The Choice To Rejoice

From: Our Daily Bread Ministries

 

Habakkuk 3:18 "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will exult in the God of my salvation."

 

Life in our world can be difficult. At some point, most of us have wondered, where is God in my trouble? And we may have thought, it seems like injustice is winning and God is silent. We have a choice as to how we respond to our troubles. The prophet Habakkuk had an attitude worth following: He made the choice to rejoice.

 

Habakkuk saw the rapid increase in Judah’s moral and spiritual failings, and this disturbed him deeply. But God’s response troubled him even more. God would use the wicked nation of Babylon to punish Judah. Habakkuk did not fully understand this, but he could rejoice because he had learned to rely on the wisdom, justice, and sovereignty of God.

 

Habakkuk had learned to trust God amid injustice, suffering, and loss. He would live by his faith in God alone. With this kind of faith came joy in God, despite the circumstances surrounding him. We too can rejoice in our trials, have surefooted confidence in God, and live on the heights of His sovereignty.

Stay The Course

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

 

Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be brave and steadfast; have no fear for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you. He will never fail you or forsake you."

 

Spiritual stability comes from thinking properly about the things of God. His ways are like the secure moorings of a ship that is docked safely and secure in its harbor. And His Spirit is like the wind that propels the sail of a boat in need of movement in the right direction.

 

However, doubt can creep in like a selfish bandit and steal away thoughts of security. It is at this testing point of trust that a calm child of God relies on Christ’s character.

The winds of adversity will try to veer you off Christ’s course, but stay the course. On sunny days it’s much easier to see a clear destination up ahead, but with raging storms, the human eye is severely limited. The Lord gives you an eternal instrument panel, the Word of God, that is interpreted through intimacy with Him. Trust that what He says is true and where He says to go is good. Jesus gives spiritual stability when doubt assaults your faith.

When Your Faith Is Tested

From: Bob Gass Ministries

 

Luke 17:19 '...Your faith has made you well.'

 

Trouble not only places a demand on your faith, but reveals the depth of it. You don't really know much about your faith when your bills are paid, your body is healthy, your children are acting right and your marriage is intact.

 

But when all hell is breaking loose and you trust God to bring you through it, you know you've got faith. Sometimes we think we're doing better spiritually than we are. But often the enemy has not ceased to attack, he's just moved from doing it in the natural realm to doing it in the spiritual realm.

 

He's attacking your mind, your rest, your peace, your emotions and your thought life.

So what can you do? Lift up the shield of faith and stop his flaming arrows. Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and use it to drive him back (see Ephesians 6:17). Put your faith to work.

Don't Miss The Point

From: Greg Laurie Ministries

 

John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory...."

 

This Christmas, don’t miss the point of celebrating Christmas. Don’t be like the innkeeper who missed Jesus because he was too busy. Make time for the Lord.

 

Sunday morning we will unwrap our Christmas presents, but eventually the novelty of it all will wear off. The present that was once so precious to you will end up stuffed in the closet or handed off to someone else. A newer version of your latest gadget will arrive that has more megapixels, or is smaller, or faster, or has better battery life.

 

In time, your Christmas gifts will mostly be forgotten. But God has given us the ultimate gift—the gift of His Son Jesus Christ.

The Greatest Instruction Manual

From: Michael Youssef Ministries

 

Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

 

What happens when we do not follow instruction manuals? Typically we become lost and confused. But this disorder is only temporary. When we choose to ignore the greatest instruction manual—the Bible—we are lost for eternity. The Bible contains directions for daily living. It shows us how to love God, how to treat other people, and how to become testimonies for Christ.

As you begin studying God's Word today, ask yourself three questions regarding the passage: What does the Bible say to the original reader? What does the Bible mean by what it says? How can this apply to me today?

Pray for a hunger to study God's Word and for the Holy Spirit's discernment as you read the words. Pray for a desire to share what you learn with others and to use the Bible's transforming power to be a light in this darkened world.

