Our God - from Our Daily Bread devotional

The Bible’s first chapter addresses the most fundamental issues of life. It declares that God brought all things into existence. This should affect the way we live.

The writer of Genesis made the radical declaration that there is one God. That truth stood in sharp contrast to the polytheism and idolatry of the ancient world. The description of each creation day denounced the various gods worshiped by the pagans of Moses’ day and declared that they were not gods at all—just creations of the one and only true and living God.

On day 1, gods of light and darkness are dismissed; day 2, gods of sea and sky; day 3, gods of earth and vegetation; day 4, sun, moon, and star gods; days 5 and 6, animal gods. And finally, humans. Even though all people are granted a divine likeness, they too are only created beings and must never be worshiped.
This account gives the foundation for Israel’s covenant with God. For example, why do the Ten Commandments prohibit the worship of other gods? Because God alone is the maker of heaven and earth. Why is murder wrong? Because human beings are created in God’s image.
Let’s make it our goal to get to know the true and living God.

So many gods have all come and gone,

Gods of earth, of sky, and of sea;

But God the Creator alone will stand

Tests of time and eternity. —Carbaugh

In the beginning—God.

Seeking Serenity

Continuing on with what we see, today we are focusing on seeking. Yesterday we spoke about seeking first the Kingdom of God and allowing Him to add everything else we need into our lives.

If we ever forget what we are to be seeking, there is a very simple and straightforward way to bring it back to the plumb line. Look at the spelling of the work seeking. If you really look at the spelling you will never have to ask again. S E E K I N G....SEE KING. All we have to do is keep our eyes on the KING.

God has said to people throughout history if you have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying we should listen while it is still called today. I don't know about you, but I think this shows how much He cares. He gives us the free will to choose if we want to hear, listen, look and see.

Revelation 1:7(GWTN) states Look! He is coming in the clouds. Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. Every tribe on earth will mourn because of him. This is true. Amen

Christ told his disciples this in Matthew 13 :13-17 (GWTN)

"Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 "In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, `YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.' "But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. "For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Today I am leaving you with this poem. It states what our prayer is in the closing lines.

Be well my friends and family, in Christ,
Candace



Seeking Serenity


I blank my mind to peer into yours,
Seeking serenity, believing in truth.
My faith is boundless, only through you
My mere words will perish; yours will stand true.

Through patience and stillness, calmness will flow.
Seeking so feverishly, desiring you as my strength,
In search of a purpose, but who is ever pleased?
Perfection they ask; perfect for whom?
This world is unpleased, damning and lost.
Feeling not good enough, I’m broken to my knees.

Crying, I whisper, “What’s it all for?”
Questions keep flooding, ‘til I hear myself scream,
“God, please, if you’re out there,
Please listen, I’m on my knees!”
Answers, I need answers,
I don’t know where to go…
To people who are ignorant of things they claimed to know?
What will I do? I feel hopeless… unloved.
I am so sick and lonely, weighed down with despair,
In silence, I’m sobbing, there are no words left.

My heart is still pumping,
How? I do not know.
It’s hurting and empty, shouldn’t it quit?
Sheer exhaustion and no power, I murmur, God take me now.
I know I’ve never said it, but I realize you are here.
No one else is with me… you’re the only thing left.
I remember your son Jesus; when his life was at stake,
So I know you can help me, quickly take me away.

My breath is now shallow and I’m half expecting my last.
Would he answer? I was waiting,
In fear holding onto what air was left,
Releasing simultaneously moaning… Jesus, listen to me!
If you’re out there then speak for me.
They will surely listen to the words you have to say,
It is my voice that has no volume,
Isn’t that the reason they can’t hear?

Child, I am here with you; just as you knew and believed,
Waiting for you to ask me to care for all your life,
This was your final lesson, you believed... but mostly your thoughts
Now, all is forgotten so your mind has been transformed
You can now release the burdens, live your life refreshed and free.
When you speak you now have volume, our prayer is for them to receive.

By Candace Huffmaster ©

A Universe of Humanity

 by David C McCasland  ,Our Daily Bread Devotional

During the 1920s and 30s, photographer August Sander set out to portray a cross-section of German society. Through his lens he saw factory workers and financiers, actresses and housewives, Nazis and Jews. Even though his published collection contains only people in and around his hometown of Cologne, he captured what David Propson, writing in The Wall Street Journal, called “a universe of humanity in his restricted sphere.”

