Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Today's Devotional
Good Noise
Who would have thought that I would welcome the pounding and thudding up on my roof? Yet, at last, the long-anticipated and dreaded day had arrived! Our condo association board had been preparing us for several months for this reality. It was — unavoidably — time to replace the roof. What a massive undertaking this would be for our facility of a large central building and 25 cottages scattered around the grounds.
This project wasn't to be done in a day! Oh, no: first came a tear-off crew to remove the old shingles and underlayment. Then, the workers who replaced the shingles and gutters came later. Trim work and touch-up were then done at the end. The crews could work in the rain, but not in ice or snow, so work in mid-winter was iffy. Nonetheless, this was an essential project, and the work was eventually completed, and the result was satisfying.
Can you think of essential tasks that you'd much rather skip? How about going to the dentist, or figuring your taxes? How about washing the windows or changing the oil in your car? There are many things in life that we wish would go away, but we just have to power through them, like it or not. There's no way around regular chores, so dragging our feet doesn't make them go away.
Our innate dislike of the unpleasant has a spinoff that can become a serious problem — complaining. Every day, I hear people around me complaining about ways that they feel mistreated or put upon. They have little empathy or consideration for service providers, and they simply want what they want — now! This discontent spreads like a cancer to others until it is pervasive.
One way to better deal with these unpleasantries in life is to adopt a more optimistic frame of mind. I often try to lessen negativity around me by offering a compliment or pointing out something good to counterbalance the complaint. Looking at the positive outcome or result of unpleasant tasks makes the drudgery seem more bearable. Such inner change in attitudes, however, is not easy or automatic. It can come only through God's power.
Romans 12:2a – Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (NLT)
We would do well to emulate Paul's attitude: "I have learned how to be content with whatever I have" (Philippians 4:11b NLT) and "Be thankful in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18a NLT). Let's trust God to enable us to react positively to the challenges and hardships in our lives. In addition, let's try to look for the good that will come through this perseverance.
Prayer: Dear Father, You have given us so much for which to be thankful. Rather than habitually focusing on the negative and inconvenient, may we stop to look for the good in people and things around us. Amen.
Gail Lundquist <gail10833@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
Encourage Today's Writer
|
Today's Bible Verse2: Psalm 46:1-2 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. (NIV)
Today's Daily Manna3: Psalm 32:8a – I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. (ESV)
Today's Bible Reading3: Psalm 130
Today's One-Year Bible Passage4: Job 23-24
Today's Two-Year Bible Passages5: Isaiah 32; Luke 11:1-23
PrayerLine
Jesus promised, "If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19 NIV)
Indicate that you have prayed for a PrayerLine Request by clicking on the "I Prayed For You" icon beside each Request. The PrayerLine Editor is George Myers.
Worldwide Ministry posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2023
In Asia — Pray for a worker at an international school with a student who comes from a nation with no known believers and no complete translation of the Bible into their language. Pray for her outreach to non-believers.
Intrusive thoughts posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023
March 21, 2023. Please pray that Terry will get help to deal with intrusive thoughts. Pray also for me, that I will get my spiritual strength back.
Prayers appreciated posted by Cass Wessel on Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Update march 21, 2023. Thank you for praying for my son, GFW, who has health battles. He has been given a heart monitor to discern what is going on. He has physical heart issues and needs further prayers for healing. Blessings, Cass
1 - Our public domain music is courtesy of The Cyber Hymnal™ - www.hymntime.com/tch.
2 - Today's Verse is based on Verse of the Day.
3 - Today's Bible Reading and Daily Manna are from the Canadian Bible Society.
4 - The One-Year Bible Reading Plan is from www.bible-reading.com ©1996-2006 by Michael Coley and used by permission.
5 - The Two-Year Bible Reading Plan is from the Cambridge Daily Reading Bible ©1995 Cambridge University Press and used by permission.
|
I love reading and listening to PresbyCan Daily Devotionals as well as singing along with the music. I look forward to my devotionals every day. Thank you for these daily devotionals they are a blessing and a gift and a great way to start one’s day. Blessings and Peace.
Signing up for your emails and hoping to find a way to attend church!
I love reading Presbycan Daily Devotional! It’s a wonderful way to start my day.
A friend shared this with me. I’m looking forward to receiving these devotionals. Thank you.
Thank you so much. I missed this devotional. Glad to have found it again. Be blessed.
Very powerful and made easy to read and to understand by all. Good works will never go to waste. May God bless you for your impact on this generation.
How helpful these daily devotionals are!
Looking to receive daily devotionals.
I’ve missed these devotionals so I’m reconnecting.
My friend Karen Milam is an author and writes inspired devotionals. She told me about this. God bless this special friend who studies the scriptures with me!
I will miss these devotionals while on vacation. I so appreciate and enjoy them.
As Mike (above) says “the perfect start to every day”. Thanks to all who contribute
Hello, I am unsubscribing because I am moving this week. The current internet connection, etc. will be cut off tomorrow. When I have my new email address, I will subscribe again. This may take up to a week.
