17
Aug '18
A Gentle Answer
17
Aug '18
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
If a gentle answer turns away wrath, why do we choose to say harsh words? We hear harsh words everywhere we go. People seem to be so angry these days. The southern California freeways are notoriously known for drivers having “road rage.” I do not even want to know what kinds of words are being spoken in the cars of others while driving.
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Our mouths are speaking right from our hearts. The difficulty with having a “gentle answer” is that the character trait of self-control has to be developed first. If we look at the fruits of the Spirit, the last one is self-control. It starts with love and ends with self-control. We all have the ability to speak gentle and kind words to each other when we want to be kind and loving. However, we do not want to be gentle and kind when we have been criticized or mistreated. These situations require self-control so we can watch our words and answer with gentleness and kindness.
I pray for self-control daily. Not only do I not want to regret my words, but also I really want my heart to reflect the Lord. I see the Lord’s reflection in me when I hear the words that come from my heart. Listen to yourself today. What kind of words do you use? What kind of tone or attitude do you have? Are your words edifying and encouraging or destructive and negative? Then, when you get angry, evaluate your words again. God wants us to have peace: He left it and He gave it. Anger is not a sin but stirring anger up is. Pray for the Lord to take hold of your heart to help you to hold your words. Pray for self-control of your tongue.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 10:17-18
16
Aug '18
The Gift of Time
16
Aug '18
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25)
I headed into the post office in a big hurry. I had a number of things on my to-do list, but as I entered I was frustrated to find a long line backing up all the way to the door. “Hurry up and wait,” I muttered, glancing at my watch.
My hand was still on the door when an elderly stranger approached me. “I can’t get this copier to work,” he said, pointing to the machine behind us. “It took my money and I don’t know what to do.” Immediately I knew what God wanted me to do. I stepped out of line and was able to fix the problem in ten minutes.
The man thanked me and then left. As I turned to get back in line, it was gone. I walked straight to the service counter.
My experience that day reminds me of Jesus’s words: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).
My wait seemed shorter because God interrupted my hurry. By turning my eyes to others’ needs and helping me give of my time, He gave me a gift. It’s a lesson I hope to remember, next time I look at my watch.
Heavenly Father, all of the time I have is in Your hands, a gift from You. Please show me how to use it to bring glory and honor to You. Amen.
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded that sometimes our to-do list does need to wait. Don’t be so busy in your everyday life that you miss out on the opportunities that God has to use you in the most outstanding way. Be a blessing to others in whatever way He desires to work through you. Be available, even in the most “inconvenient” moments. You never know the impact you will make to bring glory and honor to God. Time is a gift.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 18:21
15
Aug '18
He Won’t Leave You There
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Aug '18
Mark 4:35-41
Exodus 14:21-29
You don’t have to be alive very long to hit some rough waters. Everybody’s boat gets rocked from time to time. The wind blows like crazy and you might even take on water. The temptation is to freak out and wonder how—or if—you’ll make it to the other side.
Storms are part of the journey. For me, one of the hardest things is dealing with stuff I can’t fix. I’m tempted to try anyway, but the older I get, the more I realize it just doesn’t work. Some situations are above my pay grade. My fixes are nothing but thick patches on threadbare jeans. They don’t hold very long. I need God to set things right. He’s the only One who can get me unstuck and take me to the other side.
Does that sound familiar? Are certain circumstances getting worse the more you work on them? Are they starting to look like a permanent part of your scenery?
I know what that feels like, but I know this: you can get unstuck if you keep your faith moving. God’s got you. He won’t leave you there. He’s in your boat and He’ll go through the storm with you. When you get to the other side of it, you’ll be stronger for having made the journey.
If you’re in rough waters and you can’t see the other side, think back to all the times you saw no way out. Remember how He parted the sea, or brought life to something dead, or gave you the strength to take another step. You thought it was “The End,” but Jesus made a way for you—out of no way out.
Your past victories weren’t just for the past, they’re reminders of how God makes the impossible possible. You can draw strength from them. Today’s storm doesn’t have to paralyze you. He’s a good God and He’s with you. For sure, He won’t leave you there.
