Doyle Smith Daily

Hebrews 4:12-16 (God's Word) Originally published 05/06/2014 The follower of Christ must read the Bible. "God's word is living and active. It is sharper than any two-edged sword and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet, the place where joints and marrow meet. God's word judges a person's thoughts and intentions. No creature can hide from God. Everything is uncovered and exposed for him to see. We must answer to him" Hebrews 4:12-16 (God's Word). Bible studies and sermons are helpful, but cannot take the place of the Bible, which exposes who we are and what we need. Lord, you know all my failures, weaknesses, and rebellion; please fix me.

Hebrews 3:13 (God's Word) Originally published 05/05/2014 Scripture says, 'If you hear God speak today, don't be stubborn. Don't be stubborn like those who rebelled'" Hebrews 3:13 (God's Word). Lord, if you speak to me today, speak loud enough that I can hear and can't ignore you. When I hear you. give me a willing heart to obey, even if I do not want to hear or do what you tell me. 

Hebrews 2:1-2 (God's Word) Originally published 05//03/2014 This is why we must read the Bible , not just what people say about the Bible. "For this reason we must pay closer attention to what we have heard. Then we won't drift away from the truth. After all, the message that the angels brought was reliable, and every violation and act of disobedience was properly punished. So how will we escape punishment if we reject the important message, the message that God saved us?" Hebrews 2:1-3 (God's Word). The Bible contains all the truth that God has sent to us through his messengers. Lord, help me to check what I think, say, and do against your truth so I won't drift away from the truth.

Hebrews 1:2-3 (God's Word) Originally published 05/02/2014 God came in human form. "In these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. God made his Son responsible for everything. His Son is the one through whom God made the universe. His Son is the reflection of God's glory and the exact likeness of God's being. He holds everything together through his powerful words. After he had cleansed people from their sins, he received the highest position, the one next to the Father in heaven" Hebrews 1:2-3 (God's Word). In Jesus we see how we are to live and receive forgiveness. Lord, in every situation today remind me how you handled these things, and when I think or act contrary to you, remind me that you have provided forgiveness.

Philemon 10-13 (God's Word) Originally published 05/01/2014 God asks us to do painful and difficult things. Onesimus was a slave who escaped. "(I). .  . . appeal to you for my child Onesimus. I became his spiritual father here in prison. Once he was useless to you, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you. This is like sending you a part of myself. I wanted to keep him here with me" Philemon 10-13(God's Word). Paul did not ask Philemon to release Onesimus from slavery , but he asked Onesimus to return to slavery. Obeying God does not mean we escape responsibilities or ignore them, but that we are even more determined to fulfill our obligations. Sometimes followers of Jesus think love means we do not make people accountable for their obligations. Lord, help me never to make a promise that I do not keep, regardless of how costly it is.

Titus 3:6-8 God's Word) Originally published 04/30/2014 When we commit to live in obedience to Christ, this is what happens: “God poured a generous amount of the Spirit on us through Jesus Christ our Savior. As a result, God in his kindness has given us his approval and we have become heirs who have the confidence that we have everlasting life. This is a statement that can be trusted. I want you to insist on these things so that those who believe in God can concentrate on setting an example by doing good things. This is good and helps other people” Titus 3:6-8 (God's Word). The presence of the Holy Spirit gives confidence of our salvation and guides us to help others. Lord, show me whom you want me to help today.

Titus 2:14 (God's Word) Originally published 04/29/2014 Sin is doing what we want in place of obeying God, and it is addictive. "He gave himself for us to set us free from every sin and to cleanse us so that we can be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good things” Titus 2:14 (God's Word). Lord, expose to me the ways I think and act that have become habits that do not reflect you. Only you have the power to show me how I need to change to be more like you. You alone have the power to set me free from these and give me new ways of thinking and acting.

Titus 1: 15-16 (God's Word) Originally published 04/28/2014 What God looks at is our behavior. "Everything is clean to those who are clean. But nothing is clean to corrupt unbelievers. Indeed, their minds and their consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but they deny him by what they do. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit to do anything good" Titus 1:15-6 (God's Word). God looks at what we do for who we are, not what we say. What is "clean" is what is pleasing to God. If we do what pleases God, then our whole life pleases him. Our behavior, not our words, show God what we really are. Lord, expose to me anything in my choices that is contrary to what I say so that my words and life are the same.

