12
Dec '18
Everlasting Hope
12
Dec '18
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. (Psalm 146:5)
The week before Christmas, two months after my mom died, holiday shopping and decorating sat at the bottom of my priority list. I resisted my husband’s attempts to comfort me as I grieved the loss of our family’s faith-filled matriarch. I sulked as our son, Xavier, stretched and stapled strands of Christmas lights onto the inside walls of our home. Without a word, he plugged in the cord before he and his dad left for work.
As the colorful bulbs blinked, God gently drew me out of my darkness. No matter how painful the circumstances, my hope remained secure in the light of God’s truth, which always reveals His unchanging character.
Psalm 146 affirms what God reminded me on that difficult morning: My endless “hope is in the Lord,” my helper, my mighty and merciful God (v. 5). As Creator of all, He “keepeth truth for ever” (v. 6). He “executeth judgment for the oppressed,” protecting us and providing for us (v. 7). “The Lord raiseth them that are bowed down” (v. 8). He protects us and cares for us, and He will always be King (vv. 9–10).
Sometimes, when Christmas rolls around, our days will overflow with joyful moments. Sometimes, we’ll face loss, experience hurt, or feel alone. But at all times, God promises to be our light in the darkness, offering us tangible help and everlasting hope. Amen!
When I read this devotion I was reminded, God secures our hope in His unchanging character. Find hope in Him today. He is faithful.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Mark 8:34-35
11
Dec '18
What Does God Want?
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Dec '18
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (Hosea 6:3)
If we want to know what’s expected of us at work, we ask our supervisors or read the employee handbook. If we want to know what’s expected at school, we talk to teachers or read the student code of conduct.
Understanding what God wants for us works the same way. If we want to know what God wants for our lives, we ask and we read. We ask God in prayer and we read the Bible. The Bible is called God’s Word because every word was inspired by God to help us know Him and His desire for our lives.
Just like we wouldn’t submit to someone we don’t work for or a school we don’t attend, giving the Bible authority in our lives only happens when we recognize God’s authority in our lives. In Hosea 6:3, the prophet Hosea tells God’s people to “acknowledge the LORD” and “press on to acknowledge him.” Properly understanding our role in a relationship is key to a having a healthy relationship. God is God, and we are not.
From the beginning of time, God’s desires for us haven’t changed. What God wants from us is also what He wants for us — a healthy, strong and consistent relationship with Him. We can’t experience that depth of relationship simply by doing the right things the right way (Hosea 6:6). A thriving relationship comes from time spent together.
The more we get to know someone, the more we trust him or her. Our obedience becomes not just a matter of doing what’s right but trusting that person to lead us well. The same is true with God. As we spend time talking with God and reading His word, we’ll find ourselves submitting to His desires, not because we have to, but because we want to.
Amen! This devotion blessed me. Today, spend time getting to know Him better than you did yesterday. Today is a new day, make the most of it. He’s waiting.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 29:13
10
Dec '18
Impaired Judgment
10
Dec '18
Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1)
I’ve been quick to judge anyone I saw walking in the street while staring at a phone. How could they be so oblivious to the cars about to hit them? I’ve told myself. Don’t they care about their own safety? But one day, while crossing the entrance to an alleyway, I was so engrossed in a text message, that I missed seeing a car at my left. Thankfully, the driver saw me and came to an abrupt stop. But I felt ashamed. All of my self-righteous finger-pointing came back to haunt me. I had judged others, only to do the same thing myself.
My hypocrisy is the kind of thinking that Jesus addressed in the Sermon on the Mount: “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). I had a huge “beam”—a blind spot through which I judged others with my own impaired judgment.
“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again,” Jesus also said (7:2). Recalling the disgusted look on the driver’s face that day, after having to make an abrupt stop when I walked in front of the car, I’m reminded of the disgusted looks I gave others engrossed in their phones.
None of us is perfect. But sometimes I forget that in my haste to judge others. We’re all in need of God’s grace.
Heavenly Father, please help me be quicker to console or encourage, and slower to judge someone else. Amen.
When I read this devotion one word came to mind, guilty. I needed this reminder. If we would just stop for a moment and take a step back and honestly evaluated our actions from time to time we would see that we are all guilty of this. Today, challenge yourself to be slow to judge others.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 13:10
07
Dec '18
Roller Coaster Rides
07
Dec '18
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. (Psalm 39:4)
When I was young, summer vacations took a small eternity. Granted, as soon as I saw a hint of a “Back to School” sale, I remember being quick to complain that life wasn’t fair and summer was far too short. But even I got a little excited about getting back to the “grind” that was Elementary School.
These days it seems a season can come and go without my even recognizing it. “Winter already?” “This jacket is brand new! I bought it in 2014.”
Has time gotten… faster? If life were a roller coaster, it’s as if the early part of our lives was the slow crawl to the very top — full of anticipation and nerves and excitement — and then we got careers and kids and dogs and iPhones and we were careening through the ride faster than we could handle!
Sometimes, through all the noise, we are reminded of our short time here.
