Doyle Smith Daily

Romans 9: 13-14 (God's Word) Originally published 01/28/2014 This is a hard passage to accept: ”The Scriptures say, 'I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.' What can we say---that God is unfair? That's unthinkable! For example, God said to Moses, 'I will be kind to  anyone I want to. I will be merciful to anyone I want to'” Romans 9:13-14 (God's Word). When I come to passages like this I say, "God I don't understand all about you or what this means, but whatever this means, I know one thing: you are always loving and just, and this statement cannot contradict who you are.” Lord, help me to hold on to what I know about you and trust you for the things that I don't understand.

Romans 8:4-9 (God's Word) Originally published 01/27/2014 This is how God changes people. "Therefore, we, who do not live by our corrupt nature but by our spiritual nature, are able to meet God's standards. Those who live by the corrupt nature have the corrupt nature's attitude. But those who live by the spiritual nature have the spiritual nature's attitude. The corrupt nature's nature has a hostile attitude toward God. It refuses to place itself under the authority of God's standards because it can't. Those who are under the control of the corrupt nature can't please God. But if God's Spirit lives in you, you are under the control of your spiritual nature, not your corrupt nature" Romans 8:4-9 (God's Word). Lord, show me how to live every minute under your authority that I will please you.

Romans 7:21-25 (God's Word) Originally published 01/25/2014 "So I've discovered this truth: Evil is present with me even when I want to do what God's standards say is good. I take pleasure in God's standard in my inner being. However, I see a different standard at work throughout my body. It is at war with the standards my mind sets and tries to take me captive to sin's standards which still exist throughout my body. What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from my dying body? I thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ rescues me! So I am obedient to God's standards with my mind, but I am obedient to sin's standards with my corrupt nature" Romans 7:21-25 (God's Word). Lord, I cannot even do what I really want to do, so I trust you to rescue me from myself.

Romans 6:17 (God's Word) Originally published 01/24/2014 We can trace the wicked state of our world back to the example of Adam, but God has provided for our rescue. "It is certain that death ruled because of one person's failure. It's even more certain that those who receive God's overflowing kindness and the gift of his approval will rule in life because of one person, Jesus Christ" Romans 6:17 (God's Word). I do have a choice. I can be controlled by the rebellious world around me, or I can be controlled by the Spirit and power of God. Lord, may my choices today reflect the character of Christ, not that of Adam.  

Romans 3:13 (God's Word) Originally published 01/23/2014 This is the sad truth about every one of us. "Everyone has turned away. Together they have become rotten to the core. No one does anything good, not even one person” Romans 3:13 (God's Word). The news is filled with stories of people who have done things that are in conflict with what God says we should do. We act surprised. Every one of us have evil in our lives and are in need of forgiveness. Lord, show me the rebellion that resides in me, and I will own up to it and ask you for the power to think and live differently. 

Romans 2:4 (God's Word) Originally published 01/22/2014 What is God up to in my life? "Do you have contempt for God, who is very kind to you, puts up with you, and deals patiently with you? Don't you realize that it is God's kindness that is trying to lead you to him and change the way you think and act?" Romans 2:4 (God's Word). Lord, forgive me for not being passionate for continuing change in my life.

Romans 1:28-32 (God's Word) Originally published 01/21/2014 “And because they thought it was worthless to acknowledge God, God allowed their own immoral minds to control them. So they do these indecent things. Their lives are filled with all kinds of sexual sins, wickedness, and greed. They are mean. They are filled with envy, murder, quarreling, deceit, and viciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, haughty, arrogant, and boastful. They think up new ways to be cruel. They don't obey their parents, don't have any sense, don't keep promises, and don't show love to their own families or mercy to others. Although they know God's judgment that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do these things but also approve of others who do them" Romans 1:28-32 (God's Word). God's standards are surely different from ours. He sees homosexuality and quarreling equally offensive to him. Lord, constantly remind me of your standards of m...

Acts 28:15 (God's Word) Originally published 01/20/2014 Paul had just been though a shipwreck, protected from deadly snake bite, and healed many people in the town on his way to Rome.  "Believers in Rome heard that we were coming, so they came as far as the cities of Appius' Market and Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and felt encouraged" Acts 28:15 (God's Word). I would not have thought that tough Paul needed encouragement, but God knew. Lord, guide me to be an encouragement to someone today. 

Acts 28:24 (God's Word) Originally published 01/18/2014 God's plan was to get Paul to Rome. Paul warned the captain of the ship that it was too dangerous to travel, but he decided to go anyway. The disaster came, but Paul told them they would be safe. "The angel told me, 'Don't be afraid, Paul! You must present your case to the emperor. God has granted safety to everyone who is sailing with you'” Acts 28:24 (God's Word). When things look bad because others are not following God's direction, I remind myself that God still accomplishes his purpose for those who obey him. Lord, help me not to worry about what others do or don't do, but to be passionate about doing what you have told me to do. 

