13
Jun '18
Advice from My Father
13
Jun '18
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
After being laid off from an editorial job, I prayed, asking for God to help me find a new one. But when weeks went by and nothing came of my attempts at networking and filling out applications, I began to pout. “Don’t You know how important it is that I have a job?” I asked God, my arms folded in protest at my seemingly unanswered prayer.
When I talked to my father, who had often reminded me about believing God’s promises, about my job situation, he said, “I want you to get to the point where you trust what God says.”
My father’s advice reminds me of Proverbs 3, which includes wise advice from a parent to a beloved child. This familiar passage was especially applicable to my situation: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). To “direct thy paths” means God will guide us toward His goals for our growth. His ultimate goal is that I become more like Him.
This does not mean that the paths He chooses will be easy. But I can choose to trust that His direction and timing are ultimately for my good.
Are you waiting on God for an answer? Choose to draw near to Him and trust that He will guide you.
Lord, thank You for guiding and caring for us every step of the way. Help us to trust in You daily. Amen!
I felt this devotion was important to share, some days the waiting can feel agonizing and burdensome but we must remember in whom we have believed. His timing is incredibly perfect and if we will find peace in the waiting, we have found all that we need. Why? Because He’s there with us, every step of the way, there is never a moment in waiting that we are alone, if we feel alone it’s only because we chose it. We must remember, God knows what is best for you and I, trust Him on the path He has placed you on today and allow Him to lead and guide you along the way, faith believing that He’s got it all figured out and in His time all will be revealed. Trust Him with ALL your heart. Remember this, if God brings you to it; He will bring you through it.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:13
12
Jun '18
A Humble Heart and Willing Spirit
12
Jun '18
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22)
So many factors are involved in someone sinning against another. Many times, the thoughts and motives of the one who sinned are not as clear as the reaction of the person who was sinned against. Conflict is hard. Conflict takes a toll on both parties. Defensiveness goes up and trust goes down. Both parties though, the one who needs to forgive and the person who needs to ask for forgiveness, have their share of difficulties. The one who would forgive, deals with skepticism. They hope for real change this time, and deal with thoughts such as, “I hope this is the last time you need to ask forgiveness. I hope this time it works for good. By choosing to forgive you, I may just get hurt again.” But the person who continually asks for forgiveness is also in a difficult situation. When we sincerely confess our sin to another, we have to admit to ourselves that we have hurt someone else as a result of our behavior or words. To ask forgiveness repeatedly is to admit that we do not have the ability or power to change that trait in us. So to ask sincerely means that we need to keep seeking ways to change. After a while, it is natural in the flesh to justify and rationalize the sinful behavior instead of continually trying to change. That is why Jesus takes both sides. If someone is repeatedly willing to ask forgiveness, sincerely looking for help, then we need to be willing repeatedly to restore that person back.
I am thankful for Jesus’ teaching because I know that He lives by His own teaching. We sin against Him more than anyone else. If we are repentant, He is willing to forgive us – over and over and over again. We have to pray that our hearts remain soft enough to keep asking for forgiveness. His mercies are new every morning, probably because we use up all His mercy the day before.
If you need to ask forgiveness from someone, ask the Lord to give you a humble heart and a spirit willing to change. If you are being asked to forgive, ask the Lord to help you look to Him to help restore the person back in your heart without bitterness. The Lord will help you. He is on both sides. Let us pray that we keep His focus and His heart during the conflicts, and not our own.
After reading today’s devotion I was reminded of one simple yet powerful word, LOVE, we must love, no matter the hurt, no matter the conflict, love. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:44).
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 5:44
11
Jun '18
The Arm of Flesh
11
Jun '18
Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)
Hezekiah was a king who helped focus God’s people back to the pure and true worship of God. He restored the temple, tore down the high places built to other gods, reinstated God’s feasts and celebrations and was known as a king who led people to celebrate the one and only true God. But now, another nation came up to war against him. Hezekiah knew that this other king had the strength and ability to overcome the Israelites in battle. This king also caused a lot of conflicts for King Hezekiah.
