Quiet Corner

[KakiMeow]

Unshakeable Peace​

God doesn't promise to get rid of our troubles, but He does promise us peace when we ask Him for it.

Philippians 4:4-9

Have you ever thought that a vacation would relieve your anxiety or that you could work out your worries at the gym? I know I have. But the truth is, no one can achieve total freedom from heartache, burdens, or trouble.

However, we can have peace during anxious times. Serenity is a gift from our heavenly Father—it can’t be manufactured. The Holy Spirit produces a sense of calm in believers who seek the Lord’s protection against anxiety. In the often-quoted passage of Philippians 4:6-7, the Greek word translated as “guard” means “to keep with a garrison.” God wraps our heart and mind in His peace, safeguarding both against all-consuming worry or fear. Notice that He doesn’t make all of our problems go away. So while we may still be under pressure or prone to weep, we are cushioned against anxiety and surrounded by calm instead.


Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said to seek peace in Him because He has overcome this troublesome world (John 16:33). Let’s shift our focus from our vexing problem to God and ask for His peace to surround us today. Remember, He’s the only one with limitless resources and power, and He wants to meet our needs (Psalm 50:10; Romans 8:11).

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

Walking with God​

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 13:20

Today's Scripture & Insight :

Galatians 5:7-10

It was Tuesday at the gym, so the people walking around the track were supposed to go clockwise. The first walkers my wife joined were doing that. But then another person walked onto the track going counterclockwise. A couple of her friends joined her—and then another. Suddenly there was chaos on the track—and it took a few minutes to restore order.

While the wrong-way walkers intended no harm, I couldn’t help but think about the power of influence. One person headed the wrong way leads to another, and on it goes. It’s a bit like Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Following a person going the wrong way leads to trouble.
In Galatians 5, Paul explains how such a mistake can halt our spiritual progress. “You were running a good race,” he says. “Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you” (vv. 7-8). God, who desires obedience, never leads us away from truth and “into confusion” (v. 10). But those who oppose His truth can hamper our spiritual walk by redirecting us from Him.
God wants to be our guide. When we walk with Him, we’ll never wander in the wrong direction.

By: Dave Branon

Reflect & Pray​

In what situations are you allowing someone to lead you away from God? What can you do to change your course?

Dear God, thank You for Scripture, which tells me to direct my steps toward You. Please help me follow You better today.


https://odb.org/2025/12/05/the-power-of-influence-3

 

[KakiMeow]

Genesis 16:5-13

Today's Devotional​

When Sun’s husband had a stroke, her life took a dramatic turn. She found herself having to assist her husband with the activities of daily living and cope with his emotional outbursts. For seventeen years, she’d faithfully cared for her husband. When a fall hastened his decline, however, the weight of caregiving finally became too much, and Sun sank into depression. “I felt I’d lost my faith,” she shared, “and I couldn’t see God.”

But looking back, Sun now believes that God saw her because He provided subsidized home medical and nursing care to manage her husband’s chronic condition and sent social workers to support Sun in managing the emotional challenges of caregiving.

God revealed himself as the God who sees in the story of Hagar. In Genesis 16, the slave Hagar was running away from her mistress’ mistreatment (v. 6) when the “angel of the Lord” found her “near a spring in the desert” (v. 7). He urged Hagar to “go back to [her] mistress” (v. 9) and assured her of His blessing. Even though Hagar was a nobody in her culture, God was watching out for her well-being. In gratitude, Hagar declared, “You are the God who sees me” (v. 13).

God sees us in our distress too. We’re never alone because our loving Father knows our situation, and He’s trustworthy. We can cry out to Him for help, and He’ll lift us up.

Reflect & Pray​

How have you experienced that God sees and knows your need in the past? How can this knowledge help you in your present trials?

Dear Father, thank You for assuring me that You see what I’m going through.

https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/god-sees-me

 

[AK47Reds]

Philippians 2:3–4 says:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Recently heard a radio discussion today about “cold war” within the family. The husband had stopped talking to his sister because she asked him to bring back some Thai rice crackers from his Bangkok trip. His luggage was already full, so he declined. From one angle, he could have shown simple kindness by hand-carrying a small gift. From the other angle, the sister could have been more considerate about the inconvenience of buying and carrying things while travelling.

It reminded me how easily our human nature leans toward self-centeredness, even over small matters. Because men by nature are selfish. Without God’s Word shaping our hearts, tiny inconveniences can grow into unnecessary disputes.

