Why Am I Here?

From: Bryant Wright Ministries

Proverbs 19:21 "Many plans are in a man's heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures."

One of the most common, age old questions people ask is, "Why am I here?" And it's not a bad question to ask, for it requires us to consider the answer.

It seems the average American thinks life is all about working hard, raising a family, doing your best, making enough money to retire (the earlier the better), and finally, doing what you want to do when you want to do it. But by mid-life, this philosophy makes a person cry, "What on earth am I here for?"

Good news! We can know what on earth we're here for. Through Him and His Word, the Bible, you can become clear about why you are here. Our role is to trust Him and obey Him through His written Word. Get to know your Creator personally. He has a special reason for each of us to be here!

Clarity Versus Trust

From: New Life Daily Devotions - Steve Arterburn  

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not rely on your own understanding."

When the philosopher and professor of ethics, John Kavanaugh, went to work for three months at the "house of the dying" in Calcutta, he was seeking an answer about how to spend the rest of his life. His first morning there he met Mother Teresa. She asked, "And what can I do for you?" Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him. "What do you want me to pray for?" she inquired.

He voiced his pressing burden: "Pray that I have clarity." Mother Teresa firmly refused! When the bewildered Kavanaugh asked why, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of."

When Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for, she laughed and said, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."

God Speaks Every Day

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

1 Samuel 3:10 "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for Your servant is listening.'"

God speaks through His Word. Holy Scripture does not need any help as it stands on its own. While you read and digest His Word, by faith you know He has spoken. He speaks loudly, precisely, and clearly from Scripture.

God speaks every day. He speaks through authorities, He speaks through our spouse, He speaks through our health, He speaks through our calendar, He speaks through friends, He speaks through strangers, and He speaks through circumstances, but most of all He speaks through His Word.

Obey what you know, and over time what you are unsure of will become clear. Listen intently to the Lord and submit. Do not use or abuse this Christian privilege of hearing, knowing, and understanding God’s voice. He speaks; so humbly listen and obey.

Strength For The Journey

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
 
Psalm 34:5 "I sought the Lord, Who answered me, delivered me from all my fears."

The Lord is strength for the journey of life. Fatigue and discouragement can assault us like a bandit on a deserted dirt road. Life is constantly swinging its bruising punches. Before long we can become beat down with no energy to continue. We know in our heads we are a child of the King, but our hearts feel no royal resilience. Fatigue requires faith.

Weariness is an opportunity for the Lord to strengthen you. He uses His people to energize and encourage one another. The Lord wraps His strength around the gift of a prayer warrior—someone who storms heaven on your behalf is a strength giver.

Work will get you down. People will let you down. Failure will knock you down. Your greatest fears may cause you to wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. But God will strengthen your soul daily as you sit quietly before Him. His whisper of affirmation motivates you to walk with Him, to trust in Him. His spirit gives life and endurance.

Spiritual Exercise

From: New Life Daily Devotions - Steve Arterburn

1 Timothy 4:8 "While physical training is of some value, spiritual exercise is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future." 

Daily devotionals are powerful tools in the living out of our daily lives. Devotions can be found more easily these days than just about any time in our history. This truly remarkable way to pause for a moment in our lives to turn ourselves inward and renew our devotion to our Lord and Savior is simple and easy.

Not only does it renew our devotion to our God, it also gives us a chance to reinvigorate our spiritual selves. When we are feeling sad or discouraged, fearful or anxious, a daily devotion can help us renew our spirits and remember that the Lord watches over us in all things.

Do we start each day with the right attitude, perhaps by spending time with God? "The Bible is the only book whose Author is always present when you read it."

Grace

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Hebrews 13:9 "It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace." 

Has your patience been tested to your very last nerve? Are you exhausted and depleted by the demands of others? Look for the way of grace to give you what you need in your emotional emptiness. 

Your heart yearns for what only the Lord can provide through the fullness of His Spirit. So, Christ consoles your soul with His eternal encouragement, the good hope you have in Him.

Grace strengthens! Grace gives you stamina to serve a needy child or an aging parent. Grace engages your empathetic heart with a friend’s hurting heart. Grace is the fortitude you need to remain steadfast in a relationship that is not life giving right now. Grace does carry Christ’s expectations, but with it His power to execute. 

An Agent Of Almighty God

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  

God desires a relationship with you above all else, a relationship built around action. Start preparing your mind for the work of infiltrating the world as an agent of Almighty God.

Be self-controlled, a fruit of the Spirit. Let that fruit come to fruition in your life. Once you realize what important assignments God has for you, you will want to be disciplined as you prepare for them. We aren't just laboring for a worldly empire, but for the Lord of all.

Your hope should be on the grace that will be lavished on you when Jesus appears in glory. With your eyes fixed on that day, live a holy life...holy in all your thoughts and the way your time is spent, in your desires and aspirations. He is worthy of that response.

Thanksgiving Every Day

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

We are compelled to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for His everyday provision. It may be the moment by moment opportunity to fill our lungs with God’s oxygen or the meals He routinely provides to fill our stomach.

Ordinary, daily blessings from Jesus give us the privilege to slow down and say thank you. Perhaps gratitude for a spouse’s support, a child’s love, a parent’s laughter or a friend’s faith. Neighbors who smile make us smile with genuine thankfulness. Our gratitude for the Lord’s ordinary gifts overflow our reservoir of faith. Joy fills our emotional cup.

Make a list of the Lord’s blessings you can refer to when you have a bad day. Look for Christ’s gifts in your ordinary, everyday life. Brag on Jesus to others who may need Jesus. Respectfully and humbly, declare what good things God has given you to enjoy today!

