Dan Gould

Tag: Daily Devotional

  • James 3

    “Dear brothers and sisters,[a] not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” v 1-2 (NLT)

    What you say and what you don’t say are important.  To use proper speech you must not only say the right words at the right time but also not say what you shouldn’t. Examples of an untamed tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying.  Our words have the ability to build people up or tear them down.

    I have found that if I think before I speak, I use better words.  This forces me not to spout off in the moment. (i am still working through this).  Before you speak ask yourself are my words . . .

    TRUTHFUL – is this fact or gossip?

    HELPFUL – Do my words help them or hurt them? Constructive criticism is helpful when it’s done in love. When its not done in love that’s just criticism.

    INSPIRATIONAL – Does it bring them closer to God or push them further from God? Does it inspire them to do grater things?

    NECESSARY – Do I need to even say anything? Sometimes we are smarter with our mouth’s shut!

    KIND – Are my words kind?

    Today, let’s think twice before we speak once.  Words are powerful … use them wisely!!!!

  • James 1

    “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” v. 22-25 (NLT)

    When I first started reading the Bible at the age of 18 James was the place I started.  I think I picked it because it was short and I wanted to say that I had read a book in the Bible.  The Bible can be intimidating, especially if you are not a good reader or don’t like to read.  Those usually go hand in hand.  Well it did for me.  But I still remember the first time I read these verses.  They were so convicting, but encouraging at the same  time.  You see I was guilty of hearing and knowing a little bit about the Bible, but I didn’t live out or reflect the things I had heard or learned.  (this is still a challenge today)  But the secret to the Life that God wants us to live is found in the pages of the Bible, His Word.  When we read, or hear them they should move us to a different place in our thoughts and actions.  What we truly believe will be seen in the everyday life we live.  My prayer today is that I would practice the things I read and hear, so I can live the life God desires me to live.  One filled with adventure, challenges, and victories!

    Today, will you ask God to help you to apply the things you have heard and read so you can live the life He has created for you.  If you aren’t or haven’t read or listend to the words written in the Bible, I want to encourage you to grab a Bible, and start reading one chapter a day.  Highlight the things that speak to you and commit those to memory and action.

  • Hebrews 12

    “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” v.1 (NLT)

    The Christian life involves hard work.  It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run with endurance, and to struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit.  To live effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus.  We will stumble if we look away from him to stare at ourselves or at circumstances surrounding us.  We should be running for Christ, not ourselves, and we must always keep Him in sight.

    Today, lets keep our eyes on Jesus, and surrender every circumstance and decision to Him.

  • Hebrews 11

    “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.” v 1-2 (NLT)

    What or who do you put your faith in?  When things are going good, who do you thank?  When things aren’t going good, where do you turn?  These are just a few questions to get you thinking.  Who or what you are put your faith in is important because it will define how you live and what you believe.  Faith is more than a pleasant day dream of a perfect world.  In fact, faith isn’t always easy and sometimes it is questioned and challenged.  I have found these times to be scary, but in this process God tends to teach me the most about His love, His provision, and His promises.  He also gives me the strength I need to stand in Faith that He is still in control even though things aren’t going the way I want them to go.

    Today, who or what are you putting your faith in?  For me, I am trusting Jesus with the details of my life and standing in Faith that God will do what He says He will do.  To be honest, sometimes that’s easier to say than to do, but everyday I pray for God to give me the strength I need to stand in Faith!

  • Hebrews 10:19-39

    “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” V 35-36 (NLT)

    The Bible gives us a clear choice between two life directions.  Because life often forks of in two directions, you must take the higher road, even though it looks more difficult and treacherous.  The road gets steep in places.  The climb takes a toll on your energy.  It gets lonely.  Not many many on it, but more than you imagined, and some because of your example.  Sometimes itt gets slippery because the devil blows ice on the narrow passages.  Despite its dangers, the higher road is bound for the peak, and you’ll make it – God has a lifeline around you.  When you are tempted to falter in your faith or turn back from following Christ, keep focused on what he has done for you and what he offers in the Future . . . then keep climbing.