That phrase strikes me as an apt description of our lives and the people we meet day by day. Wherever we live, we cross paths with people from many backgrounds and beliefs.

For years, the apostle Paul traveled and preached before being imprisoned in Rome. There he continued to touch people with the gospel because he cared about them and wanted them to know Jesus Christ. The book of Acts concludes with Paul confined in Rome, living under guard in a rented house, where he “received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30-31).
Instead of focusing on his restrictions, Paul saw opportunities. That’s the key for us as well. There is a universe of humanity within our reach today.

You are called with a holy calling

The light of the world to be,

To lift up the lamp of the gospel

That others the light may see. —Anon.

The gospel is a priceless gift that’s offered free to everyone

Never Forget

For This I Have Jesus

From RBC Ministries - Our Daily Bread

READ: Psalm 66:1-15
I will never leave you nor forsake you. —Hebrews 13:5In an evangelistic meeting in Ireland, the speaker was explaining what it means to abide in Christ and to trust Him completely in every trial. Concluding his message, he repeated several times, “It means that in every circumstance you can keep on saying, ‘For this I have Jesus.’ ”

The meeting was then opened for testimonies. One young woman said, “Just a few minutes ago I was handed this telegram. It reads, ‘Mother is very ill; take train home immediately.’ When I saw those words, I knew that tonight’s message was meant just for me. My heart looked up and said, ‘For this I have Jesus.’ Instantly a peace and strength flooded my soul.”
Three or four weeks later the evangelist received a letter from this woman. It read, “Thank you again for the message you gave that day. Life has become an uninterrupted psalm of victory, for I have come to realize that no matter what life brings, for this I have Jesus.”

That believer in Christ had found in her Savior the One who would be with her “through fire and through water,” and who would bring her “out to rich fulfillment” (Ps. 66:12).
If you are enduring a great trial of affliction, remember—for this you have Jesus! — Henry G. Bosch

I’ve found a refuge from life’s care in Jesus,
I am hiding in His love divine;
He fully understands my soul’s deep longing,
And He whispers softly, “Thou art Mine.” —Christiansen

If every circumstance finds us abiding in Christ, we will find Christ abiding with us in every circumstance.

KB Emerge now up!

Due to the time it has taken to get our http://www.kaleidoscopebutterfly.org/ site up and running we have not been able to get http://www.kbemerge.org/ up yet either.  For now we have a secondary temporary site. 

We have our first devotional going out from that site.  We are trying to streamline things so that either can feed out.  If you did not receive it go to http://www.kbemerge.blogspot.com/ to view, and be sure to give me your feedback.

Have a wonderful day my friends!
Candace

Ordianry or Extra - Ordinary

The common thread, whether I am meeting one on one or groups is that "God's cause is for ordinary things to have an extraordinary purpose." There is not one creation that is an exception to this. The seeds become fruit, which becomes seed, which becomes fruit. The wind is simply a breeze and yet scatters seeds which later blossom and can also take down buildings and go back to being a breeze. A man is just a man, and a woman simply a woman but together...AHHHH we have another human being ...which is simply a man or a woman and on it goes.


Ordinary...or Extraordinary the choice is ours - the desire is His, but which will you choose? I pray you choose the Zoe life, I pray we all do each intersecting moment of our lives!

With love,
Candace

God Needs You!

Daily Bread an rbc.org daily devotion

READ: Mark 11:1-7

If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” say, “The Lord has need of it.” —Mark 11:3

For His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus chose a donkey to serve as His royal transportation. His disciples were instructed to say, “The Lord has need of it” (Mark 11:3). Isn’t it astounding that the Son of God should use such lowly means to accomplish His purposes? Alexander MacLaren commented on this: “Christ comes to us in like fashion, and brushes aside all our convenient excuses. He says, ‘I want you, and that is enough.’ ”



Think of it! The Creator of the universe needs us and desires to fit us into His eternal design! Though all-powerful and not dependent on any creature, He has chosen to carry out His plans through lowly human instruments. If this were not so, He would have taken us to heaven as soon as He saved us by His grace.



