Unseen Heroes
Stories in the Bible can make us stop and wonder. For instance, when Moses led God’s people into the Promised Land and the Amalekites attacked, how did he know to go to the top of the hill and hold up God’s staff? (Ex. 17:8–15). We aren’t told, but we learn that when Moses raised his hands, the Israelites would win the battle, and when he lowered them, the Amalekites would win. When Moses got tired, his brother Aaron and another man, Hur, held up Moses’s arms so the Israelites could triumph.
We aren’t told much about Hur, but he played a crucial role at this point in Israel’s history. This reminds us that unseen heroes matter, that supporters and those who encourage leaders play a key and often overlooked role. Leaders may be the ones mentioned in the history books or lauded on social media, but the quiet, faithful witness of those who serve in other ways is not overlooked by the Lord. He sees the person who intercedes daily in prayer for friends and family. He sees the woman who puts away the chairs each Sunday in church. He sees the neighbor who reaches out with a word of encouragement.
God is using us, even if our task feels insignificant. And may we notice and thank any unseen heroes who help us.
Dear Father, thank You for creating me and gifting me in my own unique way. Help me to serve You and others faithfully and to appreciate those You have sent to help me. Amen.
When I recently read this I could think of many folks in my life who serve Him faithfully and are unseen heroes but Praise be to God they are always seen by God, The One that truly matters. Today I want to make a conscious effort to show my appreciation to those God has sent into my life to help me. It’s not about me but the unseen heroes in my life. I am so blessed.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Exodus 17:8-15
Do Not Lie To One Another!
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. (Colossians 3:9-10)
Have you met a believer who lies? I have. Lies to get a contract, lies to their spouse, or just seems to lie for no reason.
Why do we lie? Because we respect people’s opinion more than the opinion of God. We don’t know who we are. That we are princes/princesses of God.
In my personal life, God dealt with me on this issue – that when I lie, I am siding with the devil. I am saying He is not big enough to care for me. In ALL of my experiences when I lied, I never got the result I was looking for. It eventually made me depressed and distant from the One who loves me.
We must have absolute trust in God as our source in order not to lie. We must commit to a decision that no matter what, we will not lie. Whenever you are tempted to lie, tell yourself: “The old man that loves lying is dead.” Scripture says, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”
When it seems easier to lie than face the consequences, remember you are renewed in the image of your creator. Amen!
When I recently read this I instantly thought this subject isn’t popular, most people don’t want to be called out when it comes to lying and some may even think it’s only a small lie from time to time but those small lies fester and produce rotten spiritual fruit. We must be willing to look at ourselves and be honest about who we have become but also know that is not who we have to be. God can and will help you see your weakness and if that’s lying, He can help you overcome lies, big or small, sin is sin, no one person is perfect, He died on the cross for us but we mustn’t worry because He rose again on the third day to allow us opportunity and a chance, because of His sacrifice overcoming lying is possible. With God, you can win this battle. Start today, when the moment arises, stop and make the choice to be honest not only about the situation but with yourself and say NO!! Not anymore!! I’m renewed in the imagine of my creator and His love for me is far more important than lying in this or any situation. He chose me, I choose Him! Thank You God that nothing is to big for You.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:9-10
Power To Save
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)
We look to God in times of trouble and heartache, and for some of us that’s about it. The problem is that we have too many little “g” gods. These little gods are idols that we worship and sacrifice to everyday. We do so with our time, effort, and money. These gods, i.e. status, luxury, money, things, serve a very temporary service. They save us from whatever we dread at the moment. If we dread being poor and not having things, we worship the god of money to save us; if we dread being “less important” than someone at our high school reunion, the altar of status is right around the corner.
These idols promise the power of salvation, but never deliver. They are powerless, mouthless and earless (Isaiah 40:12-20). However, the good news is that there is a living God who will never forsake us and does have the power to save eternally. Working hard is not bad, wealth is not bad, but worshipping, or devoting, ourselves to those idols is.
Worship Jesus today, the only God who can save forever, and not just today.
When I recently read this I felt it was short but powerful. Filled with so much truth. Let’s do a self check today and find out what little “g” is consuming our day, our mind or our thoughts. Let’s choose today to put our faith and trust in The One who forever saves and not just today. He is faithful, trust Him above all things. Everything and everyone will disappoint you in this life but He will never fail you, never disappoint you. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2).
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 40:12-20
Bearing Fruit with Patience
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15)
The parable of the sower and the seed is ever popular, and it’s likely you’ve heard it before. After telling the parable, Jesus proceeded to explain it’s meaning to the disciples. It is the last sentence in his explanation that we will focus on today: the seed that falls on the good soil is the seed that bears fruit in accordance with the Gospel. It is the seed that decides to follow Jesus during thick and thin.
