Cup of Faith - Day 11

Scripture of the Day

John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Devotion of the Day

Our God is also a God of promise. He has made promises throughout scripture. He made a promise to Adam and Eve that if they eat of the tree in the garden, they would surely die. He made promises to others in the Old Testament like Abraham and Joshua. 

In the New Testament John writes about God's promises we have as New Testament believers. Here is a section of 1 John. Read the passage below and take note of the promises in bold. (1 John 5:10-15).

¹⁰ Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. ¹¹ And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹² Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
 
¹³ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

1st Promise - As a child of God we have life in Christ. 
2nd Promise - We are given the scriptures so we can KNOW we have eternal life. 
3rd Promise - When we ask for things in God's will, he hears us.
4th Promise - When we have confidence that he hears us that he will respond to our prayers. 

 

Focus Points for the Day

Question - When David said "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" he had confidence that he would spend eternity with the Lord.  Do you find peace knowing that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever? 

Action - Praying according to God's will is easy to forget. Take time to pray today asking God to fulfill your requests according to his will.

Cup of Faith - Day 10

Scripture of the Day 

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff,  they comfort me.

Devotion of the Day

Yesterday we talked about how our God is a God who provides. Today we are going to focus on how our God is also a God who protects!  If we think about the nature of sheep we are reminded that they often wander with their heads down. They walk to the nearest clump of grass and keep grazing. They may easily end up far from the herd and even in a dangerous place. 

The shepherd's job was to watch out for the safety of each lamb in the group. The shepherd would use his rod to pull a wandering sheep back to safety. 

In our lives we sometimes walk with our head down looking for the next "clump". This might be the next task on our to-do list, an upcoming event or even an all-consuming worry. As we move away from our shepherd towards the next "clump" we can end up far from where God intended us to be. 

The good news for us is that we have a shepherd who is willing to guide us and protect us. One of the best ways for God to guide us is through daily time in the Word. The Word is how God pulls us back to where we need to be. 

Focus Points for the Day

Question - We know that God has helped guide us back to where we need to be in the past. As you look back, try to think of a time when God pulled you back to where you needed to be? What clump were you headed to? Where did you end up instead with God's help?

Action - Take a moment today to sketch out a picture of the top 3 "clumps" in your life. Identifying them may help you to stay on track. When we are aware of how we fall away from God it can help us to break those patterns.

 

Cup of Faith - Day 9

Scripture of the Day 

Matthew 6:25-31 -   “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

 Devotion of the Day - A God Who Provides

This past weekend Jeff and I went to church in Denver Colorado. We both looked at each other and smiled when the preacher started his sermon and it was on Psalm 23!! He even talked about the cup overflowing!! Coincidence....I think not! God's providence is all around us! I was so thrilled to hear another perspective on a section of scripture that has been so important in my faith journey and in this study!

He broke Psalm 23 into three sections. I will share about them over the next 3 days! First, he talked about how God is a God who provides! The beginning of the Psalm 23 talks about the shepherd. The shepherd always provides for what his sheep need. The three big things he provides are rest, refreshment, and renewal. 

REST....he makes me lie down in green pastures 
REFRESHMENT....he leads me by still waters
RENEWAL....he restores my soul

Doesn't that just sound serene? In the busy, hectic pace of life I desire rest, refreshment, and renewal!!

Read the scripture of the day again.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

Do we really do this? Do we truly believe that we don't have to worry about tomorrow? The preacher Sunday noted that we often put a BUT here.

I wouldn't worry about (insert your worry) BUT it is just a huge deal.
I wouldn't worry about (insert another) BUT nobody else will take care of it. 

THERE IS NOT A BUT HERE....God tells us to NOT worry about tomorrow!

Focus Points of the Day

Question - How do you rest in the Lord?  Do you have a special place and time where you can read his word and spend time in prayer? Try to take a few minutes later today to just rest in the Lord. Sit outside for 10 minutes and just breath deeply. Don't go with a list of requests or chapters to read...just sit and rest in the Lord. Talk to him about the rest you desire and thank him for always being with you!

Action - Try not to worry! This is a tough one!! But lets try to do it!! When those thoughts creep in your head stop them and remind yourself that there is no BUT with worry!

Cup of Faith - Day 8

Scripture of the Day -   

Psalm 42:11 - Why, my soul, are you downcast?  Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
 
Devotion of the Day -

Today's devotion is from "Solid Joys" Daily Devotional App by John Piper. This devotional was taken from his book "Future Grace" page 305. 

We must learn to fight despondency. The fight is a fight of faith in future grace. It is fought by preaching truth to ourselves about God and his promised future.

This is what the psalmist does in Psalm 42. The psalmist preaches to his troubled soul. He scolds himself and argues with himself. And his main argument is future grace: “Hope in God! — Trust in what God will be for you in the future. A day of praise is coming. The presence of the Lord will be all the help you need. And he has promised to be with us forever.”

