12
Feb '19
Jesus Reached Out
12
Feb '19
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:31)
Sometimes life gets busy—classes are hard, work is exhausting, the bathroom needs to be cleaned, and a coffee date is on the day’s schedule. It gets to the point where I force myself to read the Bible for a few minutes a day and tell myself I’ll spend more time with God next week. But it doesn’t take long before I’m distracted, drowning in the day’s tasks, and forget to ask God for help of any kind.
When Peter was walking on water toward Jesus, he quickly became distracted by the wind and waves. Like me, he began to sink (Matthew 14:29–30). But as soon as Peter cried out, “immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him” (vv. 30–31).
I often feel as if I have to make it up to God after being so busy and distracted that I lose sight of Him. But that’s not how God works. As soon as we turn to Him for help, Jesus reaches out without hesitation.
When we’re unsettled by the chaos of life, it’s easy to forget that God is standing in the middle of the storm with us. Jesus asked Peter, “Why did you doubt?” (v. 31). No matter what we’re going through, He is there. He is here. Next to us at that moment, in this moment, ready to reach out and rescue us.
Lord, help me to turn to You in the midst of my busyness and life’s distractions. Thank You for always being here, ready to catch me. Amen.
Today I am reminded that God is waiting for us to turn to Him so He can reach out and help. It’s not about “having” time it’s about making time, make time for what truly matters.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 John 3:18
11
Feb '19
All I Can See
11
Feb '19
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)
Krista stood in the freezing cold on a winter day, looking at the beautiful snow-encased lighthouse along the lake. As she pulled out her phone to take pictures, her glasses fogged over. She couldn’t see a thing so she decided to point her camera toward the lighthouse and snapped three pictures at different angles. Looking at them later, she realized the camera had been set to take “selfies.” She laughed as she said, “My focus was me, me, and me. All I saw was me.” Krista’s photos got me thinking of a similar mistake: We can become so self-focused we lose sight of the bigger picture of God’s plan.
Jesus’s cousin John clearly knew his focus wasn’t himself. Right from the start he recognized that his position or calling was to point others to Jesus, the Son of God. “Look, the Lamb of God!” he said when he saw Jesus coming toward him and his followers (John 1:29). He continued, “The reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed” (v. 31). When John’s disciples later reported that Jesus was gaining followers, John said, “You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ . . . He must become greater; I must become less” (3:28–30).
May the central focus of our lives be Jesus and loving Him with our whole heart.
How can I love Jesus best? Who might He want me to love?
This devotion blessed me so very much. Today I am reminded that the lack of God-centeredness leads to self-centeredness. Lord, I often get centered on myself and my needs and wants. Help me to look outside of myself to You. Amen. He must become greater.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 2:10
08
Feb '19
Good Works Prepared
08
Feb '19
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
When a burly stranger approached my wife and me on a street abroad, we shrunk back in fear. Our holiday had been going badly; we had been yelled at, cheated, and extorted from several times. Were we going to be shaken down again? To our surprise, the man just wanted to show us where to get the best view of his city. Then he gave us a chocolate bar, smiled, and left. That little gesture made our day—and saved the whole trip. It made us grateful—both to the man and to God for cheering us up.
What had made the man reach out to two strangers? Had he gone around with a chocolate bar the entire day, looking to bless someone with it?
It’s amazing how the smallest action can bring the biggest smile—and possibly direct someone to God. The Bible stresses the importance of doing good works (James 2:17, 24). If that sounds challenging, we have the assurance that God not only enables us to do these works, but has even “prepared [them] in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Perhaps God has arranged for us to “bump into” someone who needs a word of encouragement today or has given us an opportunity to offer someone a helping hand. All we have to do is respond in obedience.
Who can you pray for or help today? Who might God be putting in your path.
This devotion blessed me so much. Lord, may I respond in obedience and share Your love with others as You have loved me.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 4:12
07
Feb '19
Shelve Them and Move On
07
Feb '19
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. (Proverbs 15:31)
I’m reminded of some wise advice a radio broadcaster friend once gave me. Early on in his career, as my friend struggled to know how to deal with both criticism and praise, he felt that God was encouraging him to shelve both. What’s the essence of what he took to heart? Learn what you can from criticism and accept praise. Then shelve both and humbly move on in God’s grace and power.
Criticism and praise stir in us powerful emotions that, if left unchecked, can lead to either self-loathing or an overinflated ego. In Proverbs we read of the benefits of encouragement and wise counsel: “Good news gives health to the bones. . . .Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding” (15:30, 32).