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:14)
It is good to remember the brevity of our lives. “Teach us to number our days,” says the Psalmist, “that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) Ours is the experience of someone made for eternity, but living in a fallen world. And we have such hope.
Death is not the end. Death is not the end!
Our great hope as a Christian and the central event of history is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:17-20)
And now, as a Christian, the One who defeated the grave has also taken residence in our hearts, and we have victory over death, too. Claim it!
A life without hope is a life without God.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 29:13
06
Dec '18
Expect the Messiah
06
Dec '18
Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:55)
The repairman looked young—too young to fix our problem, a car that wouldn’t start. “He’s just a kid,” my husband, Dan, whispered to me, showing his doubt. His disbelief in the young man sounded like the grumbling in Nazareth where citizens doubted who Jesus was.
“Is not this the carpenter’s son?” they asked (Matthew 13:55) when Jesus taught in the synagogue. Scoffing, they were surprised to hear that someone they knew was healing and teaching, and asked, “Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?” (v. 54). Instead of trusting in Jesus, they were offended by the authority He displayed (vv. 15, 58).
In this same way, we may struggle to trust in our Savior’s wisdom and power, especially in the familiar and ordinary details of our daily lives. Failing to expect His help, we may miss out on the wonder of His life transforming our own (v. 58).
As Dan found, the help he needed stood right in front of him. Finally agreeing to accept the young man’s aid, my husband allowed him to look at our old car’s battery. By switching just one bolt, the mechanic had the car running in seconds—engine humming and lights ablaze. “It lit up like Christmas,” Dan said.
So too may we expect and experience the Messiah bringing fresh light, life, and help into our daily journey with Him.
When I doubt You, Lord, help my unbelief. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of the many times I’ve doubted certain situations and found myself questioning God but I then find out very quickly that His ways are far beyond my understanding and all I need to do is trust Him. Psalm 32:8 says, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. I would challenge you today to think of some practical ways you can remind yourself or others that God is in control and He is able?
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 10:14-15
05
Dec '18
Following the Leader
05
Dec '18
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)
In the sky over our house, three fighter jets scream through the sky—flying in formation so close together they appear to be one. “Wow,” I say to my husband. “Impressive,” he agrees. We live near an Air Force base and it’s not unusual to see such sights.
Every time these jets fly over, however, I have the same question: How can they fly so close together and not lose control? One obvious reason, I learned, is humility. Trusting that the lead pilot is traveling at precisely the correct speed and trajectory, the wing pilots surrender any desire to switch directions or question their leader’s path. Instead, they get in formation and closely follow. The result? A more powerful team.
It’s no different for followers of Jesus. He says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
His path was one of self-denial and suffering, which can be hard to follow. But to be His effective disciples, we too are invited to put aside selfish desires and pick up spiritual burdens daily—serving others first instead of ourselves, for example—as we closely follow Him.
It’s quite a sight, this humbling, close walk with God. Following His lead, and staying so close, we can appear with Christ as one. Then others won’t see us, they’ll see Him. There’s a simple word for what that looks like: “Wow!”
Please, God, draw us close to You. Fill us with Your Spirit of love and joy and peace. Enable us to be a shining light in our world. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was reminded, our lives are a window through which others can see Jesus. Just this morning I was also reminded to keep a positive attitude and let my lite shine, then The Lord brought this devotion right to me. I felt it was fitting for today and every day. May we remember to be a shining light in our world. You never know the difference you will make in someone else’s life because of your shining light. Follow The Leader, Christ Jesus.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 6:3-4
04
Dec '18
Ponder It
04
Dec '18
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
During Oswald Chambers’ years at the Bible Training College in London (1911–15), he often startled the students with things he said during his lectures. One young woman explained that because discussion was reserved for the following mealtime together, Chambers would frequently be bombarded with questions and objections. She recalled that Oswald would often simply smile and say, “Just leave it for now; it will come to you later.” He encouraged them to ponder the issues and allow God to reveal His truth to them.
To ponder something is to concentrate and think deeply about it. After the events leading to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, followed by the appearance of angels and the shepherds who came to see the Messiah, “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). New Testament scholar W. E. Vine said that ponder means “to throw together, confer, to put one thing with another in considering circumstances” (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).
When we struggle to understand the meaning of what’s happening in our lives, we have Mary’s wonderful example of what it means to seek God and His wisdom.
When we, like her, accept God’s leading in our lives, we have many new things about His loving guidance to treasure and ponder in our hearts.
Father, guide us by Your Holy Spirit as we consider Your great love and embrace Your plan for our lives. Amen.
Today’s devotion blessed me. We all have times when we struggle to understand the meaning of what’s happening in our lives but as today’s devotions says, it then that we must seek God and His wisdom. Allow yourself a few minutes of quiet during this busy season to sit and listen for what God might be saying to you.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 13:2
03
Dec '18
In Abundance or Affliction
03
Dec '18
And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21)
Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts encourages readers to search their lives each day for what the Lord has done for them. In it, she daily notes God’s abundant generosity to her in gifts both large and small, ranging from the simple beauty of iridescent bubbles in the dish sink to the incomparable salvation of sinners like herself (and the rest of us!). Ann contends that gratitude is the key to seeing God in even the most troubling of life’s moments.