When I read this I felt it needed to be shared for someone to read and be encouraged today. Remember, He won’t leave you there. No night is too dark, No battle is too hard, No situation is too hopeless, No chains are too strong with Jesus by your side.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 12:2
14
Aug '18
He Knows What He’s Doing
14
Aug '18
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 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. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (Job 1:20-22)
These are crazy times. Every day, things happen that we can’t explain, and every day we ask, “Why?” Again and again, we come up short of the answers. At least I do.
This life is a troubled land where sickness and heartache do not discriminate. Some wonderful people are suffering this very minute. I wish I understood it or had some way to fix their troubles, but all I can do is take their hands in mine.
Maybe the hardest question for us Christians is “Why?” We either avoid it altogether or beat our brains in trying to figure things out, but there are two things we know for sure, and they’re big. First, this is not our home. The day is coming when our Father will wipe away every tear and all suffering will cease, (Revelation 21:4). Second, we’re not alone, even when we think we are.
Maybe you feel like God has forgotten you. It might be hard to “see” Him or hear His voice right now, but that doesn’t mean He left you. He never will—never. If you feel like you’re the only one who’s in a mess, you’re not. You’d be surprised to know how many people—neighbors, friends, and even movie stars—feel just like you do.
The enemy of your soul is slick. He wants you to think you’re the only one – but that’s a lie. You’re not the first and you won’t be the last. You’re not alone, either. Jesus promised never to leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 3:5). When things go haywire, turn to Him and say, “I don’t understand what’s going on, but I will bless You, Lord. I am Yours and You are mine. I trust You in all things.”
Take cover in Jesus. He is one hundred percent trustworthy, and He knows exactly what He’s doing.
I read this devotion a couple days ago and when I woke this morning to put the daily devotion together, I kept being drawn back to this particular devotion, it wasn’t what I had planned to post today but God’s ways are much higher than my ways and I want to be obedient. Someone out there needs to read this and I trust His direction so His direction I will follow and trust Him to take care of the rest. Whatever your facing today just remember, He knows what He’s doing, Trust Him.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 4:23
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Aug '18
Knowing Christ
13
Aug '18
But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. (John 9:18)
To open the eyes of the blind was a clear sign that Jesus was the Messiah. The religious leaders knew that no one could open the eyes of the blind. However, they did not believe that the man had really received his sight until his parents confirmed the fact that he had been born blind. The Jews choose to not believe that Jesus healed his sight.
Today, Jesus is still performing miracles as He gently touches us and others. He is still answering prayers on a daily basis. Nevertheless, like the Pharisees, we do not always appreciate the work of God because of the hardness of our own hearts. We personally want to tell God what He can and cannot do. We want to challenge the miracles and call them “coincidences” or deny that a miracle happened at all. We talk Christianity and try to exclude the “Christ.”
I had a man say to me once that he tried “that Christianity stuff and it did not work”. He went on to tell me that he read the Bible, prayed and did good works within the church but it was only a phase. I then asked him the following questions: “Have you ever gotten down on your knees, begging God to cleanse you from your sins? Have you ever told the Lord that you only desired to live for Him, to serve Him and to follow Him wherever He wanted? Have you ever had such a hunger and thirst to read His words that He placed within His book just to get to know Him better? Did you ever want Jesus more than you wanted anything else and desired to please Him in everything you did?” He clearly and quickly answered, “NO.” And I said, “Then I don’t think that you ever came to know Jesus, and without Jesus, there is no Christianity.” Christianity without Christ is just a lot of wasted time and effort, doing some good things that do not really matter. Jesus does not need us to do anything. He wants us to come to Him, listen to Him and enjoy His fellowship.
There are many reasons why we may want to be religious. God does not want our actions; He wants our hearts. When our hearts align with His, our actions will follow to please Him. No one has to pretend or try to act like a Christian. As you believe in Him, He will change you. Pray that your heart will stay soft to recognize the works of God in your life. Pray that the miracles of Jesus make a difference in your day and affect the lives of others. Pray that you see Him moving in you, touching you and healing you from the depths of your heart today. Jesus wants to gently and quietly love on you. God does not need you to play Christianity. God wants you to know Christ.
