30
Sep '19
Your Shining for Jesus Wherever You Are
30
Sep '19
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
The news headlines drifted in from the living room as I sat at my desk. The story of yet another tragedy contrasted so sharply with what I was writing that I stopped, sighed and leaned back in my chair. A sense of despair washed over me.
“Lord,” I silently prayed, “is there anything I can do about the darkness in this world? It seems so overwhelming.”
I sensed a gentle whisper within my heart replying, “The only way to get rid of the darkness is to add more light.”
Darkness is the absence of light. Trying to go after it directly is like chasing your shadow. You can’t bag it up and throw it away. Only light is powerful enough to make the darkness disappear. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. We are called to shine. But the light we share is not our own.
From the very beginning of creation, God has been the source of light both spiritually and literally. Genesis 1:2-3 says, “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light”.
Imagine a world full of darkness. Then with four small words, light blazes forth. Every living thing in our world relies on light for its existence – plants, animals and people. The God who brought light to the world also brings it to our lives. As 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”.
The best part of all is that we don’t have to be like the light bulb that said, “I have to find a way to shine!” The light bulb went to a self-help meeting to learn about its inner capacity for light. It read books about how to get brighter. Each morning the light bulb would get up and recite positive affirmations. “I am a light bulb. I believe in myself. I will shine!” But nothing happened.
Eventually the light bulb became weary and discouraged. It began to doubt who it was and what it could do. It almost burned out completely. Fortunately, one day the light bulb was carefully placed in a fixture. Light burst forth and filled the room. The light bulb finally understood. The key was not to try harder but to plug into the source.
Trying to shine on our own can be exhausting. Instead, we’re simply called to be closely connected to God and remain in Him. When we do, His light pours forth through us in powerful, brilliant ways that change the world. The ways we shine might not make the news, but they make even more of a difference than we can see.
Lord, thank You for being the light within us so we can shine brightly for the world around us. When it seems darkness is crowding in, use us to make a difference. We ask that You will help us share Your love, joy and peace – especially this time of year. You are the hope we need and the One light that will never burn out, be overcome or fade away. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I needed to be reminded of this today. I haven’t felt my light has shined as bright as it should over the past few weeks, months or even the year. The past year has flown by so fast and it’s so easy for the darkness to crowd my light but I am, you are a child of God, a shining light, no matter what your facing, He is indeed the very hope we need, the One light that will never fad, never burn out. What hope! If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you, Matthew 17:20. Faith and hope, no matter the darkness I feel from time to time, I choose to shine for Jesus wherever I am. I can say with confidence that the one person I have faith and hope in is my Savior, my Friend, He chose me, He chose you.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 1:9-10
26
Sep '19
Hearing God’s Invitation
26
Sep '19
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)
I have to admit, I rush and miss God’s invitations a lot. I walked by a woman at church the other day. A quick stirring in my heart said, Go say hi. I brushed it off.
When I saw a discarded cup in the parking lot of the restaurant where I had lunch, I knew I was supposed to pick it up and throw it away. I walked right by it.
These were simple acts of obedience I missed. But they weren’t missed because I was unaware. They were missed because I was busy — caught in the rush of endless demands. And the rush makes us rebellious. I knew what to do and blatantly ignored it.
Ignoring God’s leading doesn’t seem like such a big deal in these cases. In the grand scheme of the world, how big a thing is it that I didn’t pick up that cup? After all, how can I be sure it was really God?
A better question would be, How can I be sure it wasn’t God?
As God’s child, we long for unbroken companionship with Him. The cup was insignificant unless it was me breaking away from obeying His instruction. The one who obeys God’s instruction for today will develop a keen awareness of His direction for tomorrow. I’m always asking God for direction, but I’ll miss it if I constantly ignore His instruction.
It’s in those little breaks in our companionship with God where confusion sets in about what we’re really supposed to do.
Have you ever heard that amazing verse from Isaiah which says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (30:21)?
I love this verse! I want it to be true for me! With every fiber of my being, I want to hear God say, “This is the way; walk in it.”
When I humbly repented for rushing past the opportunities God had given me, He graciously gave me a do-over. Remembering the woman I hurried by at church, I felt a stirring to track her down through a mutual friend and send a simple email. Just a small note. Which I sent. For no other reason than God saying, “This touch is one of your assignments for today. Don’t miss it.”