Acts 25:1-3 (God's Word) Originally published 01/16/2014  God's plan for Paul was to tell about Jesus in Rome, but he had been in jail over two years. "Three days after Festus took over his duties in the province of Judea he went from the city of Caesarea to Jerusalem. The chief priests and other important Jewish leaders informed Festus about their charges against Paul. They were urging Festus to do them the favor of having Paul brought to Jerusalem. The Jews had a plan to ambush and kill Paul as he traveled to Jerusalem" Acts 25:1-3 (God's Word). Satan does not forget or stop trying to keep us from doing what God wants us to do. Lord, remind me that what I know you want me to do is my most important priority. 

Acts 23:11 (God's Word) Originally published 01/14/2014  Religious people have different ideas about what is God's will, but God works out his plans. Paul learned the Jews planned to kill him. "The Lord stood near Paul the next night and said to him, 'Don't lose your courage! You've told the truth about me in Jerusalem. Now you must tell the truth about me in Rome'" Acts 23:11 (God's Word). For those faithful to God, he will always accomplish his plan through their lives. Lord, forgive me for unfaithfulness, and help me to submit to you in all things and every minute so that your plans will be accomplished in and through me.

Acts 22:20-22 (God's Word) Originally published 01/13/2014 The people to whom Paul was speaking were devout believers of the Scriptures and thought of themselves as lovers and protectors of God. Paul told them: "When Stephen, who witnessed about you (Jesus), was being killed, I was standing there. I approved of his death and guarded the coats of those who were murdering him. But the Lord told me, 'Go! I'll send you on a mission. You'll go far away to people who aren't Jewish.' Up to that point the mob listened. Then they began to shout. 'Kill him'!” Acts 22:20-22 (God's Word). The Jews were not disturbed that Paul assisted in a murder, but enraged that he was trying to help non-Jews find God. Lord, it is disturbing how blind humans can be to the truth. Please tell me what is true, and give me an open heart to all that is true; protect me from my blindness. 

 Acts 21:12-13 (God's Word) Originally published 01/11/2014 One of the prophets warned Paul that he would be tied up when he got to Jerusalem. "When we heard this, we and the believers who lived there begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Then Paul replied, 'Why are you crying like this and breaking my heart? I'm ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but also to die there for the sake of the Lord, the one named Jesus’" Acts 21:12-3 (God's Word). Paul's friends wanted the best for him and did not want him to be hurt, but Paul knew the best for him was to obey. Lord, give me the courage to obey you even when it does not seem to be to my advantage.

Acts 19:8-9 (God's Word) Originally published 01/09/2014 Paul gives us a lesson in helping people follow Christ. "For three months Paul would go into the synagogue and speak boldly. He had discussions with people to convince them about the kingdom of God. But when some people became stubborn, refused to believe and had nothing good to say in front of the crowd about the way of Christ, he left them. He took his disciples and held daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus" Acts 19:8-9 (God's Word). God prepares people to hear his message, and when they are not ready, it is better to move on. Lord, guide me to the people around me that you have prepared to hear your message, and give me the courage to say what you put in my mind. 

Acts 17:4-5 (God's Word) Originally published 01/07/2014 Many people do not want to hear that they should change the way they think and act. "Some of the Jews were persuaded to join Paul and Silas, especially a large group of Greeks who had converted to Judaism and the wives of many prominent men. Then the Jews became jealous. They took some low-class characters who hung around the public square, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. They attacked Jason's home and searched it for Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd" Acts 17:4-5 (God's Word). Reading the message of God or hearing it will always demand that we change, which upsets us. Lord, give me a passion to change to be more like you and not resist your demands. 

Acts 16:6-8 (God's Word) Originally published 01/06/2014 “Paul and Silas went through the regions of Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit kept them from speaking the word in the province of Asia. They went to the province of Mysia and tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't allow this. So they passed by Mysia and went to the city of Troas” Acts 16:6-8 (God's Word). Paul and Silas wanted to preach in these places, but God in some way stopped them from doing so. It is as important to know what God does not want us to do as to know what he wants us to do. Lord, may I be so sensitive and obedient to your spirit that I will know what you do not want as well as what you do want me to do. 

Acts 14:22 (God's Word) Originally published 01/03/2014 This was the message to the new converts in the cities where Paul and Barnabas had been teaching. "They strengthened the disciples in these cities and encouraged the disciples to remain faithful. Paul and Barnabas told them, 'We must suffer a lot to enter the kingdom of God” Acts 14:22 (God's Word). Most of us think of entering the Kingdom of God as finding peace and comfort, but they said we should expect suffering. Obedience to Christ will require self-denial and sacrifice. Lord, help me to place obedience above pleasure.