Thanksgiving

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

Gratitude to God is a natural overflow of generosity. For example, the gift of salvation in Christ is indescribable. He gave when we did not deserve. He still gives, even though we are undeserving. His gift of liberty is freeing; His gift of peace is calming; His gift of wisdom is confidence; His gift of the Holy Spirit is comforting. His gift of Himself is reassuring and humbling.

Gratitude explodes from our hearts when we are reminded of His generous gifts. They are incomparable and incomprehensible. Thanksgiving to God is a tremendous opportunity to unleash joy. This is one of the fruits of gratitude.
 
Gratitude to God can be a moment-by-moment expression. Even in the middle of the worst of circumstances, your thanksgiving to God is appropriate and needed. He has prepared a place for you, and His preparations are not lacking. Your thanksgiving is for what He has done in the past, His current provision, and what He has prepared for you in the future. Use it to put out the fires of fear and worry before they spread too far.

Timing Is Everything

Our Daily Bread Ministries

Galatians 4:4 "When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son."

The old adage is true: Timing is everything! A quick look at history reveals that the coming of Christ was at just the right time. Centuries earlier, Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world, bringing with him the Greek culture and language. On the heels of his demise, the Roman Empire picked up where Alexander left off and expanded the territory under the unifying influence of the culture and language of the Greeks.

It was under Roman rule that the crucifixion took place, where the blood of Christ was shed for us. It was also under the rule of Rome that conditions were made ready for the spread of the gospel across three continents: good roads, territorial boundaries free of "passport" restrictions, and a unifying language. The providence of God had put all the pieces in place for the perfect time to send His Son.

God’s timing is perfect in everything. While you are waiting, perhaps wondering why God doesn’t seem to be acting on your behalf, remember that He’s working behind the scenes to prepare His moment of intervention at just the right time. Trust Him. He knows what time it is.

Turn To Him

From: BBH Daily Devotions 
 
Ephesians 6:10 "Draw your strength from the Lord and from His mighty power." 

You have perhaps had someone at one time or another seek to comfort or encourage you in the midst of a personal trial by slapping you on the back and telling you to "be strong." The counsel was well-meant but not too helpful. If you could just make yourself "be strong" then you wouldn’t need encouragement to begin with.

But Paul is here providing much more than a simple pat on the back and optimistic slogan. He is reminding us of exactly where all true and lasting strength comes. He is saying to you, "Turn your eyes away from your problems and place them on the Almighty."

Perhaps you do not have the strength to tackle the huge challenges that are facing you now, but God does. He can give you the strength to go through them, or the ability to overcome them. Turn to Him and rely on Him!

Deeper Faith

From: Daily Disciples Devotionals

James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

God's goal in allowing us to experience various trials is to make us grow stronger, to learn patience, and to develop a deeper faith in our walk with God. We can choose to "consider it all joy" as we go through them because we have the assurance in God's word that the end result will benefit our faith. 

How many times have you looked back after a trial has passed and recognized the benefits it produced in your life? So often, we get the point after the fact. We tend to acknowledge the blessings after the trial is over. "Oh, now I see what God was doing." There is not much we can do about avoiding such things in life; however, we can decide how to get through them.

Trials and testing can produce patience. If you find yourself in trials today, ask the Lord to help you find joy through His Holy Spirit so that you will come through the testing with an increased patience, strength and faith.

Our Spiritual Journey

From: Os Hillman Ministries

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 suffering and sorrow, 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 in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (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.

Truly Blessed Life

From: Os Hillman Ministries

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 suffering and sorrow, 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 in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (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.

Discernment

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

James 4:3 "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives..."

Godly wisdom produces a peaceable environment. Worldly wisdom is always self-seeking and therefore erupts in strife. It starts with desires in the heart of man. If your desires are surrendered to your Creator, who you trust, then He will bring every needed thing into your life. Then you don't have to vie with others for position and power. 

God is the giver of all good things. All His children need to do is ask. The world believes success is to fight and quarrel and come out on top. It is the evolutionary mindset: The strong survive. The problem is that there is always someone stronger than you. Though you may not realize it, God is sovereign over all.

It is not that God does not want us to enjoy life, but that He knows what is truly good for us. His mercy keeps Him from giving us some of our requests. In time, we learn to ask for His will as He reveals it to us. That brings us into the truly blessed life

Discernment

From: In Touch Ministries

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform yourselves to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect."

In a world filled with endless sources of information and opinions, believers need to develop a discerning spirit. Otherwise, how will we know what is true?

The only way believers can guard against deception is to ground themselves in God's Word. The more time you spend filling your mind with the Lord's thoughts, the more discerning you will be. However, just knowing biblical truth isn't enough. You must put what you learn into practice so that it becomes more than head knowledge.

The goal is to let God's Word become such an integral part of your thinking that it guides all your decisions. Even if the situation you're facing isn't specifically addressed in the Bible, scriptural principles provide the needed wisdom for every choice. In addition, the Holy Spirit was given to each believer as a Helper, whose job is to guide you into all the truth.

When The Going Gets Tough

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

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. Trust God. He has a plan for your life. Your trial is for a glorious purpose. 

Work In Progress

From: Greg Laurie Ministries

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Sometimes when we look at the blank canvas of our lives, we ask, "What is going on? What is God doing? Where is this going? This doesn’t make sense. I don’t even know whether I agree with that." But God, as an artist, is at work. And as Ecclesiastes 7:8 says, "The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."

God’s work will be done in His time. He sees the expected end. He knows what it will look like before He has finished because He is God. He knows how your life is going to turn out.

So don’t put a period where God has put a comma. He is not done with you. No matter your age, you are a work in progress—and He is still working.

