Eternal Perspective

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

2 Corinthians 4:18 "We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

What things are not eternal? Jobs, money, promotions, winning, losing, travel, cars, computers, sound systems, clothes, physical appearance, houses, iPods, sex, popularity.

What things are eternal? God, your spouse, your kids, your parents, your relationship with God, heaven, hell, God’s Word, the spiritual impact of your ministry to others, the influence of your love in someone else’s life, the life-change of someone putting their faith in Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit through you.

Consider those two lists again. You get to choose whether your life will be focused on now or on eternity. God wants you to make a conscious choice to live for the things that really matter. The second list.

Listen And Learn

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Mark 9:7 "Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: 'This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!'" 
 
A heart full of love listens first to the Lord. There is a humility that remembers God created two ears and one mouth for a reason. The tongue, untempered by love, is a prime target for the tempter, Satan himself. However, love longs to listen and understand what Christ says, before making conversation. Words incubated in a heart of love have a positive affect on hearers. 

Love listens to Jesus before jumping to judgment. Love is slow to speak and quick to listen. It doesn’t seek to impress people with its smart and clever speech. Instead, it carries a conversation with emotional comfort and caring words. 

You are most comfortable in your own skin when your goal is to first listen to the Lord and then His precious children. Lovingly listen, some will invite your influence into their life. Consecrate your conversations to Christ and He will speak. Love listens and learns.

Lessons From God

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

John 17:4 "Jesus raised His eyes to Heaven and said, 'I glorified You on the earth, by accomplishing the work that You gave Me to do.'"

What has God called you to do? It is an important question. God has placed you on this earth for a reason. God has a purpose for your life. That purpose gives your life meaning.

The great purpose of all of our lives is to know God, to glorify God and to share Him with others. But there is a more specific purpose for your specific life. And this past year fits into that purpose.

Look back over your calendar. How has God been working in your life? What lessons has He been teaching you? What has He been developing in your character? What have you learned about being a part of God’s work in this world?

How could you use your relationships more for God in the future? Ask Him to increase His work through you in the days to come.

God Is With Us...Now And Forever

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory..."
 
Wow! The Creator came to dwell with His creation. The all knowing One came to teach teachers and students limited by their lack of knowledge and understanding. The ever present One came to comfort hurting people stuck in their suffering. The all powerful One came to serve weak people, empowering them with His Spirit. The Almighty sent His only son Jesus into the world, fully God and fully man. Yes, the Word became flesh!

God is with us to face down our fears by faith. God is with us in our doubts. God is with us in our hurts, applying His healing balm of grace. God is with us in our transitions to grow our trust in Him.  God is with us at work and at home. God is with us in our uncertainty.  God is with us when we feel His presence and when we don't feel Him near. God is with us in our successes and in our failures. 

God is with us in our modern technology and our antiquated activities. The Lord is with us in our big cities and our small towns. Jesus is with us when we feel joy, laughter and loss. Christ is with us to comfort us in our pain and encourage us to persevere for Him. He is with us in the ups and the downs. He is with us and He is in us to work through us! "And know that I am with you always...! (Matthew 28:20) 

Ask God

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Hebrews 4:12 "For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." 

Do you read the Bible for information or inspiration? Is your goal to study the Word, learn facts about God, or to know God? The Word of God is a hammer that chisels pride from your heart, a fire that brands truth into your brain, and a sword that slices ego from your soul. Watch for a Word from God, for it will lead you to success.
 
As you take time to meditate on God’s Word, it begins to marinate your mind with wise thinking. Life change results from a clear understanding of why you believe what you believe. Ask your heavenly Father to fill your mind with what really matters to Him.
 
Do you have a major decision you are facing? Ask God to enlighten your mind with His Word, "...that you may discern what is the will of God..." (Romans 12:2) You'll be glad you did!

Never Give Up Hope

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

2 Thessalonians 2:17 "May Jesus Himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech."

Sometimes the Lord gives His children a promise or assurance that is not fulfilled until later in life. Hope in Jesus is a lifeline that leads Christians to trust in His promises. Hope holds on to God.
 
The coming of Christ at Christmas is our hope incarnate. The promise of His first entrance to earth took generations to fulfill, just as His second coming has. So, as we wait on our ultimate hope of reigning with Jesus, we enjoy His presence in prayer and faithfulness. 

Furthermore, do not discount the hope you personally provide for other people. Your weekly visit to the nursing home gives life to those ebbing toward the end of life. Your coaching and mentoring of others gives them confidence and peace to persevere. Never give up hope and you will always be able to give hope. Hope in Jesus brings great joy! 

Specific Purpose

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

Philippians 1:6 "I am sure of this much: that He who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus."

Your life has been—and is now being—carefully crafted by the Master for a specific purpose. Not just the general purpose that you would be a good person whose life honors God. God wants to use you in ways that only a person like you could be used. Has your life been full of hardship? Then God must want to work through you in a way that could only be done by someone who has faced hardship.

Do you have physical weaknesses and limitations? Rather than thinking they keep you from being useful to God, you need to offer your weaknesses to God and invite Him to use them! Ask yourself and ask God how your weaknesses can provide you with ways to minister for Him that you would not have had otherwise.

When you accept that God has a purpose in everything, then you live in the exciting potential of God at work in every situation of your life—even the unpleasant ones!

Your Spiritual Life

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

Psalm 139:16 "Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were written all the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." 

The secular world would like you to believe that your life has no meaning of its own, no higher purpose, that your life is the random outcome of a chance series of events emerging out of hundreds of millions of years of chaos.

But in this Psalm, God is saying to you, "I was intimately involved in making you. I have plans for you. You fit into what I am doing in this world."

If you have not yet discovered God’s plan for your life, I encourage you to begin focusing on your spiritual life. "Acquire a fresh spiritual way of thinking." (Ephesians 4:23) Spend time with God in prayer. Read His word, the Bible. Listen to what He is saying to you about your life. As you get yourself in a place where you are spiritually sensitive to God, you will find that He is leading you forward daily in His will for you.