Job is famous for a life of such “troubling” moments. Indeed, his losses were deep and many. Just moments after losing all his livestock, he learns of the simultaneous death of all his ten children. Job’s profound grief was evidenced in his response: he “rent his mantle, and shaved his head” (1:20). His words in that painful hour make me think Job knew the practice of gratitude, for he acknowledges that God had given him everything he’d lost (v. 21). How else could he worship in the midst of such incapacitating grief?
The practice of daily gratitude can’t erase the magnitude of pain we feel in seasons of loss. Job questioned and grappled through his grief as the rest of the book describes. But recognizing God’s goodness to us—in even the smallest of ways—can prepare us to kneel in worship before our all-powerful God in the darkest hours of our earthly lives.
O God, You are the Giver of all good things. Help me to recognize Your generosity in even the smallest ways and to trust You in seasons of loss and hardship. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. We have all experienced loss and hardship but how do we handle it, with fear, anger and lasting sadness or do we do as today’s devotion says and recognize God’s goodness and practice gratitude and thankfulness, recognizing that through abundance or affliction, everything we may have lost came from Him? Why not start a gratitude list? Watch how the regular practice of thankfulness changes your daily life.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Nahum 1:7
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Nov '18
The “No Secret” Secret
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Nov '18
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (Romans 7:15)
A coworker confessed to me that he didn’t think he was “Jesus material.” I listened as he described what he called his “comfortable, narcissistic” life, and how it didn’t satisfy him. “But here’s my problem, I’ve been trying to be good, even caring, but it isn’t working. It seems that the very things I want to do, I can’t do, and the things I want to stop doing, I just keep doing.”
“What’s your secret?” he asked me in complete sincerity. “My secret,” I answered, “is that there is no secret. I’m as powerless to live up to God’s standards as you are, which is why we need Jesus.”
I pulled out a Bible and showed him “his” quote as the apostle Paul expressed it in Romans 7:15. Paul’s words of frustration often resonate with both pre-Christians and Christians who find themselves trying to be good enough to deserve God but falling short. Maybe it resonates with you. If so, Paul’s declaration that Christ is the author of our salvation and its resulting changes (7:25–8:2) should thrill you. Jesus has already done the work to free us from the very things that have us so puzzled with ourselves!
The barrier between us and God, the barrier of sin, has been removed without any work on our part. Salvation—and the changes made by the Holy Spirit in the process of our growth—is what God desires for all. He knocks on the door of our souls. Answer His knock today. It’s no secret that He’s the answer!
When I read this devotion I scrolled past it and chose a different devotion but God, He nudged my heart to go back. I don’t know who may need this today but I have to believe someone somewhere does and I pray it touches you in a miraculous way. Weather your the one in need of answers or your disciplining someone, don’t give up. He won’t stop knocking on the door of your soul, He won’t give up on you, He’s the answer. Without Jesus, salvation and spiritual growth are both gifts beyond our reach. It is no secret what God can do.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 6:37
29
Nov '18
When God Says No
29
Nov '18
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. (Isaiah 25:1)
When I was conscripted into the military at age eighteen, as all young Singaporean men are, I prayed desperately for an easy posting. A clerk or driver, perhaps. Not being particularly strong, I hoped to be spared the rigors of combat training. But one evening as I read my Bible, one verse leaped off the page: “My grace is sufficient for thee . . .” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
My heart dropped—but it shouldn’t have. God had answered my prayers. Even if I received a difficult assignment, He would provide for me.
So I ended up as an armored infantryman, doing things I didn’t always enjoy. Looking back now, I’m grateful God didn’t give me what I wanted. The training and experience toughened me physically and mentally and gave me confidence to enter adulthood.
In Isaiah 25:1–5, after prophesying Israel’s punishment and subsequent deliverance from her enemies, the prophet praises God for His plans. All these “wonderful things,” Isaiah notes, had been “planned long ago” (v. 1), yet they included some arduous times.
It can be hard to hear God saying no, and even harder to understand when we’re praying for something good—like someone’s deliverance from a crisis. That’s when we need to hold on to the truth of God’s good plans. We may not understand why, but we can keep trusting in His love, goodness, and faithfulness.
Lord, give me the faith to keep trusting You even when You say no. Amen.
This devotion blessed me because even in times when God says no and places you in situation that’s not so comfortable, He knows what’s best for you and I. Just as the man said in today’s devotion, he was grateful God didn’t give him what he wanted because the experience made him tougher, gave him confidence and prepared him for adulthood. Trust God even when he says no. He has a plan and a purpose for all things. It’s up to us to be obedient, walk in His ways and trust Him. I’m confident you will look back and go wow, I’m so grateful God said no. When God says no, He has a plan. Keep trusting Him!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 10:10