Hezekiah could have just surrendered to the fear caused by the tactics and overconfidence of the king of Assyria but he didn’t. Instead, Hezekiah started building up his military defenses, working hard on repairing broken parts of the walls around the city and making more weapons. Then he spoke the words of these verses that encouraged the people. These words, however, were not just bursts of intimidation as with the king of Assyria, but came from a heart of passion and purpose from the Lord. By verse 20 of the story, Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah were crying out to the Lord, knowing that He has the power to fight the battle for them. And He did. Verse 22 says, “So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them on every side.”
We worship a God who takes care of us on every side. It was good that Hezekiah prepared for battle, but it was better that Hezekiah prepared His heart to turn to the Lord. The arm of flesh is limited. We need to be prepared to fight as we use the weapons God has given us. The strongest weapon is a tender heart that knows the Scriptures and how to turn to the Lord on our knees. No battle is too great for the Lord.
If you are in a situation today in which you need to see the Lord on your side, get on your knees and start asking for help. God is waiting to show His power no matter what circumstance you are facing.
Wow! This blessed me so much. We as children of The One True King have to start getting on our knees in prayer and live with an assurance truly believing and knowing The Lord is on our side. I was so blessed in service yesterday and I want to share three words with you today to go along with this powerful devotion, Let Him Breath. Whatever your facing, whatever your going through, frustration, sadness, anger, hurt, fear, whatever it is, let Him breath into your situation and watch His peace come over you in that very moment. God is waiting, Let Him Breath.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 5:3-4
08
Jun '18
Before the Beginning
08
Jun '18
Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)
“But if God has no beginning and no end, and has always existed, what was He doing before He created us? How did He spend His time?” Some precocious Sunday school student always asks this question when we talk about God’s eternal nature. I used to respond that this was a bit of a mystery. But recently I learned that the Bible gives us an answer to this question.
When Jesus prays to His Father in John 17, He says “Father, . . . Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world” (v. 24). This is God as revealed to us by Jesus: Before the world was ever created, God was a trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)—all loving each other and being loved. When Jesus was baptized, God sent His Spirit in the form of a dove and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (whom I love)” (Matthew 3:17). The most foundational aspect of God’s identity is this outgoing, life-giving love.
What a lovely and encouraging truth this is about our God! The mutual, outgoing love expressed by each member of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is key to understanding the nature of God. What was God doing before the beginning of time? What He always does: He was loving because He is love, He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:8).
God, thank You for Your overflowing, self-giving love. Amen!
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of Romans 8:39, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. God loves you even in your darkest hours. He comforts you even in your darkest moments. He forgives you even in your darkest failures, why, because God is love. We are created in the image of a God who is loving and relational. To love God is the greatest virtue; to be loved by God is the greatest of blessings.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 43:2
07
Jun '18
A Change in Perspective
07
Jun '18
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. (Psalm 73:16-17)
My hometown had experienced its heaviest winter in thirty years. My muscles ached from hours of shoveling the unrelenting snow. When I stepped inside after what felt like a fruitless effort, weary as I kicked off my boots, I was greeted by the warmth of a fire and my children gathered around it. As I gazed out the window from the shelter of my home, my perspective of the weather shifted completely. Instead of seeing more work to do, I savored the beauty of frosted tree branches and the way the snow blanketed the colorless landscape of winter.
I see a similar, but much more poignant, shift in Asaph when I read his words in Psalm 73. In the beginning, he laments the way the world seems to work, how wrongs seem to be rewarded. He doubts the value of being different than the crowd and living for the good of others (v. 13). But when he enters the sanctuary of God, his outlook changes (vv. 16–17): he remembers that God will deal with the world and its troubles perfectly and, more importantly, that it is good to be with God (v. 28).
When we’re chilled by the seemingly ceaseless problems in our world, we can enter God’s sanctuary in prayer and be warmed through by the life-altering, perspective-changing truth that His judgment is better than ours. Though our circumstances may not change, our perspective can.
Lord, I admit I quickly become frustrated with the way things appear. Help me to see the way You do. Amen!