That email paved the road for me to have coffee with this woman. During that meeting, God gave me an answer to something I’d been begging Him to address. I thought I was going to help her, yet I was the one helped. Obeying God’s instruction led to me being able to discern His direction. I needed that coffee meeting, and it never would have happened had I not stopped the rush of my life and emailed the woman after God’s prompting.
That little act of obedience somehow unplugged my spiritual ears. Not that we can’t hear God otherwise. But hearing Him clearly? I think that might require my soul to acknowledge what all my rushing causes me to miss.
Yes, if we want His direction for our decisions, the great longings of our souls must not only be the big moments of assignment. They must also be the seemingly small instructions in the most ordinary moments when God points His finger, saying, Go there. And in doing that, we are companions of God with eyes and ears more open, more able, more in tune with Him.
Dear Lord, I confess that I do walk right past Your invitations from time to time. Please forgive me for those times when I have rushed right on by. Help me to stop and follow You. I’m listening. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
This devotion blessed me today. I believe we all struggle with this very thing from time to time, we rush and miss God’s invitation, but God. He is patient, loving and shows us grace. He gives us opportunities to do things differently. Remember this today, the one who obeys God’s instruction for today will develop a keen awareness of His direction for tomorrow.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 10:30-31
24
Sep '19
This Is A New Day
24
Sep '19
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
There is much to be thankful for each morning. The Lord has given you a new day. Whatever happened yesterday cannot be changed and what tomorrow holds is unknown. Don’t let the enemy of your soul take the joy from this present day.
There is much to be thankful for each morning. The Lord has given you a new day. Whatever happened yesterday cannot be changed and what tomorrow holds is unknown. Don’t let the enemy of your soul take the joy from this present day.
As our opening verse notes, “…rejoice and be glad in it.” You are in control of what thoughts you allow into your mind. Be quick to cast out negative ones and vigilant to focus on what is good. The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances and pray without ceasing.
Jesus is not looking for a lot of words. A simple, “I trust you, Lord. I love you, God. I need your help, Holy Spirit.” are sincere prayers that God longs to hear. Remember, you can never repeat this day. The Lord opened your eyes this new day, and that is a gift in itself. Don’t waste time looking back or much time looking ahead.
God is in the present, celebrate the here and now. As you face whatever today brings, be mindful of Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee”. Believe and remain hope-filled throughout this new day the Lord has made.
I was blessed by this devotion today. What a reminder. Don’t allow the enemy to rob you of your joy today. You might be thinking, what do I have to be joyful about today, look around you, start counting your blessings, not your troubles. As you start your day today remember this, a smile is the prettiest thing you can wear. Remember, this is a new day!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 10:35-36
20
Sep '19
The Surprising Truth About What Your Worth
20
Sep '19
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
So often we feel safe in a theology wrapped in self-deprecation.
We focus on our sins. Our desperation. Our neediness.
Here’s the deal, these are all true!
We are sinful, desperate, and in deep need of a Savior.
But . . . If that’s the lion’s share of what we dwell on, do we have eyes for newness? Where are God’s work and victory in our hearts celebrated? Where is our identity rooted?
Think about it like this.
When we hyper-focus on our unworthiness, it can become a target we never intended to hit, but that destroys us in the process.
Trust me, the truth is, you and I are worth profoundly more than we can even fathom.
How much, you ask?
The life of God’s one and only Son.
That’s right. God the Father values us so profoundly he sent Jesusto die in our place, redeem us, and then join him in resurrection life!
God is in charge, and he’s the one who gets to determine what you and I are worth — not us.
He decided we are worth the life of Jesus, and then Jesus willingly laid his life down for us (John 10:18).
When I read this devotion I felt it needed to be shared over and over again. There is someone at this very moment questioning there worth, I would encourage you today to see yourself through the eyes of Christ. He loves you so much, He sent His son to die for you, to redeem you. You are what God knows you are, not what others think you are. He sees, He hears, He will deliver you. Look to Him!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Joel 2:23
19
Sep '19
Beauty in The Struggle
19
Sep '19
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isaiah 43:2)
All of us go through things that “break” us.
The break might be a small chip or crack, or more like something shattering into a million pieces. And then we struggle to glue the pieces back together. Some wounds are so deep only Christ can bring the healing and forgiveness we need to move on. But when we invite Him into our pain, He not only has the ability to heal us, He can also use us in extraordinary ways.
