28
Nov '18
Hope Is Our Strategy
28
Nov '18
Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7)
My favorite football team has lost eight consecutive games as I write this. With each loss, it’s harder to hope this season can be redeemed for them. The coach has made changes weekly, but they haven’t resulted in wins. Talking with my coworkers, I’ve joked that merely wanting a different outcome can’t guarantee it. “Hope is not a strategy,” I’ve quipped.
That’s true in football. But in our spiritual lives, it’s just the opposite. Not only is cultivating hope in God a strategy, but clinging to Him in faith and trust is the only strategy. This world often disappoints us, but hope can anchor us in God’s truth and power during the turbulent times.
Micah understood this reality. He was heartbroken by how Israel had turned away from God. “Woe is me! . . . The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men” (7:1–2). But then he refocused on his true hope: “Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me” (v. 7).
What does it take to maintain hope in harsh times? Micah shows us: Watching. Waiting. Praying. Remembering. God hears our cries even when our circumstances are overwhelming. In these moments, clinging to and acting in response to our hope in God is our strategy, the only strategy that will help us weather life’s storms.
Father, You’ve promised to be an anchor for our hearts when circumstances look discouraging. Help us call out to You in faith and hope, believing that You hear our hearts’ cries. Amen.
After reading this devotion I pray you walk away with hope in times of discouragement. He is your source of hope. What does it take to maintain hope in harsh times? Watching. Waiting. Praying. Remembering.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 37:4
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Nov '18
God’s Hidden Hand
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Nov '18
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalms 139:16)
Do you sometimes wonder where God is leading you? Psalm 139:16 acknowledges God’s sovereign hand in our lives: “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” We don’t know how God will use the circumstances of our life, but we can rest in the knowledge that God knows everything about us and is directing our footsteps. Though His sovereign hand may seem hidden, He’s never absent.
Dear Lord, help me to trust You even when I don’t understand. Amen.
Although shorter than usual I felt this devotion was powerful and uplifting. If you find yourself in a valley today, asking God why and not understanding, as today’s devotions says, rest in what you do know, that God knows everything about you and He is directing your footsteps. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9). What steps can you take to discern God’s leading or to act on His call for your life? Be encouraged today.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 33:3
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Nov '18
A Hand Up
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Nov '18
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:10)
My children have enjoyed the thrill of a backyard ice-skating rink during our cold Idaho winters. When they were young, learning to skate was challenging: persuading them to deliberately set foot on the hard, icy surface proved difficult because they knew the pain of falling. Each time their feet slid out from under them, my husband or I would reach out to pull them again to their feet, setting them upright and steadying their frames.
Having someone there to help us up when we fall is the gift of a helping hand depicted in Ecclesiastes. Working with another makes our work sweeter and more effective (4:9), and a friend brings warmth to our lives. When we encounter challenges, it helps to have someone come alongside with practical and emotional support. These relationships can give us strength, purpose, and comfort.
When we find ourselves flattened on the cold ice of life’s hardships, is there a helping hand nearby? If so, it might be from God. Or when someone else needs a friend, could we be God’s answer to lift them up? In being a companion, we often find one. If it appears that no one is nearby to lift us to our feet again, we can find comfort in knowing that God is our ever-present help (Psalm 46:1). As we reach out to Him, He’s ready to steady us with His firm grip.
Thank You, Father, for helping me up when life knocks me down. Thank You for the people You’ve used to encourage and strengthen me. Yours is the most faithful friendship I have. Amen.
After reading this devotion I was reminded that we all need to remember that God’s friendship is the most faithful. What a friend we have in Jesus! Find someone who needs a friend and be a friend.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 12:28
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Nov '18
That Smiling Man
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Nov '18
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Colossians 3:23)
Going to the grocery store isn’t something I particularly enjoy. It’s just a mundane part of life—something that has to be done.
But there is one part of this task I’ve unexpectedly come to look forward to: checking out in Fred’s lane. Fred, you see, turns checkout into show time. He’s amazingly fast, always has a big smile, and even dances (and sometimes sings!) as he acrobatically flips (unbreakable) purchases into a plastic bag. Fred clearly enjoys a job that could be seen as one of the most tedious around. And for just a moment, his cheerful spirit brightens the lives of people in his checkout lane.
The way Fred does his job has won my respect and admiration. His cheerful attitude, desire to serve, and attention to detail all line up well with the apostle Paul’s description of how we are to work in Colossians 3:23: “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord”.
When we’re in relationship with Jesus, any job we have to do gives us an opportunity to reflect His presence in our lives. No task is too small . . . or too big! Tackling our responsibilities—whatever they may be—with joy, creativity, and excellence gives us an opportunity to influence those around us, no matter our job.
Lord, help me to tackle everything on my plate today with grace, enthusiasm, and joy, knowing that my attitude may affect others in ways I’m not even aware of. Amen.