Martyn Lloyd-Jones believes this issue of preaching truth to ourselves about God’s future grace is all-important in overcoming spiritual depression.

Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them, but they start talking to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc. Somebody is talking . . . yourself is talking to you!

The battle against despondency is a battle to believe the promises of God. And that belief in God’s future grace comes by hearing the Word. And so preaching to ourselves is at the heart of the battle.

Focus Points of the Day - 

Question - Do you listen to yourself or talk to yourself? Take a few moments to reflect on this question. If you feel like you have been doing more listening take a few minutes to work on the action focus point for today.

Action - Take time to read these verses and pick out the promises from God. Write down one verse and carry it with you today. Remind yourself of this promise during your day!

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:19

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:37-39

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/the-promises-of-god-10-powerful-bible-verses-1/#ixzz38jokm7lM

Cup of Faith - Day 7

Scripture of the Day

 

Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from the devotional Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham.  

Why does Jesus say we should be "pure in heart"? The reason is because our heart - our inner being - is the root of all our actions. From our hearts come our motives, our desires, our goals, our emotions. If our hearts aren't right, neither will be our actions.

Jesus put it this way: "From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness" (Mark 7:21-22). Not a very pretty picture!

But God wants to give us a pure heart - and He will. He does this first of all when we turn to Christ in repentance and faith, for "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). But He does it also day by day, as we submit to the Holy Spirit and - with His help - flee from evil and seek what is good. "Blessed are the pure in heart."

Focus Points for Today

Question -Are there times in your day that you need to flee from evil? Flee from thoughts of envy, pride,  or jealousy?

Action - Today your challenge is to give someone else the benefit of the doubt. When that car cuts you off or when someone makes a rude comment try not to jump to conclusions. Maybe that driver is headed to a special event for their child and they are late... maybe that co-worker had a fight with their spouse last night and is just trying to hold back tears at work. We never know the whole story. Instead of moving to evil thoughts...STOP and give them the benefit of the doubt.

Cup of Faith - Day 6

Scripture of the Day

 

Ephesians 2:7-8 - In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Hebrews 3:1 - Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 

Psalm 34:5 - Those who look at him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

I want you to experience the riches of your salvation: the Joy of being loved constantly and perfectly. You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel. If you like what you see in the mirror, you feel a bit more worthy of My love. When things are going smoothly and your performance seems adequate, you find it easier to believe you are My beloved child. When you feel discouraged, you tend to look inward so you can correct whatever is wrong. 

Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love.

Focus Points for Today

Question - Do you feel more worthy of God's love when you like the way you look or when everything seems to be going smoothly? When you feel discouraged in life do you automatically think there is something wrong with you?

Action - Whenever you have thoughts today of "fixing" what's wrong with you - STOP....and fix your gaze on God. Remember that he sees you as clothed in His beautiful love. Thank Him for loving you today even when we feel like something is "wrong" with us. Ask him to help you to see yourself as He sees you.

Cup of Faith - Day 5

Scripture of the Day

 

1 John 4:18 - Perfect love casts out fear.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from the devotional Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham.  

When I understand something of Christ's love for me as a sinner, I respond with love for Christ and that love includes feelings and emotions.

But emotions come and go, and we must not allow them to mislead us. God loves me, whether I "feel" it or not. Christians who gauge their relationship with Christ only by their feelings seldom have a stable spiritual life.

What makes the difference? It can be summarized in one word: commitment. Feelings come and go, but commitment stays. We who have committed our lives to Christ may feel joy, gratitude, love, and so on. But even when we don't have those feelings, our commitment keeps us true to Christ. 

This commitment not only keeps us faithful to Christ when we don't feel like it; it also keeps away negative emotions such as doubt and fear.  

Focus Points for Today

Question - What do you think of the statement from today's devotion "Christians who gauge their relationship with Christ only by their feelings seldom have a stable spiritual life"? Would you agree or disagree? Why?

Action - The writer says that our commitment to Christ can also keep us away from negative emotions like fear and doubt. Our verse of the day even says "Perfect love casts out fear". When we are in Christ we have a Perfect Love. Christ's love will cast out any doubt or fear we have -- when we allow him to cast it out. Talk to Christ today about a doubt or fear that you want to let go of. Let His love take care of it today!

Cup of Faith - Day 4

Scriptures of the Day

Psalm 5:11 - But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Ephesians 3:20-21 - Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Jude 24-25 - To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Joshua 1:5 - No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is from Sarah Young's book "Jesus Calling". 
 
I am the firm foundation on which you can dance and sing and celebrate My Presence. This is My high and holy calling for you; receive it as a precious gift. Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life. Give up your striving to keep everything under control – an impossible task and a waste of precious energy.