Good Investments

From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman

Philippians 2:4 "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

It's rewarding to get a good return on an investment. In business we invest money, time, and people resources into promoting a product and service in hopes of a return. We make financial investments in hopes we can gain a return on our money invested. The apostle Paul understood another kind of investment. It was an investment in the spiritual lives of people.

One day I received this note from a friend into whom I had made an investment: "You have had a tremendous influence on my life. For that, I will be forever grateful and love you as well." Sometimes we don't realize the difference we can make in another life. Until one day, you receive a note like this one.

In the marketplace we can often get very focused on the projects we are called to promote and gain a return on. However, we each need to be making an investment in other people as well.

Divine Appetite

From: Steve Arterburn Ministries

 

Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord."

 

Once you’ve satisfied your physical hunger you no longer want to eat. In fact, the sight, smell, or even the thought of food can almost make you sick after you’ve eaten your fill.

But the opposite is true of our appetite for God. The very act of satisfying it intensifies it. That’s precisely why Scripture tells us to: "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord."

Experience for yourself that He satisfies completely. And when you do, something wonderful and life changing will happen: you’ll find yourself wanting more of Him, and less of what you’ve been using as a cheap substitute for Him.

Test of Faithfulness

From: Oswald Chambers Ministries

 

Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose."

 

Being faithful to Jesus Christ is the most difficult thing we try to do today. We will be faithful to our work, to serving others, or to anything else; just don’t ask us to be faithful to Jesus Christ.

 

Many Christians become very impatient when we talk about faithfulness to Jesus. Our Lord is dethroned more deliberately by Christian workers than by the world. We treat God as if He were a machine designed only to bless us, and we think of Jesus as just another one of the workers.

The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us. God calls us to His service and places tremendous responsibilities on us. He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part. "The Lord said to Job, 'Will we have arguing with the Almighty by the critic? Let him who would correct God give answer!'" (Job 40:1-2)

Don't Get Distracted

From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman

Ephesians 6:13 "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground."

In the spiritual realm we deal with spiritual harassment from Satan and his legions. The Bible says "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)

It is important to recognize when we are coming against these forces. Satan attempts to distract us from our calling and destiny in life. We often trivialize the reality of the spirit realm of evil.

Paul tells us we must set our minds to deal with the spiritual realm of evil when it impacts our lives. The next time you feel obstacles have been placed in your life designed to distract you from your God-ordained mission, remember Paul's words and stand firm in Christ.

God's Holy Word

From: Michael Youssef Ministries

 

2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, reproof, correction and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work."

 

Imagine that you have just received a love letter from your beloved. What would you do with it? Would you open it, read it, reread it, and keep it someplace safe? Or would you leave it on a shelf, unopened and collecting dust?

The Bible is God's love letter to humanity, telling us about Himself and how He loved us so much that He sent His Son to redeem us. Through the Scriptures, God reveals His heart to us; we can learn about His goodness and love through His letters to us.

The Bible is not merely words on pages in a book, but it is God's living Word. These words contain God's authority, power and strength. The Bible points to our blind spots - things we cannot see on our own. God not only uses His Word to correct us but also to enrich us and pour His grace upon us. Yes the Bible was indeed penned by human authors but make no mistake about it, the Hand of God guided every Word!

Hard Work

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

 

Luke 5:5 "Simon answered, 'Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.'"

 

Fulfillment and significance in life does not come from ease and avoiding exertion but through engaging with people and problems, while depending on the Lord. Hard work with a heart for the Lord leads to good results.

Hard times require hard work. It may be working hard at working smarter. It may be working hard at being more creative in cost cutting. It may be working hard to close the deal or gain new customers. Lazy excuses bring death, but hard work brings life. You are healthier emotionally when you sweat out fear and replace it with faith.

Hard work is a command and a cure from God. Some days it hurts and the smell is repulsive, but the result from sweat is sweet. Go to work an hour earlier, stay an hour later or work on Saturday. Do whatever it takes during dire times to create compelling distinction in your work. Indeed, hard work is supported by the handprints of heaven.