    Today, which road will you choose to go down?  Lets take the high road even if it may seem more difficult!

  • Titus 3

    “But—’When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.’ 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” v. 5-8 (NLT)

    This is another big BUT that changes how we live.  The fact that God, through Jesus, would step out of Heaven to provide away for us to have a relationship with Him still blows me away.  But God chose to provide for me not based on my good works or my own righteousness, but by what Christ did on the cross on my behalf.  This means I can never be good enough for God to earn Gods forgiveness or love!  But it also means that I can never be bad enough to keep God from loving me.

    Now don’t think that gives us permission to do whatever we want and just ask God to forgive us.  One day we will be held accountable for the things we have done, both good and bad.  But, because of Gods generosity toward us, we should be living life in a different way, trying to learn and become more like Jesus everyday.

    Today, think about the difference God has made in your life.  Thank Him for stepping in and changing you from the inside out and providing a way for you to have a relationship with Him.

  • 2 Timothy 3

    “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” v. 1-5 (NLT)

    Are we living in the last days?  If you compare our world to the way Paul describes the last days you can see similarities. However no-one knows when their last day will be.  Because of this, we should have a since of urgency about how we live and who we live for.

    Two words sum up the attitudes and habits of people living in the last days, those two words are pride and selfishness.  Pride causes us to feel like we don’t need anyone, or we are good enough.  Selfishness causes us to always be looking for what makes me happy.  Both of these attitudes keep us from the Heart of God.  A prideful person doesn’t see the need for God and therefore doesn’t trust Him with the details of his or her life.  A selfish person lives a life totally opposite of the life God calls us to,  looking at themselves, instead of looking at others.  If you look at your life, would you see these two things anywhere?

    Today, will you read this passage and think about these two attitudes.  Will you ask God to help you deal with pride and selfishness? Then commit to begin to live each day as a gift taking advantage of each situation you are given.

  • 2 Timothy 1

    “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” v. 7

    Fear is a powerful thing.  It can keep us trapped in so many areas and even cause us to question God, ourselves, our family, and our friends.  Fear can cause us physical pain as well as emotional pain.  However, fear can be defeated, when we trust the Lord and turn to Him with all of our stuff, not just parts of it.

    When we realize that God doesn’t want us to fear but to have faith and trust in Him, He gives us the power to walk through every fearful situation, and we will experience His love and become more self-disciplined in the process.  Please hear me, I am not saying its going to be easy, but it is encouraging to know that we are not alone.

    Today, what fears are keeping you trapped?  Will you turn that fear over to God so you can experience His Power, Love, and Self-Discipline?

  • 1 Timothy 4

    “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” v. 16

    What you believe affects how you live and how you live affects what you teach.  Therefore we need to watch these things closely.  We must be on constant guard against falling into sin that can so easily destroy us.  Yet we must watch what we believe 9teaching) just as closely.  Wrong beliefs can quickly lead us into sin and heresy.  We should be on guard against those  who would persuade us that how we live is more important than what we believe.  We should keep a close watch on both, staying true to the truth.

    Today, think about your beliefs and how they impact you live and what you teach.  Is your life style matching up to what you believe and what you try to teach with your words?

  • 2 Thessalonians 1

    “So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.”[d] v. 11-12

    Powerful passage on the importance of prayer, vision, faith, and lifestyle.  When I read a passage like this I underline important verses.  Today I underlined these two verses.  Here is are the questions I ask myself after reading so I can begin to take what i read and apply it to my life.  Today, I want to challenge you with theses questions.  I would love to see a dialogue happen, feel free to answer any of the questions you want.

    Today’s questions: How do these things impact your life?  How often do you pray for these things for others and for yourself?  When you read this, what comes to mind, what might the Lord be teaching you that we could learn from?