When I read this I felt it was so powerful and something we all need to read and be reminded of. Today, stop and ask yourself those questions and answer them honestly then seek His face through prayer, fasting and reading your word. How well do you know Him?
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 27:1
10
Aug '18
Declaring Dependence
10
Aug '18
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Laura’s mom was battling cancer. One morning Laura prayed for her with a friend. Her friend, who had been disabled for years by cerebral palsy, prayed: “Lord, you do everything for me. Please do everything for Laura’s mother.”
Laura was deeply moved by her friend’s “declaration of dependence” on God. Reflecting on the moment, she said, “How often do I acknowledge my need for God in everything? It’s something I should do every day!”
During His days on earth Jesus demonstrated continual dependence on His heavenly Father. One might think that because Jesus is God in a human body, He would have the best of all reasons to be self-sufficient. But when the religious authorities asked Him to give a reason for “working” on a legally ordained day of rest because He healed someone on the Sabbath, He responded, “Verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (John 5:19). Jesus declared His dependence as well!
Jesus’s reliance on the Father sets the ultimate example of what it means to live in relationship with God. Every moment we draw breath is a gift from God, and He wants our lives to be filled with His strength. When we live to love and serve Him through our moment-by-moment prayer and reliance on His Word, we are declaring our dependence on Him.
I need You for everything, Lord! Help me to live to serve You. I praise You for being my Savior and my strength!
So often in the world we live in we are constantly seeking independence. We don’t want to be dependent on anyone but when I read this devotion it was a great reminder that we must be dependent on God for everything. Only when there’s complete dependence on Christ, will you walk the path of freedom. I don’t want independence from God. Prayerlessness is our declaration of independence from God. My Savior, walk in front of me and beside me every day, today I declare my dependence on You. He is my refuge and strength, a very present help, always.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 46:1
09
Aug '18
When the Bottom Drops Out
09
Aug '18
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
During the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, more people were looking for work than there were jobs available. I was one of those job seekers. After nine anxious months, I landed employment as a copywriter. But the company soon fell on bad times and I was jobless again.
Ever been there? It seems like the worst is over when suddenly the bottom drops out on you. The widow at Zarephath could relate (1 Kings 17:12). Due to a famine, she was preparing the last meal for herself and her son when the prophet Elijah requested a bite to eat. She reluctantly agreed and God provided a continuous supply of flour and oil (vv. 10–16). But then her son fell ill. His health declined until he stopped breathing. The widow cried out, “What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?” (v. 18).
At times, we may want to respond like the widow—wondering if God is punishing us. We forget that bad things can happen in this fallen world. Elijah took the concern to God, praying earnestly and honestly for the boy, and God raised him up! (vv. 20–22).
When the bottom drops out on us, may we—like Elijah—realize that the faithful One will not desert us! We can rest in God’s purposes as we pray for understanding.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of Deuteronomy 31:6, Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. I pray this blesses you and reminds you that “when the bottom drops out” at the beginning and end of all things is God and He will never fail you or forsake you. God is good in both the good times and the bad.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 12:6-7
08
Aug '18
Wisdom with Self Control
08
Aug '18
Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. (Genesis 45:1)
Personally, I can’t believe Joseph could keep his secret this long. Joseph had God-given self-control. Can you imagine how difficult it must have been to not reveal yourself to your brothers? Joseph handled this situation with such wisdom.
Wisdom and self-control are not natural traits. They have to be developed by and in a person. Wisdom is given by God and self-control is the last attribute listed in the fruits of the Spirit. It is through life experiences that we gain wisdom and it is through intense trials that we learn self-control, However, experience and trials do not necessarily mean that people become wise and self-controlled.
God desires to develop both of these traits in His children. When God can trust you, He entrusts you with greater gifts and callings. Obviously, God tests our hearts through a variety of trials in life. How we react and respond to those trials shows us where we place our trust. How often do we want to look to man or impulsively react to what we think is best? Patience, endurance, waiting and resting are not eagerly sought characteristics today. Thank the Lord that, in Christianity, we are under the covenant of grace which means that we can take the test over and over until we pass.