What we learn through is that this seed takes time to bear fruit. This seed “brings forth fruit with patience”. We don’t like to read this. Aren’t we supposed to die to ourselves and be new creatures right away (Romans 6:6-7)? Doesn’t the Gospel produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24)? The answer to these is “Yes”! But, it takes time.
Often, we want to produce the good fruit in our lives immediately, and we get discouraged when we feel we are falling short. Jesus knows this about us, and in that we must realize that we don’t have to fake perfection for those around us. In fact, lack of honesty and humility in our journey can lead to sinful pride that separates us from God. How much better is it for us to be honest in our journey, and realize that with patience we will bear all the fruit that accompanies the Gospel.
As followers of Jesus, we all have different struggles and vices. Some we can overcome right away, while others may take years or even a lifetime. Be encouraged today that Jesus doesn’t expect you to bear all your fruit in one day, but take it day by day, as you put your faith in Him.
Be grateful today for God’s patience towards you. Pray that you may continue to grow, and to bear fruit.
Wow! I needed this today, I’m a bit late in the day getting this posted because today has been busier than usual with the unexpected and I was beating myself up over it but it amazes me how God knows just how to speak to the heart, even in what may seem like the small things, to the individual it’s a big thing. Thank You Lord for speaking to my heart today and uplifting me in my time of need. I must take it day by day as I put my faith in Him!! God is so good!!
Have a wonderful evening in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 8
Godly Fruit and Character
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (Proverbs 20:11)
I was reading an article on a “child centered home” and a major problem is that people refuse to see their children as they really are. For example, a rebellious and stubborn child is referred to as “strong willed” and a manipulative and sneaky child is referred to as “creative.” I’m not saying to speak these things over your child, but rather to recognize that nature and pray against it.
We do this in our own lives, don’t we? We deceive ourselves when we will not examine our heart honestly before the Lord. About 7 years ago I had a realization. I was suffering through something for about 4 years and wasn’t getting any relief or deliverance. I cried out to God, “What’s going on?” He spoke very gently and very clearly, “Crystal, you are not compassionate. I want you to learn compassion.” And I broke down because it was true.
I have always been a “just get over it” person, and God wanted me to realize others are not like me. They need more time and patience from me. It was a tough lesson, but that is how you grow and develop godly character.
Your fruit will find you out. If you are bitter, jealous, unforgiving, everyone around you can see it. Stop deluding yourself! The human nature, apart from Jesus, is rebellious.
Do the hard work! Examine yourself. Don’t be the person who looks in the mirror, walks away and forgets what you look like. Be honest with yourself and with God. He is trying to produce godly fruit and character in you. Let Him teach you, mold you, shape you. I know it hurts, but it’s good for you!
Father, let us recognize our nature apart from you so we can be soft, moldable clay in Your hands, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
When I read this I couldn’t shake the truth behind it. My prayer is it provokes you to take a look in the mirror and not walk away and forget what you look like but allow God to teach you, mold you and shape you.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today Reading is Galatians 5:22-23
Peace
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
We all want peace. We want peace in the world, and sometimes we fight for it. We want peace in our countries, so we vote for the person we think will do the best. We want peace with our friends, so we do what we can to not offend them. We want peace in our family, so we work hard to provide for their needs. Lastly, we want peace in ourselves, so we compare ourselves to others and say we are much happier with what we have. People spend their whole lives working for peace. Unfortunately, true peace is not something that can be achieved, it can only be received.
True peace can only come from God (John 14:27). This peace doesn’t affect our surroundings, it affects our inner souls. Paul says that it will go deep into our hearts and minds. It isn’t something that can be explained in a self help book or with a few simple steps, it is only something that can be received from God.
Ironically he brought us peace through an act that was not peaceful at all, the death of His son (Romans 5:9). As a follower of Jesus, we should be the ones looked to when others need peace. Not because our surroundings are peaceful, but because our hearts and minds are at peace with God through the death of Christ on the cross. We no longer fear death, hunger, or not having enough possessions. We know that our treasure is in heaven and we will one day reign with the one true Peace Maker.
Where does your peace come from?
I’m honestly not sure what more to add to this. When I read it this morning it blessed me and inspired me to hold even tighter to the one true Peace Maker and to reflect on where my peace truly comes from. I pray when others see me they see that my heart and mind is at peace with God that I may help, through Christ, shine light and peace into there lives. Here I am Lord, use me.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:6-13
Long Shadows
For the LORD is good; his mercy iseverlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100:5)
Several years ago, my wife and I stayed in a rustic bed-and-breakfast in the remote Yorkshire Dales of England. We were there with four other couples, all British, whom we had never met before. Sitting in the living room with our after-dinner coffees, the conversation turned to occupations with the question “What do you do?” At the time I was serving as the president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and I assumed that no one there knew of MBI or its founder, D. L. Moody. When I mentioned the name of the school, their response was immediate and surprising. “Of Moody and Sankey . . . that Moody?” Another guest added, “We have a Sankey hymnal and our family often gathers around the piano to sing from it.” I was amazed! The evangelist Dwight Moody and his musician Ira Sankey had held meetings in the British Isles more than 120 years ago, and their influence was still being felt.
