Doyle Smith Daily

Matthew 6: 1-2 (God's Word) Originally published 09/11/2013 "Be careful not to do your good works in public in order to attract attention. If you do, your Father in heaven will not reward you. So when you give to the poor, don't announce it with trumpet fanfare. This is what hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets in order to be praised by people. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward" Matthew 6:1-2 (God's Word). Which do I choose - the approval of people or of God? Lord, expose my motives to me.

Matthew 5:21-22 (God's Word) Originally published 09/10/2013 There is so much anger around us and even among people in church. "You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, 'Never murder. Whoever murders will answer for it in court.' But I can guarantee that whoever is angry with another believer will answer for it in court. Whoever calls another believer an insulting name will answer for it in the highest court. Whoever calls a believer a fool will answer for it in hellfire" Matthew 5:21-22 (God's Word). Lord, when people offend me, remind me how you treat me when I offend you, and eliminate anger from my heart.

Matthew 4:1 (God's Word) Originally published 09/09/2013 Jesus just had one of the greatest moments of his life. John recognized who he was and baptized him; then, the Father announced that he was pleased with Jesus. "Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil" Matthew 4:1 (God's Word). I think of God leading us into good things, not a fight with the devil. The Father put his Son in a position to be tempted. Could it be that facing temptation is the only way to really know our spiritual condition? Lord, when faced with temptation, help me to rely on your instructions instead of my own wisdom or desires.

Matthew 3: 7-8 (God's Word) Originally published 09/07/2013 John was called the "immerser," but when religious leaders came to be immersed, he said: "You poisonous snakes! Who showed you how to flee from God's coming anger? Do those things that prove you have turned to God and have changed the way you think and act" Matthew 3:7-8 (God's Word). It wasn't the immersion that they needed; it was the change in the way they thought and the things they did that needed to be changed. Following God is not about ritual; it is about a change of lifestyle. Lord, show me what you want to change about my lifestyle next, and give me the will and power to grow to be more like you.

Matthew 2 (God's Word) Originally published 09/05/2013 What kind of man was Joseph? God spoke to him in dreams, and every time he obeyed. He married Mary, went to Egypt, returned to Israel, relocated to Nazareth, away from his family, all because of dreams where angels spoke to him. I might have said that I had crazy dreams. It was Joseph, not Mary, that God directed. Matthew 2 (God's Word). God trusted Joseph to raise his son. Lord, I want to be the kind of man that you can trust with your work.

Matthew 1: 24 (God's Word) Originally published 09/04/2013 Mary was maybe 15-16 and betrothed, which was legal marriage without consummation, and she was pregnant. No one would believe how it happened, and she must have been overwhelmed. God had put her in this situation, and it would seem from her point of view that there was no possible outcome that would be good. But God sent an angel to tell Joseph the truth. "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the LORD had commanded him to do. He took Mary to be his wife" Matthew 1:24 (God's Word). Problem solved. Lord, when things seem impossible to me, remind me of this story and your power to do anything.

Matthew 1:3 (God's Word) Originally published 08/30/2013 I was reading Matthew 1:3. "Hezron was the father of Ram” (God's Word). I am wondering what this guy did, so I look up his name, and it is mentioned 21 times and every one is in a list of names like this. When I type it here, it is underlined as if it were not spelled correctly. A "nobody" whose only claim to fame was that he was an ancestor of Jesus.   He and all the people who knew him when he lived never knew the real value of his life. We may never know in this life the real value of our lives to God or his kingdom. Lord, guide me, and help me to be faithful that my life will fulfill the purpose you have for me.

Malachi 4: 2 (God's Word) Originally published 08/29/2013 Sometimes things around me seem impossible and overwhelming, but I try to hold on to this promise. "The Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings for you people who fear my name” Malachi 4:2 (God's Word). Lord, teach me not to be afraid of the future or what might happen, but to fear only disobeying you.

Malachi 3: 17-18 (God's Word) Originally published 08/19/2013 God cannot be fooled, and he makes this promise. "’They will be mine,’ says the LORD of Armies. ‘On that day I will make them my special possession. I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. Then you will again see the difference between righteous people and wicked people, between the one who serves God and the one who doesn't serve him’" Malachi 3:17-18 (God’s Word). Lord, teach me to serve you more completely and to be your servant.

Malachi 2:7-9 (God's Word) Originally published 08/16/2013 All followers of Christ are a "royal priesthood" (I Peter 2:9). This is God's warning to his priests. "A priest's lips should preserve knowledge. Then, because he is the messenger for the LORD of Armies, people will seek instructions from his mouth. But you have turned from the correct path and caused many to stumble over my teachings. You have corrupted the promise made to Levi," says the LORD of Armies. "So I have made you disgusting, and I have humiliated you in front of all the people, because you have not followed my ways. You have been unfair when applying my teachings" Malachi 2:7-9 (God’s Word). Lord, teach me what is true, and help me not to say what I have heard from others, but to only say what you have told me is the truth.

