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2 Thessalonians 3:13 NASB "But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good." It does have to be for just one day! Today's Word speaks to us about keeping it going, not growing wearing of doing good. We all sat and ate, possible we even went back for seconds, and maybe even that late night turkey sandwich. It was a day to give thanks, to God for the many blessings, to family and friends for being in our life but it doesn't and shouldn't end with just one day of the year. We can keep it going by being thankful everyday, for the many blessings we take for granted. Be sure to thank those in our life that we have come to love for they may not be with us tomorrow, be grateful to God for no matter what, He is always there - and to Jesus for the gift of the Cross - no matter how bad we sin or turn away, He is always there willing to forgive and love on us if we just turn to Him. Let us be grateful and thankful for each new day to do good and never grow weary of saying "thank you"! peace, tom
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Psalm 95:2 NASB "Let’s come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving, Let’s shout joyfully to Him in songs with instruments." It only takes a minute or two! Today we read about coming to God with a song of thanks, and shouting joyfully to Him. It was many years ago, when I attended a men's retreat, that we went outside and made a joyful shout to the Lord. It seemed kind of funny, when the speaker asked us to go, to step out of our comfort zone, go outside and let a shout of joy to the Lord. The first few guys let out a rather quiet shout, if that's such a thing but the more men who began, the louder it got - you would have thought that our favorite sports team scored a winning goal. Soon, all the men where yelling, shouting and praising God for this and that. Different voices all joined together to give God the thanks He so richly deserves - maybe this Thanksgiving, we could take a moment around our tables and give a shout to the Lord - wouldn't that be something - it could start with us and who knows where it will lead?! Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving and give a shout out to the Lord! peace, Tom
Matthew 7:7 NASB “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."It's not really that hard to do! Today's verse speaks of action, and how things will take place when we do our part! I was struggling to get the project done. Like a fool, I was trying to do it all alone - I knew I needed help but that "macho" thinking kept me from asking for help. Only after trying to do it all alone did I finally reach out and made some calls. When we try and do it alone, we will find struggles, trials and a difficult time but when we realize that there is help available, we will find a better way. God is always there to lend a hand, we just have to be the ones to ask, seek, and knock - but it's up to us to take the first step. Let's not go it alone but reach out to God, a friend, a family member and ask for help - life is always better when we don't have to go it alone! peace, tom
Ephesians 6:11 NASB "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."I knew it was off, and should have paid more attention! Today's verse is one that we've probably heard many times, and yet we forget to put it on! While doing some work with a grinder, I wasn't careful enough and sliced my finger - I thanked God I didn't cut it all the way off but the slice reminded me about safety. The first section of any tool manual is always about safety. How we need to protect ourselves and yet, the guard was off the tool and I made the mistake of using it that way. Sure I was injured but it could have been worse. In life, without the armor of God, we can get injured, hurt badly, so we must remember to put it on. I know one man who wakes each day and puts on the whole armor found in Ephesians. I'd say that man is protected, what about us? Let's be safe out there and put it on! peace, tom
Matthew 14:23 NASB "After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone."Sometimes it's good to get away! Today's verse is just one of many, where Jesus went alone to pray to His Father! Times of refreshing can be just, a time to refresh and renew. Spending the week away allowed me some quiet time with my Heavenly Father. It was an opportunity to get alone with Him and just be still to hear His Voice, to find some peace amid the craziness of the world. I would recommend it to everyone to take some time to get away. With that said, we need to come back with a renewed sense of purpose, recharged and renewed to face the challenges of the day. Thank you for allowing me to step away for a week but I'm back! LOL. Have a blessed day and remember, time spent alone with God is never a bad thing! peace, Tom
Genesis 2:3 NASB "Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." It is time! Today's Verse is about God resting on the 7th day! For all those who receive these daily devotions from either your email or social media, I say thank you for the many comments, words of encouragement and prayers but I will be taking the next week off. I need a Sabbath rest -- to spend time in prayer with God and my family, to be recharged. I would encourage you all to read His Word, so much better than mine and if you would like, you can go to maletime.org and read older posts. Know as I rest, I will be praying for you all - I will also enjoy the many blessings in my life in the form of my family - my wonderful wife, daughters, son-in-laws and our grand children. See you all in a week! May your days be blessed and again THANK YOU! peace, tom
Matthew 24:44 NASB "For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will."We know it's coming!! Today we read about being ready for He is coming, we just do not know when! Living in Western New York means we get to enjoy the different seasons, and that means that as winter approaches, the chance for a snow storm is very possible. It can come at any time and the amount may be overwhelming, so we must be prepared. Checking snowblowers, getting the snow shovels out, and making sure things are put away like our lawn furnitures etc. Sure, we can sit back and hope it never comes but that's not wisdom. We know Jesus is coming back, when, we aren't sure but we must be ready. Like listening to a weather person say "it's coming, we just aren't sure when", Jesus is coming, we just aren't sure when, so let's make sure we are prepared to meet our Lord and Savior. If He's not your Lord and Savior, don't wait for the last moment, get prepared for His Return today - you never know, it could be today! peace, tom
Hebrews 5:14 NASB "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil." He couldn't understand the concept! Today we learn that we need to grow into maturity in order to understand the Truth! He was new on the job and when the foreman asked him to do a specific job, he had no idea of what to do. He came to me and asked me for some advice, and willing to give it to him, I realized that he was lost when it came to using certain tools needed to get the job done. Many times we find ourselves lacking the wisdom to accomplish what might be asked of us. We have two choice, one being truthful about needing more training or two, lie and pretend that we know what we are doing. One will lead to maturity while the other will only lead to problems. Let's make sure we are honest, that we all need more wisdom, when it comes to distinguishing between good and evil! peace, tom
Matthew 5:9 NASB "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." I'm sure you've seen them too or at least heard what they are saying. Today's verse, while rather simple, speaks volumes in how we are to treat each other. I had to stop scrolling through the social media sites for the anger, rage, and out and out venom was getting to me. With the recent election, people have become uglier than ever when discussing who won and who lost. I have heard of family members splitting apart, friends no longer speaking to each other and coworkers looking to fight each other. I must say, I thought we were better than that - the phrase agree to disagree came to mind but I wanted to go a little deeper and say that we must be peacemakers in the differences we have. The only one who can bring unity through the divisions is Jesus Christ, because He cares for all us no matter who we voted for. Let's try to find some common ground and be a peacemaker rather than a relationship breaker! peace, tom
Ephesians 6:11 NASB "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." They did and were willing to give all for us! Today's verse is about putting on the full armor of God, to stand firm against evil schemes and I can't help but think of the millions of men and woman who put on the uniform of our country to stand firm against the attacks of freedom. I was a young boy at the time, when one of my uncles came home from war. I remember seeing his face and he seemed different. I couldn't explain it at the time but years later, I became aware of what it means to be a veteran. He served, he was willing to give all, to lay down his life for others. I am not sure what he saw, or experienced but it changed him. Like so many other men and woman who put on the uniform, they are to be appreciated for their willingness to give the ultimate sacrifice for us. Take the time to thank a veteran today and every day, for their willingness to stand firm for our freedoms! Thanks Uncle Dennis! peace, tom
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Tom SEmberAuthor of Daily Devotions Archives
December 2024
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