When someone asks about a hard time in our lives, most of us take a second and go back to that moment. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, and other times it can be absolutely heartbreaking. A lot of us don’t want to go there, so it can be hard to let others peer into that part of our lives. Even when you’re just getting started in life — like I am. What we often don’t recognize, though, is the beauty in the midst of our trials.
How can there be beauty in the struggle?
In our key verse, the Lord reminds Isaiah “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2).
No matter what has happened in our lives, we can be comforted that God is there. When reading this verse, I imagine walking through the roughest times in my life but feeling the most amazing peace and comfort. I think that’s what God wants us to be reminded of. This world is full of hardship, but we can be comforted in knowing that He knows our hearts more than anyone, even ourselves. He hears our cries and wants us to run to Him.
In the hard times it can be difficult to see what good could come from our “mess,” so I want to share three ways God can shine beauty through our struggle.
We lean in.It’s in our desperation — the hardships, pain and trials we face — that we cling to God most tightly. When I was growing up in the church, I was always told, “listen to the still small voice” — meaning the voice of God. He wants us to lean in and listen. I remember that sticking with me. God is gentle with His children, and He never forces us to spend time with Him. Much like any relationship we have with our siblings, children or parents, our relationship with Him is a two-way street. He beckons us into His presence. And not just to list off all of our prayers for the day. He invites us to take a breath and say, “Dear God, You know my heart, and all I ask is for rest. I need Your comfort right now.”
We grow in wisdom.Growth is never comfortable. It stretches us in ways we may not enjoy, but it molds us into who God is making us. No matter how old we are, we all have opportunities to grow in wisdom. When I’m discouraged by the struggle, I remember the process is beautiful … because I’m learning how to be more like my heavenly Father.
We help ourselves help others.I used to think I was alone in many of my struggles. Once I became aware that others were in the same boat, my whole perspective changed. Our pain can be our platform to relate to anyone. Everyone longs to be understood. It feels good to have someone who’s been there and isn’t afraid to admit it. There is beauty in being vulnerable with your pain or struggle.
When looking at so many examples in Scripture, I cannot help but look at the whole picture of the Bible. It’s truly one beautiful story made up of many ordinary people like you and me. But the best part of all is that Jesus walked with those people in the midst of their struggles, which means He will for us, too! Whatever it may be. He’s there. He’s listening, and He wants to fight for us. All He asks for us to do is rest in Him.
Dear Jesus, give me the strength today to endure all that is in front of me. Help me believe You are with me in the highs and lows of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. What an incredible reminder. With Christ, it is indeed possible to find beauty in the struggle. I read a quote today that said, train your mind to see the positive in every situation. When discouragement and heaviness from your struggles start creeping in, remember today’s devotion, and be willing and open to lean in, grow in wisdom and help yourself help others. See the beauty in your struggles today.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 4:29
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Sep '19
He Will Fight for You
18
Sep '19
The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:14)
I was 19 at the time. I’d been following Jesus for a few months, and I remember starting to get angry. At God.
I gave my life to You … why is it still falling apart?
I thought You were supposed to make my life easier.
Why does some part of me still want to do the things I don’t want to do anymore?
I never would’ve said it publicly, but I held some serious resentment and disillusionment toward God.
Sadly, it wasn’t because of anything He’d done or said. In fact, it was a lot of religious baggage and ideas I had picked up along the way that were the reason for the resentment.
Growing up and going to church here and there, I always thought the people who went on stage during testimony services had it all together. Or at least, they did once they started following Jesus! They’d say things like, “I was an alcoholic for 40 years. Then, I gave my life to Jesus and have never wanted a drink since.”
I’d sink lower in my chair because what about me? In some ways life actually got harder after I started following Jesus. I now felt conflicted. I felt woken up to a battle of sorts. Was there something wrong with me?
I remember being in this season and reading the Exodus story in a fresh new way. I’d heard it tons growing up, but sometimes that’s a good reason to miss the true heart of a passage. Yet, at that time, one verse particularly stuck out.
It was right after the Israelites were freed for the final time and began to leave Egypt and Pharaoh’s rule.
That’s when they got to the Red Sea. And they started to feel the impossible ahead of them. To make matters worse, they turned around and saw Pharaoh chasing them. He had changed his mind about letting them go.