Depending On God

From: Adrian Rogers Ministries

James 1:3 "Realize that when your faith is tested this makes for endurance."

A man had a grandfather clock. One day he felt sorry for the grandfather clock because it had a weight on it. And that weight was always pulling on the clock. The man said, "Oh, Mr. Clock, you’ve held this weight so long, I’m going to remove it and let you rest."

The clock protested, saying, "Don’t take that weight from me. That’s what keeps me going."

In the same way, the trials and tests of life are there for your endurance. They’re to keep you going, keep you trusting, keep you praying, and keep you depending upon God.

He Invented It

From: Our Daily Bread Ministries

Job 42:2 "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be hindered.

After God allowed Satan to test Job by taking away his family, his health, and his possessions, Job lamented the day of his birth. In the following chapters, Job questioned why God would allow him to endure so much suffering.

Then with divine bluntness, God reminded Job that He "invented" life and created the world. God invited him to rethink what he had said. In drawing attention to His sovereign power and the depth of His wisdom displayed everywhere on earth, God exposed the immensity of Job’s ignorance. 

With great humility, Job responded, "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be hindered. I have dealt with things I do not understand...things which I cannot know. Therefore, I disown what I have said and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:2-6)  

If we’re tempted to tell God how life should work, let’s remember He invented it! May He help us to humbly acknowledge our ignorance and to rely on Him—the Creator of the universe.

It's A Wonderful Life

From: Power Point Daily Devotionals  - Jack Graham

Ecclesiastes 3:1,11 "There is an appointed time for everything...God has made everything appropriate to its time..."

One of my favorite Christmas movies is the classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart. It’s about this fellow named George Bailey who grows up in a small town and has great dreams and aspirations of seeing the world and making lots of money.

But through a series of circumstances that he couldn’t control, George never could get out of that little one-horse town. Every time he tried, something happened to keep him there. And to top it off, through a mistake one day it appeared that he would be sent to jail.

He was ready to end it all when an angel came to show him what the world would be like if he’d never been born. And George Bailey came to understand that even though he didn’t get to achieve his dreams as he planned, he did have a wonderful life that impacted many more people than he realized.

"George Bailey" is a great reminder to us all of the positive influence we can have on others. Thank God for where He’s placed you and the people you’ve been able to impact.

Beyond The Test

From: Bob Gass Ministries

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who lives in Me and I in him, will produce much fruit..." 

Your faith level is revealed by hard times. When your back is to the wall financially, you need faith to believe God will provide. When you're battling illness, you need faith to believe God will heal you. When you feel lost and without purpose, you need faith to believe God has a specific plan for your life. Jesus said, "...He who lives in Me and I in him, will produce much fruit..." Notice, the blessing comes from staying close to the Lord. 

Yes, the Christian life is a battlefield. And the level of attack is determined by the size of your God-given assignment and the rewards that await you beyond it. So in that sense, Satan's attack is a compliment. 

You will be regularly pruned for greater fruitfulness. But don't give up, and don't collapse, for beyond this test you'll have a testimony to God's goodness.

Feeling Trapped

From: Bryant Wright Ministries

Exodus 14:21 "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided." 

We all have times when we feel we have no options. Maybe we're in a job crisis and we feel there is just no way out. Sometimes we don't have a job, money is rapidly running out, and we're beginning to feel despair. Sometimes it's in a marriage that seems hopeless. There are many possible scenarios, but they all have this in common: It seems like we've run out of options and we don't know what to do. We feel trapped in a hopeless situation with no possible way out. 

We can learn how to face these crises by remembering the children of Israel. They faced a stormy sea to the front and Egyptian soldiers to the rear. Talk about having no options...they truly had no way out! But, if you'll remember, God led them from desperation to complete victory. 

Realize that the same God who parted the Red Sea is standing beside you whenever you think you're out of options. There is no lasting defeat for children of God; He always gives us the option of allowing Him to lead us, teach us, and build our faith. If He parted the Red Sea for the people of faith, then through faith, no situation is hopeless.

There He Is

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you."

When your world falls apart around you, you might be tempted to push God away. But that is like pushing away medicine when you are sick! God, the Great Physician, wants to come and heal your soul. He will minister to you through His word.

God’s message to you in this passage today is that He has given you His word for just such times as you are facing right now. In His word you will hear His voice in your heart assuring you that He still loves you, helping you to see your valley from a new, higher, more positive perspective, revealing His purposes to you, strengthening and encouraging you, giving you hope.

When you open your Bible and say, "Lord, I need to hear from You."...there He is! 

Spiritual Gifts

From: In Touch Ministries

Romans 12:6 "Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: ...prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, mercy, giving and leadership."

God gave one or more spiritual gifts to every single believer to aid in the work for His kingdom. We each need this special "wiring" to carry out our unique role in His plan. He knits that spiritual gift into our personality and inborn talents to create a useful and effective servant. And just to be clear, there is no such thing as a non-gifted believer.

Believers are the Lord's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the purpose of good works. Spiritual gifts are not our own abilities. The Holy Spirit manifests them through us. Remember, it is the sap running from the vine into the branches that produces fruit (John 15:5). In the same way, the Spirit lives and works through God's followers to bring forth acts of service. The Lord's power is behind it all.  

God's awesome power is present in and available to every believer. The Holy Spirit equips us to obey the Lord in whatever He calls us to do. We need to get busy using that spiritual gift for His glory.

The Living Word Of God

From: Michael Youssef Ministries

Romans 15:4  "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." 

We live in a world where God has been marginalized, and human wisdom has been elevated. Truth has ceased to be an absolute because every opinion is equally right. Outward appearance is more important than inward commitment. Emotions have overruled logic and intellect. 

