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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 80

Written By Torrie Slaughter

 

Guiding Scripture: Numbers 32:23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.

 

🔴 Remember What Happened Last Time?…

To achieve a different outcome, one must be willing to make changes.

Ugh! It’s happening again! The thing that keeps you frustrated, anxious, and raising a determined fist. You declare that next time it will be different until it happens again.

I imagine that’s what Moses felt when the men of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh requested to settle in the land east of the Jordan River. It was Deja Vu! Moses remembered what happened the last time the Israelites doubted God. The Lord added more time to their wilderness era and forbade an entire generation to enter the land of Canaan. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones willing to go to war to claim their inheritance. (Numbers 32:12)

The remaining ten spies put fear in the hearts of all the tribes, and guess what?

Moses interceded on their behalf and God was merciful in His punishment. The Israelites wandered around in the wilderness until that generation died off. (that’s an important point to ponder) What did that mean for Moses and those who were ready? They to had to wait. (Numbers 13:26-38)

It’s incredibly frustrating to want to walk faithfully with God alongside doubtful people. Yet, we watch it repeatedly happen. But this time, Moses recognized the warning signs. Not again! (Numbers 32:7-15)He put his foot down and let the men of Gad and Reuben know that their plan would impact an entire nation.

But this time the motive was different..


Numbers 32:5, And they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession. Do not take us across the Jordan.”

The men of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh weren’t acting in fear. It was strategic. They wanted to settle in a land that provided all the resources for their enormous livestock. Their men were willing to go to war and return to their land if the Lord would bless them. 

Are you living to die?

If you wonder why things aren’t changing even though you have all you need to be victorious, it is time to check in with God. Fast and pray. Why waste another day repeating failure when you know the outcome? You may need to have challenging conversations, but if your motive is to please God, ask His blessing.

Allow our Lord to direct you to a solution that will achieve a beneficial outcome while you’re waiting. Choose to walk in faith and be radically different.

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Numbers 32:1-33-39, Luke 4:31-5:11, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 11:22

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 72

Written By Torrie Slaughter

(With an excerpt from The Gospel of Luke 24-Day Devotional ©2018)

Guiding Scripture: Luke 1:16  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God,

🔴 Silence and Reflection

We begin the Gospel According to Luke; we journey to learn more about God through the reading of His Word. It is helpful for us to start with the basics and give some background. Luke is a Gentile physician and historian that occasionally traveled with the Apostle Paul. The purpose of Luke’s story is to provide an orderly account of the fulfilled things. The belief that Jesus is the accomplishment of God and Israel’s covenant story serves as a valuable faith lesson to us now. The Gospel According to Luke and its sequel, Acts of the Apostles, gives us a richer understanding. Luke’s attention to detail and desire to get many eye witness statements reached audiences beyond the immediate Gentile and Israelite community.

Worthy

We know Zechariah and Elizabeth were God-fearing people and were both in the priestly line of Aaron. The exciting fact about serving in the Temple is the order by which one can offer prayers. Some priests only experienced standing in the Holy of holies once in a lifetime, if at all. God’s timing is always perfect.

Luke 1:20 “And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

Not so long ago…

I saved a turtle’s life. No, I didn’t give it mouth to mouth, but I saw it on the road, picked it up, and placed it in a safer area. He looked back at me, and I felt his gratitude. With a smile on my face and warmth in my heart, I walked away… SMACK!!! I killed the gnat that was flying around my face. Yep, I saved the turtle and “silenced” the gnat. Why??? Well, the apparent reason; gnats get into places they shouldn’t!! Buzzing around eyes and ears, they are annoying little… buzzers.

Are You Easily Annoyed?


I shocked myself with my thoughts. I reacted with compassion for the turtle and annoyance to the gnat. (Insert the people in your life.)
We don’t always understand the bigger picture, so we question and react poorly. I recognized my need to be mindful of my impulses, and even though it was a gnat, it showed me how quickly emotions change.

God Shows Mercy


In Luke 1:13-17, The angel Gabriel came to give Zechariah good news. An answer to his prayers! Not only was he going to have a son, but this child would announce the coming of the long-awaited Savior of the world. But, Zechariah smacked down this excellent news with his questions and doubts. Through the angel Gabriel, God responded to Zechariah by silencing him. Zechariah’s posture needed to change. God’s divine timing was at hand, and Zechariah was unaware of the glorious miracle that was about to take place.

Zechariah’s doubt demoted him. He was part of an intricately woven master plan but questioned the authority and ability of God. Zechariah underwent a divine season of reflection while learning new ways to communicate more effectively. WOW! That made the wonder of this miraculous event even more powerful and historic. God’s arrival in human form was something to behold, a prophecy fulfilled. But He had to work around His created humans.