Malachi 1:6 (God's Word) Originally published 08/15/2013 “This is what the LORD of Armies says: A son honors his father, and a servant honors his master. So if I am a father, where is my honor? If I am a master, where is my respect? You priests despise my name" Malachi 1:6 (God's Word). Lord, it is not my will to not give you honor and respect. Do whatever it takes to show me when I do not give you honor and respect.

Zechariah 14: 9 (God's Word) Originally published 08/14/2013  The world started with two people and God in complete control, and then chaos. Ever since that day God has been at work to restore what was destroyed. This is what he is doing. "The LORD will be king over all the earth. ON that day the LORD will be the only LORD and his name will be the only name" Zechariah 14:9 (God's Word). It may not look like much is happening, but estimates are that thousands daily are becoming followers of Christ (estimate vary 82,000-175,000 daily, even 10,000 per day in China alone). Lord, help me be daily working at making disciples that I might be a part of what you are doing.

Zechariah 13:9 (God's Word) Originally published 08/13/2013 God said one third of Israel belonged to him, and this is what he was going to do with them. "I will bring this third of the people through the fire. I will refine them as silver is refined. I will test them as gold is tested. They will call on me, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are my people.' They will reply, 'The LORD is our God'" Zechariah 13:9 (God’s Word).  For people who belong to God every problem, trial, difficulty is an opportunity God uses to develop our godly character. How we react to problems shows our character. Lord, help me to turn to you when things don't go right, to know how to react as you would.

Zechariah 12: 4-5 (God's Word) Originally published 08/12/2013 "The LORD declares, 'On that day I will strike every horse with panic and every rider with madness. I will watch over the people of Judah, but I will strike all the horses of the nations blind. Then the leaders of Judah will think to themselves, 'The people who live in Jerusalem are strong because of the LORD of Armies, their God'" Zechariah 12:4-5 (God's Word). Sometimes when I face a huge problem and ask God to show me how to deal with it, he does not give me wisdom or strength, but he just makes the problem disappear, and then he gets all the credit. Lord, I know that I live because of your wisdom and strength, and not my own, and this really gives me peace.

Zechariah 10: 4-5 (God's Word) Originally published 08/10/2013 God chose Israel, a small nation, and many times chose people who were insignificant through whom he worked. God did not want his people to have horses in war because they were the "atom bomb" of weapons at that time. This is God's plan: "From them will come a cornerstone, from them a tent peg, from them a battle bow, from them every leader. Together they will be like warriors who trample the enemy in the mud in the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them. They will put to shame those who ride on horses" Zechariah 10:4-5 (God's Word). Never let your limitations cause you to think that you cannot be successful in what God gives you to do. Lord, teach me to consistently expect powerful results from obedience to you.

Zechariah 9:9-10 (God's Word) Originally published 08/09/2013 The promise of Jesus is overwhelming. A leader will come who will teach us to live in peace, arguing or fighting. "Rejoice with all your heart, people of Zion! Shout in triumph, people of Jerusalem! Look! Your King is coming to you: he is righteous and victorious. He is humble and rides on a donkey, on a colt, a young pack animal. . .  There will be no battle bows. He will announce peace to the nations. He will rule from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth" Zechariah 9:9-10 (God's Word). Imagine that I can resolve all anger and conflicts without fighting by doing what Jesus did and what he tells me! Lord, when I am angry or in conflict, give me your solution, and show me how to resist my feelings, pride, and my passion to win. 

Zechariah 4:6-7 God's Word) Originally published 08/07/2013 Zerubbabel was given the enormous task of rebuilding the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. He and the people returned from exile and started with tremendous enthusiasm, but soon realized that the job was too big for them, got discouraged and abandoned their work. A messenger of God brought this message: "This is the word the LORD spoke to Zerubbabel: You won't succeed by might or by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Armies. What a high mountain you are! In front of Zerubbabel you will become a plain" Zechariah 4:6-7 (God's Word). So many things are impossible with human wisdom: marriage, raising children, holiness, making disciples, but with God's wisdom and power they are done. Lord, my inadequacy is so overwhelming. Teach me to live dependent on you.

Zachariah 2: 8 (God's Word) Originally published 08/06/2013 The other nations had looted and mistreated God's people. Zechariah was sent to them: "This is what the LORD of Armies says: Afterwards, the Glory sent me to the nations who looted you. Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye" Zechariah 2:8 (God's Word). The apple of the eye is the central opening of the eye, and it is used to describe what a person would cherish above all things. While God loves all people, he cherishes above all things those who are his children by faith. Lord, it is very hard to actually believe, and humbling to think, that I and your church are that important to you

Zechariah 1: 14 (God's Word) Originally published 08/05/2013 Jealousy is when a person is concerned about a competitor's influence over a loved one. Zechariah told God's people: "The angel who was speaking with me said, ‘Announce: This is what the LORD of Armies says: 'I'm very jealous about Jerusalem and Zion,..’" Zechariah 1:14 (God's Word). If a person gives their life to God's control, then it really matters to God what influences that person's decisions and behavior. Lord, I don't want to ever give you a reason to be jealous, so alert me when my own desires or any person or thing has more influence over my choices or decisions than you.