The Bible stands against the mentality of this world, and often that is difficult for people to accept. Human thinking leads to suffering, but God's Word points the way to everlasting life. The Word of God will strengthen us against the current culture. Only through constant prayer and Bible study can we recognize the will and mind of God: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).

We all have a choice between life and death. This world offers only death, but the words of the Bible show us the way to life. Commit to reading and living the Word of God to not only change your life, but the lives of those around you. 

Love

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotionals

1 Peter 4:8 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Peter reminds us that love is to be the one gift we place above all others. This love is not the fickle kind that demands a certain response or it will be withdrawn. This is a love that covers a multitude of sins. It is a love that is willing to overlook offenses against you. Peter calls it a deep love. It should be as deep as the well of Christ's love for you. What He has given you He expects you to pass on to others.

Love is the one thing that will keep your priorities straight when things fall apart. It will help you avoid the natural instinct to put yourself first instead of being aware of the needs around you.

When chaos strikes, if we are not clear minded and self-controlled, we will be swept along with the crowd. Only when the Spirit of God is our guide through daily life, will we be able to hear His guidance when our world goes mad.

True Citizenship

From: PowerPoint Daily Devotionals - Jack Graham

Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it we also await a Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ."

America is known as one of the most religious nations in the world. And sometimes I think that’s the problem—because so many here in our nation don’t realize how much they need to repent and turn to Jesus Christ.

Many people are surprised to hear that America isn’t as important in the scope of eternity as they might think. In fact, this great country isn’t a blink in the eye of God’s Kingdom plan. Our true citizenship lies elsewhere.

As a nation… as a people… as families… and as individuals, we have to turn to God. We can’t place our hope in the men and women who make the laws in Washington. Our true hope lies in the one whose Kingdom will last forever and ever. Place your trust in Him today!

Preparation

From: Through The Bible Devotionals

James 1:2-3 "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." 

This must certainly sound strange to most ears, joy in the face of trials. James explains that we should be joyful because the testing of our faith develops a quality of character in our life that is like that which Christ exhibited, perseverance.

Without that quality, our effectiveness for the Lord will end when the going gets tough, and it will get tough. That is why the Lord allows the trials of many kinds to come our way.

God is more concerned about your preparation for eternity than He is about your temporal happiness. He is making you into a mature and complete Christian, one who lacks nothing. The training process is not easy. Solid growth comes through difficult conditions. So don't complain, be joyful! God has a plan for your life. This trial is for a glorious purpose.

Loyalty

From: Every Day Light - Selwyn Hughes 

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides."

A university professor, writing on the subject of loyalty, says an interesting thing: "There is only one way to be an ethical individual and that is to choose your cause and then to serve it. This central loyalty to a cause puts other loyalties in their place as subordinate. Then life as a whole is coordinated because all lesser loyalties are subordinated."

Translate his thinking into New Testament language and you find an interesting similarity. The "cause" we choose is Christ and His Kingdom, and when we seek them first, then all other things, including self-control, are added to us. 

This does not mean, of course, that once we become Christians we automatically become people of supreme self-control. We have the potential for that, but it becomes a reality only as we continually surrender and submit to Christ's control.

Hope

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Is your hope in God conditional or unconditional? Is it merely words or the conviction of your heart? You know your hope is all in with the Almighty when your life overflows with the power of the Holy Spirit. Bad news only emboldens you to look for the Lord’s creative solutions to sticky situations. You hand over people out of your control over to Christ’s control.
 
God is the object and author of your hope. Joy comes from being justified by Jesus. His peace produces perseverance. Christ’s hope is all I need to persevere though pain, change and challenges. His hope anchors my soul in His unchanging grace.

When Christ’s hope has its way—He shows you the way. Open hope’s door; it hinges on God!

Your Destiny

From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman

Ephesians 1:18 "May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you..."

Whenever God calls you into a new thing, you can expect to do things you've never done. God will anoint you in areas you considered your weakest traits. God turns shepherds like Moses into leaders of nations. He turns farmers like Gideon into reformers. He turns impetuous and unstable personalities like Peter into leaders that can transform a culture and lead a movement.

When God looks at an individual, He looks at their future, not their past. He is always looking at the person He has created you to become, not the person you are now. When Samuel anointed the young shepherd boy, David, to be the next king of Israel, it would be years before this would happen. However, God already knew who he was to become.

How do you think God views your life? Think about the destiny He has chosen you to fulfill...and be willing to answer His call! 

Blessings And Responsibilities

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "...Give constant thanks; such is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Another great Thanksgiving Day! A time when the entire United States pauses...with family, friends, and individually, to reflect on God's blessings.

Glad to see a full house at Mass this morning. "A nation that stays on its knees in thanksgiving to God enjoys the blessings of God." - Boyd Bailey

Reminded of the responsibilities God requires of His blessed: "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much and more will be required of the person entrusted with more." (Luke 12:48)  

True Thanksgiving

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Colossians 3:16 "Let the Word of Christ dwell among you richly as you share with one another all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." 

It is easy to get caught up in busy living and forget to thank those who gave us a chance to develop our gifts for God’s glory. Have you gone back and blessed the teacher/mentor/coach who inspired your career? When was the last time you looked your parents, or any relative, or friend, in the eyes and explained how their example of consistent character caused you to follow hard after Christ? True thanksgiving takes time to say thank you!

Furthermore, it is praise and thanksgiving to God that is the pinnacle of gratitude. Your gratitude to God generates generosity and bubbles up joy in your heart. Your marriage of humility and thanksgiving invites a dinner reception that feasts on contentment, peace, hope, happiness and security.

Open wide your mouth with words of thanksgiving and watch the Lord do wonderful works around you. The more you grow in the grace of God, the more thankful you become. Gratitude always speaks up!

Equipped By The Holy Spirit

From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman

Habakkuk 3:19 "The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights."