Whether we meet turtles crossing the road or gnats that fly around us, we are responsible for what we feel, say, or do. Will we react in understanding, doubt, or annoyance? Let’s be careful not to quickly dismiss the events in our lives simply because we can not see the immediate usefulness. God’s plan defines us; we all serve a purpose in His WILL. How much involvement we have may depend on God being able to trust us.

Points to Ponder

  • For what am I idly praying?
  • Am I living out my purpose in God’s plan, or have I given myself “busy” work?
  • Has God rendered me silent in an area I wanted to celebrate because I doubted Him?

~Torrie Slaughter

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written and submitted by Torrie Slaughter (with a portion from The Gospel of Luke Devotional Save the Turtles, Silence the Gnats) the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional

🎧 (Why Did Jesus Have to Die?: Hebrews 9 & 10)

Guiding Scripture: Hebrews 10:17-18: “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more. Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.”


🔴 The Weight of Guilt

I’m about to share something with all of you that is going to blow your minds. Ready? Here it goes. I’m not perfect. Yep. It’s true. In fact, I’ll go even further with that. I mess up often. We’re talking daily. Sometimes those mess-ups don’t even register in my mind as I’m doing them. But some of them…weigh on my mind and my heart for years to follow. Sometimes the weight of the guilt can be overwhelming and joy stealing.

Can you relate?

In Leviticus 6, the priest intervened on behalf of those who acknowledged their guilt. And the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord, and (God shall forgive him)for any of the things that one may do and thereby become guilty.” These covered deliberate offenses, not just accidental errors. There was restitution involved, and the offender repaid the value of the property plus one-fifth.

An Absolved Sentence

The good news is that if you’ve accepted the Lord Jesus as your Savior, and you believe that His sacrifice on the cross has covered your sins, then your judgment has been not only forgiven but forgotten. If God doesn’t remember your sins anymore, you certainly don’t need to hang on to them! You’ve been washed by the blood of the Lamb, and whose sins are no longer staining you. Hallelujah, Amen!

Prayer:


Father God in Heaven, thank You for the sacrifice of Your perfect Lamb. Thank you for saving me, for forgiving me, and for wiping my slate clean. When the guilt of my sins weighs down on me, I pray that I can move forward with peace in my heart, knowing You’ve forgiven me already. Please help me to forgive myself when I need to. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

~Magan Martin

 

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This devotional was submitted by Magan Martin, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Leviticus 6:1-7:27, Mark 3:7-30, Psalm 37:1-11, Proverbs 10:3-4

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional (January 10, 2021)

Guiding Scripture: “Take care! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:2

 

🔴 RETURNING GIFTS

If you think that the lines were long to reach a register to pay for your Christmas gifts, try waiting in line to return a gift.
What if we tried something new moving forward? A card that tells you a toiletry tote bag given to someone in need is the recipient of your gift.
 
Who would return it?

Let’s think about that and plan even more creative ideas to give meaningful gifts. Would this not be in keeping with what Jesus has done for us? We have been redeemed! God has given us the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. God wants us to share His love for His story and us with everyone  
 

 

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, as your children, please helps us to share our blessings with others. When you give us two toys to play with, open our hearts to be willing to give one away. As children, give us the creativity to come up with ideas to give meaningful gifts. Keep us obedient to you, compassionate and faithful in your promises to us. Thank you, our Loving Lord. Amen

~Diana L.W. Coleman

This devotional was submitted by Diana L.W. Coleman, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Genesis 23:1-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional (January 2, 2021)

Guiding Scripture: Luke 2:11 “Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” 

Suggested Additional Reading: Luke 2:1-51, John 3:1-36

🔴 KNOW THE HISTORY BEHIND THE CELEBRATION!

In December, we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
It was not until the fourth century that Christians decided to celebrate the birth of Christ to replace the Roman Saturnalia with a Christian holiday. Use of the date of December 25 was chosen by Pope Julius. On December 21, 2020, Pagans celebrated the winter solstice. This is not new information and is available to read with a quick Google search. 
 
  • What is the true meaning of Christmas for you?
  • How do you celebrate the birth of Christ?
 
While you are checking out additional information on-line, take the time to read Luke chapter two. For further insight, read John chapter three and look in the concordance and explore other passages concerning Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection!
Both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa have also pulled from the winter holiday luster even though having different sustainable reasons and goals celebrate a new birth.

 

 

 

 

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, your love for us in the expression of your willingness to leave heaven and to be born on sinful earth is unimaginable, yet you did! Thank you. We pray that we will willingly seek your love. Increase our obedience, prayers, study, and closer relationship with you and give ourselves in service and to your glory and honor. Amen

This devotional was submitted by Diana L.W. Coleman, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Genesis 3:1-4:26, Matthew 2:13-3:6, Psalm 2:1-12, Proverbs 1:7-9

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan

Join us on the YouVersion App