Acts 13: 2-4 (God's Word) Originally published  01/02/2014 When God's people are focused on God's authority and practicing self-denial, wonderful things happen. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set Barnabas and Saul apart for me. I want them to do the work for which I called them.' After fasting and praying, Simeon, Lucius, and Manaen placed their hands on Barnabas and Saul, and released them from their work in Antioch. After Barnabas and Saul were sent by the Holy Spirit they went to the city of Seleucia and from there sailed to the island of Cyprus" Acts 13:2-4 (God's Word). When we deny ourselves and exalt God, the Spirit can guide us. Lord, help me to live in submission to you and not to myself.

Acts 12: 7-9 (God's Word) Originally published 01/01/2014 Peter was put in jail and chained between two soldiers and was to go to trial the next day. "Suddenly, an angel from the Lord stood near Peter, and his cell was filled with light. The angel nudged Peter's side, woke him up, and said, 'Hurry! Get up!' At that moment the chains fell from Peter's hands. The angel told him, 'Put your shoes on, and get ready to go!' Peter did this. Then the angel told him, 'Put your coat on, and follow me.' Peter followed the angel out of the cell" Acts 12:7-9 (God's Word). If I am obedient to God, why should I ever be afraid? Lord, when I am afraid, remind me of this story, and give me courage to obey you, whatever the apparent consequence might be. 

Acts 11:17-18 (God's Word) Originally published 12/31/2013   Paul's friends were upset that he had broken century old traditions that dictated he would not be in the home or eat with gentiles. Paul told them, ‘'When they believed, God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. So who was I to interfere with God? When the others heard this, they had no further objections. They praised God by saying, 'Then God has also led people who are not Jewish to turn to him so that they can change the way they think and act and have eternal life'" Acts 11:17-8 (God's Word). For them the test of a believer was that they were Holy Spirit controlled. Lord, help me never to resist the Holy Spirit's direction.

Acts 8: 15-17 (God's Word) Originally published 12/27/2013 The apostles realized the Holy Spirit was essential for the Samaritans to live in obedience to Christ. "Peter and John went to Samaria and prayed that the Samaritans would receive the Holy Spirit. (Before this the Holy Spirit had not come to any of the Samaritans. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit" Acts 8:15-7 (God's Word). Lord, I ask that your Holy Spirit guide me in all that I think and do.

Acts 7:57-58 (God's Word) Originally published 12/26/2013 Stephan was a leader in the church of Jerusalem, and his life was controlled by the Holy Spirit of God. He was arrested for his faithfulness to Jesus, and his defense was to tell the religious leaders that they were in great danger because by rejecting Jesus, they were doing what their forefathers had done in rejecting the prophets. "But the council members shouted and refused to listen. They rushed at Stephen with one purpose in mind, and after they had him thrown out of the city, they began to stone him to death" Acts 7:57-8 (God's Word). It is always hard to accept someone telling you that you are wrong, even if it is from God. Lord, give me such an openness to you that I might recognize correction from you and accept it. 

Acts 6:3 (God's Word) Originally published 12/25/2013 There was racial conflict in the church. Greek speaking widows thought Hebrew speaking widows were treated better than they. If this happened in an Anglo/Spanish church, it would split the church. The apostles said, "So, brothers and sisters, choose seven men whom the people know are spiritually wise. We will put them in charge of the problem" Acts 6:3 (God's Word). This issue is never mentioned again in Acts. Lord, teach me to be controlled by your spirit in all that I do.

Acts 2:38 (God's Word) Originally published 12/20/2013 Peter announced to the crowd that they had killed the Lord and Messiah, and they asked what they should do. "Peter answered them, 'All of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act, and each of you must be baptized in the name of the Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift’" Acts 2:38 (God's Word). The miraculous history of God's work is built on people who have done this. Lord, continue to change the way I think and act by the power that you alone have to change people.

John 21:17 (God's Word) Originally published 12/18/2013 A lot of people are confused about how to show their love for God. "Jesus asked him a third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter felt sad because Jesus had asked him a third time, 'Do you love me?' So Peter said to him, 'Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.’ Jesus told him, 'Feed my sheep’" John 21:17 (God's Word).     Many people think they show love to God by singing, going to church, praying, or reading the Bible, but Jesus looks to see if we are helping others grow in their lives. Lord, I try to help the people you put in my mind, and this is my worship to you. Remind me constantly who you want me to help

John 20:13-16 (God's Word) Originally published 12/17/2013 Mary went to the tomb and it was empty. "The angels asked her why she was crying. Mary told them, 'They have removed my Lord, and I don't know where they've put him.' After she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. However, she didn't know that it was Jesus. Jesus asked her, 'Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?' Mary thought it was the gardener speaking to her. So she said to him. 'Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I'll remove him.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' Mary turned around and said to him in Hebrew, 'Rabboni!'" John 20:13-16 (God’s Word). God has the power to turn disasters into miracles. Lord, teach me to look at every disaster as a potential miracle.