God equips His people to scale the heights even in the midst of great challenges. He enables us to go to the higher places with Him where we are set apart from the world. Sometimes the way we have to go to get us there is through tremendous difficulties, but if we rest in Him and trust Him we come out where He wants us.

When Jesus told the disciples He was going to send the Holy Spirit to them, it was in order for them to scale the mountain before them with a new form of power they had not experienced. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8)

If you find yourself in a place of doubting God and His plan for your life, know that this is a normal aspect of your journey in God. However, know that God has made available His Holy Spirit in order for you to accomplish the tasks that lie ahead.

Choose To Live Powerfully

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North  

Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

In everything you do, you have a choice. You can do it in your own power, or you can do it in the power of the Holy Spirit.

God has placed His Holy Spirit in your life to empower your life to be lived for His glory. The world we have grown up in teaches us to rely on our own abilities in life; it teaches us to believe in ourselves and be confident in ourselves. But God wants us to believe in Him and be confident in Him.

If you choose to live life in your own power, you will only accomplish normal things. But if you choose to live life in God’s power, following His leading, then your life will be marked by the activity of God which cannot be explained by your own abilities. Learn to put God first in your choices and depend on His power in everything you do. Choose to live powerfully.

He Will Teach Us

From: Adrian Rogers Ministries

Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes to see clearly the wonders of Your teachings."

Have you ever thought you could just go to the Bible and pull some truth out of it for your life? You cannot do that. Your mind will never comprehend the things of God apart from the Holy Spirit illuminating you.

First, we must lay our intellectual pride in the dust, and with open arms and a heart of faith approach God’s Word for wisdom, discernment, and knowledge. Then He will teach us.

It took a supernatural miracle to write the Word of God. It takes a supernatural miracle for you to understand it. When God begins to write His Word upon your heart, you are going to lead a supernatural life! 

My Grace Is Sufficient

From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries 

2 Cor 12:9 "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." 

If there is one thing that is consistent throughout scripture, it is this: God calls people when they are not ready. God will never call you into service when you think you are ready. This is intentional on God's part.

When God calls, you will most likely be in the most unlikely circumstances to receive that call. You will be in the midst of a crisis, you will lack resources, you will not have the skills you think you need. This too is the way of God.

God does this because He wants you to know your call is only based on His ability, not yours. When you think it is based on you, this is a false humility. Has God called you to something you have failed to do because you felt you were not ready? Let God accomplish great things through you. 

A Personal Letter From God

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries 

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

Wise men and women meditate on God. There is a heart and a passion to hear from Him. This is the goal of meditation. It is a process of really listening to the Lord. His desire is for us to listen to Him and others for the purpose of becoming more like Jesus.

We meditate personally and corporately. We individually hear God speak. His intimacy is unrivaled in the way He loves us specifically for who we are. Personally, He has a plan and a purpose that we come to appreciate and understand in solitude and silence. But we also meditate on our Master among the masses. Our spirit engages with His transcendence and holiness through the coming together with other believers in bold proclamation of our belief.

Dig out time daily for meditation on your Master. Listen to Him through His written word. This is a personal letter from your heavenly Father that oozes with His unfailing love. The more you meditate on His word, the more you comprehend Christ’s great love for you. And, as you are able, fulfill His greatest command of loving Him and loving others. Meditation migrates us toward our master, Jesus. It is His tool of transformation.

Steward Well Your Citizenship

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Proverbs 29:2 "With good men in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan."

Citizenship in a free country is a gift from God, and not to be taken for granted. It is a stewardship with privileges and responsibilities. Voting is a responsibility of citizens to provide feedback to the God-ordained institution of government. Your vote is their performance review...since they work for us!

Public service is a public trust. Therefore, elect men and woman of principal who, as statesmen, will risk losing their House or Senate seat because they govern by unwavering values founded in the Scriptures. God is in control, but He expects participation from people of the state.

Godly men and women value life, especially in those who are unable to defend themselves. The unborn and the elderly are on the top of their list of whom to protect. They value marriage, one man and one woman engaged in holy matrimony. They reject a redefinition of marriage from those driven by money and immorality. They value national security because freedom is not free. It requires sophisticated vigilance from terrorism and nuclear threat. Most importantly, they value God and His Word.  

We are citizens of a greater kingdom who have a temporary assignment to engage in our earthly kingdom. Therefore, steward well your citizenship while you can.

In His Timing

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Psalm 38:15 "I wait for You, O Lord; You will answer, O Lord my God." 

God’s answer is not always immediate. Our heavenly Father may not be forthcoming in His answer to prayer. We wait in our pain, and there seems to be no relief. We wait in our confusion, and our circumstances seem to become more complicated. 

Answers from the Almighty may be absent for now, but the faithful wait. We wait for God’s answer because He is the source of our sanity and our security. His goal is to give us everything we need in His timing and in His way. He is not without compassion. He cares immensely by answering our prayers and giving creative solutions to our questions. 

Do not allow your soul to be tossed back and forth while you anxiously await an answer. Use this time of waiting to grow in your understanding of God. His answer is really worth the wait. Don’t run ahead impatiently. He works while we wait. He expands our faith while we wait. Listen intently, discern, and obey. Obedience unleashes answers. Obedience leads to opportunities. Stay faithful and patient. The Almighty will answer.

Overcome Discouragement

From: Billy Graham Devotionals

Psalm 30:5 "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Discouragement is nothing new. Many of the great Bible characters became discouraged. Moses in the Sinai desert; Elijah when he heard Jezebel was searching for him to take his life; and David when his son Absalom rebelled against him. It is as old as the history of man.

There is often a cause for discouragement. It comes many times when we don’t get our way, when things don’t work out the way we want them to. Discouragement is the opposite of faith. It is Satan’s device to thwart the work of God in your life. Discouragement blinds our eyes to the mercy of God and makes us perceive only the unfavorable circumstances.

