Tag Archives: devotional writer

A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional 185

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Acts 22:19-21, ” ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ “

 

🔴But, Not Yet

Have you ever felt you deserved something right away? Most of us think of good stuff that will enhance our quality of life. It is rare to desire punishment.

Acts 22:19-20 reflects Paul’s comprehension of the Kingdom of God. He acknowledges that he knows he must endure the consequences of his rebellion. Those who trusted and believed in Jesus Christ, Paul sought out and condemned to death. Even while preaching and teaching, he knew how his previous actions hurt his testimony.

Our God is merciful and works out everything for the good of those who love Him. Just as Shimei cursed David (2 Samuel 16:12)while he and his household were fleeing to Jerusalem to escape Absolam, Paul justified his attackers’ actions.

As you read today, think about the times you’ve stood idly by perhaps protecting your reputation or finances. What do you deserve for guarding your idols?

Do not fret or be dismayed because Satan wants us to believe that our God will not forgive our trespasses. The guilt and shame can either improve or weaken our Christian testimony. When people notice how we deal with conflict and the measures used to resolve it may increase the division. Only God can unify and bring about peace. However, be warned. If the hearts of those surrounding us do not align with Jesus, be prepared to endure a bit longer.

God will send you to other places to further the Gospel. All you need to do is submit to His will and listen to His voice. Never tire of telling your personal conversion story.

Oswald Chambers wrote, “If my testimony makes anyone wish to emulate me, it is a mistaken testimony; it is not a witness to Jesus.”

 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name. 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Sunday, July 4, 2021

2 Kings 23:31-25:30, Acts 22:17-23:10, Psalm 2:1-12, Proverbs 18:13

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A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , , , , , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

 

Guiding Scripture:1 Samuel 17:23, ‘As he was talking with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the army of the Philistines, and he spoke these same words again; and David heard him . ‘

 

🔴 A Different Perspective

For forty days, the Israelite and Philistine armies stood opposite one another with a valley between them. It may seem unusual for two armies to resist attacking in favor of one on one combat. In this case, a brave warrior was to fight Goliath, the champion from Gath. If the Israelites succeeded, the Philistines would be their servants; if not, the reverse would hold.

Every day the armies assembled in battle formation and waited. The Israelites were terrified. No one wanted to bear the burden of losing against the Philistine army and cause the entire nation to be their slaves. Perhaps a few warriors thought they could claim victory, but fear and doubt seized their hearts.

And then David…

David had not heard the constant taunting; he was not part of the daily conversations and wavering opinions. David had a fresh perspective and bold faith. He knew God had delivered him from the claws of lions and bears, so what made the Philistine any different?

We can claim victory in many situations if we trust God. He uses our developed talents to glorify His great Name. The next time you feel burdened by fear or the terror of failure hinders you from trying- take it to the Lord in prayer.

Identify the ruminations of your thoughts by talking to the Lord through prayer. Ask God to help you strategically plan a course of action. In this way, you remove yourself from the current surroundings and enter into a healthy meditation with our Abba Father. God becomes our source of strength and power when we trust His purpose for our lives.

Has God called you to give a fresh perspective?

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Saturday, May 15, 2021

1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalm 111:1-10, Proverbs 15:11

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 124

Written By: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scriptures: Proverbs 14:22 ‘Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.’ 

 🔴 Did God Create Darkness?

When reading the creation story, specific questions may arise. Most believers are satisfied to allow faith to step in, while others need more precise information. 

In contrasting Genesis 1:2, Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And Psalm 104:20 You(God) bring darkness; it becomes night and all the beasts of the forest prowl. 

We have an answer. 

The Lord God is the Creator of all things, and the psalmist worships His extraordinary wonders. The vast scope of the sea is another testimony to God’s majestic power and control.(Psalm 104:24-26)Reading the Creation story through the psalmist’s view gives us explanations. 

Prayer: Lord, help us to read your Word and follow Your command to love. Let the wisdom we gain be helpful to those you entrust to us. May we all abide in You. Your glory shall endure forever. Amen 

Additional Scripture:

 Isaiah 45:7 “I (God) form the light and create darkness: I(God) make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.” 

Daniel 2:22 “He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.”

Exodus 10:21 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt–darkness that can be felt.”

Amos 4:13 “He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals His thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth– the LORD God Almighty is his name.”

 


 


 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Judges 19:1-20:48, John 3:22-4:3, Psalm 104:24-35, Proverbs 14:22-23

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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

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 57

Contributing Writer: Stephanie Bright

 🔴 Praise Again

Praise is an expression of approval or admiration. We give God praises to show our admiration or respect for Him, who He is, and all that He has done. God is worthy and deserves our best praise. The issue is this: At times, it is hard to praise when our circumstances are not excellent, in our eyes at least.

Inner Thoughts

What we must remember is that God is worthy of our praise despite our circumstances. He is always worthy of our praise, no matter what situations we face.

We must also remember that when we praise, we take our focus off the situation and place it on the God who has the power to change it. We automatically begin to feel better after praising because we satisfy an innate need to commune with our Creator.

Outward Display

Praising God does not mean that everything is automatically transformed in the ideal utopia, but it shows that we STILL give Him the honor, praise, and glorify His name, regardless of what’s ahead.

In the Bible, the book of Psalms speaks heavily of giving praise to the Father. In Psalm 42:5, the psalmist commands us to do two things: hope and praise.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation
PSALM 42:5 (ESV)

In the flesh, it was easy for the psalmist to be cast down. The same can be said of us. When we endure hard times, it’s easy for us to approach them with negative thoughts. It’s easy to complain. It’s easy to moan and groan.

But…

Despite what is natural for the flesh, I encourage you to approach all your situations in the Spirit. Accept the challenge from the Psalmist: Hope in God, and praise Him again. When you put your hope in God, it will be easier to praise Him. When you glorify Him, your hope is strengthened. Let the words from your mouth be a revolving, never-ending circle of hope and praise.

Change is coming.

Healing is coming.

Breakthrough is coming.

Deliverance is coming.

A miracle is coming.

In the meantime, praise God and praise Him again. Praise Him from the rising of the sun to the setting of the same. Let His praise ever be on your lips. Praise Again!

~Stephanie Bright

 

Stephanie Bright CEO of Christian Girls P.O.P

 

 

This devotional was written by Stephanie Bright a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose®. Edited by Torrie Slaughter in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Friday, February 26, 2021

Leviticus 19:1-20:21, Mark 8:11-38, Psalm 42:1-11, Proverbs 10:17

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© Torrie Slaughter, LLC; Torrie Slaughter Photography, and Our Given Purpose®