God's Presence, Peace And Love

From: Our Daily Bread Ministries

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." 

The writer of Ecclesiastes lists some of the seasons in human experience: birth and death, gain and loss, tears and laughter, mourning and dancing. Just as the seasons in nature change, so do the seasons in our lives. Our circumstances never stay the same for long.

Sometimes we welcome change in our lives. But often it is difficult, especially when it involves sorrow and loss. Yet even then we can be thankful that God does not change. "I am the Lord," He said through the prophet Malachi, "I do not change." (3:6)

Because God remains the same, we can rely on Him through the shifting seasons of life. His presence is always with us, His peace has the power to guard our hearts and His love provides security for our souls.

Seek To Know God's Will

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

We often go through life guessing which way is best. A man who wants to please the Lord will ask for His direction and help in decisions. Sometimes the answer comes clearly, and at other times there seems to be no answer at all. Yet, because of our situation, we must make the choice we think is best. 

Scripture declares that the Lord has already planned our steps. He has ordained each day of our life to teach us and draw us closer. We often fret over our decisions, but what a peace to know that when we choose what we believe to be the Lord's will, we will either have His instruction that we have made a mistake or we will go on in the steps He has already ordered.

Commit your way to the Lord. Seek to know His will. Get the counsel of godly people. Make your decision with a heart surrendered to God. Then, trust that if you have erred, the Lord will make it clear to you and show you how to correct your error. It is not as if God cannot get through to us. As long as we have a surrendered heart that is listening, He can make His will clear to us.

Eternal Energy

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Isaiah 40:31 "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

An eagle soars somewhat effortlessly. He cannot create or direct wind, but he greatly benefits from its silent effect. He is hopeful that the wind will blow again tomorrow. But if it is boisterous or too mild, he may wait in his nest, positioned in the cleft of the rock. He experiences rest and renewal while he anticipates the energizing power of the unseen wind. 

In the same way, the Holy Spirit lifts those who wait to be empowered by Him. Rest in God. Let the wings of your faith carry you as you wait on the wind of the Holy Spirit to empower you. 

You can run God’s race with patient endurance, but it comes through the process of hope and renewal. Indeed, the Lord is your hope and strength. Hope in God expands your capacity. You can run harder and farther in the renewed strength of the Holy Spirit. This is eternal energy that comes from God. Hope in the Lord renews your strength. 

Peace

From: The Upper Room Ministries

Matthew: 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

One of the biggest dilemmas for most people is juggling the roles and responsibilities of modern life. These roles clash with one another, competing for our time. The constant struggle to choose takes our physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. 

We may feel life is out of control as we go in different directions and find no satisfaction in any of our accomplishments. Turning to God can give us peace in the midst of this chaos.

Through the years I have come to realize that the most important priority in my life is to cultivate a personal, intimate relationship with God. When I commit to doing what God has called me to do, my choices become clearer. This puts my other responsibilities and roles in perspective, blessed by God's wisdom.

Every Storm

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

Matthew 14:31 "Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'" 

Jesus sent the disciples ahead while He went up into the mountain to pray. They rowed against a wind that kept them from getting across the lake. During the few remaining hours before dawn, Jesus came to them walking on the water.

Peter asked Jesus if he could come to Him and Jesus invited him to come. That first step off the boat was quite a step of faith. Remember, the wind is blowing and the waves are rolling by. Do you step on the top of wave, or jump to a low point? Peter actually took a few steps but then got his eyes off Jesus and onto the waves and started to sink. He cried out to the Lord, and the Lord grabbed his hand and rebuked his doubt.

Every storm in life is a test to see if we will walk through by faith or doubt. Sinking into that lake was the last thing Peter wanted to experience, yet the distraction of the physical caused him to experience what he dreaded most. Even then, in the midst of doubt, you can call out to the Lord and immediately His hand is there. We rarely walk straight across our storms without being distracted. It helps to realize that the Lord has allowed the storm so that our faith might be increased. 

Seen And Unseen

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Paul calls his trials and tribulations "light and momentary". If being shipwrecked, overnight in the ocean, beaten and left for dead, scourged with whips, in jail and much more is "light and momentary", then what are the little things you and I go through?

How did Paul endure all that? He kept his vision on the unseen. He focused on the eternal glory that would far outweigh what he was presently experiencing. He knew that if you put these temporary troubles on one side and eternal reward on the other, the scale would tip so hard and fast that troubles would be launched into orbit! His focus was the unseen. That is faith, and faith pleases God.

The visible is temporary. The unseen is eternal. That alone should give us a point of reference, a reality check, for whatever we endure in this life. Whatever you are going through today, remember, it is temporary. Don't lose heart.

Gentle And Humble

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Matthew 11:29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." 

We are drawn to preachers and teachers who proclaim and teach truth from a humble heart and a gentle spirit. Truth is convicting enough without the pride of man adding insult to injury. Our gentle words carry with them the blessing of God’s Spirit. 

 
Humble men and women point people to Jesus, not to themselves. Gentleness gets people to God. Here they feel His love and approval.

Union with your Lord brings out His best in You. Because He is gentle, you become gentle. Since He is humble, you become humble. Patience is your fuel for gentleness and prayer powers your humility. Your Heavenly Father is well pleased when you grow in these. We are invited into the humble and gentle community of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Fellowship With God

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

James 4:8 "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you."

As we spend time with our heavenly Father, we gain wisdom and understanding. We grow stronger spiritually. As a result, we become more able to utilize the resources He makes available to us. Through this growth, we become better equipped and better prepared to fight the good fight of faith by standing firm against the temptations that assail us.

