Quiet Corner

[KakiMeow]

Rest in His Finished Work​

Joyce Meyer

Adapted from Ending Your Day Right

And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:6 (AMPC)

There are many places in the Bible where Jesus, after the Resurrection, is described as being seated. We might think standing would be more powerful. But being seated has special significance.

Under the Law, when a priest entered the Holy of Holies to make sacrifices for the people’s sins, he could not sit. He had to keep moving and working the entire time. If the bells on his robe stopped ringing, that meant that he had done something wrong and had fallen over dead.

That is why it is so awesome that Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down as our high priest. He entered the rest of God. As joint heirs with Christ, we can sit too. We no longer have to work and strive to atone for our sins. Choose to rest in His presence tonight.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You that Jesus finished the work on my behalf. Help me rest in Your grace, trusting that I don’t have to strive to earn Your love, Amen.

https://joycemeyer.org/DailyDevo?srsltid=AfmBOorErPBxy0gMWYBe7XFraWneiS-80BDLnY7jYC_kVqhofaHSQ6nD

 

[tiobanned]

 

[tiobanned]

 

[KakiMeow]

When People Fail Each Other​

When a friend is suffering, being present and encouraging is always a right choice.

2 Timothy 4:9-18

As a prisoner in a Roman jail, Paul likely felt disappointment. The apostle was defending himself before a tribunal and could potentially be put to death. Yet of the many people whose lives he had touched, not one was present to support him.

There are plenty of logical reasons to explain why Paul’s friends and the converts he had won to the Lord were absent. For example, witnesses in a Roman court were frequently counted as co-conspirators and shared the fate of the accused. But perhaps there was also a more subtle cause, to which many modern believers can relate. When Paul’s loved ones looked at him, they saw a spiritual giant whose faith could withstand any challenge. They may have thought to themselves, He doesn’t need my help or support.

And don’t we do the same thing when it comes to our pastors, Bible teachers, and other spiritual leaders? We judge the depth of someone else’s faith and take for granted that such a mature Christian can face whatever lies ahead without our aid.

Paul knew that God would take care of him, but he still desired a friend’s touch, words of encouragement, and the physical presence of loved ones. That’s why believers are called to minister to each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11).


1 Thessalonians 5:11
11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

https://www.intouchglobal.org/read/daily-devotions

 

[KakiMeow]

God Is Bigger​

Liza Diarsa (Gujarat, India)

(Image by: Pixabay)

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. - John 14:18 (KJV)

In the third month of my pregnancy, I was diagnosed with dengue, a urinary tract infection, and typhoid fever. My doctor referred me to the hospital for better care. As I lay on my hospital bed, questions filled my mind: Will my illnesses affect the growth and development of the fetus? Will I suffer a miscarriage? When I began to experience mild bleeding, I started to lose hope. Stress and tension filled my heart and mind, and my eyes were filled with tears. But the words in Isaiah 41:10 gave me new strength and hope: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.”

I recovered and was discharged from the hospital after 10 days. A week later, I went for my regular checkup and was relieved to learn that the baby was healthy, and its growth had not been affected by my health condition. To me, this was a miracle from God, and I rejoiced and gave thanks.

When we face insurmountable situations and challenges, we often feel helpless and alone. But God never abandons us. We can find strength knowing that God is bigger than any problem we face. Trusting this, we can have faith and keep moving forward with patience and a positive mindset.

Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude. You are our refuge and strength. Thank you for the miracles you work in our lives and for your peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.

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

 

[KakiMeow]

Joy and Strength in God​

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Today's Devotional​

In the midst of colorful creations made from old plastic bottles cut to resemble feathers and even lampshades, a tour guide at a New Orleans Museum shared the thinking behind the use of such material. “For a city that’s had such hardship, we’ve also learned to use what we have to create joy and beauty. We don’t focus only on the hard times; we celebrate the resilience.”