Someone once asked Francis of Assisi how he was able to accomplish so much. He replied, “This may be why: The Lord looked down from heaven and said, ‘Where can I find the weakest, littlest man on earth?’ Then He saw me and said, ‘I’ve found him. I will work through him, and he won’t be proud of it. He’ll see that I am only using him because of his insignificance.’ ”



You may be small in your own eyes, but God has need of you! — Paul Van Gorder

Yours is a mission you alone can fill,

Whether it be to build or teach or till;

Your goal may still be hidden from your view,

But somewhere God has urgent need of you. —Thayer

God is looking for ordinary people for extraordinary work.

Let's Give 'em a Hand

Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10,12 (God's Word Trans) Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. If one falls the other can help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one who is all alone when he falls. There is no one to help him get up. Though one person may be overpowered by another, two people can resist one opponent. A triple-braided rope is not easily broken.


Psalm 46:1(GWT)  God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in times of trouble.

When I read these verses I remember when He told Joshua that He would be with him just as He was with Moses. He promised Joshua that He would NEVER neglect him or abandon him. But one thing we must remember is OUR part. What is that you ask? Good question. The answer is to be faithful to God above all else, seek Him diligently, know His word and do as He commanded us "Be strong and courageous! Don't tremble or be terrified, because the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go."

I pray that we believe in Him that is with us not against us so that we will not shrink back to the destruction of our souls. I pray that we forgive those that have opposed us and that we accept His desire to be our cord that is not easily broken.
With love,
Candace

A Good God

Daily Bread an RBC devotional (http://www.rbc.org/)

READ: Psalm 46

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. —Psalm 9:9

 

When my brother-in-law was a missionary in Mali, West Africa, he was involved in a traffic accident. A man had wandered into the road in front of Chuck’s motorcycle. The cycle struck the man and sent Chuck and the bike sliding along the ground for more than 200 feet. Shortly after Chuck regained consciousness in the hospital, his doctor told him he had been “really lucky.” Chuck smiled and replied, “God is good.”
Later he thought about the day’s events. The man who was struck hadn't received any permanent injuries, and Chuck would also recover from his injuries. But what if one of them had been killed? He thought, God would be no less good.

When we experience tragedy, we may wonder about God’s goodness. Is God always good? Yes, He is. He doesn't promise that bad things will never happen to us, but He does promise to be “our refuge and  strength” (Ps. 46:1). He doesn’t promise that we will never walk through heart-wrenching circumstances, but He promises that we won’t be alone (23:4).
God is good—no matter what suffering we are experiencing. Even when we don’t understand, we can say with Habakkuk, “Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:18). — Cindy Hess Kasper

O taste and see that God is good

To all who seek His face;

Yea, blest the one who trusts in Him,

Confiding in His grace. —Psalter

God tests our faith so that we may trust His faithfulness.

Some-thing, No-thing, All Things

For those of us that have freedom in Christ, is it so large a thing to bear with those that are confused and hurting. What if in that moment we were to share of the liberty and hope that comes through Christ? What if we explained that "all things are possible through Him"? What if we simply paused to listen and care - allowing Christ to fill their presence as we pray over them, whether silently as they speak or in union with them.

So many options, so many needs.....the spirit is willing, it is the flesh that is weak.

God I pray that your spirit rise up in us, your angels run before us to prepare the way and we witness to all that you are for your names sake.

In Christ,
Candace Huffmaster

To The Rescue

www.rbc.org daily devotional by Joe Stowell

READ: Luke 15:1-7 There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:7

Martie and I recently traveled to some major cities in several countries. We were struck with how lost our world is and grieved over the millions who have never heard the message of the saving grace of Jesus. The thought of reaching our world for Christ felt overwhelming.

Until I remembered the story of the boy walking on a beach. Encountering hundreds of starfish dying under the heat of the burning sun, he started throwing them back into the sea. A passerby asked, “What are you doing?” “Saving their lives,” the boy replied. “Forget it,” the man said. “You can’t possibly save all these starfish.” “Right,” replied the boy, “but it makes a big difference to each one I do save.”
I love the boy’s perspective. When the wave of sin threw us onto the shore to die, God sent His Son to walk on the beach to rescue all who would repent. And, as Jesus told His listeners in Luke 15, each time someone is rescued, heaven throws a party. “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).
Has heaven rejoiced over your rescue? If so, join the ranks of those who reach other lost souls with the rescuing grace of Jesus.

Your love, O God, would spare no pain

To conquer death and win;

You sent Your only Son to die

To rescue us from sin. —M. Gustafson

When you’ve been rescued, you’ll want to rescue others.

Coulda Shoulda, Woulda...But What IF?