It’s through fellowship with God that we open ourselves to the fulfillment we were designed for—a fulfillment that satisfies our cravings and our desires better and longer than any other alternative. Walk His way, and He promises that He’ll withhold no good thing.

As you fellowship with God—through time spent in His Word, through relationships with other believers, and through loving service to others; you gain the accountability, the structure, and the support you need to control and redirect your focus on God's will for your life. When you love someone you want to be close to them - spending a lot of time with them!

Encouragement

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Life is a team sport, and all of us need occasional pats on the back from our teammates. As Christians, we are called upon to spread the Good News of Christ, and we are also called to spread a message of encouragement and hope to the world.

Whether you realize it or not, many people with whom you come in contact every day are in desperate need of a smile or an encouraging word. The world can be a difficult place, and countless friends and family members may be troubled by the challenges of everyday life.

Since you don't always know who needs our help, the best strategy is to try to encourage all the people who cross your path. So today, be a world-class source of encouragement to everyone you meet. Never has the need been greater.

Rock Solid Foundation

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

Matthew 7:24-25 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

Jesus ended the Sermon on the Mount with this defining simile. If you hear His sayings, not just with your ears, but deep in your heart, and take action to live by what you have heard, then you will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock.

In this simile, the house you are building is your life. The foundation of your life is either the rock solid truth of the reality of kingdom thinking, or the shifty sand of the world's temporal and clouded perspectives. Jesus is making it clear that He is not just entertaining them with a demonstration of wisdom. He is giving them truths to build their life on. 

Storms are going to come. Storms are a part of every life. Even the most guarded life faces death in the end. Most lives are filled with storms. This is really a blessing in disguise, for storms help us examine what foundation we have built upon. If our house comes crashing down, we know it has been built on sand. If somehow it amazingly stands through it all, we realize that we have built it upon the rock, the eternal truths of the kingdom.

Our Great Shepherd

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."

God’s stature as the Great Shepherd over His sheep is without comparison. You are totally loved, led, protected and provided for by the Lord. God’s total care is comprehensive. He makes you feel secure and safe in His presence. 

As you walk through trials He is with you to comfort and encourage. Even in the worst of circumstances, His peace and rest are ever present for you to access and enjoy.

So, we seek the Lord while He may be found. We rest beside His secure shores of salvation. God is our personal protector and guide. The green grass of His word and the calm waters of His Spirit are ever available for our mind to be fed and for our soul and body to rest. He cares for us! "And that's all we need to know."

Enduring The Battle

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

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

Paul could declare three things about his ministry. He fought a good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Life is going to be a fight no matter which course you choose. He had chosen the good fight. He chose to fight for the kingdom of God. He chose to fight for what is worthwhile.

Paul finished the race. He didn't go part way and give up because of difficulty, and he faced some of the greatest difficulties man can face. He endured. We can't say that until we are at the end as Paul was. By faith we can say that we will finish the race.

He kept the faith. Paul kept the faith alive in his heart even when he did not understand his circumstances. He walked by faith and not by sight to the end. He knew the reward was worth enduring the battle.

In God's Hands

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Several times in the letters of the New Testament, the author gives a list of present, active, imperative commands. The joy that St Paul is speaking of in today's passage is something much deeper than your present emotional state. It is the sense that comes when you believe that all is in the hands of your loving Father. Joy in difficult circumstances is a powerful testimony to the reality of your faith.

The next instruction is to pray without ceasing. People often ask how this is possible. If you mean to isolate yourself and speak out loud to God without stopping, it is impossible. If it means to walk in constant heart to heart communion with God; it is the life of the Christian. Jesus should be our closest friend with Whom we share the moments of each day. A constant sharing with Him and listening to His voice will keep you walking in the Spirit.

Finally in this message, God's will for us is that we give thanks in every circumstance. How can we thank God for loss and pain? It is only possible when we are committed to "walk by faith and not by sight", trusting that He will work out everything for good. Giving thanks changes our perspective and cuts short the damage that the enemy intends.

Finish Well

From: Greg Laurie Ministries

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

When you start a race, you don’t always think about the finish, but you should. The finish is the most important part—not the start. You can have a bad start and still finish well.

I don’t care how great of a start you had. I don’t care if you were leading the pack for nine laps out of ten. If you collapse and fall, then it doesn’t matter. You are just tired, and it all was for nothing. Finishing is everything. And Paul was talking about finishing his race well, about finishing it with joy.

You don’t know how long your life will last. That is why you want to run this race well and run it with joy. The objective is to finish. Don’t just start your race well. Finish it well. Finish it with joy.

Fuel For Living

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries 

Zechariah 4:6 "'...Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."

The Holy Spirit is God’s fuel for living. He leads, convicts, comforts and gives courage.The Spirit of God wants you to grow in His awareness and follow His lead. You cannot accomplish His best without the leadership and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, but the Word of God became Christ’s defense. He deflected the darts of the devil with the truth of God. It was an exercise of faith and obedience that drew Him closer to His heavenly Father. Instead of driving Him from God, it drew Him to God. The Holy Spirit’s goal is to get us to God.

Submission to God revives the Spirit of God. Come under the authority of God and you have a source of strength that is limitless and energizing. God’s Spirit also produces fruit and creates character. This is another benefit of Spirit led living. It is not about techniques and tactics. It is first and foremost about the character of Christ transforming your life.

Lord Help Me

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him."

Life is like a ship on the open sea: we navigate through calm waters, rough waters, uncertain waters and beautiful waters—but all the time trusting its Creator. The source of our strength must be Christ, or we grow chronically tired. Faith in the Lord triumphs over fear and frustration.