Scripture calls us to a different way — a humble posture that puts others first.

And if some part of this story feels familiar to your own relationships, maybe it’s God gently nudging you to consider another path — one where Christ’s grace softens our pride and teaches us how to love others better.

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. - Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)

As the Christmas season drew near, my recent health issues were limiting my ability to enjoy my usual seasonal activities. However, I found comfort in Luke’s narrative about the birth of Jesus, especially as I considered the innkeeper.

Nothing is written about the person who did not give Mary and Joseph a room. Regardless, much has been said about him. He has been judged harshly because he didn’t give the expecting, travel-weary couple a room. Luke 2:7 says there simply wasn’t a room to offer. But rather than turn Mary and Joseph away, the innkeeper offered them lodging in the stable. This action was creative and loving, an example of someone doing what he could with what was available to him. And when the angels appeared to the shepherds, they were told they would find the baby lying in a manger. This unusual detail likely helped them find Jesus.

So what can we do this Christmas season with what is available to us? We can share the love God has shown us through our kindness, by listening to and helping others, and by praying with and for them. Seemingly insignificant actions can demonstrate God’s love for us and others.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help us to see the ways we can share your love with others. Remind us that our actions — no matter how big or small — demonstrate our love for you. Amen.

https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/en-2025-12-06

 

[KakiMeow]

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13 nlt)

If the Christmas story—the well-known narratives of Matthew 2 and Luke 2—is so familiar to you that you can practically recite it from memory, try considering it from a different perspective. Try thinking of it as the successful end to a long search.

The arrival of the wise men in Jerusalem likely created quite a stir. These were strange men with a strange question, asking for the King of the Jews. As wise as they were, they were also a little naïve, politically speaking. They didn’t realize that they were triggering an extremely volatile man. In effect, they were saying to King Herod, “We’re looking for the King of the Jews—and clearly you’re not him.”

This is why we’re told in Matthew 2:3, “King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem” (nlt). The word disturbed used here could be translated “to shake violently”—like a washing machine in the spin phase. That was Herod. And when Herod was agitated, everyone was agitated. When he was mad, everyone was afraid of what would happen next.

So, Herod called in the leading priests and teachers of religious law, men who had committed themselves to studying Scripture. Without missing a beat, they went right to Micah 5:2: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf” (nlt).

These scholars had steeped themselves in the writings of the prophets. They understood how to interpret the words of Micah. They knew that the Messiah, when He came, would be born in Bethlehem. But that information was academic to them. It hadn’t penetrated their hearts and souls to the point that they could recognize the signs of the Messiah’s arrival. So, they weren’t searching for the Savior.

God, in His infinite and mysterious wisdom, used wise men from eastern lands to announce the arrival of Jesus the King of the Jews to Herod the king of the Jews and his Jewish experts. The wise men were pagans who were steeped in the occult. Yet God reached them in a way that they understood. He came to them by a star.

The end of their search, as recorded in Matthew 2:9–12, has implications for everyone who seeks answers or meaning or purpose or assurance or direction or anything else.

The Lord says that those who seek Him will find Him. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7–8 nlt). He doesn’t offer details because the discovery process is different for everyone.

To educated men and women, He will come in a way they can understand. And to little children, He will appear in a way they can understand.

I believe that if people are truly seeking God, He will reveal Himself to them.

Reflection question: How can you help people find the Lord?

https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/harvestdaily/greg-laurie-devotion-december-06-2025.html

 

[KakiMeow]

Putting God First in Your Priorities​

Are you distracted?​

There are so many things that clamor for our attention and devotion: our jobs, our kids, our spouses, our hobbies—the demands and distractions of life. And we have to be careful not to let them become more important or more of a priority than our relationship with God.

The first of the Ten Commandments states we will have no other gods before Him (see Exodus 20:3). And Deuteronomy 5:8-9 says, You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods (NLT).

Yet how many of the things that occupy our time, money, thoughts and attention have taken the place where God is supposed to be?

Distractions from Truth​

Anything can become a god to us—anything we worship or put an excessive amount of time into. Even your feelings can become a god if you allow them to control you. We need to ask ourselves, Am I bowing down to God and His Word or to my feelings?

Another challenge we have to confront is living in a world full of humanism and people not wanting God and His truth to interfere with their lives and routines. It seems we have an epidemic of selfishness in our world today, and this creates all kinds of unhealthy situations.

