16
Oct '18
Twinkle
16
Oct '18
Shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ . . . (Philippians 2:15-16)
“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is an English lullaby. Its lyrics, originally a poem by Jane Taylor, capture the wonder of God’s universe where stars hang “up above the world so high.” In the rarely published later stanzas, the star acts as a guide: “As your bright and tiny spark lights the traveler in the dark.”
In Philippians, Paul challenges believers in Philippi to be blameless and pure as they “shine . . . as lights in the world” while offering the good news of the gospel to all around them (2:15–16). We wonder how we can shine like stars. We often feel inadequate and struggle to think our “light” is bright enough to make a difference. But stars don’t try to be stars. They just are. Light changes our world. And it changes us. God brought physical light into our world (Genesis 1:3); and through Jesus, God brings spiritual light into our lives (John 1:1–4).
We who have God’s light in us are to shine in such a way that those around us see light and are drawn to its source. As effortlessly as a star hanging in the night sky, our light makes a difference because of what it is: Light! When we simply shine, we follow Paul’s directive to “hold forth to the word of life” in a world in deep darkness, and we draw others to the source of our hope: Jesus.
Dear God, may Your light shine out of the very cracks of our beings as we hold out the Word of life to others. Amen.
This devotion blessed me. Today let’s choose to allow our lights to shine so bright so we, as today’s devotions says, draw others to the source of our hope: Jesus. Let your light so shine today and watch others be drawn to that light.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 10:23
15
Oct '18
Agreeing to Disagree
15
Oct '18
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:19)
I remember hearing my dad talk about how difficult it was to walk away from unending arguments over differing interpretations of the Bible. By contrast he recalled how good it was when both sides agreed to disagree.
But is it really possible to set aside irreconcilable differences when so much seems to be at stake? That’s one of the questions the apostle Paul answers in his New Testament letter to the Romans. Writing to readers caught in social, political, and religious conflict, he suggests ways of finding common ground even under the most polarized conditions (14:5–6).
According to Paul, the way to agree to disagree is to recall that each of us will answer to the Lord not only for our opinions but also for how we treat one another in our differences (v. 10).
Conditions of conflict can actually become occasions to remember that there are some things more important than our own ideas—even more than our interpretations of the Bible. All of us will answer for whether we have loved one another, and even our enemies, as Christ loved us.
Now that I think of it, I remember that my dad used to talk about how good it is not just to agree to disagree but to do so with mutual love and respect.
Father, please enable us to be patient and kind with those who don’t agree with us about anything or everything. Amen.
This devotion blessed me because to often I feel we can so easily hold grudges and distance ourselves from making a difference in one’s life just because we disagree about one thing or another. If we would apply today’s lesson to our lives we just may be able to impact more for Christ and when the day comes to stand before God, He will be well pleased with how we chose to love instead of argue. Be patient and kind with those who don’t agree with you. We can agree to disagree—in love.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 7:24
12
Oct '18
Stories of Jesus
12
Oct '18
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25)
As a girl I loved to visit my small local library. One day, looking at the bookshelves holding the young adult section, I reasoned I could probably read every book. In my enthusiasm I forgot one important fact—new books were regularly added to the shelves. Although I gave it a valiant effort, there were simply too many books.
New books continue to fill more and more bookshelves. The apostle John likely would be amazed with the availability of books today since his five New Testament books, the gospel of John; 1, 2, and 3 John; and Revelation, were handwritten on parchment scrolls.
John wrote those books because he felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to give Christians an eyewitness account of Jesus’s life and ministry (1 John 1:1–4). But John’s writings contained only a small fraction of all that Jesus did and taught during His ministry. In fact, John said if everything Jesus did were written down “the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25).
John’s claim remains true today. Despite all the books that have been written about Jesus, the libraries of the world still cannot contain every story of His love and grace. We can also celebrate that we have our own personal stories to share and rejoice that we will be proclaiming them forever! (Psalm 89:1).
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry. Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.