Indeed, His help happens to those who kneel in humble dependency and cry out to Jesus, "Lord help me!" When we face physical, spiritual and emotional pain, we cry for help. When unanswered questions stalk our minds, we cry for help. Help from heaven gives hope, healing and the energy to push through tough times and trust Him.

His help gives joy where laughter has left. His help gives confidence in the middle of crisis. His help forgives when hurt has severed another’s trust. His help harnesses grace and bridles a toxic tongue. His help reaches to the poorest of the poor, the richest of the rich and everyone in between. Jesus helps those who humbly seek out and trust His wise counsel.

The Great Commission

From: Unknown

 

Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"

When we read these verses, called the Great Commission, we usually focus in on the great missionary mandate that we have been given by Jesus just before His final departure from the disciples. But just as important as embracing God’s purpose for us is the recognition that it’s God’s enabling power that makes it possible for us to carry out this commission. And it flows from our daily relationship with Jesus.

God is reminding you today that if you want to live for Him, you must live with Jesus. Take quality time with Jesus every day. Talk to Him honestly about the joys and frustrations of life. Ask Him to reveal to you what He is doing in your life, how He wants to use you today, then commit yourself to moving with His purpose.   

Relational time with Jesus every day will revolutionize your Christian life! As you live for God and His purposes in the world, remember that He has promised to be "with you always"!

Journey To Spiritual Maturity

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

1 Corinthians 13:11 "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

Norman Vincent Peale had the following advice for believers of all ages: "Ask the 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.

Uniquely Gifted

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Romans 12:6 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." 

Our generous Heavenly Father uniquely gifts His children for His glory. It may be the gift of service, encouragement, teaching, mercy, giving or administration. Regardless of one’s role, all gifts are necessary in the Body of Christ. God’s gifting is His distinctive stamp of value on each one of us

You may be an analytical thinker who loves crunching numbers, managing data and interpreting trends from both. Your gift of linear deduction is critical for business, finance and engineering. Perhaps you are great with people. People love your company, because they sense you know, understand and care for them. Thus, your ability to network, convene and lead others is valuable for accomplishing a big vision or executing a strategic initiative. Yes, steward well God’s gift.

Moreover, seek to marry your passion with your giftedness. For instance, if you love to see someone encouraged, use your gift to convey God’s love to their hungry heart. If you love children, use your ability to nurture and train. If you love sports, use your teaching gift to lead athletes in Bible study. If you love travel, use your aptitude for business to help entrepreneurs here and abroad. Be who God has uniquely gifted you to be!

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)

Adversity

From: Bob Gass Ministries

1 Corinthians 10:13 "...God will not let you be tested beyond your strength. Along with the test He will provide you a way out so that you can endure it."

The Bible says, when you are tested, "... God will provide you a way out so that you can endure it." Maybe you are in a situation - a relationship or a financial condition - that's not what you wanted. You feel like you will not be able to survive. But when you keep showing up, asking for God's guidance, when you offer the best you have - something good is happening inside you that far outweighs whatever is happening outside you. 

Jesus was facing adversity when He told His followers that, if they had faith, they could command a mountain and it would be cast into the sea. Now, when your focus is on the mountain, you are driven by your fear. But when your focus is on God, you are made alive by faith. But if you didn't have the mountain you'd never know that faith was in you, or to what extent. 

Adversity has a way of changing your values and priorities for the better. Ask God what changes He wants to make in your attitudes, your relationships, your habits and your lifestyle, and "He will provide you a way out."

Post - Traumatic Growth

From: Bob Gass Ministries 

Romans 8:37 "...Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ..."

Just as there is a condition known as "post-traumatic stress", researchers are now talking about "post-traumatic growth". One line of thinking is that adversity can lead to growth. Another is that the highest levels of growth cannot be achieved without adversity. 

But adversity doesn't automatically bring growth. Much of the outcome depends on how you respond to adversity. Joseph, who was betrayed by his family, falsely accused of rape and unjustly imprisoned, looked back and said, "...God intended it all for good..." (Genesis 50:20) 

The key to post-traumatic growth is in seeing God in all things - good times and times of difficulty, drawing close to Him, and trusting Him when you can't understand the situation. God called Paul into the ministry, saying, "I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:16) But hard times didn't make Paul doubt his faith, or the God he served.

Keep Growing

From: Bob Gass Ministries

Proverbs 1:5 "Let the wise listen and add to their learning..."

To enjoy favor with God and others we must keep growing spiritually, mentally and emotionally. That requires we to do two things: (1) Never stop learning. Every experience in life, including the ones we don't enjoy, yields knowledge that can make our future better than our present.

(2) Never stop developing your talents. When asked as an old man why he still practiced six to eight hours every day, one of the world's best violinists replied, "Because I think I'm getting better." What a great attitude! 

It's not enough just to live longer; you're supposed to get better! Paul told Timothy, "...Stir up the gift...which is in you..." (2 Timothy 1:6) Your gift can either be mediocre or excellent; it's up to you."

Trusted With Silence

From: Oswald Chambers Ministries

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

Has God trusted you with His silence— a silence that has great meaning? God’s silences are actually His answers. Can God trust you like that, or are you still asking Him for a visible answer? His silence is the sign that He is bringing you into an even more wonderful understanding of Himself. 

When you cannot hear God, you will find that He has trusted you in the most intimate way possible— with absolute silence. If God has given you a silence, then praise Him— He is bringing you into the mainstream of His purposes.

A wonderful thing about God’s silence is that His stillness is contagious— it gets into you, causing you to become perfectly confident so that you can honestly say, "I know that God has heard me." If Jesus Christ is bringing you into the understanding that prayer is for the glorifying of His Father, then He will give you the first sign of His intimacy— silence.