For example, when people refuse to honor God and follow His wisdom in their decisions, it causes them to become bogged down with worry, resentment and bitterness. Eventually it shows up as sickness and disease in their bodies. And in our culture, this behavior causes a decline in our moral standards and attitudes.

But the good news is, we don’t have to settle for this way of living. In Christ, we can enjoy our lives—abundantly! (See John 10:10)

How to Establish the Habit of Living for God​

The key to having God’s “abundant life”—His love, peace and joy—is keeping Him in His rightful place in our priorities. God said to Abraham, …Walk [habitually] before Me [with integrity, knowing that you are always in My presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Me] (Genesis 17:1 AMP). Notice that God instructed Abraham to be habitual in walking with Him and living for Him. We can do this by establishing daily habits of prayer, worship and regular, consistent time spent in His Word.

I love the Word of God! It is amazing. It contains wisdom, encouragement, comfort and inspiration for every conceivable human problem or dilemma. His Word brings peace and stability to our spirits, and it will renew our minds (see Romans 12:2). Get excited about getting into the Bible!

Benefits of Keeping God First​

Make it your goal to have a deep, intimate relationship with God. Let Him into every area of your life. If you constantly look to other people for answers and validation, pray about this and ask the Lord to help you stop doing that and instead look to Him. (See 1 Thessalonians 2:4.) As we live to please God, He promises to bless our lives and make us prosper.

When you decide to serve God with your whole heart and make Him first in your life, your soul will prosper and your joy and peace will increase. Remember to lean on Him more than anything else, and tell Him, “God, I want to do this, but I can’t do it without You.” He doesn’t expect you to live for Him in your own strength or ability, and He understands when you make mistakes.

So if you mess up, don’t be discouraged and let it hold you back; confess it and keep going. God will give you grace to do what you need to do. One day at a time, you and God together can do anything!

https://joycemeyer.org/Grow-Your-Faith/Articles/Putting-God-First-in-Your-Priorities

 

[KakiMeow]

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. (Luke 1:26-29)

Dear Mary! What a shock that must have been, to see an angel, right in the middle of washing the laundry or feeding the chickens. And the way he greets her! “Favored one” and “The Lord is with you!” I wonder if she thought the angel got the wrong house?

She had good reason to wonder. After all, she knew her Bible. God had sent angels before to announce the birth of a child, but those had always gone to married women—often women in old age! Virgins didn’t get that kind of visit—until now.

But she listens. And she discovers that God is about to do something wonderful—for He is sending His own Son into human flesh, and He’s going to use Mary herself to make it possible.

As a result, we too are “favored”—all because God gave us Jesus, who became our Savior through His suffering and death—and who rose from the dead to give us life. Now “the Lord is with you” is something God can say to Mary and to all of us who trust in Jesus—for He has promised never to leave us.

WE PRAY: Dear Father, thank You for sending Your Son! Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Why would God choose a humble village girl instead of a princess?
• Why do you think He chose a virgin instead of a married woman?
• What does it mean to you, to know Jesus is with you forever?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions/

 

[KakiMeow]

Family History​

Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:1-24​

. . . and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.
— Matthew 1:16

Christmas often brings families together for celebrations. In many ways this can be a wonderful time of celebration and encouragement. But families can be complicated, so at times our holidays can come with baggage we can’t escape.

The book of Matthew introduces the story of Jesus by sharing his family tree. Some names in this list can be found in the Old Testament; others are lost to history. The Christmas story bears the imprint of kings and commoners, some who wanted to live for God and some who did not.

Most notable are the people whose stories include pain or even great sins but who came to experience God’s grace and healing. Jacob was a schemer who wrestled with God (Genesis 32:22-32). Tamar (Genesis 38) and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12) were victims of abuse. Rahab (Joshua 2-6) and Ruth (Ruth 1-4) were foreigners who would have been looked down on in Israel. Manasseh was a wicked king who only repented late in life (2 Chronicles 33). Jesus’ human lineage was anything but pure and holy. Yet the Son of God chose to enter the human race through this collection of imperfect ancestors.

If your Christmas celebrations include imperfect people, or you feel wounds from your own imperfect past, give thanks that Jesus the Messiah chose the
same kind of family through which to bring salvation to the human race.

Jesus, thank you for coming into our imperfect lives to bring your perfect love to us. Amen.

https://todaydevotional.com/

 

[KakiMeow]

Grace, Not Works​

Joyce Meyer – Dec 09, 2025

For the Law was given through Moses, but grace [the unearned, undeserved favor of God] and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:17 (AMP)

Many New Covenant believers still live under the Old Covenant, or they mix the old with the new. They have some grace and some law, but in reality they have neither one. Grace and law can’t be mixed.