Nehemiah and the Israelites also faced hardship but resiliently pressed on in God’s joy. They’d been captured and taken away from their home, and at last were able to return to Jerusalem from exile (Nehemiah 3:7-12, 18). But upon arriving, they still faced opposition to rebuild the wall that protected Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6). Even after the wall was completed and they gathered for a celebration, hearing the words of God’s law, their spirits were heavy. They were “weeping as they listened” (8:9). But Nehemiah reminded them that they could find joy and strength in God—remembering who He was and what He’d brought them through. Nehemiah told them, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (v. 10).

Focusing on God can give us “great joy” and strength too, especially when our circumstances seem dire. God’s ability, character, and the Scriptures can renew our minds and bring us joy (v. 12)—providing the strength and resilience we need.

Reflect & Pray​

When have you found joy and strength in God? How can you practice resilience amid your trials?

Holy God, when my circumstances seem bleak, please remind me to focus on You to find joy and strength.

https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/joy-and-strength-in-god

 

[AK47Reds]

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18, NASB)

Recently heard Tim Keller sermon podcast in which one of the 3 resources that we can use to cope suffering is perspective. And this is the most powerful.

Dr Tim gave an example. Two men sit in separate rooms doing the same tedious, exhausting job for 12 months. One is promised $15,000, the other $150 million. Same work, same hardship — but their experience is totally different. One despairs and quits; the other whistles through it.
Why? Because future reward shapes present endurance.

Paul says in Romans 8:18 that our present suffering is nothing compared to the glory to come. If our deepest hope is in anything earthly — career, success, relationships, politics — suffering will crush us. But if our hope is in God, future glory gives strength, patience, and peace now.

 

[KakiMeow]

Acting Decisively, Part One​

“So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone.” (Joshua 24:14)

By Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Joshua 24:14–15

I like Joshua’s style in Joshua 24:14–15. Like a good leader, he laid out the facts. He exhorted those about him to get off the fence and get their spiritual act together. He encouraged personal authenticity and strong commitment . . . but not once did he pull rank and fall back on intimidation to get his way. He risked being ignored and rejected when he left the final decision up to them. He respected their right to follow his advice or walk away when he told them, in so many words, “Make up your mind!” But there was never any question where he stood. He had weighed the evidence, considered the alternatives, and come to a settled conviction—he and his family were going to serve the Lord God, no question about it. But what others would do was strictly up to them. They would have to decide for themselves.

Unusual combination. A strong leader who knew where he was going, but gave others the space they needed to choose for themselves. No threats. No name-calling. No public put-downs. No exploitation or manipulation or humiliation. He didn’t play on their emotions or attack their alleged ignorance or use some gimmick to gain strokes in defense of his position. He knew what God would have him do, and he realized the consequences of their choosing differently . . . but they needed to weigh those issues for themselves. It needed to be their decision, not his. At that point, he backed off and said, “Now you decide.”

That’s not only smart, it’s an evidence of two admirable virtues: security in himself and respect for others. Today, it is clear to all of us that Joshua made the right decision back then. From our objective perspective, he chose the correct alternative . . . as they also did later on. But note again that he didn’t hurry his people to opt for his position. Joshua knew that if they didn’t wrestle with the issues on their own, the resulting decision might be superficial . . . fragile . . . a commitment that might very well melt under the inevitable heat of difficulty and trial.

Nevertheless, there will always be some who want others to make their decisions for them. Many individuals in Christendom are continually looking for some evangelical guru or superstar pastor or bionic authority figure to cosign for their lives.

It takes the restraining power of the Holy Spirit to withstand such tempting invitations to take control. It is helpful to remember that every time we yield to that destructive desire for power we retard others’ growth toward maturity. Making one’s own decisions develops healthy mental muscles. But I repeat, there will always be a few who crave to be told what to do. They are the ones who remain so indecisive their favorite color is plaid.

We’ll talk more about acting decisively tomorrow.

https://insight.org/daily-devotional/acting-decisively-part-one

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

How to Have Patience Like Jesus - Your Daily Bible Verse​

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” - Colossians 3:12

How to Have Patience Like Jesus
By: Lori Freeland

Patience is hard.