Attitude And Understanding

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

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." (helmet of salvation, breastplate of justice, shield of faith, belt of truth, footgear of zeal, sword of the Spirit-the Word of God)

Our passage today is not about the armor, but about our attitude and understanding, so that we can use the armor properly. First, it must be the Lord's strength that we rely on and not our own. If you are thinking that you can't make it through the battle, you are right. Only the Lord's strength can see you through. Do not rely on your ability but His.

Realize that it is not a flesh and blood battle. That seems obvious, but part of the enemy's tactic is to get you to think it is personally between you and an individual or group. Then you become bitter, and the enemy has the upper hand. Put on the full armor. Our adversary is cunning and looks for weak spots. Don't present any to him.

Take your stand against Satan's schemes. Realize where the battle is really coming from. Fight with the word of God and prayer. Keep your shield of faith up, trusting in the Lord to bring about good, because you are His.

The Peace Of God

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Here is the attitude of the Christian that has a living relationship with the Lord of the universe. They know they are in the palm of His hand and that nothing can get to them without the Father's permission. If things are difficult or painful, they know that there is good coming from the experience and that the Father will see them through. What peace the child of God should have as they walk through this life!

When troubles come your way, submit them to God and seek His desired response for them. This understanding and resolve allows God to give us His very own peace. As He abides in your heart and mind, you yield to His desires and thoughts about your situation.

Paul adds that we need to keep our minds on what is good. We must take control of our thoughts, dwelling on the things that are uplifting. This will affect your attitude about life, your countenance, and your health, not to mention your daily witness.

An Expression Of Gratitude

From: BBH Daily Devotions

Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Anyone would recognize the need to thank someone who had given his life to save their own. Let your life, let your words be your expression of gratitude to Jesus.  

Whatever you say, whatever you do, Paul says, let it be under the authority—and for the glory—of Jesus Christ. Show the heart-deep appreciation and measureless love that you have for your Savior in the decisions you make, the topics you talk about, and the schedule you keep.

You show how much you really believe the gospel and truly trust in Christ’s sacrifice, Paul says, by the way you respond to Him in your daily life. What does your life say?

Trust God

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Isaiah 55:8 "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord."

Quietly and confidently the Holy Spirit searches for a humble heart to reveal the heart of Jesus. Sometimes we are like Peter before Pentecost, impetuous and fleshly in our faith. But post Pentecost, Peter was transformed by the Holy Spirit’s power. Love is the baseline of belief that understands and embraces the mind of Christ.

How do you know if you walk by the Spirit? As you abide in prayer you hear God’s heart. Silence is the preferred communication method of the Holy Spirit. In prayer you enter into Scriptural experiences and you experience God.

Above all, you can trust the heart of God. You may not understand today why you need to obey what He says, but tomorrow He will affirm His trustworthiness. You may struggle to see good in your situation, but the Holy Spirit will give you peace to persevere. By God’s grace you will rest in knowing Him, period. Know God’s heart and your service will be inspired by the Holy Spirit. Know Him to know His will.

Discipleship

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

John 8:31-32 "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you remain in My Word, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"

If you hold to Jesus' teaching, you are truly His disciple. We put a lot of emphasis on the decision to believe. Discipleship requires a continuing process of holding to the words that Jesus spoke. Clinging to Christ's life transforming words that came from the Father keeps us on track to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

As we live in the Word of God, it will change the way we think. Changing our thoughts changes our desires. Changed desires cause us to act differently. The freedom that comes from holding to Jesus' teaching is something the world cannot understand. 

Your freedom to turn down temporal pleasure looks like bondage to them. Demonstrating your freedom with joy and love can help them see the difference. 

Peace

From: Every Day Light - Selwyn Hughes

Philippians 4:7 "Then the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

"Peace" occurs eighty-eight times in the New Testament, and it appears in every book. This makes the New Testament a book of peace.

The peace of which we are speaking here is not something that can be manufactured. We cannot make it -- any more than we can make the other fruit of the Spirit. It is divinely and supernaturally given -- a glorious consequence of God's presence in the soul. 

Jesus knew this kind of peace and He offers the same serenity to every one of His disciples: "My peace I give to you ... Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid." (John 14:27) Remember this -- when you remain in Him, you have access to a peace that not only passes understanding -- but all misunderstanding also.

"Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled"

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Peace of mind begins with peace with God. Inner peace is only sustainable when the created has made peace with its Creator. This peace with Providence comes in surrender to the Lord. It is not a negotiation, compromise, or deal with Divinity. Tranquility comes from trust, a complete capitulation to Christ. Peace with God brings the peace of God.

Peace of mind is a gift Jesus gives to all who will receive. He bequeathed His bountiful blessing of peace before He departed back to His heavenly home. When we have Jesus, we have all we need for genuine fulfillment. Peace accompanies His purposes.

It is this bond of peace that enables believers to come together with courage and conviction to accomplish Christ’s plan. The enemy shrinks back when followers of Jesus forgo fighting each other and unify in prayer, love, spiritual warfare, the proclamation of the gospel, and making disciples. Peace of mind propels us forward by faith to serve Him.

Just Chat With The Lord

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

Ephesians 5:15-17 "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of your time... So then do not be foolish, but understand what is the will of the Lord."

Make the most of your time. As you work to develop prayer habits, learn to turn your heart to God in those little moments of downtime. When you are waiting at the lights, or standing in a queue, or vacuuming, or mowing the grass. Turning to prayer at these times is not an obligation; it is an opportunity! 