The law demands that we work to keep it. It requires sacrifice on our part when we fail. The apostle Paul taught that works of the flesh and grace could not be mixed, or both become useless. Grace is Jesus Christ working, and law is man working. God does not need our help to save us. We can live by faith, through which we receive God’s grace, instead of living by trying to keep the law in order to soothe God’s anger.

Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that I am saved by Your grace, not my works. Help me rest in faith, trusting You completely instead of striving to earn Your approval, amen.

https://joycemeyer.org/DailyDevo?srsltid=AfmBOoookZLKFsp4Hs4hq2NL-dulaSyori-pZ8nle0Fq-CV9C1uAl9K8

 

[KakiMeow]

Being the Church​

Bible in a Year :

• Daniel 11-12
• Jude

The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:47

Today's Scripture & Insight :

Acts 2:36-47

On a sunny afternoon, I drew with sidewalk chalk with the Sudanese family next door. We could hear singing coming from the house next to theirs, where a small group holds worship services. The young mom I was talking with was curious about what was going on, so she and I walked over and listened in. They invited us to gather with them. A young man, standing in a tank filled with water for baptism, spoke about receiving forgiveness for his sins and committing himself to follow Jesus.

This was a unique opportunity for us to hear a testimony of salvation in the yard right next door. This group was being the church in our neighborhood.
Jesus is building His church around the world. In the days before His ascension, He told His followers that He would send the Spirit to live in them and that they would be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). He would build His church through their Spirit-empowered preaching and teaching. And immediately God began to add “to their number daily those who were being saved” (2:47).

We can be a part of building Christ’s church by being His church as we live out our faith in our neighborhoods and share with others what He’s done for us. He gave His life and was resurrected so that we might be forgiven and have eternal life. And He’ll help us learn how to serve others in His church today.

By: Anne Cetas

Reflect & Pray​

In what ways might God be using you to build Jesus’ church? What more might you do?
Dear Jesus, thank You that You’re adding people to Your church daily.


https://odb.org/2025/12/09/being-the-church

 

[AK47Reds]

2 Thessalonians 3:10, NASB
“For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.”

Yesterday I saw a thread here in EDMW asking, “If you were a tai tai or 少爷, what would you do every day?” Not surprisingly, almost all replies were about lying flat, idling, waking late, enjoying life, lust or doing nothing.

However the Bible gives a simple principle in 2 Thessalonians 3:10. This verse isn’t attacking people who truly cannot work. It’s a reminder about attitude — that choosing idleness as a lifestyle isn’t healthy or meaningful. The Scripture teaches that work is actually part of God’s original design, as Adam tended the garden before sin entered the world (Genesis 2:15).

Work gives us structure, purpose, character, and dignity. A life of purpose is better than a life of pure idleness. We’re created to contribute, serve, grow, and live meaningfully — not just lie flat all day.

 

[Mila Azul]

There are moments when I pause, wondering if different choices earlier might have led to greater contentment today. I’ve come to accept that the version of myself who found joy so easily is gone—permanently. Perhaps this is the quiet solitude of adulthood: not the absence of people, but the presence of inner worlds that remain inaccessible to others. Life’s experiences subtly reshape us—making us less vulnerable, less trusting, less prone to sorrow. As I watch the ebb and flow of relationships, I’ve seen how fragile human connection can be. "Authenticity" once felt like a rare and precious gift. Now, I know that offering genuine vulnerability doesn’t ensure honesty in return. I’ve learned that the most dependable authenticity lies within. We all break in the dark, then rebuild ourselves by dawn. Every acceptance is born from limited options. Our stories remain deeply personal. Share too little, and others never understand; share too much, and suspicion follows. Since true mutual understanding is rare, perhaps silence offers the deepest comfort.

 

[tiobanned]

SECRETS OF THE THIRD TEMPLE? Revelations at the Temple Institute​

 

[tiobanned]

MINISTER UNTO
GOD FIRST

Ezekiel 44:15
“But the Levitical priests… shall come near to Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me to offer Me the fat and the blood,” declares the Lord God.

REFLECTION
Your ministry to God must come before your ministry to people. All effective service flows from that order.

PRAYER
Lord, draw me close to You. Teach me to minister to You first, so that everything comes from a place of devotion.

Thought For The Day
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.
-Psalms 73:28

 

[KakiMeow]

Clean Feet, Clean Heart​

Humbly serving others glorifies our Savior.