I have very much enjoyed these devotionals over several years now, and will miss them until I can start again. Thank you very much.
I am blessed each and every day by what is shared in PresbyCan Daily Devotional. Thank you one and all and a special “Thank you” Robin Ross. May God bless you.
Thank you, Robin and crew for your fine work. This daily devotional has helped me to focus through some very rough patches in my life,and I look forward to receiving it. So often the words strike a chord, and help me to remember that God is always here beside me , helping me through.
I am responsible for our church’s outdoor sign. When there isn’t a notice to put up I often use the Devotional’s thought for the day. People passing by on the street have told me how much they enjoy reading these thoughts.
Thank you
I wish to say a big ‘THANK YOU’ to all the writers of PresbyCan Daily Devotion. You are a very talented group, I enjoy all of the daily devotions and the prayers especially.
One of the first task each day for me is reading these devotions and I really look forward to receiving them.
Keep up the good work and may God’s richest blessings and guidance continue to be with all of you.
I am a Stephen Minister and am always amazed (but I shouldn’t be) how often one of the Daily Devotions talks about the situation my care receiver is struggling with! I have often printed a devotional off and taken it to share at our next meeting! They are always well received – and kept to be read again later! Thank you so much for being part of my God Circle!
My sincere “thank you” to Robin Ross, and to each of the Christian men and women who write thoughtful and thought-provoking articles that I appreciate, ponder over, learn from, and enjoy. I am pleased to have this opportunity to let each of you know how very much I value the thought and effort that you put into this work and it is evident from some of the personal moments you touch upon that you take time from otherwise busy lives to share your faith with us. (I’m a member of the Anglican communion and am so pleased that some kind, and to this day still unbeknownst, friend sent me a membership. I am indebted.) “Thank you” one and all.
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else knows such details about my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thanks!
I’m not new to the Daily Devotional, but glad to be back. It is here, waiting for me, when I open the computer in the morning for devotions and prayer. Thank you, Robin and staff, for all the years of dedicated service and thank you to all who share in this ministry by writing devotions.
Robin and Staff
Congratulations on 20 years of faithfulness to God and to your subscribers! I have enjoyed getting the Daily Devotional for 10 years now, and have also been privileged to have been able to make a modest commitment to the writing of Devotionals
I received from a friend, and liked it so much. I appreciate my friend for sharing with me. You do a great service. Thank you!
Thank you for these devotionals which will help keep me focused on Christ’s teaching daily.
Thank you so much for this wonderful site, I so appreciate the comfort and encouragement. May God Bless you all.
Brian
I am looking forward to receiving my subscription to Presbycan Daily Devotional. Thank you in advance to all who prepare them.
The perfect start to any (every) day.
I am looking forward to receiving your Daily Devotionals daily. Thank you for your support.
These devotionals have jump started my day from wherever my travels have landed me for many years. I have come to recognize each author by thier words & style…some write more frequent than others, but all are beautiful facets on this jewel of a site & service this site provides….
I am about to once again to send another gift subscription… I pray the recipient receives the blessings daily as I do…
My FATHERS blessings continue to rain upon this site, writers & staff…
In JESUS name i pray
AMEN & AMEN,
richard shumpert
Lake Texoma, Texas shore
USA
I respond often to the authors. This is my way of starting my day. I read it first, sometimes I miss the devotional if I am away from the computer, rarely though. May Father rain down blessings upon each author and you.
Thanks for preaching and reaching thousands online.
I thank God for the group that writes the devotions. Starting the day with prayer and a well chosen bible message daily brightens the day and lightens the pressures we face in this fast pace world. God Bless you all
Angeline
I have kept many copis of the Devotionals which I use on several occasions – e.g. our weekly choir practice, WMS meetings, Ladies Retreat. There is always one that is “just right” for the service.
Robin: In my humble opinion the devotionals are getting better and better. for me anyway.
The devotionals provide for me a foundation for each day, and I am grateful.
Hello,
I just signed up for the devotionals and I am looking forward to having my spirit uplifted and my mind mentally refreshed by the word of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for writings like this to inspire us to deeper Godly thinking.
Thanks for the devotionals. They are an inspiration.
Keep up the good work….Thanks
Good Morning it is so good to start our day in prayer and devotions God Bless all who write these devotions,
Good Morning to other Christian Friends, I enjoy starting my day in prayer & devotions, god is so Good, it is good to pray for others, God Bless all who write these devotions
Thanks I think I’ll enjoy the daily devotional
I can only say Amen amen to the above comments. I find the devotionals add volumes to my knowledge and understanding.
I have enjoyed receiving the devotionals for the past number of years. I love to hear about life experiences/related to scripture that people have had involving the hand of God, they have spoken volumes into my life.
Please pray for my friend D’ S. who is dealing with depression. Please pray that she will be healed that she will experience new joy, peace, love and Hope..AMEN. Thank you.
I learn much from these devotionals and send them to friends near and far.
It’s good to receive these devotionals again! Thank you.