If we’re on the receiving end of a rebuke, may we choose to be sharpened by it. Proverbs states, “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise” (v. 31). And if we’re blessed with words of praise, may we be refreshed and filled with gratitude. As we walk humbly with God, He can help us learn from both criticism and praise, shelve them, and then move on in Him (v. 33).
Father God, thank You for the gift of praise and criticism. As I humbly surrender to You, may I grow and be sharpened by both. Amen.
This devotion blessed me, so often we are easily offended and easily angered by criticism but if we would change our perspective as today’s devotion mentions and grow and be sharpened by both praise and criticism, we would see things much differently and make a change for the better, not only in our lives but in those around us. Learn from praise and criticism, then shelve them and move on. I want to be sharpened today.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 143:10
06
Feb '19
Seen by God
06
Feb '19
And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? (Genesis 16:13)
The slave Hagar realized that as she fled from her mistress Sarai’s unkindness. Hagar was a “nobody” in her culture, pregnant and alone, fleeing to a desert without help or hope. Seen by God, however, she was empowered, in return, to see Him. No longer a vague concept, God became real to her, so real that she gave God a name, El Roi, which means “You are the God who sees me.” She said, “I have now seen the One who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).
Our seeing God sees each of us too. Feeling unseen, alone, or like a nobody? God sees you and your future. In return, may we see in Him our ever-present hope, encouragement, salvation, and joy—both for today and for our future. Praise Him today for this gift of amazing sight, to see the one true and Living God.
Lord, I’m just one person in a big world, but I thank You for looking from on high and seeing me—so that I may see You. Amen.
After reading this devotion I am reminded of just how much God knows my name and sees me. Be encouraged today, you are seen, your not alone, God is with you wherever you go, He sees you.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 19:26
05
Feb '19
Love and Peace
05
Feb '19
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:10-11)
It always amazes me the way peace—powerful, unexplainable peace (Philippians 4:7)—can somehow fill our hearts even in our deepest grief. I experienced this most recently at my father’s memorial service. As a long line of sympathetic acquaintances passed by offering their condolences, I was relieved to see a good high school friend. Without a word, he simply wrapped me in a long bear hug. His quiet understanding flooded me with the first feelings of peace within grief that difficult day, a powerful reminder that I wasn’t as alone as I felt.
As David describes in Psalm 16, the kind of peace and joy God brings into our lives isn’t caused by a choice to stoically stomp down the pain during hard times; it’s more like a gift we can’t help but experience when we take refuge in our good God (vv. 1–2).
We could respond to the aching pain that death brings by distracting ourselves, perhaps thinking that turning to these other “gods” will keep the pain at bay. But sooner or later we’ll find that efforts to avoid our pain only bring deeper pain (v. 4).
Or we could turn to God, trusting that even when we don’t understand, the life He’s already given us—even in its pain—is still beautiful and good (vv. 6–8). And we can surrender to His loving arms that tenderly carry us through our pain into a peace and joy that even death can never quench (v. 11).
Father, thank You for the way Your tender touch embraces and holds us in our times of joy and pain. Help us to turn in trust to You for healing. Amen.
When I initially read this devotion I hesitated to share it. I felt I didn’t want to dwell on death and sadness, I don’t even like talking about death, it causes me to think of the possibility of loosing those close to me and that pain seems unbearable but as I started to pass up this devotion The Lord touched my spirit and I felt Him encourage me to post it. I don’t know who this is meant for but I know it will not return void, maybe this devotion was meant for me, a sweet reminder that despite our pain, whatever that pain may be, God’s love carries and holds us through our pain into peace and joy. I prey you are encouraged by this devotion today. He is my refuge and strength.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 43:19
04
Feb '19
Praying and Growing
04
Feb '19
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3:17)
When my friend David’s wife developed Alzheimer’s disease, the changes it brought to his life made him bitter. He needed to retire early to care for her; and as the disease progressed, she required increasingly more care.
“I was so angry at God,” he told me. “But the more I prayed about it, the more He showed me my heart and how I had been selfish for most of our marriage.” Tears welled in his eyes as he confessed, “She’s been sick ten years, but God has helped me see things differently. Now, everything I do out of love for her, I also do for Jesus. Caring for her has become the greatest privilege of my life.”