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Photo by Charles F. Stanley

---

John 13:3-15

In ancient Israel, sandaled feet got filthy after a day of walking. It was customary for a person entering a home to remove his sandals and clean his feet. Or, if the homeowners were wealthy, servants would do the washing. This distasteful but necessary task fell to the worker of lowest position in the household.

Imagine the disciples’ surprise when the Son of God put Himself in the role of a lowly servant and knelt to clean their feet. The need for such a service was great, but not one of them offered to do it. Jesus did more than fill a need; He offered an object lesson, explaining, “I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you” (John 13:15).

Jesus desires that we be willing to humble ourselves to serve others. He is looking for men and women who will ignore pride, position, and power in order to do whatever must be done, wherever it needs doing, and for whoever requires assistance.

Jesus performed this humble act of service the day before His trial and crucifixion. Yes, He washed dirty feet, using the same hands that would be pierced by nails. He took the time to show us that every task God gives us, no matter how “lowly,” is important to His kingdom.

 

[KakiMeow]

Pointing to Jesus​

As God’s chosen people . . . clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.​

Colossians 3:12

An older man jogging down a street in New York City stopped in his tracks when he noticed a pair of battered sneakers placed near a homeless man’s sign requesting help. When the jogger learned that the two men wore a similar size, he gave the younger, homeless man the shoes (and socks!) off his feet and walked home barefoot. But not before explaining, “I’ve been blessed my whole life. God has been very good to me, so I feel like I should bless you too.”

Just as this man showed kindness to another because God had been good to him, so too believers in Jesus are called to “clothe [our]selves with . . . kindness” (Colossians 3:12). In fact, in whatever we do or say, we’re to do it as “a representative of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17 nlt). Along with kindness, we’re also to embody the characteristics of “compassion, . . . humility, gentleness and patience” (v. 12). The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) grows in us because we have the Spirit dwelling inside us; and this fruit is evidenced by God’s love for us flowing out to others—binding all these virtues “together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14).

Like the jogger, may we be on alert for opportunities to be kind—an encouraging word, a thoughtful act, or even giving the shoes off our feet—and as we do, let’s point to Jesus (v. 17).

By: Alyson Kieda

Reflect & Pray​

What effect has another's kindness had on you? How might you show kindness to someone today?

Loving Father, please help me be attuned to opportunities to spread Your love through kind words and actions. I want to be more like You!

https://odb.sg/devo/dailybread/2025-12-11-pointing-to-jesus/?ref=homepage-banner

 

[KakiMeow]

Mediator Between God and Humanity​

Hebrews 9:11–22

The expression “skin in the game,” often encountered in the world of business and finance, is used when people have a personal stake in reaching a goal. They see their work as much more than “just a job.” They’re risking their own resources or reputation. Their commitment might be emotional, financial, or even physical.

As the Mediator between God and humanity, Jesus most certainly had “skin in the game” because He was and is fully God and fully man. But why was such a mediator needed? Because sin made us enemies of God. We were at war, with no hope of winning, and no offering a sacrifice represented the people before the Lord. But when Jesus came, He became both the priest and the sacrifice.

Christ is the superior Mediator of a superior covenant (Heb. 8:6). He did what He did in the heavenly tabernacle (God’s presence), not its earthly shadow (9:11). His atonement is once-for-all, not repeated. His blood is effectual for forgiveness, unlike the blood of animal sacrifices (v. 12). Those sacrifices made people outwardly clean, but Christ makes us inwardly clean and holy, free to serve God (vv. 13–14).

Jesus not only mediates the new covenant but also guarantees it (v. 15). How does this work? Like a will. Just as a will takes effect only when the one who made it dies, so our inheritance of eternal life took effect because of Jesus’ death (vv. 16–17).

While the blood of animal sacrifices only symbolized purification, Jesus’ blood actually accomplished our forgiveness and redemption (vv. 18–22). And while formerly we were set apart for death, now through Christ’s mediation we’re set apart for life. We were God’s enemies but now can be His friends!
Go Deeper

What is a mediator? Why was Jesus the superior Mediator?

Pray with Us

We confess, Lord, that we often focus on our personal freedom. We want to act independently and do whatever we want. Remind us that freedom runs the other way. Only in obedience to You do we find true freedom!

Christ is the mediator of a new covenant.
Hebrews 9:15

https://www.todayintheword.org/dail...-all-names/mediator-between-god-and-humanity/