In our fast-food, drive-thru, one-day-Amazon-delivery world, it’s a lost art. A muscle we don’t like to exercise often. Yet as Christians, we’re called upon to use that muscle. God desires for us to wait steadfastly upon Him and be longsuffering with each other.

Patience hurts.

A few years ago, I broke my ankle. After weeks of healing from surgery, it finally got cleared to bear weight. That first second my foot hit the floor, fire burned up my calf and my ankle wobbled. It took weeks of physical therapy and painful repetition to get back into walking shape. But the more I practiced, the easier it got. Building patience is kind of like that.

Patience is something God understands.

After all, He deals with us 24/7. I can only imagine how much I test Him weekly, daily, even hourly—yet He never wobbles under the weight. He has an endless supply of patience, and He’s willing to share.

When you find yourself struggling, you can pray to have patience like Jesus.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Some of God’s people are hard to love. They can be moody, mean, difficult, and impossible to understand. They blame you for things you didn’t do and have expectations you can’t meet. Sometimes you might wish they weren’t in your life.

You need God to show you how much He loves them. He can reveal what He sees under the surface, where they’re hurting, and tell you how to make a difference. Thank God for giving us patience to be kind and compassionate when we don’t have our own and for loving us when we are the ones who are difficult in someone else’s life.

Reflect on today’s verse with us. Share your thoughts in the Your Daily Bible Verse discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

https://www.christianity.com/devoti...esus-bible-study-minute-december-13-2018.html

 

[KakiMeow]

Sin’s Deceitfulness​

By Joni Eareckson Tada

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Hebrews 3:12-13

Some time ago I pulled into my driveway after stopping at the local gas station for a fill-up. When I got out of my van, I noticed that my gas cap was missing. The attendant had forgotten to put it back on. Oh bother! I fumed. Exasperated, I drove back to the station to inquire about my cap.

“Is this yours?! The attendant asked as he held up a stainless steel gas cap. I told him “yes” but, when I watched him screw the cap on my van, I took a closer look. It wasn’t mine.

I felt guilty but not guilty enough to keep me from driving around for a few days with the hot gas cap. Hummph! They were the ones who lost it in the first place… why shouldn’t I take one of theirs? I regarded my straight-faced lie to the attendant as less sinful than it actually was in the sight of God.

A few nights later I stumbled across Hebrews 3:12-13 in my devotions. The next morning found me at an auto-supply store to purchase a new cap to give to the gas-station attendant. He refused to take it, saying that it wasn’t important. I wish that he had realized that the whole experience was more for my sake than his. Until recently, I had a sun-faded, never-opened boxed gas cap on my dash to remind me just how deceitful sin really is.

Lord, forgive me when I emasculate my sin and make great-sounding excuses for it. I am sorry that I try to rationalize my wrongdoing. Let me never become hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

https://joniandfriends.org/daily-devotional/sins-deceitfulness-2/

 

[KakiMeow]

Today's Scripture​

2 Corinthians 2:1-8

Today's Devotional​

Hippocrates (ca. 460–375 bc) brought medicine out of the realm of the superstitious and into the light of testing and observation. But he didn’t lose sight of the patient’s humanity. “It is far more important to know what person the disease has,” he said, “than what disease the person has.”

The apostle Paul cared for a church with multiple problems, yet he saw the humanity of each member—including a man who’d committed a sin “that even pagans do not tolerate” (1 Corinthians 5:1). Paul dealt strongly with the “disease,” and the man repented. Now, as he wrote another letter to the church in Corinth, Paul had affirming instructions for all of them. He recognized that this man’s sin had affected everyone: “He has grieved all of you to some extent,” he said (2 Corinthians 2:5). But since the man had turned from his sin, Paul said, “Reaffirm your love for him” (v. 8).
His motivation was clear: “I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you” (v. 4). He knew them all. And he loved them.

Sin affects us all. Behind each sin is a human being. When we’ve been wronged, it may be difficult to work toward restoration, yet that’s what God calls us to do. Know the person. Then, in Christ’s strength, love them.

Reflect & Pray​

How did Paul handle the sin in the Corinthian church? How does loving someone despite their sin differ from enablement?