Sometimes God answers our prayers not by giving us what we want but by challenging us to change. When the prophet Jonah was angry because God spared the wicked city of Nineveh from destruction, God caused a plant to shade him from the hot sun (Jonah 4:6). Then He made it wither. When Jonah complained, God answered, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” (vv. 7–9). Jonah, focused only on himself, insisted it was. But God challenged him to think about others and have compassion.
God sometimes uses our prayers in unexpected ways to help us learn and grow. It’s a change we can welcome with open hearts because He wants to transform us with His love.
Lord Jesus, thank You for helping me grow when I pray. Help me to be sensitive to what You want for my life today. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was encouraged. When it said “God sometimes uses our prayers in unexpected ways to help us learn and grow” I was reminded of the many times in my life when I was quick to complain about my prayers not being answered in the exact way in which I prayed but looking back now I can see The Hand of God in every situation I was and continue to be in, even if it’s not exactly how I wanted it to work out, in the end, it was exactly what He wanted for my life to grow. God grows us as we spend time with Him.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 1:6
01
Feb '19
The Heart
01
Feb '19
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. (Psalms 139:23)
Deep within us lies the truth. Not the superficial things that others see. Not our own preferences or how we hope to be perceived.
Our true self can get buried beneath layers and masks, so that even we cannot recognize it. We might accurately identify the symptoms, but incorrectly label them as the cause of our misery. Or we might overlook the layers entirely. We need to dig deep to uncover the core of our being, and often we’re afraid to probe as deeply as necessary.
But God reminds us that He goes beyond the surface. He knows the deepest things about us. For He “seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
God calls us to recognize these truths and realize how important this understanding is to our relationship with Him and to our spiritual maturity. Instead of being concerned with the approval of others, God calls us to focus on getting our hearts right with Him. To love Him not in superficial ways but “thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
Jesus pointed out that many religious people (even leaders) did not understand God’s concern for the deeper things. Citing Isaiah, He said, “this people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8).
Today, give God permission to search your heart and mind, revealing deep things to you. Be sensitive to His Spirit, and love Him with your whole being. Make Him your highest priority.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 6:5
31
Jan '19
The Art of a Grateful Heart
31
Jan '19
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 118:1)
What are we to do when we face life’s inevitable difficulties? Paul urges us on behalf of Christ to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). As difficult as that may sound, there is good reason why God encourages us to embrace a spirit of gratitude. Gratitude is grounded in the truth that our Lord “is good” and “his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1). He is present with us and strengthens us in the midst of trouble (Hebrews 13:5–6), and He lovingly uses our trials to grow our character into His likeness (Romans 5:3–4).
When life hits us with hard times, choosing to be grateful focuses our attention on the goodness of God and gives us the strength to make it through our struggles. With the psalmist, we can sing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy/love endures forever” (Psalm 118:29).
Lord, I realize that focusing on my troubles causes me to forget that even in the midst of trials You are good. Teach me the art of a grateful heart. Amen.
This devotion blessed me. I am reminded of Joshua 1:9, Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Forget what you can’t control and focus on what you can control, your attitude, your faith, and your perspective. Choose to make the very best of every situation that comes your way. Thanksgiving is a virtue that grows through practice.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 15:4
30
Jan '19
Goodbye for Now
30
Jan '19
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
My granddaughter Allyssa and I have a regular routine we go through when we say goodbye. We wrap our arms around each other and begin to loudly wail with dramatic sobs for about twenty seconds. Then we step back and casually say, “See ya,” and turn away. Despite our silly practice, we always expect that we will see each other again—soon.
But sometimes the pain of separation from those we care about can be difficult. When the apostle Paul said farewell to the elders from Ephesus, “They all wept as they embraced him . . . . What grieved them most was [Paul’s] statement that they would never see his face again” (Acts 20:37–38).
The deepest sorrow, however, comes when we are parted by death and say goodbye for the last time in this life. That separation seems unthinkable. We mourn. We weep. How can we face the heartbreak of never again embracing the ones we have loved?
Still . . . we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Paul writes of a future reunion for those who “believe that Jesus died and rose again” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). He declares: “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. What a reunion!
And—best of all—we will be forever with Jesus. That’s an eternal hope.
Thank You, Lord, for the assurance that this world is not all we have but that a blessed eternity awaits all who trust in You. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of my grandmother who went on to be with The Lord this past August and it quickly brought tears to my eyes but as I continued reading I was reminded of the hope I have in God and despite the sadness and void that comes with the loss of someone as wonderful as she was, at death, God’s people don’t say “goodbye,” but “we’ll see you later.” Im looking forward to that day when the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. What hope and peace!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 4:2