I have never met anyone who spent time in daily prayer, and in the study of the Word of God, and was strong in faith, who was ever discouraged for very long.

He Doesn't Disappoint

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Isaiah 49:23 "Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in Me will not be disappointed." 

Everyone deals with disappointment—some more than others. These let downs vary in scope: a friend’s forgetfulness, a lost opportunity, a missed deadline, a relative’s financial woes, a boss’s oversight, an injured body or unexpected dental work. 

Yes, disappointment is a fact that forces us to make appointments with Jesus. He doesn’t disappoint.

Appointments with God help us to deal with disappointment. He gives us rest when we are restless. He gives us calm when there is calamity. He gives us peace when there is chaos. He gives us trust when there is distrust. "Cast your care upon the Lord, Who will give you support." (Psalm 55:22) 

A Calling

From: Bryant Wright Ministries

Ephesians 1:18 "May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know the great hope to which He has called you..."

We can all think of a bad day at work, but can you think of any time when you were "in the zone" - a moment where you enjoyed your task, you were caught up in your work and lost track of time? What were you doing at that moment? What skills were you using? What was it that caused you to be passionate about the work? 

Understanding the answers to these questions will often help you better understand how to best use your time and talents, and find your "calling." A calling is when we are passionately using our God-given gifts in a way that pleases Him. We are not talking about your personality profile, but about those God-given gifts listed in the Bible like teaching, counseling, generosity, administration, and prayer, among many others. 

Kirk Livingston, CEO of a communications company, sums it up, "When we find ourselves involved with God at work, we also begin to find the work we were meant to do". And that’s how we discover our true calling from God.

God's Will

From: Powerpoint Daily Devotionals - Jack Graham

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

The great pastor, Dr. George W. Truett, used to always say, "The greatest knowledge is knowing the will of God, and the greatest achievement is doing the will of God." What an amazing truth. There's no higher calling in life than knowing and doing the will of God!

Finding and following God’s will is the only way to find real and lasting joy in life. It’s our duty and privilege to delight in Him!

In everything we do, we know we can do no better than what God wills because He always works everything out for the good of those who love Him. So if you want to glorify God, find your satisfaction fully in Him. Seek out His will and put it into practice. Not only will you bring honor to Him, you’ll experience the wonderful reward of placing yourself in the middle of God’s will!

"Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lord"

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

Ephesians 1:18-19 "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe."

God wants us to have a deep knowledge of Him and His plan for our life!

He desires that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened. He wants us to know the hope of His calling, to understand what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and to know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us. But how will this spiritual understanding come to us? 

We will come to understand these things as we meditate on God and His word with an open, receptive heart to the Spirit of God. Let us linger with Him now...and often!

The Word Of God

A Walk Through The Bible...Genesis - Revelation

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=635e33c677&view=att&th=13a7e9f8caaee484&attid=0.1&disp=safe&zw

God's Peace

From: Neil Anderson Devotionals

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you."

The peace of God is something you need to appropriate daily in your inner world in the midst of the storms which rage in the external world. There are a lot of things that can disrupt your external world because you can't control all your circumstances and relationships. 

But you can control the inner world of your thoughts by allowing the peace of Christ to rule in your heart on a daily basis. (Colossians 3:15) There may be chaos all around you, but God is bigger than any storm. I keep a little plaque on my desk which reminds me: "Nothing will happen to me today that God and I cannot resolve."

 

The peace of Christ will rule in your heart when you, "let the word of Christ richly dwell within you." (Colossians 3:16) And when you turn to Him in prayer, "the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

Eternal Perspective

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotionals

Colossians 3:2 "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

When we focus on the temporal, our perspective becomes distorted. Only by fixing our minds on the eternal will we have the right perspective and desires. This, too, takes an effort on our part, and is only possible through the power of the Spirit at work in us.

For most of us, this transformation of our thinking will make more of a change in our lives than any other practical step. Before we came to Christ, we formed ruts in our thought patterns that were in opposition to God's will and destructive. We must recognize them for what they are and refuse to go down the old paths.

We must consciously replace those thoughts of the temporal with that of the eternal. The more we set our thoughts there, the easier it becomes as we develop Godly thought patterns.

"Aim at Heaven and you get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither." - C.S. Lewis

Distractions

From: Power Point Daily Devotionals - Jack Graham

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
 
We live in a world full of distractions. Our lives are filled with so much background noise that we can’t even stop for a moment to think. We’re bombarded with messages to try the newest "this" and the best "that."

But what if you stopped? What if you unplugged from the world for just a short time and opened yourself to hearing from God? Your stress level would go down, and you’d be more attuned to hear what God is trying to teach you. You’d be more efficient at work and grow deeper in your relationship with Christ.

 

Maybe it’s time for you to unplug for a bit. Perhaps it starts with setting aside just 30 minutes where you can get alone, open a Bible, and hear from God. When you start there, you’ll see your stress level decrease and your relationship with God grow stronger each day!

Spiritual Warfare

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotionals

 

Ephesians 6:10-12 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For 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."

Our passage today is not just about the armor, but about our attitude and understanding, so that we can use the armor properly. Put on the full armor (helmet of salvation, breastplate of justice, shield of faith, belt of truth, foot gear of zeal and Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God)

Realize that it is not a flesh and blood battle. There are spiritual forces at work to get at you. They work through every conceivable worldly desire to keep our thoughts away from God.

Take your stand against Satan's schemes. Realize where the battle is really coming from. Fight with the Word of God (our offensive weapon) and prayer. Keep your shield of faith up, trusting in the Lord to protect you.

The Solid Rock

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North


Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall."

Satan wants to get your attention away from God’s word. He wants to distract you with busyness, to consume you with fear over the future, to overwhelm you with the stress of your circumstances. But through all those things come the simple clear words of Scripture, reminding us of God’s great life principles and setting our course through the storm.