Dear Father, please help me see others as You see them. Thank You for complete forgiveness of my sins.

Today's Insights​

Romans says that we all fall short of God’s holy standards: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23). Yet Jesus loves us so much that He died for us and freely forgives all who come to Him in sorrow for their sins (John 3:16; 1 John 1:9). In turn, believers in Christ are to strive to forgive others (Matthew 6:14; Ephesians 4:32).

Paul says in Colossians, “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (3:12-13).

When we’ve been wronged by others, working toward restoration can seem like a daunting task. As we seek God’s guidance, however, He’ll help us to take the necessary steps.


https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/knowing-and-loving-others

 

[KakiMeow]

“God highly exalted Him” (Philippians 2:9).

Christ is the Sovereign of the universe and a faithful High Priest.

Christ was exalted not only in His resurrection and ascension, but also in His coronation. Mark 16:19 says, “When the Lord Jesus had spoken to [the apostles], He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.” In Scripture the right hand is a symbol of power and authority. What is the extent of Christ’s authority? Ephesians 1:20-22 says, “[God] seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church.” Christ is the Sovereign of the universe.

Besides His coronation, Christ is exalted in His intercession for believers. He stands before the Father as the High Priest of His people. His first act was to send the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33). Our sympathetic High Priest “has been tempted in all things as we are” (Heb. 4:15), and “He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for [us]” (7:25). Christ’s intercessory work grants us faith, repentance, and forgiveness (see Heb. 4—9).

Puritan minister Thomas Watson said, “Had you a friend at court, who, when you were questioned for delinquency or debt, should plead with the judge for you, and bring you off your troubles, would you not love that friend? How often does Satan put in his bills against us in the court! Now Christ is at the judge’s hand; he sits at his Father’s right hand, ever to plead for us, and to make our peace with God. Oh, how should our hearts be fired with love to Christ!”

How intense is your love for Jesus Christ, our faithful Advocate?

Suggestions for Prayer

“Draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that [you] may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
Pray for a fresh appreciation of this today.

For Further Study

What do 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 2:17 say about Christ as our High Priest?


https://www.gty.org/devotionals?tab=strength-for-today

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

The Relief Of Sin Removed
by Tanya Marlow

Today's Scripture​

Mark 9:42-48

Today's Devotional​

In 2024, the streets of Plymouth were eerily empty as an army truck made its way gingerly towards the harbour, carrying an unexploded 500kg World War II bomb. It all started when a builder struck what he thought was some rusted metal while working on a house. A state of emergency was called, and 10,000 people had to be evacuated until the bomb could be safely detonated deep in the sea.

Everyone knew that the bomb, once discovered, could not remain there. It was too dangerous. We sometimes forget that sin is similarly destructive, ruining our own and others’ lives. Jesus had stern words for anyone who would cause children to “stumble”, saying it would be better “if a large millstone were hung round their neck and they were thrown into the sea” (v. 42).

Jesus also urged us to eliminate the causes of sin, using the hyperbolic metaphor of removing our eyes, feet or hands to illustrate the seriousness of sin (vv. 43–48).

Though Jesus’ warning is serious, we do not despair. Our sin is so dangerous that it must be expelled, but that’s exactly what Jesus does for us.
Through His death, Jesus dealt with the penalty of sin, and with His Spirit we can strive to resist the presence of sin in our lives. As the prophet Micah once wrote, God “will hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19).

Reflect & Pray​

How does Jesus’ metaphorical language about the seriousness of sin challenge you? How does Micah 7:19 comfort you?


Dear Jesus, thank You for taking sin and its destructiveness seriously. Please remove my sin from me and help me rejoice in my forgiveness.


https://www.odbm.org/en-GB/devotional/devotional-category/the-relief-of-sin-removed

 

[tiobanned]

will we have a Silver Christmas this year ?

 

[KakiMeow]

Today's Scripture​

Luke 10:25-34, 36-37

Today's Devotional​

By Patricia Raybon

From her hospital bed, Marie Coble lit up when she saw the delivery driver whose help had likely saved her life. She’d fallen in her driveway and hit her head, causing a brain bleed. Seeing her injury, Raheem Cooper helped her while calling paramedics. Invited by family to visit her in the hospital, Raheem often brings sweet treats she enjoys to assist her recovery.