It isn’t some big activity you are adding to your schedule; rather, it is using what is already in your schedule to deepen your walk with God and to lift others up in prayer. It only takes a moment to put a situation or need before the Lord and ask for His work in that circumstance or in that person’s life.

And it is cool also to just chat with the Lord about life and about your relationship with Him. This kind of open, frequent communication is what makes a relationship extra meaningful and deep, that puts it at the center of your life. Today God is inviting you to speak with Him often during your day.

Your Will be Done

From: New Life Daily Devotional - Steve Arterburn

Isaiah 55:8 "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord." 

People today are striving for personal improvement, self-empowerment, and inner strength. Yet, Christianity has a completely opposite way of thinking; it’s full of paradoxes. We die to live; we lose to find; and we surrender to gain strength.

When we stop trying to control the outcome of every situation and stop demanding that God resolve our problems according to our dictates, we unlock the door for God to show us His redemptive purpose.

Praying, "Your will be done" gets us out of God’s way and removes our ideas as to how things are supposed to work out in our lives, and allows God's ideas to take control. Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus. A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly without knowing what’s around the corner.

Spiritual Warfare

From: Daily Disciples Devotionals

Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in our midst."

We are in a spiritual battle every day for control of our thoughts. For some of us, the intensity of conflicting thoughts can torment us for hours. For others of us, we have learned such mind control that we do whatever it takes to press down those thoughts. Regardless of how we handle them, they are still there.

The only effective weapons that we can use are the ones given to us by God. The weapons of the flesh, such as mental imagery or positive thinking will not bring us the victory that God has for us. Many people use such tools and claim dramatic results, but the deceptions are dangerous. Let’s go for the real power and learn to bring our thoughts before Christ.

Two things you can incorporate into your daily routine will help you with this personal attack. First, open your Bible and read at least one verse in the morning. Use a devotional or a Psalm or Proverb, whatever works for you. Second, take what you have read and ask the Lord to put His words into your mind throughout the day. Let the Lord fight for you by letting Him have the control over your mind instead of trying to handle it yourself.

Under His Control

From: Adrian Rogers Ministries

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

God spoke the world into existence. He’s the One who keeps it going. He’s the One who is going to fold it up like a garment and tuck it away in a drawer somewhere. He regulates it; He rules it and He runs it.

When you pick up the newspaper and read something alarming, you don’t need to panic. God never says "oops!..didn't know that would happen!" 

Instead, remember Who has it under His control. He who flung the stars in space has the whole universe in His hands! First sentence in the Bible establishes that fact!

Respond To God's Initiatives

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

Exodus 33:12-14 "Then Moses said to the Lord...'If I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You…And the Lord said, 'My presence shall go with you...'"

Christianity really only works right when we are responding to God’s initiatives. If our attempt is simply to live the way we think God wants, rather than a personal response to His presence in our life, we will struggle with frustration.

God is present and active in our life. But we must stop and pay attention and learn to recognize His presence and activity. God is speaking to us through His Word. But we need to change the way we read, so that we are not just reading content, but listening for the Holy Spirit’s voice coming to us personally through the Scriptures.

Ask God to meet with you in prayer right now. Ask Him to begin to help you be more aware of His presence and His initiative in your life. Make your whole life a response to God. Like Moses, say to God: "let me…know You."

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.

But that's okay—because our trust is not in methods and strategies. Any success plan that isn't submitted to God is destined for failure. Any person who thinks they can make it on their own hunches will find out otherwise, the hard way. But 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.

Changed Forever

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

Isaiah 6:1 "In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple."

Isaiah was in the temple, where he probably often spent time. We don’t know why he was there or what he expected. But we know that God broke in on Isaiah’s awareness and allowed him to see God in the fullness of His glory. That encounter changed Isaiah forever. He would never be the same.

There’s so much that God wants to do in your life through His word, the Bible; He wants to transform you by the renewing of your mind. He also wants to empower you through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. But in addition, there’s an aspect of the transformation He desires for you that doesn’t come by a renewed mind, or by greater dependence on the Holy Spirit, but only through a personal spiritual encounter with God Himself.

God may not give you the same kind of vivid experience that Isaiah had, but He will meet with you through His word and through prayer, maybe as you worship in church, or maybe even in a totally unexpected place. But I encourage you to begin asking God to reveal Himself to you personally.

Open The Door

From: Rick Warren Ministries

Revelation 3:20  "Here I stand knocking at the door; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with Me."

God gave you a heart, and he has placed in you passions, desires, and dreams. But unless they are under his control, they will be misused, they will be abused, they will be misapplied, they will be misdirected, and they will be wasted in your life.

God is a passionate God. The only reason you have emotions is because you’re made in His image. God has loved you with an everlasting love. No matter what you’ve done, He will always love you. That’s passion! When you spend time with God on a daily basis and you get plugged in, you can’t help but be passionate. You start to develop God’s heart for the world. You start to feel the way He does. Who you hang out with really does make a difference.

Jesus says, "Here I stand knocking at the door; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with Me." Jesus Christ has been standing at the door of your life knocking for a long time. But He’s not going to bust the door down. You’ve got to open it up.

Ongoing Education

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Psalm 25:5 "Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long." 

The way of the Lord is an ongoing education in eternal matters. It is a lifetime of study and learning from the Holy Spirit. A believer graduates from God’s spiritual school only after he graduates to heaven. Even the most fully developed disciple has the next stage of maturity to aspire to. 

Many lessons learned from the Lord are progressive and contingent on each other. The course of study Christ teaches His child this semester builds on what they learned last semester.