A sea in front of them, and an army behind them. They were trapped. And they began to curse and hurl harsh words at Moses: Did you bring us out here to die?! We could’ve stayed in Egypt to do that! (Exodus 14:11)
That’s when my favorite verse shows up. Moses responds:“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:14).
I really try to feel Israel’s plight, but I can’t imagine how it felt. The terror. The fear. Completely shut in and stuck. Moses tells Israel they do have to do something. They do have a job. To get through this they need to obey. And the command they need to obey? Be quiet and watch God work. Have true faith in the One who brought them out of slavery.
I don’t know what you’re facing today, but what would it look like to stop and trust in your Creator? He didn’t get you this far to leave you out to dry. God goes before you and after you. He will fight for you.
My favorite part about this story is that after God opens up the Red Sea, Israel is commanded to walk. Sometimes being silent and trusting God looks like putting one foot in front of the other while towers of water are on your left and your right. But He is good, and He can be trusted.
Lord, I pray for the situation today of each person reading this. I pray You would give them the same hope and strength and reminder of Your promises as You did to your people next to the Red Sea. That You would calm their heart and still their soul with Your truth and with Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
As I was seeking The Lord this morning to find a devotion to post I felt The Lord say, I will fight for you. I pray after reading this devotion you find hope and strength in the midst of your struggles. He will fight for you, as today’s devotions says, no matter the sea in front of you or the army behind you, be quiet and watch God work.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 2:3-4
17
Sep '19
Through the trials – it is well with your soul
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Sep '19
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)
A few days ago I received a very detailed call from a friend dealing with trials that seem nearly impossible to bear. Often the best thing a friend can do is simply listen, and while doing just that I was reminded of Horatio Spafford.
Horatio Gates Spafford was a 43-year-old Chicago Businessman who suffered financial disaster in the great Chicago fire of 1871. He and his wife, still grieving the death of their son who had died shortly before the fire, were in great need of a retreat, and decided to take their remaining children to England for a vacation. Their friend Dwight L. Moody would be preaching in evangelistic campaigns there that fall, and so Spafford arranged to send his wife and four daughters ahead of him on the SS Ville du Havre. He planned to follow in a few days.
During the voyage on the Atlantic Ocean, the Ville du Havre was struck by an iron sailing vessel and sank within 12 minutes. Two hundred twenty-six lives were lost – including the Spafford’s four daughters. When the survivors were brought to shore at Cardiff, Wales, Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband two words: “Saved alone.”
Spafford booked passage on the next ship. As they were crossing the Atlantic the captain pointed out the place where he thought the Ville du Havre had gone down. That night, Spafford penned the following words:
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Spafford lost his business and his children but found comfort in His savior.
This world has been called a “veil of tears”, not without reason. The weight of anguish and sorrow is incalculable and may feel utterly unbearable at times. Who can understand how Horatio and his wife bore up under their excruciating losses? Yeshua (Jesus) can, because He himself bore far greater agony and sorrow, and because He rescued us from an eternity of it. If you truly know Him you also can sing, “It Is Well With My Soul.”
I love this old hymn, we have sang it many times in our church over the years. What a reminder today, no matter what trial or trials you find yourself facing today, like today’s devotions says, if you truly know Him, remember this, it is well with your soul. I will be singing this to myself and encouraging myself with these words. Thank You Lord for this beautiful reminder today, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 5:1
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Sep '19
The Little Things
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Sep '19
My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. (Psalm 38:5)
It was just a little thing. A small stone or piece of shell I’d stepped on at some point during my walk on the beach. I figured I didn’t need to worry about it. Eventually it would work its way out. So I ignored it and went on with life.
But weeks later my plan wasn’t working. The little thing hadn’t gone away. It had only worked its way deeper into my foot. I was having more and more trouble walking. And my little thing had become harder to ignore.
At my husband’s insistence, I finally visited the doctor, who told me that something that could’ve been handled easily at the beginning had now turned into a much bigger problem. What could’ve been as simple as removing a splinter now involved cutting into my foot.
I thought of the little things in my life I’ve ignored, letting them work their way deeper instead of plucking them out while they were still easy to get to. Resentment, anger, jealousy, gossip, unforgiveness and unkind thoughts can be plucked out the moment we realize they’re there. But leave them untended and they go deeper.