Their story brings to mind the parable of the Good Samaritan. The parable is Jesus’ reply to an expert’s question on what he must do to inherit eternal life. Do “what is written in the law,” Jesus said (Luke 10:26), including “love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 27). But the expert persisted, asking, “Who is my neighbor?” (v. 29).

Christ’s answer describes a man attacked by robbers, left half dead, and then ignored by two people—a priest and a Levite—who passed him by. “But a Samaritan . . . took pity on him,” “bandaged his wounds, . . . and took care of him” (vv. 33-34). Seeing the hurting man in need, the Samaritan’s help was active, urgent, and without bias—looking past race or creed to assist someone he could’ve ignored.

Thus, Jesus asked, "Which of these three was a neighbor to the man?" “The one who had mercy on him,” the expert said. Said Jesus, “Go and do likewise” (vv. 36-37). In Christ, we too can find the compassion to help a hurting person instead of passing by. It’s a lesson for all in sharing Jesus’ love.

Reflect & Pray​

How do you need mercy? How can you show mercy?


Dear Father, may I look beyond differences to share Jesus’ mercy with others.


https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/who-is-my-neighbor2

 

[the only way]

9:31

 

[KakiMeow]

Daily Devotion

When God Closes a Door​

God often uses closed doors to redirect us into His perfect will and timing.

Acts 16:1-12

Have you ever prayed about a situation and felt confident of God’s will, only to discover that what you thought would happen didn’t come to pass?

On Paul’s second missionary journey, he and Silas had an experience like that. After originally intending to visit previous church plants, they instead decided to move into new territory with the gospel. But the Holy Spirit stopped them from going into Asia. So they went to Mysia with the intention of heading east to Bithynia. Yet once again the Holy Spirit closed the door.

At that point, they may have wondered why God would prevent them from preaching the gospel. After all, hadn’t Jesus commissioned all believers to share their faith (Matthew 28:19-20)? The answer came to Paul in a dream as the Lord redirected them to Greece—a nation with great metropolitan cities. From there, the gospel could spread rapidly, and eventually Paul circled around to Ephesus, bringing the gospel to Asia. By the time John wrote Revelation, there were at least seven churches on that continent.

God often uses closed doors to redirect us into His perfect will and timing. Therefore, the wisest response is to rely on His infinite wisdom, wait for His clear direction, and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We simply need to trust and obey.

https://www.intouchglobal.org/read/daily-devotions

 

[KakiMeow]

Gifted by God​

I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you. Exodus 31:6

Today's Scripture​

Exodus 31:1-11

Today's Devotional
by Kirsten Holmberg​

Virtuoso composer Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most celebrated musicians in history. Nearly two centuries after his death in 1827, his compositions are still among the most performed pieces. A study of Beethoven’s DNA, however, indicates he may not have been born with some of his abilities—as we might assume. When his genes were compared to those of 14,500 other people who’d shown an ability to keep rhythm (merely one aspect of musical talent), Beethoven ranked surprisingly low.

Beethoven also had ample opportunity and exposure to music (which developed the aptitude he did have). Yet neither talent nor opportunity fully account for God’s role in endowing us with the abilities we have. Our Creator equipped two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, with specific skills to be used in building the tabernacle. God filled Bezalel “with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs” and appointed Oholiab “to help him” (Exodus 31:3-6). God gave “ability to all the skilled workers to make everything [He] commanded” (v. 6).

Few of us will work on projects as significant as God’s tabernacle. And our abilities may never be recorded in history’s annals. Yet God has equipped us with the skills, aptitudes, and experiences He wants us to share with the world. May we serve Him faithfully, in His strength and for His glory.

Reflect & Pray​

What skills and abilities has God given you? How might you serve Him with them?


Thank You, Father, for the abilities You’ve given me. Please help me use them for Your glory.

https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/gifted-by-god