This devotion blessed me and I pray as you set out to go to work today, this weekend or next week, just remember, the best way to do satisfying work is to do it for the Lord. Give it all you got with a smile of encouragement to those watching.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 15:5-6
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Nov '18
Be Thankful in “All” Things
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Nov '18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
I must be honest, sometimes it’s the “all” in that verse that gets me. Most of us can be thankful, for lots of things, at lots of times, but in “all” circumstances? That can be tough.
What about when you find yourself suffering illness, or defeat, or you’re walking through huge loss…what about when a loved one leaves this world too soon and you still can’t see past your tears…or when you’ve been praying for your prodigal loved one to come home and it seems like the prayers are unanswered…what about when you’re discouraged, disillusioned, and struggling with disbelief…or when you’re overwhelmed, overextended, and just fighting being over-stressed…what about when the needs mount high and the way doesn’t look clear…or when people are cruel, life seems unfair, and the enemy’s breathing down your back…what about when the storms come, and the car breaks down, or the air conditioner stops working on a holiday weekend (true story)…
Yes, these are the “all” things that can be hard to find gratitude in, whether it’s huge losses or just life irritations. But God’s word never changes to fit our circumstances. His Truth rises above our circumstance, so that we can too. He doesn’t say give thanks “for it”, but “in it all,” for He knows He’s building more deeply into our lives and character than He could ever build without the hard times.
We’re gaining strength. We’re gaining perseverance. We’re being reminded that true joy is never based on how we feel or our outside situations. We’re understanding that God’s ways are bigger, His thoughts are higher, and we can be assured that He holds us in His hands.
And He is with us.
Always.
No matter what you might be facing, the good news is this, you woke up. He’s given us today. And if we’re still here, living and breathing, may our every breath bring honor to Him.
Be assured my friend, you never fight the battles alone. Stay strong. Choose joy. Choose to be grateful in it “all.” For He is building greatness. He’s working things out for good. He hears our prayers, He sees all, and knows all. He has purpose for our pain, and brings hope for our tomorrows…
Grace to you this day.
Recognize today, that the most difficult challenge you’re facing right now, may actually be a greater blessing, as God is working in and through your life in powerful ways. No matter how hard, choose to give Him thanks, in “all” things.
Wow, I honestly don’t know what more to add to this devotion. I myself cried as I read it. I need this reminder today, tomorrow and every day after and I can’t help but think someone somewhere out there also needs this, so I pray as you read this that you are encouraged and uplifted and that you choose to give thanks in “all” things today, tomorrow and every day after, no matter what your facing, remember, God is working in and through your life in powerful ways. Be encouraged today.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 100:4
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Nov '18
Is There Wi-Fi?
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Nov '18
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. (Proverbs 15:14)
As I was preparing to go on a mission trip with some young people, the most frequently asked question was, “Is there Wi-Fi?” And I assured them there would be. So just imagine the wails and groans one night when the Wi-Fi was down!
Many of us become anxious when we’re separated from our smartphones. And when we do have our iPhones or Androids in our hands, we can be fixated on our screens.
Like many things, the internet and all that it allows us to access can become either a distraction or a blessing. It depends on what we do with it. In Proverbs we read, “A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash” (15:14 nlt).
Applying the wisdom of God’s Word to life, we can ask ourselves: Do we check our social networks compulsively throughout the day? What does that say about the things we hunger for? And do the things we read or view online encourage sensible living (vv. 16–21), or are we feeding on trash—gossip, slander, materialism, or sexual impurity?
As we yield to the work of the Holy Spirit, we can fill our minds with things that are “true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report” (Philippians 4:8). By God’s wisdom we can make good choices that honor Him.
God, help me to use my time well and to fill my mind with what is pure.
This devotion blessed me, may we take this thought with us as we go throughout our days, what we let into our minds shapes the state of our souls. Beware of the little foxes that spoil the vine.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 9:1
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Nov '18
Honoring God With Thanks
20
Nov '18
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (Psalm 50:15)
The doctor wasn’t frowning, despite talking to my husband about his recent cancer diagnosis. Smiling, she offered a suggestion: start each day by giving thanks. “For at least three things,” the doctor said. Dan agreed, knowing that gratitude opens our hearts to find encouragement in God’s goodness. Thus, Dan starts each day with words of praise. Thank You, God, for a good night’s sleep. For my clean bed. For sunshine. For breakfast on the table. For a smile on my lips.
Each word is heartfelt. But could it sound trivial? Does our praise in life’s small details matter to Almighty God? In Psalm 50, David’s chief musician, Asaph, offers a clear answer. God “will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds” (v. 9). Instead of these once-formal Israelite sacrifices of gratitude, God wants His people to give Him our hearts and lives in gratitude (vv. 14, 23).
