejected or unloved and therefore are prone to see themselves as unworthy of acceptance and affection.

Second, negative comments about a child’s performance or character strike at the heart of his or her personhood and significantly affect personal development.

Third, unrealistic expectations can weigh a child down, often creating the feeling of conditional love. That is, the child may believe that his parents will love him only if he lives up to their expectations—whether in academics, athletics, or some other area.

Fourth, a lack of positive reinforcement can be crippling. Imagine how it would feel if you did your absolute best whenever you tried something but never heard the slightest word of encouragement? Such a situation leads to a person having no perception of or confidence in his abilities.

The job of raising children isn’t simple or without challenges. But even when facing frustrations—whether related to family or external causes—be mindful that words and actions powerfully influence your sons and daughters. Whatever their ages, choose to instill a spirit of confidence in your children.

[Bugsy]

July 30, 2009

Understanding the World Order

READ | Philippians 3:17-20

You may have heard that believers are to be “in the world but not of the world.” Do you find yourself wondering what the difference is between those two options?

Christians have to participate in their culture’s systems (John 17:11-16), which include such spheres as commerce, politics, law, religion, art, education, and science—believers keep homes, go to church, make and spend money, create objects, etc. But no matter how fulfilling those involvements are, God’s children are to value the heavenly Father above all earthly pursuits (Matt. 6:33).

This is not to say that everyday activities are devoid of spiritual purpose, however. Interaction with nonbelievers is a primary way that we model and spread the gospel. If we were to withdraw from society, how would the lost learn about Jesus?

So, while associating with non-Christians is very appropriate, we should be aware of what’s driving the world system. The Devil corrupted God’s perfect order, with a goal of diverting devotion away from the Lord. Where God intended that we receive peace and contentment from obeying Him, Satan promotes the delusion of self-fulfillment.

No pleasure offered by the world system is permanent or truly rewarding. One day it will be destroyed and replaced with a kingdom devoted to God (2 Peter 3:13).

Until Christ establishes a new heaven and earth, believers must take part in this world. But we are to see it as it truly is—a place corrupted by Satan. Earthly success or pleasure can never equal the soul-satisfying kingdom that awaits us. So be sure your heart stays turned toward God.

[Bugsy]

July 31, 2009

Heaven’s Citizens Living in the World

READ | Romans 12:1-2

Believers are set apart. The Greek word for “church” is ekclesia—ek meaning “out of” and clesia meaning “called ones.” While we live, work, and play in human society, our allegiance and devotion is directed correctly toward Jesus Christ instead of the ruler of this world, Satan.

It’s important to know what our separation doesn’t mean. First, the church must not isolate itself. As Christians, we are to be like light in our dark communities (Matt. 5:14). Light reveals the safe way to go; without it, we feel cut off and fearful. Second, believers cannot rely on their own efforts to overcome the world. Following a list of spiritual dos and fleshly don’ts will wear a person out—and usually results in failure anyway. We are victorious through faith in Jesus Christ. God takes the newly saved out of Satan’s realm and places them in His own kingdom.

Although God and Christ have done the hard work, their followers cannot continue to do what comes naturally. We must live in this world without conforming to it. Instead, we’re to be transformed through the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). If our mind is still camped in the world order, our body cannot help but follow it—then we end up dirtied by corrupt choices, and our relationships and testimony suffer.

Learn what it means to be set apart. Others should notice a difference in our character and conduct when comparing us to the rest of the world. What they ought to see are biblical principles at work. But we can look like kingdom dwellers only when we are training our minds to think like the King

[Bugsy]

August 1-2, 2009

Failing to Listen to God

READ | Genesis 3:1-6

Listening to God is not a onetime event. We must continually keep His Word before us, or we’ll begin to listen to the wrong voices.

In Genesis 2:16-17, the Lord gave a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But Eve began to listen to another voice and did not hold firmly to her Creator’s words. All that Satan had to do was plant a single doubt about God’s integrity and offer Eve one appealing advantage of doing things her own way—and she fell for it. He mentioned wisdom, but using her own reasoning, Eve added two more benefits to the temptation: the fruit is good for food and a delight to the eyes.

The schemes of the Enemy have not changed. He still whispers lies and twists truth to convince us that a) God cannot be trusted and b) His ways are not the best. In every temptation, there is a deception about the character and motive of God, plus an attractive promise of a better way.

The world is filled with voices that vie for our attention and influence our thoughts and actions. Throughout the day, consider the messages that are sent your way through the media and people. Consciously begin to compare them to what Scripture says about God and His ways.

Remembering what God says in the Bible is our safeguard against deception and temptation. Daily devotions won’t protect us if they’re quickly forgotten during the day. Follow Christ’s example: be ready with truth in your mind and on your tongue whenever temptation strikes (Matt. 4:1-11).