A person with wisdom and self-control blesses God and others, as well as himself. Joseph is a great role model for each of us. God was so gracious to give us an example of a man who endured years of trials and abuse but overcame the circumstances to be entrusted with governing Egypt. Ask the Lord to show you what’s missing in your walk with Him. Then, ask for wisdom and pray for self-control.
I pray this blesses and inspires you to take time today to seek God and pray for wisdom and self control. I believe it’s needed more and more in our lives as we see the world waxing worse and worse. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:19-25). Seek His word for guidance in what is missing in your walk with Him.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 16:11
07
Aug '18
Jesus Has Been Waiting For You
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Aug '18
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20).
I recently received an email from someone who I love very much. She was hurting and questioning the reason for all the pain. The following is a letter I wrote back to her. Today, you may be in the same place or know someone who is struggling with the same issues. We pray that these words minister to your heart.
Jesus has been waiting for you your whole life. He knows exactly where you are and how you feel. He knows what it is to suffer and hurt. Hebrews 4:15 says that we have a great High Priest who understands our sufferings and pain because He, Himself, endured so much more. Our only hope is Jesus. He is the only one who can heal you. And He will heal you, that is why He died. He had to die or we would all be lost. His Holy Spirit is now moving on your heart, which is why you are asking these questions. Your questions are really directed towards Him. All He wants from you is your heart, nothing more. All you have to do is let Him in–you will have no peace until you do. The Bible has your answers but you will not understand what the Bible says until you have been saved by the very blood that was shed when Jesus died. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
He loves you and He wants you to be His child. You are precious in His sight. The Lord will give you answers but you must go through His Son, Jesus. John 14:6 says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Many people refuse to accept this truth but it is the truth. Jesus is the only way. I am going to give you the prayer to ask Him into your heart. Pray this prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank You for Jesus, whom You sent to the cross to die for me. I know, Lord, that I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins. Please cleanse me of them all and make me new today. Jesus, I ask You to come into my heart and save me. Please heal me and make me whole. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may understand Your Word and live a new life in You. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for loving me. Help me to live for You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
I was blessed by this devotion and I know many who could benefit from every word spoken. He is the only way. We all know someone who is hurting and in need of salvation. I pray this is an avenue for you to share with them how precious they are in His sight and how much He loves them and wants to spend eternity with them. Jesus has been waiting for you!! Amen!!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:4
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Aug '18
Our Only Hope
06
Aug '18
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8:24-25)
Have you ever talked with someone who seemed to have no hope? They were beaten up, beaten down and hopeless. My heart breaks for those who have no hope in the future and have no idea how to take a step towards it. Maybe some of us know people who fit this description; maybe some of us have these same feelings ourselves. To a certain extent I think most people have times in life when it appears that all hope is lost. A sudden tragedy, a chronic illness, or just life in general can bring feelings of hopelessness.
But what is hope? To hope for something is to have an expectation and anticipation of getting it. In a way, hope is like faith because we cannot see hope; therefore, we must believe in what we cannot see. This is easier said than done, especially when we cannot see the sky for the clouds. What can we do in times like these? Our only “hope” is to turn to God’s Word and ask Him for help. Romans 8:25 is a good verse to pray back to the Lord in asking Him to help us with our hope. A sample prayer might be:
Dear Lord, I am struggling with hopelessness and I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. I need Your word to give me hope and I need Your presence to lift me up today. Your word says I am to hope for what I do not see. I do not see (__________) but I pray for the perseverance to eagerly wait for it. Help me to believe in the hope that only You can give so that I may see Your hand upon my life today. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for giving me hope. In Jesus name, Amen.
Try writing your own personal prayer today. Ask the Lord to help you find hope in Him. Explore other verses that speak to your heart and pray them back to God. He is listening and ready to help.
When I read this devotion it spoke to my heart and I knew I needed to share it with those in need of hope. We all struggle with this very thing from time to time but it’s when we take hopelessness and we turn to The Lord to lift us up and give us a hope that we can only find in Him. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 10:17