Build your life on those principles and you will move peacefully through every storm. You'll be confident of God’s involvement in your life, confident to stand on His promises, and confident that He is your mighty Rock.

Life's Storms

From: Bryant Wright Ministries

 

Psalm 107:29 "He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed."

 

Difficulties, pain in relationships, and even tragedies are part of every day life. As a matter of fact, Jesus told His disciples, "Take courage. There are many storms in this life. But take heart, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Wow. Now, that's a scripture to hang your hat on!

Whenever you face a storm, your first urge may be to scream, "Why?" Many challenges occur when we're right in the middle of God's will. We're not doing anything wrong. We're doing what God wants us to do. Certainly, that was the case for the disciples. Jesus told them to get into the boat and row across the Sea of Galilee. They were obeying Jesus when they suddenly found themselves in a horrific storm. It was so bad, they didn't even know if they'd survive. But here is the important message from that event - they did survive. With the help of Jesus, they survived.

Accept the fact that your life will not be a perfectly smooth ride. The road will sometimes have bumps and potholes and sharp turns. All roads do. Look upon these tragedies and difficulties as part of life. Turn to Jesus for guidance and He will be beside you as you ride out your storms.

Christian Joy

From: Every Day Light - Selwyn Hughes

 

Psalm 30:6 "...Weeping may endure for a night; but joy comes in the morning."

 

Joy is a central characteristic of the Christian. The word "joy" (Greek: chara) is a strong and robust word. It means a joy that is exuberant and overflowing.

 

Pleasure or happiness cannot be equated with Christian joy. Pleasure depends on circumstances. It requires a measure of health or wealth or positive feelings. Christian joy is completely independent of circumstances. It is there in the believer even when "strength and health and friends" are gone; when circumstances are not only unkind but savage.

 

Joy is an inevitable part of the Christian life. The springs of Christian joy are deep within. Joy is always present in the heart of a Christian. It may not always be felt or recognized -- but it is always there. And eventually it will break the surface, no matter what our situation or our circumstances.

The Eternal Light

From: Wisdom From The Psalms

 

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

 

Darkness can close in around us quickly in this world today. It seems to be getting darker all the time.

 

However, we are recipients of the light that cannot be put out and will never fade away. The Word of God will guide us through even the darkest times, and He will be close by to comfort us in time of trouble. Rely upon the light of the Lord.

 

Prayer: Light my way, dear God, and keep me from stumbling down the wrong path. Keep me from my own folly. Amen.

Spiritual Maturity

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

 

John 8:31-32 "...If you remain in My word, you will truly be My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

 

Norman Vincent Peale had the following advice for believers of all ages: “Ask God who made you to keep remaking you.” That advice, of course, is perfectly sound, but often ignored.

 

The journey toward spiritual maturity lasts a lifetime. As Christians, we can and should continue to grow in the love and the knowledge of our Savior as long as we live. When we cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, we do ourselves a profound disservice.

 

But, if we study God’s Word, if we obey His commandments, and if we live in the center of His will, we will not be “stagnant” believers. We will, instead, be growing Christians . . . and that’s exactly what God wants for our lives.

How To Plan For Success

From: Joe Gibbs Ministries

 

Proverbs 16:3 "Entrust your works to the Lord and your plans will succeed."

 

There are many hundreds of methods out there for maximizing your potential in life, in business, in all kinds of areas. Some are sound, some are not, some are absolutely wonderful. But even the best can't help but be incomplete in spots. And none of us are able to follow them perfectly, even then.

So while we are wise to gather information and set our goals, to make our plans and chart our progress, we will meet days when not everything comes together. We will encounter challenges that weren't covered in the literature. We will feel the need to make adjustments and wonder why we hadn't noticed this sooner.

Though we are certainly responsible for how we handle ourselves, we are not in total charge of where our future is headed. Any success plan that isn't submitted to God is destined for failure. When we trust God to do His work in us, He can take even our missteps and turn them into positive gain. He will fulfill His purpose for you.

The Key To Being Content

From: Bryant Wright Ministries

Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."

One of the most rare commodities in society is contentment. Advertisers would have us believe that their product is the key to finding fulfillment and happiness. Television programming reinforces this message and fills our homes with images of things. It's like this "stuff" is essential to our happiness.

Seeking satisfaction in things will never bring contentment; it just leads to further dissatisfaction. How do we find contentment? Like so many other things, contentment is a choice - a by-product.

A man who had more than his share of difficulty in life said, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances." It was the apostle Paul who said that. How did he do it? The key was found in his relationship with Jesus Christ. That's the key for anyone. We all have the same opportunity to find contentment. It's a by-product of our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Real Love

From: Jack Graham's Daily Word

1 Corinthians 13:7 "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

I’ll never forget one time when our church in Dallas was looking for more ways to reach out to the local community—to the poor, the needy, and the hurting. So we came up with the idea of an event called, “To Dallas with Love,” where we would give away clothing, money, and food to those in need.

Now it was one thing to hear about loving others. But it was a whole other thing to see that love put into action. People were so grateful to be blessed at their point of need. Tears flowed from the eyes of our volunteers as they were able to give in the name of Jesus Christ and love tangibly with the love of the Gospel.

Real love doesn’t just sit on a church pew. Real love has hands. Real love has feet. It hugs the widow and comforts the orphan. It gives to the poor and defends the downtrodden. Real love moves you to action. That’s the love Jesus showed you, and it’s the love you can show others!

Partners With God

From: Billy Graham Ministries

Matthew 10:32 "Everyone who acknowledges Me before others I will acknowledge before My Heavenly Father."

Some think that only ministers are to preach, but that is wrong. Every Christian is to be a witness; every follower of Christ is to preach the Gospel.