I was speaking with a friend a few weeks ago and she stated to me "You have so much patience with people". I am humbled when someone says that to me, because I know that "I" on my own do not. I know that God has afforded me the opportunity to learn through the trials I have been through in my life. He has been with me through many trying and tough situations. I thank Him for teaching me, molding me, breaking me and adding to me piece by piece....His radiance, His reflection, His ways that lead to life everlasting.

I certainly know that I have many, many things to still grow toward. But this I do give Him credit for and acknowledge - I am such a different person than I was even 5 or 10 years ago; much less I mention 30 years ago. We all are changing and transforming "into His image" when we "allow" it. Sometimes those blockades we were talking about Wed evening are to get us to stop, drop and look up. We see them as HUGE boulders blocking us getting where we want to go. What if that is their purpose? What if that is Him trying desperately to communicate with us...calling our names, but we cannot hear Him due to the deafening scream of the things we fear calling out to us as well.


I do not know if I shared the poem IF with you all before. I am attaching it after this morning devotion. I love each and everyone of you, and I pray that "Today" we seek Him. We listen for His voice. We ask what He is trying to tell us, show us, then wait on His explanation and find peace in Him.

Amen,
Candace

If Day

A Daily Bread Devotional from rbc.org

READ: James 1:1-11

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. —James 1:2-3

February 19, 1942, was a fascinating day for Canada. It was “If Day”—a World War II staging of a fake Nazi invasion of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The intent was to show what it would be like “if” Canada fell under the harsh occupation of Nazi forces, and so that Canadians would support the war effort more fully.

As one person described the event: “If Day brought home the reality of Nazi occupation. Manitobans got a very bitter taste of nearly every aspect of Nazi brutality.” The key word there is nearly. While “If Day” was a valiant attempt to educate people about danger in the world, it could not begin to recreate the actual suffering that was sweeping Europe.
Real trials in life are not ifs—they are whens. In fact, life’s most profound lessons cannot simply be observed, they must be experienced. It is there, in actual seasons of heartache and loss, that we gain greater insights into life, faith, and our need of God. To that end, James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3).
Trials come because we live in a broken world, but we decide if we will learn the lessons taught. There are no “ifs” about it—it is an important way to grow. — By Bill Crowder

Though you cannot see the outcome,

Trust the Lord—He knows what’s best;

Be assured He sees your trial,

And He’s with you in your test. —Hess

Tough times can teach us to trust.

IF

If I had not been called

I would not know how to answer

If I had not have opened the door

He would not have had entry

IF I had not welcomed him

He would not have stayed

If I had not have asked

He would not have answered me

IF he had had no patience with me

I would not be able to share of his love

If I had not needed his encouragement

He would not have made it available

If I had not experienced hardship

I would not have know that I needed him

If he did not let me face the pain of my choices

I would not have known hardship

If he had not set boundaries

I would not have grown

If I did not turn to Him

I would never have known true peace

IF I had never desired to know His peace

I would never have known my Lord

My Lord loves through teaching, embracing, encouraging, sacrificing and giving

He gives abundantly: strength and peace

The strength to face the task

And the peace to mentally stay focused

There are so many facets of his love

I have a tendency to only consider the ones that I can hope to accomplish in my own strength

Until I truly seek my Sheppard, I have absolutely no means to gain understanding

It is through conversing with him, that he grants us his visions and understanding

He desires to increase us because he has massive amounts to accomplish

We have to be still and empty our lives of ourselves in order to be filled with him

He dwells among us in any form that will give Him room

He is not one: He is many, He is abundant, and He is everyone that wishes to love

He is patient, kind, and understanding

He is rich, poor, every race and language

He is every size and every age and He wishes us all to love deeply, tenderly, openly, honestly, truly, passionately, eagerly, genuinely

But mostly -freely; with wings that can carry, cover, lift and give life

Together we are One, we are Complete, we are Christ

By Candace Huffmaster

He Sees the Diamond in the Rough, All We See is the Rough.

When we look behind us, do we focus on our mistakes or how God cleaned up our mess. How can we be a proper witness if all we see is how flawed we are.....we are supposed to be showing others how Great HE is!


I pray that we forgive others where they fall short, and that we not remember where we fall short, but remember how powerful God is to pick us up - virtually unscathed!