11 Timothy 4:14-17 (God's Word) Originally published 04/26/2014 Paul had trouble to the end. "Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did. Watch out for him. He violently opposed what we said. At my first hearing no one stood up in my defense. Everyone abandoned me. I pray that it won't be held against them. However, the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that I could finish spreading the Good News for all nations to hear" II Timothy 4:14-17 (God's Word). In spite of his troubles Paul trusted God to settle up with those who hurt him, forgave those that abandoned him and never lost sight of his calling. Lord, give me a passion to fulfill what you have given me to do, regardless of what is happening to me.

11 Timothy 3: 16-17 (God's Word) Originally published 04/25/2014 God has given us the Bible to change our lives. "Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things" II Timothy 3:16-7 (God's Word). Laws don't change people, but reading, learning and hearing the Bible will change a person's behavior and character. Lord, as I read the Bible, teach me how to live, and correct my thoughts and choices so that I will find your approval.

11 Timothy 2:1 (God's Word) Originally published 04/24/2014  Paul knew from experience that when we are following Christ, he asks us to do things that we as humans cannot do. Here is his secret: "My child, find your source of strength in the kindness of Christ Jesus" II Timothy 2:1 (God's Word). When God asks us to do difficult or painful things, he knows we are not able on our own,. but when we try to do what he asks us, he is like a parent, who sees his child trying to lift something too big for him, and in his kindness he helps. Lord, when I look at what you ask me to do, help me not to look at how hard it is or how limited my ability is, but to think of how limitless your wisdom and strength are and how kind you are to help me do what you have asked of me

11 Timothy 1:11-12 (God's Word) Originally published 04/23/2014 Paul knew his assignment. “I was appointed to be a messenger of this Good News, an apostle, and a teacher. For this reason I suffer as I do. However, I'm not ashamed. I know whom I trust. I'm convinced that he is able to protect what he had entrusted to me until that day” II Timothy 1:11-12 (God's Word). Every follower of Christ has their own assignment. Lord, I know that you will do your part in enabling me to fulfill my assignment. Just give me the determination and discipline to pay the price to do what you have entrusted to me.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (God's Word) Originally published 04/22/2014 Compared to the rest of the world, the U.S. is very wealthy.  “Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Tell them to do good, to do a lot of good things, to be generous, and to share. By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves which is a good foundation for the future. In this way they take hold of what life really is” I Timothy 6:17-19 (God’s Word).  Lord, may I be as generous to those around me and your Kingdom as you have been with me.

1 Timothy 5:24-25 (God's Word) Originally published 04/21/2014 Our real nature will be clear sooner or later. "The sins of some people are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment. The sins of others follow them there. In the same way, the good things that people do are obvious, and those that aren't obvious can't remain hidden" I Timothy 5:24-5 (God's Word). We may fool others and even ourselves, but God knows our real nature and his judgment is certain. Lord, you know me better than I know myself, so constantly correct and guide me to live as pleases you. 

1 Timothy 3:14-15 (God's Word) Originally published 04/18/2014 The church plays a key role in God's plan. "I hope to visit you soon. However, I'm writing this to you in case I'm delayed. I want you to know how people who are members of God's family must live. God's family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth" I Timothy 3:14-15 (God's Word). People who are living as God directs them are his family, and he is building his truth in them. Lord, possess my life so that people around me would see the truth of your message in my lifestyle. Please make me better than I am.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (God's Word) Originally published 04/18/2014 Prayer makes a difference. "First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people, for rulers, and for everyone who has authority over us. Pray for these people so that we can have a quiet and peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way. This is good and pleases God our Savior. He wants all people to be saved and to learn the truth" I Timothy 2:1-4 (God's Word). We are to pray that they will become followers of Christ and learn the truth about how to live. Paul says that our prayers will in some way help this come to pass. Lord, when someone comes to my mind today, who is not one of your followers, I will take this as an assignment to ask for their salvation.

1 Timothy 1: 9-10 (God's Word) Originally published 04/17/2014 The law is given to let us know what God says is good and evil behavior. One act of rebellion against what God says is right is no worse than another. "For example, a person must realize that laws are not intended for people who have God's approval. Laws are intended for lawbreakers and rebels, for ungodly people and sinners, for those who think nothing is holy or sacred, for those who kill their fathers, their mothers, or other people. Laws are intended for people involved in sexual sins, for homosexuals, for kidnappers, for liars, for those who lie when they take an oath, and whatever else is against accurate teachings” I Timothy 1:9-10 (God's Word). People see some sins as more "acceptable" than others, but not God! All are acts of rebellion against what he tells us to do. To God homosexuality is not worse than premarital sex. Both are contrary to what he tells us to do. Lord, give me a hatred ...