 

We can preach by sharing our experience with others. We can preach by exalting Christ in our daily lives. Sermons which are seen are often more effective than those which are heard. The truth is: the best sermons are both heard and seen. They are a sort of audiovisual testimony. We can also preach by our faithful financial stewardship. Missionary gifts, church offerings, and charitable contributions all speak eloquently of your unselfishness and Christian generosity.

 

In all these things, we are partners with God. We are helping by His grace to redeem the world. God needs our time, our talents, our witnessing, and our money, today more than at any

other time in history. Become a full, working partner with God.

 

"Preach the Gospel at all times...and sometimes use words." - St Francis of Assisi

The Source Of True Success

From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman

 

John 16:20 "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy."

 

Our God is a God of success. You are created to be a success. Success is rooted in our relationship with God, not in our abilities. When our abilities are separated from our relationship with God, success is short-lived.

Sometimes God allows you to fail in order for you to succeed. Each of us must first experience our own death and resurrection from our old nature. This is for you to learn Who the source of true success is. You will be amazed how easy success will come when your life is in proper alignment with the purposes of God.

Today, reaffirm your commitment to follow His ways in all that you do. This will ensure God's purposes will be fulfilled in you.

Trust In Him

From: Through The Bible Devotionals

 

Job 42:5-6 "My ears had heard of You but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I retract what I said and repent in dust and ashes."

 

Job had been questioning God, but now it is God's turn to question Job. The substance of God's questions ask Job that if he lives in a world full of things beyond his understanding, why should he be able to figure out what God is presently doing in his life? Such a wonderful Creator should be trusted by His creation to do what is in their best interest.

 

Job entered into a new relationship with God. Up until that time he had heard of God through others lives and stories. Now he saw God with his own eyes. He has the same reaction that everyone does. (see Isaiah 6:5) He saw the holiness of God and by contrast, his wretched condition.

 

You may never know the reasons for certain trials and struggles, but you can be sure your Creator's character is impeccable. God will see you through, if you will continue to trust in Him.

Your Best Investment

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

 

Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."

 

Prayer positions us to receive the peace of God. It is when we seek Him that we see Him. It is when we see Him that we are secure. The more you think upon the Lord, and less of yourself, the better off you become.

No one has ever been sorry for seeking the Lord. It takes time and effort but it is your best investment. Process your problems with prayer and you will be the most productive. We cannot come to the best solutions in our own strength. It is seeking the Lord that unlocks a treasure trove of truth that leads us to possibilities we would never imagine on our own.

 

God expects to hear from you before you can expect to hear from Him. Seek Him and you will be secure in Him. Seek Him before, during and after trouble comes. There is no safer or more secure place to be than in the process of seeking Him. There is no need to fear because God is near those who seek Him.

Go For It

From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman

 

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

 

God is the source of all creativity and innovation. He created the world in seven days. He has made you to create. If God has placed an idea in your heart to do, ask the Lord for His help in bringing it to reality. He desires to see His people create new things that can serve mankind and bring glory to God.

Faith plays an important role when considering stepping out to launch a new endeavor. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." (Hebrews 11:1-2)

Perhaps you've failed in the past and you're afraid to step out again. Most successful entrepreneurs failed several times before they were successful. Don't let fear of failure keep you from success.

Finish Strong

From: Greg Laurie Ministries

 

Hebrews 12:2 "And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. . . ."

As Christians, we are running a race. And we should run in such a way as to win. Looking to Jesus keeps us going in the Christian life. There are things that will discourage us, things that will get us down. It was Corrie ten Boom who said, "Look without and be distressed. Look within and be depressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest." If we can keep our eyes on the Lord, we can run this race well.

However, in the race of life our competition is not with each other. We are not to try and outdo other Christians. Our competition is the world, the flesh, and the devil. We want to run to win. We want to play by the rules. And we want to keep our eyes on Jesus, who gives us the right motive for running.

The apostle Paul talked about finishing what God had given him to do (see Acts 20:24). And that is the key: finishing the race.

The Number One Thing

From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman

 

1 Corinthians 10:31 "The fact is...whatever you do...you should do all for the glory of God."

 

Have you ever had a big project to do and felt great when you'd finished the job and it was a big success? The Lord has revealed to us that the number one thing we are to do is love the Lord our God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These mandates deal with our relationship with Him. The fruit of this relationship must then result in our glorifying Him by completing the work He has given each of us to do.

What is the work God has called you to do? Jesus never did anything the Father had not instructed Him to do. He lived in such communion with the Father that He knew when to turn left and when to turn to the right. Is it possible to have such a relationship with our heavenly Father? I think that if it weren't, He would not have given us such an example.

"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3) Whatever work He has called you to, He will use you as His instrument to accomplish something that He has uniquely prepared you to do. When our life is complete, what a glorious day it will be if we can each say, "I have completed the work You gave me to do." This will have brought great glory to Him.

From: Through The Bible Devotionals

 

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 "...A thorn in the flesh was given to me. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness...' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

 

Sometimes God does not deliver us from our suffering but gives us the grace to endure it. That can be a more powerful testimony of God at work in us than if we were to be healed.

 

You probably know someone that lives with hardship and yet does so graciously, even helping others in the process. That says more about the power of God in their life than if they were to be healed.

Some insist that all people are to be healed. This case of Paul shows us that is not always true.

 

Paul had to have such power from God for his ministry that only an affliction could keep him from pride. Paul's response to his situation was to boast about the weakness so that the power could rest on him. He would prefer to have the power of God in his life and be weak than to be in full health and not be used as mightily by God.

God's Guidance

From: Michael Youssef Ministries

 

Psalm 25:9 "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way."

 

Our society seems to take one misstep after another. People around us are wandering aimlessly through life, not knowing what they truly believe or whom they should follow. Politicians and community leaders have strayed off course as they have ignored the divine wisdom and guidance of God in order to follow their own human principles.

God wants to show us how to live abundant and joyful lives. He desires to lead the way for us through life, steering us away from temptation and sheltering us in the storms. He wants to give us guidance in our decisions. We are not to live as the world does, chasing after every new philosophical trend. Instead we are to live confidently knowing that the only One we need to follow is God.