With Love, in Christ - Amen,
Candace

In The Car Wash

From Daily Bread rbc.org

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. —Isaiah 43:2

I’ll never forget my first experience using an automatic car wash. Approaching it with the dread of going to the dentist, I pushed the money into the slot, nervously checked and rechecked my windows, eased the car up to the line, and waited. Powers beyond my control began moving my car forward as if on a conveyor belt. There I was, cocooned inside, when a thunderous rush of water, soap, and brushes hit my car from all directions. What if I get stuck in here or water crashes in? I thought irrationally. Suddenly the waters ceased. After a blow-dry, my car was propelled into the outside world again, clean and polished.

In the midst of all this, I remembered stormy times in my life when it seemed I was on a conveyor belt, a victim of forces beyond my control. “Car-wash experiences,” I now call them. I remembered that whenever I passed through deep waters my Redeemer had been with me, sheltering me against the rising tide (Isa. 43:2). When I came out on the other side, which I always did, I was able to say with joy and confidence, “He is a faithful God!”

Are you in the middle of a car-wash experience? Trust God to bring you through to the other side. You’ll then be a shining testimony of His keeping power. — Joanie Yoder

How wonderful to know that He

Who watches from above

Will always keep us sheltered in

His ever-present love! —King

A tunnel of testing can produce a shining testimony.

Reference Verses Isaiah 43:1-13 (God's Word Translation)
The LORD created Jacob and formed Israel. Now, this is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid, because I have reclaimed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through the sea, I am with you. When you go through rivers, they will not sweep you away. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you. 3 I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Egypt is the ransom I exchanged for you. Sudan and Seba are the price I paid for you. 4 Since you are precious to me, you are honored and I love you. I will exchange others for you. Nations will be the price I pay for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, because I am with you. I will bring your descendants from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not keep them." Bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the ends of the earth. 7 Bring everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. 8 Bring the people who are blind but still have eyes, the people who are deaf but still have ears. 9 All nations have gathered together, and people have assembled. Who among them could have revealed this? Who among them could have foretold this to us? They should bring their witnesses to prove that they were right. Let the people hear them. Then they will say that it is true. 10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD. "I have chosen you as my servant so that you can know and believe in me and understand that I am the one [who did this]. No god was formed before me, and there will be none after me. 11 I alone am the LORD, and there is no savior except me. 12 I have revealed it to you, I have saved you, and I have announced it to you. There was no foreign [god] among you. You are my witnesses that I am God," declares the LORD. 13 "From the [first] day I was the one [who did this]. No one can rescue people from my power. When I do something, who can undo it?"

What's in Your Wallet?

This devotional is vital for us to understand. The reason we must face our behavior head on and not act as a victim is for our character, reputation and ultimately for the witness we are exemplifying. When we are responsible for our actions , physical or verbal toward another person; be sure to simply own up to your personal behavior. Don't be so quick to blame it on the person you are relating to. We feel this lets the other person off the hook. There is time to address how their behavior affected you, first do the right thing yourself. In a separate conversation address your concerns about their behavior. Be sure you have resolved any heated feeling that might push you to act impulsively before you enter into that conversation, otherwise you will be enlisting their ear to apologize yet again.

Philipians 2:14-16 (NAS)says this the best :
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

With Love,
Candace

Credibility

READ: 1 Peter 2:11-21
[Have] your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that . . . they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God. —1 Peter 2:12

The recent global financial crisis caused people to pay closer attention to their credit report. When credit was easy to get, some people became careless about how they used it. They didn’t bother to save for what they wanted; they just borrowed. Being in debt was no big deal. But in a crisis, that is no longer the case. Having good credit is suddenly very important.

After an advertisement for a credit repair service, a local newscaster said, “Credit repair isn’t something you can buy; it’s something you have to work for.”
The same principle applies to the credibility of our lives. We can’t buy it; it’s something we have to work for. We may be able to “borrow” credibility for a while by associating ourselves with credible people, but sooner or later we will need our own.
Credibility has to do with the ability to elicit belief. The reason it’s essential for Christians is that our lives affect God’s reputation (1 Peter 2:12). When we call ourselves by Christ’s name, His reputation is tied to ours. If people have reason not to believe us, they may not believe God.

The way to earn credibility is to live honorably. Then others will believe and glorify God. — By Julie Ackerman Link

If we take care of our character, our reputation will take care of itself.

For Further Study-Look at these Scriptures about Christ’s life: Matthew 9:10-13; 20:28; Luke 6:12. How can you live the way He did?