My guidance for each of My children is unique. That’s why listening to me is so vital for your well-being. Let me prepare you for the day that awaits you and point you in the right direction. I am with you continually, so don’t be intimidated by fear. Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you, as long as you cling to My hand. Keep your eyes on me, enjoying Peace in My Presence.

FOCUS POINTS FOR TODAY –

Question – What are you afraid of? In the middle of the night what wakes you up in panic?  Tell God about your deepest fears. Thank Him for never leaving you and walking with you when you are fearful.

Action – Evidence of God is all around us – a beautiful flower, a kind stranger at the store, the love of friend sending a message…Keep your eyes open today to see God around you.

Cup of Faith - Day 3

Scripture of the Day

Ephesians 1:4 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. 

Proverbs 16:9 - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Devotion of the day

Here is another great devotion from Sarah Young's book "Jesus Calling".
 
You are my beloved child. I chose you before the foundation of the world, to walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you. Concentrate on keeping in step with Me, instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you. If you trust that My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, you can relax and enjoy the present moment... but your main focus should be staying close to Me. I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes.

FOCUS POINTS FOR TODAY –

Question – Have you thought about what God’s purpose is for you on Earth? If you aren’t sure take a few moments and pray, asking God to show you what purpose He has for you here. If you know what that purpose may be take time to ask Him in prayer how He wants you to act on that purpose today.

Action – Try not to make plans. For today only…enjoy the present moment. If you catch yourself making plans for the future remind yourself that today you will trust God with your future! 

Cup of Faith - Day 2

Scriptures of the day

Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 31:25 – She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Devotion of the day

Today's devotion is from a great book called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. She writes her devotions from the perspective of Jesus talking to you. I hope you enjoy!

Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don’t take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities – things that are beyond your control. Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain.

Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places. Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise. Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing My children laugh. I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly.

Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather take my yoke upon you and learn from Me. My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne.

FOCUS POINTS FOR TODAY –

Question - Are you trying to control things in your life that are beyond your control? If so, make a list of those things you try to control. Then say a prayer asking God to help you let go of those areas.

Action - Make a point to laugh today more often than usual. Each time you do remember that you can laugh because God has everything else in your life under control.

Cup of Faith - Day 1

Scripture of the Day 

^{Psalm 23:5-6}

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

 

Devotion of the Day

Here is where it all began. David writes in Psalm 23 about a table he is at with his enemies. He says that God anoints his head with oil and his cup overflows. This is the verse that inspired me to think about a life where our cup is overflowing. So what can we learn from Psalm 23:5?

An article I read about this verse said, "In David’s time, there were few “inns” or places for travelers to stay or even secure food. The rules of hospitality of the time required that residents along the traveler’s path at least provide food and drink for those who asked. At the end of the meal, the host would often pour a final glass of wine. 

If the host poured a half cup, it was a sign to the guest that the host’s obligation of hospitality had been met, and that it was time for the traveler to move on. But if the host poured the cup until it overflowed, it was an invitation to the guest to spend the night (or longer).

In Psalm 23, David has been granted hospitality at God’s table. At the end of the meal, God pours the cup to overflowing. It is God’s invitation to stay, to LIVE in His house, to be received into His kingdom."

Focus Points for the Day

Question - As Christian women God has poured into our cup until it overflows showing us that we too are invited to LIVE in His house and be part of his Kingdom. There is enough for us! Enough love, enough peace, enough blessings! So the question for today is....What does it look like when we are living a life with an overflowing cup?

Action - Take a water glass to the sink and fill it with water...then let it overflow. Use this image to remind you of God's action of filling your cup till it overflows! If you have a special child in your life show them the cup and tell them about how God wants to fill our lives with more than enough love, peace, and many, many blessings!


Credit
Christian Blessings Website (http://ptl2010.com/)
The Wiersbe OT Bible Commentary (pg. 902-903)

Welcome to Phase 2

Welcome! You have made it through Phase 1 of the Cup of Faith Study. Hopefully answering your daily "cup" question became part of your routine over the last 30 days! Now it is time for Phase 2. 

 

I am very excited to see what God does through this second part of the study. Here is how it will work:

1. Each morning at 5:00 AM you will receive a reminder link on Facebook to come to this website (mycupoffaith.blogspot.com)

2. On this website you will find a short (five minute) devotion for you to read. It will always start with scripture. The actual devotion will be taken from various books and resources.

3. At the end of the devotion I will provide you with two FOCUS points. The first is a question I will ask you to ponder relating to the devotion. The second will be an action I will encourage you to try during that day.

4. I am requesting you read this devotion within the first hour you wake up. I think it is crucial to do the devotion before you "start" your day. I know this may be difficult but I would ask you to try your best to do it in the morning!

5. At the end of your day you will receive the same "rate your cup" link on Facebook. Please share if the morning devotion had any implication on how your day went!

I can't wait to hear feedback about Phase 2!! God bless you and thank you for doing this!

Alicia :)