Haggai 2:4-5 (God's Word) Originally published  08/03/2010 Israel was in captivity, but the king sent them back after 40 years to rebuild the city and temple. They were so excited and enthused when they started, but the job required more resources than they had, and they got discouraged and quit. "Everyone in the land be strong," declares the LORD, 'Work, because I am with you,' declares the LORD of Armies. 'This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains with you. Don't be afraid '" Haggai 2:4-5 (God's Word). Lord, when I look at the issues that I face and things I need to do, and then I look at my wisdom, strength, and time, I get overwhelmed. In those moments remind me this is your life, and it is to be lived by your wisdom, power, and your provision.

Haggai 1:2-7 (God's Word) Originally published 08/02/2013 One of the ways God deals with our disobedience is to let us do things without his help. "'This is what the LORD of Armies says: These people say it's not the right time to rebuild the house of the LORD. Then the LORD spoke his word through the prophet Haggai. He said, 'Is it time for you to live in our paneled houses while his house lies in ruins? Now, this is what the LORD of Armies says: Carefully consider your ways! You planted a lot, but you harvested little. You eat, but you're never full. You drink, but you're still thirsty. You wear clothing, but you never have enough to keep you warm. You spend money as fast as you earn it. This is what the LORD of Armies says: Carefully consider your ways!" Haggai 1:2-7 (God's Word). Lord, alert me when I need to be more obedient, rather than work harder.

Zephaniah 3: 1-2 (God's Word) Originally published 08/01/2013 Rejecting God's authority over our lives shapes a community, church or family. "How horrible it will be for that rebellious and corrupt place, the city of violence. It obeys no one. It does not accept correction. It does not trust the LORD. It does not draw close to its God" Zephaniah 3:1-2 (God's Word). Lord, please give me a passion to remove every rebellious thought from my mind. Live in me the life you want to live.

Zephaniah 2: 3  (God's Word) Originally published 07/31/2013 In Romans chapter 4 Paul makes it clear that salvation has always been based on grace through faith and is not earned. What the Old Testament shows us is the lifestyle of the person who is guided by God. "Search for the LORD, all you humble people in the land who carry out his justice. Search for what is right. Search for humility. Maybe you will find shelter on the day of the LORD'S anger" Zephaniah 2:3 (God's Word). To us "justice" is a legal word, which makes us think it does not involve us since we are not judges. But in the Old Testament justice consistently refers to treating people the way they should be treated, which means we, in humility, treat people as God treats them. Lord, help me to treat every person I meet today exactly as you are treating them.

Zephaniah 1:6 (God's Word) Originally published 07/30/2013 God is very clear about the basis on which he judges people. "I will remove those who have turned away from following the LORD and those who no longer seek the LORD or ask him for help" Zephaniah 1:6 (God's Word). God is the owner and ruler of this world, and everyone who refuses to acknowledge this and refuses to ask for his direction when making decisions is rejecting this reality. They are in rebellion against God and trying to take his place. He must remove them since there cannot be two rulers of the world. Lord, I realize that I will fulfill my purpose on earth only if you rule my life and guide my decisions. Show me how to live, and direct my life.

Habakkuk 3: 12-15 (God's Word) Originally published 07/28/2013 I am reminded of the great power of God. "You march through the earth with fury. You trample the nations in anger. You go out to save your people, to save your anointed. You crush the leader of the wicked household, stripping him bare from head to toe. You pierce the leader of his gang with his own arrows. His soldiers come like a violent storm to scatter me. They are arrogant like those who secretly eat up the poor. You march with your horses into the sea, into the mighty raging waters" Habakkuk 3:12-15 (God's Word). Lord, sometimes I see situations that seem beyond any solution, and I get discouraged. Keep reminding me of who you are and that you can do anything that you choose to do.

Habakkuk 1:17 - 2:4 (God's Word) Originally published 07/27/2013 Habakkuk was distressed because the powerful nations, like Babylon, seemed to do whatever they wanted. He asked God: "’Will they keep on emptying their nets and always kill nations without mercy?’ Then the LORD answered me, 'Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly. The vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won't lie. If it's delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won't be late. Look at the proud person. He is not right in himself. But the righteous person will live because of his faithfulness’" Habakkuk 1:17-2:4 (God's Word). God's judgment is always on target and timely, but sometimes it is unseen by us. A person may appear to be very successful, but on the inside a failure; however, the righteous person will always have all that life has to offer. Lord, remind me, when it seems evil people app...