Sometimes however, God's plans for us do not make sense. Sometimes they are uncomfortable or even painful. But if we truly walk in obedience to God, we will find contentment in whatever circumstances He may bring. We can rejoice even in the times of teaching, training, and testing. We can trust that even if we make a misstep, our sovereign God can lead us back into His will.

Just A Little Companionship

From: Greg Laurie Ministries

 

Matthew 26:41 "...The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Jesus had a simple request for Peter, James, and John in the Garden of Gethsemane, and that was to be with Him and pray. But they were sleeping instead of praying.

I think the disciples' lack of prayer was the result of self-confidence. When do we usually pray? We pray when we are in trouble. If things are going reasonably well, if the bills are paid, if our health is good, if there are no problems on the horizon—at least that we are aware of—we may not pray all that much. But when a crisis hits, when problems come, we start praying.

Jesus knew that a crisis was coming. Luke, the physician, tells us in his Gospel that Jesus sweat, as it were, great drops of blood. It may be that Dr. Luke was describing what is known today as hematidrosis, a rare medical condition that occurs when a person is under extreme stress, and his or her perspiration actually will be mingled with blood.

All Jesus was asking from Peter, James, and John was a little companionship. In other words, "Just be here for Me and pray with Me, guys."

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

From: Neil Anderson Ministries

 

Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith, it is impossible to please God."

 

Is faith a risk? Of course. But failing to step out in faith is to risk missing real life. Risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

 

The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, accomplishes nothing. They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love . . . live.

 

What a privilege for us to be able to walk by faith in God Himself, armed with all the promises of His Word. I suppose we all desire the security of the solid tree trunk, but the fruit is out on the limb. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

"To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To place our ideas, our dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure." - author unknown

Eyes Fixed On Jesus

From: Power Point Daily Devotionals - Jack Graham

 

Matthew 14:28-29 "And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus."

 

For a good part of my life, I lived near the ocean. And I’m grateful I was able to live near the water because I can better appreciate some stories in the Bible, like Jesus calling out to Peter to walk on water. Now if you’ve ever seen an ocean or a sea when it’s very windy, you know what I’m talking about. It’s not a place where you want to be, especially on a small, wooden fishing boat!

 

Jesus came to His disciples when the wind was at its worst. It was then that Jesus called to Peter—when things looked the most ominous. And Peter, stepping out in faith, walked on the water with Jesus, rising above the chaos and fixing his eyes on the Lord! Of course we know he began to sink soon thereafter and had to be rescued by Jesus...but only after he took his eyes off Jesus!

God always comes through at just the right moment. At the deepest crisis of your life, that’s when He is perhaps more real to you than at any other time. I’ve seen it personally, and I know it Scripturally. So whatever your windy sea is today, you can step out in faith and rise above it by fixing your eyes on Jesus Christ!

The Greatest Tranquilizer

From: Billy Graham Ministries

 

Ephesians 4:7 "Each of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."

 

The Christian life is never spoken of in the Bible as a bed of roses. It is uphill, because society is coming one way and the Christian is going the opposite way.

 

But Jesus said that in the midst of your problems, in the midst of your difficulties, He will be there to give you grace and peace. Underneath all the troubles, will be the “still waters” that the Great Shepherd can provide.

 

Many people are trying to steady themselves by taking tranquilizers. Jesus is the greatest tranquilizer of all. He can straighten out your life and put you back on center. Let Him take full control. You’ll go on your way rejoicing, as did those in the New Testament who met Jesus.

God's Self-Revelation

From: Adrian Rogers Ministries

 

1 Corinthians 1:27 "Rather God has chosen the foolish of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak of the world to shame the strong..."

 

God is so wise that the person with the highest IQ cannot figure Him out. If you could come to God with your intellect, then God is not fair because all of the smart people would have a head start and the rest of us would be left standing in the shadows. Your spirituality would be based upon your intellect.

I’m so glad that God has "hidden these things from the wise and the learned, and has revealed them unto babes." (Matthew 11:25)

It’s not that God is so high that few can figure Him out; it is that God has placed Himself at such a level that few of us will get down low enough to see God revealing Himself to us.

Always Confer With Christ

From: Oswald Chambers Ministries

 

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid."

Are you severely troubled right now? Are you afraid and confused by the waves and the turbulence God sovereignly allows to enter your life? Then look up and receive the quiet contentment of the Lord Jesus. Reflecting His peace is proof that you are right with God, because you are exhibiting the freedom to turn your mind to Him.

With regard to the problem that is pressing in on you right now, look unto Jesus and receive peace from Him. He will be a gracious blessing of peace exhibited in and through you. But if you only try to worry your way out of the problem, you destroy His effectiveness in you. We become troubled because we have not been taking Him into account.

When a person confers with Jesus Christ, the confusion stops, because there is no confusion in Him. When our Lord speaks peace, He creates peace, because the words that He speaks are always "spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63). Lay everything out before Him, and when you are faced with difficulty, bereavement, and sorrow, listen to Him say, "Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid."

Finish Well

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

 

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith."

 

Our culture has become enamored with instant results and quick fixes. E-mail, on-line banking, fast food, instant mashed potatoes, hair implants, liposuction, and countless options like them have eroded our capacity for patience and perseverance.

 

So when it comes to spiritual growth, we tend to expect instant transformation rather than viewing our growth in Christ as a long-term—and potentially costly—endeavor. Yet I’ve learned an important truth that’s been verified time and again by the testimony of Scripture: It’s not how you start that’s important; it’s how you finish.

 

Finishing well in the Christian life requires purposeful planning and a clear view of reality on your part. It won’t happen by accident. On the other hand, expecting instant results and quick fixes will result in disappointment, and ultimately, discouragement