As my husband experienced, whole-hearted gratitude helps our spirits flourish. Then when we call on the Lord “in the day of trouble,” He will “deliver” us (v. 15). Does this mean Dan will be healed, spiritually and physically, during his two-year treatment? Or not until after this lifetime? We don’t know. But for now, Dan delights in showing God he’s grateful for His love, and for who God is: Redeemer. Healer. Friend. And friends delight to hear these beautiful words: Thank You.
When I read this devotion I was so very blessed and reminded of something I once heard someone say and I feel it bears repeating. The man once said, paralyzed from a past head injury, when someone says God Bless you, his response is, He already has. How powerful is that? If we would choose to live each day with that kind of attitude, despite our current circumstances, how different would our lives be. Let us do as Dan does in this devotion each and every day, let’s choose to delight in showing God we are grateful for His love, and for who He is: redeemer, healer and friend. My gratitude to God is great to Him. Today, let’s set aside our troubles and honor God with thanks. He deserves it.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 25:1
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Nov '18
Lord of the Moment
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Nov '18
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Not long ago I was working on a construction project at my son’s home three hours away. The job took days longer than expected, and each morning I prayed we would finish by sunset. But every evening there was more to be done.
I wondered why. Could there be a reason for the delay? An answer came the next morning. I was picking up a tool when my phone rang and a stranger’s voice spoke urgently: “Your daughter was injured in an accident. You need to come immediately.”
She lived near my son, so it took just fourteen minutes to reach her. If I had been home, I would have been three hours away. I followed the ambulance to the hospital and comforted her before surgery. As I sat holding her hand I realized if my project hadn’t been delayed, I wouldn’t have been there.
Our moments belong to God. This was the experience of a woman whose son God had resurrected through the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:18–37). She left the country because of famine and returned years later to beg the king for her land. At precisely that moment the king was conversing with the prophet’s servant Gehazi. “Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored” her son, the woman walked in (8:5). Her request was granted.
We don’t know what even the next second brings, but God is graciously able to use any situation for good. May God give us grace to walk with Him expectantly into His appointments for us today.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of my life. Help me to be Your faithful servant. Amen.
This devotion blessed me. I must say the part that stood out the most to me was, our moments belong to God. What truth! Our lives are better off in God’s hands than in our own. Today when you face a delay or you feel like things are not going as planned just know that God has a plan and a purpose and He is able to use any situation for good. Trust Him in the moments.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 63:3-4
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Nov '18
Putting Up Hay
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Nov '18
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. (Romans 4:7)
When I was in college, I worked a summer on a ranch in Colorado. One evening, tired and hungry after a long day of mowing hay, I drove the tractor into the yard. Acting like the hot shot I thought I was, I cranked the steering wheel hard left, stamped on the left brake, and spun the tractor around.
The sickle was down and swept the legs out from under a 500-gallon gasoline tank standing nearby. The tank hit the ground with a resounding boom, the seams split, and all the gasoline spewed out.
The rancher stood nearby surveying the scene.
I got off the tractor, stammered an apology, and—because it was the first thing that popped into my mind—offered to work the rest of the summer without pay.
The old rancher stared at the wreckage for a moment and turned toward the house. “Let’s go have dinner,” he drawled.
A scrap of a story Jesus told passed through my mind—a story about a young man who had done a terrible thing: “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,” he cried. He intended to add, “make me as one of thy hired servants,” but before he could get all the words out of his mouth his father interrupted him. In essence, he said, “Let’s go have dinner” (Luke 15:17–24).
Such is God’s amazing grace.
Father, we celebrate Your gracious and lavish forgiveness. Thank You for the peace and freedom it brings us as we enjoy a family relationship with You. Amen.
This devotion blessed me. What an example of love and forgiveness in two different situation. It’s incredible to me that God’s love and forgiveness is even greater. What a privilege to be sons and daughters of the King!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 15:57
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Nov '18
Quiet Witness
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Nov '18
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12)
Amy lives in a closed country where it’s forbidden to preach the gospel. She’s a trained nurse who works in a big hospital, caring for newborn babies. She’s such a committed professional that her work stands out, and many women are curious about her. They are moved to ask her questions in private. It’s then that Amy shares about her Savior openly.
Because of her good work, some co-workers were envious and accused her of stealing some medicine. Her superiors didn’t believe them, and authorities eventually found the culprit. This episode led some of her fellow nurses to ask about her faith. Her example reminds me of what Peter says: “Dearly beloved . . . . Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11–12).
Our everyday lives at home, in our work environment, or at school make an impact on others when we let God work in us. We’re surrounded by people who are watching the way we speak and behave. Let’s depend on God and have Him rule our actions and thoughts. Then we’ll influence those who don’t believe and this may lead some of them to turn in faith to Jesus.
Father, help me to live in such a way that Your name will be honored wherever I go. Amen.
This devotion blessed me, today remember, our lives speak louder than our words. What is your life saying to those around you? Remember, you may be the only bible that others read.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Chronicles 29:13