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 (God's Word) Originally published 04/16/2014 God's love has demands. "While we were with you, we gave the order: 'Whoever doesn't want to work shouldn't be allowed to eat.' We hear that some of you are not living disciplined lives. You're not working, so you go around interfering in other people's lives. We order and encourage such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to pay attention to their own work so they can support themselves" II Thessalonians 3:10-12 (God's Word).  When the Holy Spirit controls us, we are growing in self-control. Lord, give me a passion for discipline and self-control in every part of my life.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 (God's Word) Originally published 04/15/2014 There is a great battle between God and Satan for our lives. "The man of sin will come with the power of Satan. He will use every kind of power including miraculous and wonderful signs. But they will be lies. He will use everything that God disapproves of to deceive those who are dying, those who refuse to love the truth that would save them" II Thessalonians 2:9-10 (God's Word). We have a great help in the Bible: it tells us what is right and what is wrong, so we will not be deceived. Lord, show me how my thinking and actions contradict what you say is right so that I will not be deceived by the lies of Satan.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 (God's Word) Originally published 04/14/2014 Jesus told us that we were to take up our cross, expecting suffering. "We always have to thank God for you, brothers and sisters. It's right to do this because your faith is showing remarkable growth and your love for each other is increasing. That's why we brag in God's churches about your endurance and faith in all the persecution and suffering you are experiencing. Your suffering proves that God's judgment is right and that you are considered worthy of his kingdom” 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 (God's Word). When I am obeying you, help me to expect that people will do things that hurt me, and help me to love them as you loved those who hurt you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (God's Word) Originally published 04/12/2014 This is how we are to treat fellow followers. “We encourage you, brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not living right, cheer up those who are discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. Make sure that no one ever pays back one wrong with another wrong. Instead, always try to do what is good for each other and everyone else’ I Thessalonians 5:14-5 (God's Word). Lord, lead me to do at least two of these today.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (God's Word) Originally published 04/11/2014 We are taught how to date and select a mate by our culture, but God has his own plans for his people. "It is God's will that you keep away from sexual sin as a mark of your devotions to him. Each of you should know that finding a husband or wife for yourself is to be done in holy and honorable way, not in the passionate, lustful way of people who don't know God” I Thessalonians 4:3-5 (God's Word). Our devotion to Christ means that even our dating and marriage is to be different from the way the world does these things. Lord, expose any part of my marriage that is not honorable and does not reflect your holy nature. 

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 (God's Word)  Originally published 04/10/2014 Paul shows us how we depend on each other. "So brothers and sisters, your faith has encouraged us in all our distress and trouble. Now we can go on living as long as you keep your relationship with the Lord firm" I Thessalonians 3:7-8 (God's Word). The faithfulness of others made Paul feel he could go on with his work. It discourages us when brothers and sisters are not in worship with us, and our hearts sink when we see a follower of Christ fall into sin. Lord, help me grow in obedience to you so that I will not fail you or be a discouragement to anyone. 

1 Thessalonians 1: 6-8 (God's Word) Originally published 04/09/2014 This is how Paul made disciples. “You imitated us and the Lord. In spite of a lot of suffering, you welcomed God's word with the kind of joy that the Holy Spirit gives. This way you became a model for all the believers in the province of Macedonia and Greece. From you the Lord's word has spread out not only through the province of Macedonia and Greece but also to people everywhere who have heard about your faith in God. We don't need to say a thing about it” I Thessalonians 1:6-8 (God's Word).  Lord, let people look at my life and want to be like you.

Colossians 4:2-4 (God's Word) Originally published 04/08/2014 Our spiritual condition is far more important to God than our physical condition. "Keep praying. Pay attention when you offer prayers of thanksgiving. At the same time also pray for us. Pray that God will give us opportunity to speak the word so that we may tell the mystery about Christ. It is because of this mystery that I am a prisoner. Pray that I may make this mystery as clear as possible. This is what I have to do...Epaphras, a servant of Christ Jesus from your city, greets you. He always prays intensely for you. He prays that you will continue to be mature and completely convinced of everything that God wants" Colossians 4:2-4,12 (God's Word).  Lord, thank you for giving me opportunities to speak your message this week; show me how to make it clear, and help me to grow in maturity and convictions of what you want.