I left the room that night thinking of the ways our lives can cast long shadows of influence for God—a praying mother’s influence on her children, an encouraging coworker’s words, the support and challenge of a teacher or a mentor, the loving but corrective words of a friend. It’s a high privilege to play a role in the wonderful promise that “His love . . . endureth to all generations” (Ps. 100:5).
Lord, help us to remember that while our lives are short, what we do for You now can have an impact long after we are home with You. Lead me today to invest in the lives of others. Amen.
I recently read this and it made me think, never take advantage of the influence you can make on those you come across for Christ in this life. Even in times when you think your not making a difference, be confident in knowing that God’s word will not return void but it will accomplish that for which He sent it. Be the messenger and allow Him to do the rest. What’s done for Christ will last.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 100
Impossibles, Possible!
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)
He was described as somewhat “asymmetrical.” This was probably due to a knee injury and the awkward way in which he carried himself because of it. He was deaf in one ear, suffered from migraines, epilepsy and a stammer. He was a humble man of God who thought very little of himself.
He was also the man who said it was good to “believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” His pen name was Lewis Carroll. Through Carol’s literary gift, God blessed us with the magic and wonder of…Alice in Wonderland.
How do YOU start your day? What are the thoughts that visit you first thing in the morning? Are you thinking about a debilitating health condition? A conflict at work? A recent family drama?
God says, “Is anything too hard for me?” Start your day by presenting him with a list of six “impossibles” and let him deal with it. You may want to just have one or two to begin with.
1. I will not get stressed and upset while being stuck in traffic this morning.
2. I will offer to make a cup of coffee to the colleague who’s been driving me mad.
3. I will find five minutes for a prayer walk before or after work no matter what.
4. I will leave one unnecessary item in my shopping basket behind in a shop today and
use the money for a small donation.
5. I will resist one sweet treat temptation.
Simple intentions? Yes, and it is often simply impossible to make them happen! Impossible on your own…so hand them over to God.
Make your own list of the impossibles. Look at it throughout the day, every day, to remind God of what needs to be done. (Not yourself, of course. It is He who’s got to do it!) Give God a few days and watch Him make your six impossibles happen for real.
I was encouraged by this when I read it this morning. I had such a rough day yesterday, I was focusing on everything except what God can and will do. I had a list of impossibles running through my head but I wasn’t focused on letting Him deal with it, I was overwhelming myself with the unknowns, bringing myself to tears and feeling like I was alienating myself so much that I didn’t even feel adequate enough to even talk to God about “my” issues but The Lord hears my hearts cry, even when I can’t speak the words and when I woke this morning this devotion was sitting in my inbox and I was so uplifted and encouraged, what a father we have in Christ!! He loves every aspect of us and He wants what’s best for our lives. It’s up to us to allow Him to do it, on my own it’s impossible but with God all things are possible. For He know’s the thoughts that He thinks toward me, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give me an expected end. Amen!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 19:26
Eye of the Storm
I recently heard this song and it blesses me every single time and it brought me back to this setting of scripture. I woke singing this song to myself early this morning and so I want to share some of the song with you. I’m certain many have heard the song and that’s okay, my prayer is that it blesses you in some way today.
Thank You Lord that you are and always will be in control of every single thing in my life. Your love truly surrounds me in the eye of every storm. May I remind myself each day that I find my peace in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 23
Nothing Hidden
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13)
The New Testament book of Hebrews says that in our relationship with God, we experience a far greater level of exposure and accountability than anything surveillance cameras may see. His Word, like a sharp, two-edged sword, penetrates to the deepest level of our being where it “is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:12–13).
Because Jesus our Savior experienced our weaknesses and temptations but did not sin, we can “therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (vv. 15–16). We don’t need to fear Him but can be assured we’ll find grace when we come to Him.
Nothing is greater than God’s love.
When I read this I had to stop and pray and seek God and ask Him to forgive me. There are times when my thoughts overcome me, I may not say what I’m thinking out loud but to God it’s as if I did, He knows the intent of my heart, wow, and the word says I must bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. I do not want to stand before Christ one day and be reminded that my thoughts and intent of my heart was evil in any way. I realize we are human and we make mistakes, even in our mind but let’s be quick to realize when even our thoughts are not lining up with Gods word and may we run back to Him seeking forgiveness for the things we are thinking and may not have said out loud. Search my heart oh God and may even my thoughts line up with your word. Lead me and guide me in every way, every single day. May I be more like Jesus with each new day that I am given. Amen!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 4:12-16