What could be a matter of prayer and accountability becomes a full blown life issue that controls us and causes pain—not just for us, but for others as well. Ignore the little things and they become big problems; plucking becomes carving. Like our verse today, our sinful folly causes wounds that fester instead of heal.
I didn’t take the time to go to the doctor. I didn’t want to mess with the inconvenience or the pain of having my little thing dealt with. I thought I could handle it on my own. But I couldn’t. I needed a physician to do what I could not. It is the same for those little things in my thought life as well. I need the Great Physician to remove what I can’t reach — and do it before it becomes so deep that it’s part of who I am.
When I’m struggling with little things, I’ve learned to ask God to help me see what is going on through His Word and prayer. Then I listen to the Holy Spirit’s convictions and seek honesty from friends and family.
As a friend of mine says, “The truth might hurt, but the truth also heals.” We must be intentional about being honest with ourselves and do whatever it takes to identify and remove the potentially damaging little things in our hearts and in our thought lives.
Dear Lord, please show me those little things in my life I am ignoring — whether it’s a behavior like gossip or a thought like envy. I try to convince myself that there’s such a thing as a “little sin” but I know deep down that little things can become big problems if left unchecked. Convict me through Your Holy Spirit and let me respond as You would want. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I must admit, when I read this devotion I cried. We are all guilty of this very thing and if you are telling yourself your not then your lying to yourself and need to check your spirit and your heart. Little things can indeed become big problems if left unchecked. Wow! What a reminder today! Let’s start our week off on the right foot. I will stand up, raise my hand and be the first to admit today, I am in need of the Great Physician to remove what I can’t reach. Amen!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 3:13
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Sep '19
Seize Your Opportunities!
13
Sep '19
For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. (Deuteronomy 20:4)
An organization in Montana offered a bounty of five thousand dollars for every wolf captured alive. Two hunters decided to head for the hills and make some money capturing wolves. Day and night, they scoured the mountains and forests searching for their valuable prey. Exhausted after three days of hunting without success, they both fell asleep.
During the night, one of the hunters suddenly woke up to find that the two were surrounded by a pack of fifty wolves, their eyes flaming and teeth bared. At once, he called to his friend, “Hey, wake up! We’re gonna be rich!”
Sometimes we feel in over our heads in difficulties. They surround us like that pack of wolves preparing to pounce. But perhaps these difficulties are actually opportunities?? Recently, we’ve had some interesting trials. But through these tribulations, we see that God is taking each situation, one by one, and turning it for His Glory — just more opportunities for us to testify of His goodness.
Today, we have the opportunity to learn and grow, and experience the grace and power of God through these trials which surround us. The devil is not as smart or powerful as he appears — and we have a great and All-Mighty God who has a way of using our enemy’s silly tactics for the building up of His Great Kingdom!
I was blessed by this devotion. Seize your opportunities! I love this. When we intentionally change our thoughts, our life changes as well. May you be filled with a fresh breath of optimism today.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 3:8
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Sep '19
In The Midst Of It All . . .
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Sep '19
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)
When Daniel was in the midst of the lion’s den…God was with him. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in the midst of the fiery furnace…God was with them. It would have been perfectly easy for God to immediately transport these saints out of their difficulties, but no, He chose instead to be with them in the midst of their trials. God chose to reveal His power through the trials instead of exercising His power to remove them.
Trials and difficulties are simply a part of life and quite honestly, the longer I walk with the Lord the bigger these trials become. But how do we react when our faith is challenged by these adversities? James 1:2 says to count it all joy! What could possibly be joyful about difficult situations? Painful, yes…but joy??
Yet, somehow, I do find joy in knowing, and even sensing that God is with me in the midst of my problems — in the midst of my trials. He did promise never to leave or forsake me; and as I look over my life, I find it to be absolutely true…no matter what crazy situation I’m in, God is with me.
We all have this decision: either to complain because of the trials we’re enduring…or to prayerfully lift our souls before him (Psalm 25:1) …and rejoice in the midst of our troubles — knowing, believing, and even feeling, that God is with us, now…always…all the way!
Today’s devotion blessed me and I pray it encourages you to lift your soul before Him and rejoice. Rejoice in The Lord always and again I say rejoice. Romans 12:12, Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:4