Month: July 2015

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Satisfied by Love

Pucallpa, Peru

In the newness of the morning, God satisfies us with his love

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“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
Psalm 90:14 English Standard Version

A sunrise means something different to different people. Some people view the sunrise with dread. It is a reminder that they’re stuck in their dead end job, hopeless addiction, or meaningless existence.

For other people the sunrise brings with it the hope of a fresh start. The hope of a job, a different state of mind, and of a new direction propel them into the great unknown of the day.

Pucallpa, Peru
Pucallpa, Peru

This picture was taken at the Port of Pucallpa, Peru. The shore came alive as the sun rose over the Ucayali River. People gathered to catch a boat to their village, buy bananas and plantains, and to find work. I would guess that some of these people were dreading the start of the new day, while others were filled with hope at what this day would bring.

Psalm 90 is ascribed to Moses. I would assume that there were days when the morning greeted him with anxiety and others that filled him with hope. Whether his day started poorly or hopefully, Moses knew that it was the steadfast love of God that would satisfy him.

God’s love for us doesn’t depend upon our situation in life. God’s love is present when the morning greets us with pain or joy. God’s love is sealed with his Son’s cross and empty tomb. Joy and gladness intrude on our lives as we experience the never ending love of God in Christ.

I pray that love of God will reveal itself to you like the rising sun regardless of how your day started.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Life from a Different Perspective

Colorado Springs, Colorado

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I often feel like an eagle in a chicken’s body.

When I read the Scriptures I see the life that God intends for me to enjoy this side of eternity, but I find myself too often mired with the chickens.

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 New Living Translation

The life we have in Christ lasts for eternity. The problem is that too often we think this life begins when we’re in the presence of Christ on his throne, but when I read the Scriptures like 1 Peter 1:23, I see that God intends for us to fly like eagles now.

Look at this picture. There are only two people in the balloon beginning their flight into the morning air. There are hundreds of people stuck on terra firma. Those two people saw the world differently than the rest of us.

We have been redeemed to fly with Christ even now. Our problems and struggles look differently when we fly with Christ.

In Christ this chicken can fly like an eagle.

Copyright Douglas P. Brauner

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PWTE Daily Devotion

The Dragon Slayer

St. George, Eisenach, Germany

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One of the churches in Eisenach is named after St. George, the dragon slayer. This statue of St. George stands front and center in the Marktplatz in Eisenach. There are many myths that surround the life of St. George. Understanding these myths helps a visitor recognize why St. George is important to Eisenach.

St. George, Eisenach, Germany
St. George, Eisenach, Germany

One myth states that he slew a dragon, converted a city and married a princess who was doomed to be consumed by the dragon.

Wouldn’t you want that kind of saint protecting your city?

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” Psalm 5:11 New International Version

We don’t need a patron saint. The protector of our lives is the one in whom we take refuge, Jesus Christ. Faith grabs a hold of Jesus, believing that even if we suffer for his sake (St. George died a martyr’s death), we are his and his inheritance is sure.

Jesus is our dragon slayer. Read the book of Revelation for a better understanding of the fact that Jesus wins the battle. He wins this battle now in time and for all eternity. His weapon is the cross and his victory the empty tomb.

Copyright Douglas P. Brauner