The core curriculum for a Christian is to rely on the faithfulness of God. The amount of time it takes for us to trust God with a troubled situation is an indicator of our growth in grace. The quicker we learn to thank God, forgive and rely on His faithfulness, the quicker we enjoy the grace and peace of our Heavenly Father. Our trust in the character of God builds His character into our life.

Assignment From Heaven

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future full of hope.'" 
 
God’s plan is what is best. It is a good plan. It may not seem like a good plan right now, but God’s plan is good. This apparent contradiction is where it gets confusing. A messy life is not always a fun life. Currently you may be experiencing heartache and hard times. His plan does not seem good in your current circumstance, but God is still good. 

So how can God’s plan always be good? This is a fair question. To answer this question accurately and fairly, we need to consider God’s long-term plan. To walk wisely today requires a reminder of hope tomorrow. It is our future hope with God that inspires us to live for Him today. Wherever Jesus is, there hope resides. When we have Jesus, we have hope.  

Current challenges are preparation for His prosperity, His hope, and His future for you. On the other hand, you may be living large right now. Life looks good. God feels good. His plans seem to be rolling out flawlessly. Use this time to go deeper with Him, because the realities of His plan for you go much deeper than a surface, spiritual sentimentality. 

Indeed, this is not our home. We are just passing through...on assignment from heaven; so explore and enjoy His eternal exit plan. It is full of prosperity, hope, and a future. We can trust that God’s providential plan works out for the purpose of His will.

Grace And Peace

From: Billy Graham 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."

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.

Listen Well

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Matthew 17:5). "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is My Son, Whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!'"
 
What does it mean to listen well? Think of those you admire as good listeners. What are some of the traits they exhibit which mark them as excellent listeners? Perhaps it is their engaging eye contact, their warm conversation, or an empathetic ear. You feel understood and valued. 

Those who learn good listening skills embrace an "others first" way of thinking that places their own need to be heard down the priority list. Indeed, good listeners are magnetic in the way they attract others into their sphere of influence. If you are a good listener, be wise by investing in those who really want to change and follow after the Lord.

So listen well by first listening well to the Lord. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8) Once you have heard from Him, humbly listen to others, discern their needs, then connect them to Christ and His ways. Indeed, good listeners lead others to love God and listen to His heart. Listen well, and watch God work! 

From: Bob Gass Ministries

Exodus 12:11 "...have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand..." 

The Boy Scout motto is "Be prepared," and it's a good one. In Exodus, God told Israel, "...have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand." In other words, "Be ready when I tell you to move!" Maybe there's an area in your life where God is telling you it's time to move, but fear is making you hold back. 

Don't! Change is just evidence of growth. What worked yesterday can be tomorrow's recipe for failure. You can't become who you are destined to be, if you insist on staying as you are. Change isn't the enemy. Once you start seeing yourself as a lifelong learner looking for ways to grow and improve, change becomes your friend. Learn from the people you meet, pursue new ideas, strategies and ways to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Our homes change as our needs ebb and flow. Our places of employment change as the winds of economic forces blow or new opportunities come... friendships change as family needs and employment pull us away... Many of these changes become enjoyable new seasons...sometimes they're painful. But no matter what season of change you find yourself going through...you can find comfort in Joshua 1:9 "...Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go."

From: In Touch Ministries

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

If we read the Bible, we'll find countless stories of God's faithfulness. For example, Paul lived through hardship, persecution, pain, and all kinds of terrible circumstances. The apostle wrote these well-known words: "God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." This testifies to the fact that for those who trust in Him, God turns every difficulty, loss, and separation into something good.
 
God, the sovereign ruler of this universe, is in control of your life. Don't make the mistake of thinking He isn't, simply because He does not operate according to your will and schedule. From Abraham to Isaiah to David to Job to Jonah to Paul to John, we see God's constant love and care for His people.

His Word is a lamp that will give us clear guidance when circumstances are bleak. It offers the best direction we will ever find. When we meditate upon it, pray over it, grapple with it, and incorporate it into our lives, His light chases away the darkness.

Strength For Life's Journey

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." 
 
Our Savior Jesus Christ is reliable to give us strength for life’s journey. He gives physical strength to soldiers in the heat of battle. He gives emotional strength to defeat our demons of depression and sirens of self-reliance. He gives spiritual strength to traverse over mountains of disbelief and hills of doubt. 

God is reliable to reveal a way of escape when we feel trapped by temptation’s snare. Our ego tends to grow in the good times, but our character grows most in the difficult times. 

Our Heavenly Father bids us to join Him and rest when we are in conflict and confusion. When we enter into the gates of His fortress with thanksgiving, our thoughts are drained of anxiety and our perspective gains peace. We sleep well at night knowing our first defense is Almighty God. He is 100% reliable for strength and protection!

The Prince Of Peace

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

June 14:26-27 "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Jesus promised that, if we loved Him and obeyed His teaching, the Father and He would come and make Their home with us. The Holy Spirit will live in us. If He is at home with you, your life will express the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and gentleness to others. It is God's desire to make His home with each of us, but there is a prerequisite, to love Him and obey His teaching.

Jesus explained how that is possible. The Holy Spirit would be sent to teach and remind us of Jesus' words. That is His main role within us. He is teaching us the perspective of the Father, what to say, how to say it, and His own attitude toward the world around us. By reminding us of the words of Jesus, He is teaching us to distinguish light from dark and showing us how to respond.

The presence of the Holy Spirit is the Father and the Son at home in us. His presence is the peace of Christ. That peace transcends situations, because we know that the God who oversees all things is with us through it. The peace of the world is dependent on situations being calm. The peace of Jesus is only dependent on His presence. That is why He can again say, "Do not let your hearts be troubled", and adds, "do not be afraid."