After reading this devotion it blessed me and I pray it causes you to take a moment and do a self check and let your life tell the story of Christ’s love and grace.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Chronicles 29:11
11
Oct '18
Not Our Favorite Word
11
Oct '18
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. (Colossians 3:18)
The word “submit” is not one of our favorite words in the English vocabulary. I actually heard that on certain computer programs and websites, the word “submit” will be removed (Submitis usually the button clicked on a website when someone agrees to a purchase, accepts contractual terms for a software product or approves other related entries to get to the next link). For wives, the word “submit” is often scoffed at. The thought of it makes many of us downright angry at times. Why is it so hard for us to submit, especially to our husbands? Oh, there are lots of reasons…too many to list here.
Here is the key for us to get past this issue: we must place our feelings about it before the Lord and ask Him to help us. Why? Because the Bible tells us to submit. But, let me comment on a couple of notes about this. First, submission involves respect and honor, not a doormat mentality. Second, submission is a place of strength, not weakness because it gives God the power to work on our behalf. Our first submission is to God, then the rest will follow. The enemy will blind you with your own pride and selfishness to keep you from submitting to the Lord. Our pride keeps us from humbling ourselves and serving others, even our own husbands. Let the Lord work these issues out with you and you will see the power of God displayed in amazing ways in your life.
I learn something every day about submission, whether I like it or not. Just the other day, my husband asked my help in something and then demanded of me what he wanted me to do. With this specific task, I was truly clueless. After unsuccessfully pleading my case with him, I submitted and vowed to do whatever I could to help him. Behind the scenes, I begged the Lord to help me. I repented of my rebellious heart and I gave up the fight. I saw the Lord not only rescue me from the task, but also show my husband what to do to find the answers himself. It is simply amazing to watch the Lord move like that! For me, my heart was tested. Was I willing to humble myself and submit? This time I did…but believe me, I have to pray and ask for the Lord’s help every single time I get into these struggles with submission. God will get the glory as we submit to Him first and then ask Him for His help towards others.
I truly love today’s devotion. What a beautiful reminder for all of us, weather you are a wife, someone’s child, someone’s employee, we are all a child of God so therefor submission applies to all of us. May we take that one word and think on it more seriously today and ask ourselves, am I submissive, and when you choose to be submissive you will as today’s devotion says, see the power of God displayed in amazing ways in your life. I find it an honor to serve my husband and I’m proud to admit that for myself. I am grateful for the man of God He is in our home and in His own life, He walks with integrity, love and commitment. Today is his birthday and God couldn’t have dropped a more fitting devotion in my path to remind me of what an honor it is as his wife to be submissive unto my husband and unto God.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 62:2
10
Oct '18
Getting a Grip on Gratitude
10
Oct '18
Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them? (Numbers 11:22)
The years of weariness caused by chronic pain and frustrations with my limited mobility had finally caught up with me. In my discontent, I became demanding and ungrateful. I began complaining about my husband’s caregiving skills. I griped about the way he cleaned the house. Even though he’s the best cook I know, I fussed about the lack of variety in our meals. When he finally shared that my grumbling hurt his feelings, I was resentful. He had no idea what I was going through. Eventually, God helped me see my wrongs, and I asked my husband and the Lord for forgiveness.
Longing for different circumstances can lead to complaining, and even a form of relationship damaging self-centeredness. The Israelites were familiar with this dilemma. It seems they were never satisfied and always griping about God’s provision (Exodus 17:1–3). Even though the Lord cared for His people in the wilderness by sending them “bread from heaven” (16:4), they began craving other food (Numbers 11:4). Instead of rejoicing over the daily miracles of God’s faithful and loving care, the Israelites wanted something more, something better, something different, or even something they used to have (vv. 4–6). They took out their frustrations on Moses (vv. 10–14).
Trusting God’s goodness and faithfulness can help us get a good grip on gratitude. Today we can thank Him for the countless ways He cares for us.