When I read this it blessed me. You may be going through circumstances that are beyond your understanding and no matter how hard you’ve tried it doesn’t seem to be getting any better but today make an effort to change your perspective and watch everything start to shift. No matter what we go through, no matter what we are facing, He is able and He is faithful. Your current circumstance is not a surprise to Him, He just wants you to trust Him to take you through it victoriously. If you can’t change your circumstances how then can you change your perspective? 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 16:11). God gives us the right perspective.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 8:18
06
Jun '18
Persevering with Peace
06
Jun '18
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. (Psalm 3:5)
As I continue trusting God through my struggles with chronic pain, even the simplest setback can feel like a fierce enemy attacker. Problem One jabs me from the right. Problem Two shoves me from behind. Problem Three punches me square in the nose. During these times, when my strength wanes and immediate relief evades me, running and hiding can seem like a good idea. But since I can’t escape my pain, change my circumstances, or ignore my emotions, I’m learning slowly to rely on God to carry me through.
When I need encouragement, comfort, and courage, I prayerfully read through the songs of the psalmists, who honestly bring their situations to God. In one of my favorite psalms, King David flees from Absalom, his son who wanted to kill him and take his kingdom. Though David lamented his painful situation (Psalm 3:1–2), he trusted God’s protection and expected Him to answer his prayers (vv. 3–4). The king didn’t lose sleep worrying or fearing what could happen, because he trusted God to sustain and save him (vv. 5–8).
Physical and emotional pain can often feel like aggressive adversaries. We may be tempted to give up or wish we could escape when we’re weary and can’t see the end of our current battle. But, like David, we can learn to trust that God will hold us up and help us rest in His constant and loving presence.
Lord, thanks for giving us rest in the peace of Your constant presence and assuring us of the victory You’ve already won. Amen.
No matter the trial your facing today, remember, He is faithful. God offers us peace as He holds us up and carries us through every trial. When I read this devotion I was reminded of Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Persevere with peace!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 6:33
05
Jun '18
Are You in His Flock?
05
Jun '18
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (John 10:1-3)
Jesus began speaking to His listeners with a metaphor that was familiar to them. The sheepfold was usually an enclosure made of rocks with an opening for the door. The shepherd (or watchman) would guard the flock at night by lying across the opening. It was common that several flocks could be sheltered together in the same fold. A group of shepherds would share the responsibility at night allowing each other to sleep in their own beds. The system was like a night shift rotation. In the morning, the shepherds would come through the door or gate and assemble their own flocks, just by their voices. Thieves and robbers could not walk through the gate so they would climb in over the walls, attempting to steal the sheep. But the sheep would not follow them because the sheep would not recognize the stranger’s voice. Jesus describes the thieves and robbers as coming to steal, kill and destroy.
During Jesus’ time, there were professional religious men (the Pharisees and Sadducees) who were only interested in the people for their own personal advantage. They were more concerned with perfecting themselves according to their own standards and trying to make everyone else feel guilty for not matching up. That is not Jesus. As a good shepherd, He develops a relationship with His sheep so that He knows them by name, calls them personally and leads them. The sheep’s responsibility is to welcome, listen and follow the shepherd. The relationship is easy and the burden is light. There is also the sense of security and peace in being protected by the Shepherd.
We need to realize that the responsibility of our life and death is in the hands of Jesus. We do not need to carry our own burdens as an attempt to help Jesus. The Good Shepherd knows that it is His responsibility to take care of the sheep, just as the mechanic knows that the car can’t fix itself. We are protected eternally with Jesus for He alone is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. He began a good work in us and He will be faithful to complete it. The responsibility is on Him. There is peace with Jesus as our Shepherd, our Savior. Our responsibility is to hear His voice and follow Him.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of John 10:5, And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (John 10:27-28) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. We must beware of the voice of strangers. Stay close to The Shepherd by reading The Word and allowing Christ to lead and guide you through life. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6). Nothing feels better than knowing God loves you, that He is always there for you, and that He will always take care of you. Trust The Shepherd, He truly loves you and cares about you, more than you can even imagine. Are you in His flock? It’s your choice.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 33:18
04
Jun '18
Endurance to the End
04
Jun '18
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (Hebrews 10:36)
I turned off my computer and saw a couple of fingerprint marks right in the middle of my screen. I pulled my shirt sleeve over my hand and began to rub the screen. The marks were still there so I used a paper towel and the marks were still there. I grabbed a dish towel and rubbed some more. They were still there but were beginning to fade. I hate to admit it but my wrist began to tire and I had to stop for a moment. I worked diligently for several more minutes to get the fingerprints off my screen. Normally I would not associate this type of task with the word “endurance” but in this case, it took a while to clean my screen. It seems like such a small thing in the big picture. But, in the midst of these kinds of tasks, I sometimes hear the Lord quietly say to me, “Be faithful in (and keep working on) the little things.”