Focus On God

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

Matthew 6:34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

All of us may find our courage tested by the inevitable disappointments and tragedies of life. After all, ours is a world filled with uncertainty, hardship, sickness, and danger. Trouble, it seems, is never too far from the front door.

When we focus upon our fears and our doubts, we may find many reasons to lie awake at night and fret about the uncertainties of the coming day. A better strategy, of course, is to focus not upon our fears, but instead upon our God. God is as near as your next breath, and He is in control. He offers salvation to all His children, including you. God is your shield and your strength; you are His forever.

So don’t focus your thoughts upon the fears of the day. Instead, trust God’s plan and His eternal love for you. And remember: God is good, and He has the last word.

Perseverance

From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman

 

Romans 5:2-4 "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

 

Perseverance is a refusal to quit. It's falling down 100 times and getting back up 100 times. Perseverance is the key to every great accomplishment because nothing of lasting value has ever been achieved without it.

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The race doesn't go to the swiftest, but to those who don't give up. We need endurance in order to deal with the stress of adversity. We must maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest. People give up or give out when they feel depleted - when they physically, emotionally and spiritually run out of gas.

When going through adversity, watch out for pessimists, blamers and toxic personalities. Beware of people who try to talk you out of your dreams and goals. Spend time with optimists and encouragers. Seek out people of faith.

Safe In His Dwelling

From: Joel Osteen Ministries

 

Psalm 27:5 "For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock."

 

What a wonderful promise found in today’s scripture that when you seek God, when you serve Him with your whole heart, He will hide you in His shelter. You can be so connected to God that you are untouchable to the enemy!

 

You are hidden in Him! That means no matter what is happening around you, you will have strength, confidence and rest greater than ever before knowing that you are safe in Him.

 

Challenges may come your way, but you won’t be worried about them. You know that, ultimately, things are going to work out for your good. You know that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. You just keep on being your best, walking in integrity, meditating on the Word, worshiping throughout the day, and stay hidden in Him!

How To Bear Much Fruit

From: Bayless Conley Ministries

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

If we are connected to God and we abide in Him, Jesus says we will bear much fruit. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, humility and self-control. (Galatians)

Think about a fruit tree for a moment. The leaves come out because the branches are attached to the tree. In the spring the branch will blossom, and from those blossoms comes the fruit. But if something happens and the branch is not solidly connected to the tree, it will probably not bear any fruit at all. There may be a few leaves, but the blossoms and healthy fruit will only come if the branch is fully connected.

God wants us connected to Him in every part of our lives. When that happens, our prayers will be in line with His desires, and we can be confident that He will answer.

Positive Thoughts

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

 

Colossians 3:1 "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power."

 

If a temporary loss of perspective has left you worried, exhausted, or both, it’s time to readjust your thought patterns. Negative thoughts are habit-forming; thankfully, so are positive ones.

 

With practice, you can form the habit of focusing on God’s priorities and your own possibilities. When you do, you’ll soon discover that you will spend less time fretting about your challenges and more time praising God for His gifts.

When you call upon the Lord and prayerfully seek His will, He will give you wisdom and perspective. When you make God’s priorities your priorities, He will direct your steps and calm your fears. Today and every day hereafter, pray for a sense of balance and perspective. And remember: no problems are too big for God—and that includes yours.

Facing Tough Times

From: Bryant Wright Ministries

 

2 Corinthians 12:9 "...but He has told me, 'My grace is all you need, because My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me."

 

When reminded that God does not give us any burdens we cannot handle, Mother Teresa replied, "I know, but sometimes I just wish He didn't think so highly of me." While it’s true that tough times can challenge us and shape character, most of us would prefer that God would find another teaching method!

Sometimes God allows us to go through hard times so that we can learn to truly trust Him. You see, when we do choose to trust God – even when there is no concrete evidence of His presence - we demonstrate real faith. And that faith is not only demonstrated to God, it is a powerful witness to everyone who sees what you have gone through.

So, when facing tough times, recognize the opportunity you have to build trust in God, deepen your faith, and become a powerful witness for your Heavenly Father.