I’m certain we have all found ourselves in this situation at one time or another in our lives. We’ve all had to get a grip on gratitude. If you are in a valley of complaining and self centeredness, own it today, go to God and ask Him to help you rejoice over the daily miracles in your life. Grateful praise satisfies us and pleases God. We all have something to be grateful for in our lives and I’m certain that something will turn into many things when you open your eyes to the things that truly matter.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 19:20-21
09
Oct '18
Much More Than Words
09
Oct '18
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)
At a dedication ceremony during which a Bible translated into a local African language was presented, the area chief was presented with his own copy. In appreciation, he lifted the Bible to the skies and exclaimed, “Now we know God understands our language! We can read the Bible in our own native mother-tongue.”
No matter our language, our heavenly Father understands it. But often we feel unable to express our deepest longings to Him. The apostle Paul encourages us to pray regardless of how we feel. Paul speaks of our suffering world and our own pain: “the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together” (Romans 8:22), and he compares that to the Holy Spirit’s work on our behalf. “The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities” he writes. “For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (v. 26).
God’s Holy Spirit knows us intimately. He knows our longings, our heart-language, and our unspoken words, and He helps us in our communication with God. His Spirit draws us to be transformed into the image of God the Son (v. 29).
Our heavenly Father understands our language and speaks to us through His Word. When we think our prayers are weak or too short, His Holy Spirit helps us by speaking through us to the Father. He yearns for us to talk with Him in prayer.
Thank You, Lord, for understanding my language and innermost longings. When my prayers are weak and dry, bear me up through Your Spirit. Amen.
I feel so many times we allow discouragement to creep in when we pray, thinking it’s not good enough or your words aren’t eloquent enough and we just choose not to pray all together but God understands our every prayer just as today’s devotion says. Go to Him, sup with Him, share your heart with Him and watch Him bear you up through His spirit. Make time for God today, in the shower, in your car on the way to work, while your doing dishes, feeding the kids, whenever it may be just take time today to pray. He’s waiting for you and He hears.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 18:24
08
Oct '18
Giving to God First
08
Oct '18
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:17-19)
We quote Philippians 4:19 frequently to ease our concerns about insufficient finances as we say, “I know that God will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” However, did you know that the context of this verse is about giving, not receiving? According to the context of this Scripture, Paul was saying that we will receive from God if we are willing to give to God first. Paul was thanking the Philippi believers for giving to him. Paul also said that he had learned to be content in all circumstances and he was thankful that they gave, so that fruit may abound on their behalf.
Why is it so difficult to give first? How can we live with an eternal perspective when it comes to money? Because we need to pay real life monthly bills, make actual house payments and physically handle money, it is difficult to believe that our money will go the extra distance by giving tithes and offerings. We can give away older things to replace them with newer things, although that kind of giving tends to be to our personal advantage. We can give to our families and even to our own social life, but to tithe regularly seems impossible. The word “tithe” means a tenth or 10% and God specifies that the amount is subtracted from our first fruits (our gross salary). God also talks about “offerings.” An offering is in addition to the tithe. This seems like it would require too much faith to even begin giving.
But God asks us to give so He can bless us, to give cheerfully, not with clenched fists. If we open our hands freely to the work of God, we are in a position that we can freely receive from His open hand toward us. Corrie ten Boom said, “I have learned to hold on to things loosely because it hurts when God pries them away.” The interesting thing about clenched fists towards God is that we can never protect what we have from God any way. Remember: God will supply all of our needs when we supply to His first.
Oh Lord, help me to give to You without my left hand knowing what my right hand is doing. Let me be a blessing to You first and I will trust You to take care of me. Amen.
After reading todays devotion I know first hand how God will supply your needs when you supply to His first. I’ve heard it said and it couldn’t be more true, I would rather live on 90% of Gods Blessings than 100% without it. Think on that the next time you have a clinched fist. Open your hands freely to the work of God.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 2:3-4
05
Oct '18
Pursue Peace
05
Oct '18
Seek peace, and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)
My computer crashed one night and oh, the feeling of anguish and loss that came over me. My husband and I tried hard to work on it, reboot it and reinstall the system, but to no avail. I was reading and studying Psalm 34:14
when the computer went down, “Seek peace and pursue it.” Obviously the verse and my state of mind were not in the same place, so I started reasoning with the Lord over it.