We grow in our walk with the Lord by persevering in the day-to-day tasks that require our patience and endurance. The hardest tests of endurance are often disguised as the monotonous tasks in life. I must admit that I seriously considered just how badly I wanted my computer screen clean. Would I settle for just enough to get by, or would I keep going until the spots were gone completely? Sometimes I think that we are faced with the same question when God begins working on our “spots”. Will we persevere with Him? Do we have the endurance to keep going through the hard times?
The writer of Hebrews mentions more than once our need for endurance. We “have need of endurance” to ultimately receive the promises of God. I wonder how often we get to the edge of the promise land and stop walking. There was a reason the Lord kept telling Joshua to go in and take the land that had been given to them. It took endurance and perseverance to keep walking, to keep taking one day at a time, and to stay focused on the goal. From fingerprint smudges to promise lands, the test for each one of us is whether or not we will keep working until the task is finished. The Lord is so good to give us the goal, and He will lead us every step of the way. However, we must be willing to not only step out but also to keep on stepping forward.
Has the Lord given you a glimpse of the promise land He has for you? Do not stop moving towards it. Pray for endurance and perseverance. The training often comes in the little tasks of the day. Take every opportunity to see a job through to its completion and learn how to lean on the Lord for support and guidance. You never know when the day will come that you take that first step into your land of promise.
When I read this I was so uplifted and encouraged. So often we stop short of the promise land and we miss all that God has for us because we just get tired of pushing. What we must realize is we are never pushing alone, God is always right beside us helping us and even carrying us through our toughest times. Spiritual endurance and perseverance, just keep pushing. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13). Encourage yourself today to never give up, the promise land may just be on the other side of the mountain you are facing. Where you are today is no accident. God is using the situation or situations you are in right now to shape and prepare you for the place He wants to bring you into. Trust Him with His plan even if you don’t understand it. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Endure to the end.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 4:29
31
May '18
The Thrill of Victory
31
May '18
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)
Did you know that this word “victory” is used only six times in the New Testament? The Greek word for victory is “nike” and it means “a conquest” or “means of success.” For many of us, the word Nike refers to the mega-sporting enterprise that sells shoes and clothing. Victory has been skewed by society standards to now mean something of extraordinary achievements. But Jesus would come and tell us to just have faith, for through faith we will be victorious.
How many of us as Christians today have victory in our lives? How awesome to experience the thrill of victory! But far too often we face the agony of defeat. Jesus did not come to earth, give His life, and leave us His Holy Spirit, just so we could enter heaven. Yes, He came to give us eternal life if we believe in Him, but He wants us to experience heaven on earth–today. Heaven on earth in this day and age? Is such a thought really possible?
Today’s verse tells us that “whatever is born of God overcomes the world.” If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, then you have been born of God and are His child. To even accept Jesus indicates a position of faith on your part, for “by grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). But real victory does not stop here, it begins here. Faith must be grown, matured and developed by the tests and trials of life. One reason prayer is so important is that our faith is increased every time we see God answer our prayers. And we must plant His word on our hearts and in our minds, for “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Christians who have weak prayer lives and no time in God’s Word will face the agony of defeat more than the thrill of victory. But Christians who pray, who read the Bible, and who seek the Lord with all their heart will have victory simply because of their faith. Just remember, however, that victory in Jesus is not always defined the same as victory in the world.
Does your life reflect more victories or more defeats? Where do you spend your time and what are you seeking after? Start today by asking the Lord to increase your faith. Start praying for God’s help. Confess and repent from any worldly desires that steal your time and attention away from the Lord. Begin reading His Word and praying for more understanding of how to apply it in your life. At some point, we must decide which way we want to live; and then start acting on the faith given to us through Jesus. Then, and only then, will we have victory.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. So often I’ve thought of victory as something that comes only when battles have been won but it’s far greater than that. Christ died that I may live in victory each and every day, good or bad, I am victorious, we are victorious each and every day, through Christ Jesus. I want my life to reflect more victories than defeats, what about you? Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 9:10