To seek peace means to search for it like you are looking for a lost child. Have you ever had that happen to you? One minute your child is right next to you and the next minute, gone. Oh the feeling of panic that overwhelms you as your heart starts beating faster, a burning sensation moves throughout your body, your eyes become fixed and your voice raises as you firmly and seriously call out your child’s name. Nothing is right until you find your child. That state of mind is not very peaceful and yet we are instructed to seek peace like we are seeking a lost child. What does that mean?
A missing child isn’t normal for the parent as much as missing peace isn’t normal for the Christian. Jesus left us His peace as if He left it in His will for us to claim, own and enjoy. However, it doesn’t come naturally. Jesus says that He gives us His peace not the world’s peace. If we don’t have peace, we need to find out why and then pursue it.
I pursue peace by meditating on Scripture, and thinking on the verse over and over. I pray the verse back to the Lord asking Him to reveal His will for me from the verse. So when the computer crashed, I felt my peace being traded in for panic. Because the contrast was so evident, I sought for my peace first and then focused on the computer. You have to put yourself in that place to claim your rights to God’s peace regardless of the circumstance at hand. Peace is yours. Seek for it, pursue it, claim it and own it!
When I read today’s devotion I could relate to the feeling of panic and complete lack of peace when my child went missing, it was but only for a few seconds but it felt like an eternity. That state of mind was in no way peaceful and so to read today’s devotion and be challenged to find peace despite the circumstances made me truly reflect on how often I claim my right to God’s peace regardless of the circumstances at hand and although I may have felt I handle situations just fine I do need to work on seeking it, pursuing it, claiming it and owning it in the midst of my circumstance. Today, take a step back, seek peace first and then focus on your circumstances. I know it will make your days so much better. Seek peace and pursue it!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 8:32
04
Oct '18
Contentment
04
Oct '18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
A poet once wrote: “As a rule, man’s a fool. When it’s hot, he wants it cool. And when it’s cool, he wants it hot. Always wanting what is not.”
What an insightful observation on human nature! So when we read in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” we wonder, Can this be possible?
For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s response to life: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ.
Paul reminds us that contentment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something that we learn. As our relationship with God develops over time and through experiences, we learn to trust God more and ourselves less. Paul knew that Christ would give him the strength to persevere in whatever situation he encountered (v.13).
No matter what you’re facing today, through prayer you can receive the strength to be content.
The world is filled with so much good, that brings us joy and pleasure, but true fulfillment only comes, when Christ we love and treasure. Amen! As today’s devotion states, when you put Christ first in every situation you encounter, He will strengthen you. We find contentment at the same place we find salvation—in Christ.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:12-13
03
Oct '18
Terrible and Beautiful Things
03
Oct '18
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. (Psalm 57:8)
Fear can leave us frozen. We know all the reasons to be afraid—everything that’s hurt us in the past, everything that could easily do so again. So sometimes we’re stuck—unable to go back; too afraid to move forward. I just can’t do it. I’m not smart enough, strong enough, or brave enough to handle being hurt like that again.
I’m captivated by how author Frederick Buechner describes God’s grace: like a gentle voice that says, “Here is the world. Terrible and beautiful things will happen. Don’t be afraid. I am with you.”
Terrible things will happen. In our world, hurting people hurt other people, often terribly. Like the psalmist David, we carry our own stories of when evil surrounded us, when, like ravenous beasts, others wounded us (Psalm 57:4). And so we grieve; we cry out (vv. 1–2).
But because God is with us, beautiful things can happen too. As we run to Him with our hurts and fears, we find ourselves carried by a love far greater than anyone’s power to harm us (vv. 1–3), a love so deep it fills the skies (v. 10). Even when disaster rages around us, His love is a solid refuge where our hearts find healing (vv. 1, 7). Until one day we’ll find ourselves awakening to renewed courage, ready to greet the day with a song of His faithfulness (vv. 8–10).
Healer and Redeemer, thank You for holding us and healing us with Your endless love. Help us find in Your love the courage to follow You and share Your love with those around us. Amen.
I pray this devotion blesses and uplifts you as much as it did me. I challenge you to find the beauty in today.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 12:10