From: In Touch Ministries
Isaiah 55:9 "As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are My ways above your ways and My thoughts above your thoughts."
When we are in the midst of a trial, it is hard to resist crying out, "God, Why is this happening?" Sometimes we get the answer and sometimes we don’t. What we can be sure of is that nothing happens by accident or coincidence. He has a purpose for even our most painful experiences. Moreover, we have His promise to "cause all things to work together for good to those who love God..." (Romans 8:28)
Seeing in advance how the Lord will work evil or hurt for our benefit is very difficult, if not impossible. My limited human perspective doesn’t allow me to grasp His greater plan.
As believers, we must accept that God's ways won’t always make sense to us. Isaiah teaches that His ways and thoughts are higher than our own. He sees the beautifully completed big picture. We can rely on the fact that God is in control, no matter how wildly off-kilter our world seems to spin.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
A Grateful Nation
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Isaiah 12:4 "In that day you will say: 'Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted.'"
A large lump fills our throats with the memory of men and women whose blood saturated the soil of foreign fields to preserve our freedoms. A nation like ours that encourages free enterprise, free speech, free press and free worship comes with a severe sacrifice.
A nation born out of the womb of religious liberty has much to thank Almighty God for. Therefore, don’t just ask God to bless America, but in addition thank Him for already blessing America. A grateful nation gives God the glory for His goodness.
Isaiah 12:4 "In that day you will say: 'Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted.'"
A large lump fills our throats with the memory of men and women whose blood saturated the soil of foreign fields to preserve our freedoms. A nation like ours that encourages free enterprise, free speech, free press and free worship comes with a severe sacrifice.
A nation born out of the womb of religious liberty has much to thank Almighty God for. Therefore, don’t just ask God to bless America, but in addition thank Him for already blessing America. A grateful nation gives God the glory for His goodness.
Jesus smiles when He sees a nation acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior; it sets a standard for those who admire our freedoms to see where they originate. Memorial Day is an opportunity to privately and publicly give God the glory and gratitude for His incredible favor and blessing on our nation.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
The Light Of The World
From:Bryant Wright Ministries
John 12:46 "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness."
John 12:46 "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness."
I remember touring a cave when all the lights were turned off. I couldn't see a thing. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face! And then the guide simply lit a match - one match - and we could see all over the cave, because darkness cannot overcome the light.
Jesus says He is the Light of the world - the embodiment of how to know God and how to live life. You may feel your life is engulfed in darkness. You may feel bewildered at not having discovered the answer to life. When Christ enters your life...when you "open the door," the light will come on, no matter how much darkness you've experienced. Life will begin to make sense and you’ll be filled with hope and understanding.
Here's more good news. Jesus says we can be a light to others by pointing people who are in the dark to the light - the Light of Christ.
Jesus says He is the Light of the world - the embodiment of how to know God and how to live life. You may feel your life is engulfed in darkness. You may feel bewildered at not having discovered the answer to life. When Christ enters your life...when you "open the door," the light will come on, no matter how much darkness you've experienced. Life will begin to make sense and you’ll be filled with hope and understanding.
Here's more good news. Jesus says we can be a light to others by pointing people who are in the dark to the light - the Light of Christ.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Not A Suggestion
From: Billy Graham Devotionals
John 15:12 "This is My commandment: love one another as I have loved you."
Here is the answer to the world’s problems today—"You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength." and "Love your neighbor as yourself." That teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago.
Here is the answer to the world’s problems today—"You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength." and "Love your neighbor as yourself." That teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago.
In fact it is the only way in which the problems of the world today can be solved, whether the problems are those of individuals or of nations. If we love God with all our heart, we will have a capacity to love our neighbors.
True love will find an outlet in service—not merely in singing hymns, attending church, or even in praying—but in trying our utmost to demonstrate our love, by obeying the will of our heavenly Father. By the way, it was not a suggestion!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Fear Not
From Bryant Wright Ministries
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you..."
There is a wonderful Bible story about three Hebrew boys who refused to worship the idols of the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. You can find it in the Bible in the book of Daniel, Chapter 3. Even though they were threatened with being thrown in a furnace, they held fast in their devotion to God. Their response, "God can spare us from the fiery furnace; He has that power. But, even if He does not, we'll never serve your gods or bow down to your statue."
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you..."
There is a wonderful Bible story about three Hebrew boys who refused to worship the idols of the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. You can find it in the Bible in the book of Daniel, Chapter 3. Even though they were threatened with being thrown in a furnace, they held fast in their devotion to God. Their response, "God can spare us from the fiery furnace; He has that power. But, even if He does not, we'll never serve your gods or bow down to your statue."
They chose to trust God even when it made no earthly sense to do so. And God repaid that faith by seeing that they were not harmed by the fires in the furnace.
God will never take us through a time of testing that is too tough for us to deal with. No matter how difficult your trials, you can bank on His promise. No trial is too great for us with the power of God. He will give us a way to endure it, to resist it, or to get through it.
God will never take us through a time of testing that is too tough for us to deal with. No matter how difficult your trials, you can bank on His promise. No trial is too great for us with the power of God. He will give us a way to endure it, to resist it, or to get through it.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Fellowship
From: Michael Youssef Ministries
James 4:8 "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you."
When we seek to truly know and understand God and develop a daily relationship with Him, we begin to understand just how big and capable and trustworthy our God is. When we know that God follows through on His promises and He is ready and willing to do big things, we can pray in faith that He will act in big ways.
When we understand just how amazing and loving our Creator God is, we will genuinely seek to please Him by praying for things that honor Him. "The eyes of the Lord roam over the whole earth, to encourage those who are devoted to Him wholeheartedly." (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Pray for God's kingdom to be glorified through your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your heart to seek God first above all other things and to develop a daily fellowship with Him.
James 4:8 "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you."
When we seek to truly know and understand God and develop a daily relationship with Him, we begin to understand just how big and capable and trustworthy our God is. When we know that God follows through on His promises and He is ready and willing to do big things, we can pray in faith that He will act in big ways.
When we understand just how amazing and loving our Creator God is, we will genuinely seek to please Him by praying for things that honor Him. "The eyes of the Lord roam over the whole earth, to encourage those who are devoted to Him wholeheartedly." (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Pray for God's kingdom to be glorified through your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your heart to seek God first above all other things and to develop a daily fellowship with Him.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Vision
From: Bob Gass Ministries
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish."
God has given you everything required to succeed at whatever He's called you to do. But you must tap into your God-given creativity!
Every great accomplishment begins as a vision, and every God-given vision comes with the innate power to fulfil it. Others may be more educated and experienced, but they don't have a monopoly on creativity. The chances are, there's a "God-idea" inside you right now that's just waiting to be released. By not tapping into it, you're settling for less than God wants you to have.
Whatever you feel called to do - write, paint, preach, play a piano, build a business, nurse, teach - make the leap and do it. If you wait until you can do it perfectly or without criticism, you'll never do it! Tap into your creativity and watch what happens.
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish."
God has given you everything required to succeed at whatever He's called you to do. But you must tap into your God-given creativity!
Every great accomplishment begins as a vision, and every God-given vision comes with the innate power to fulfil it. Others may be more educated and experienced, but they don't have a monopoly on creativity. The chances are, there's a "God-idea" inside you right now that's just waiting to be released. By not tapping into it, you're settling for less than God wants you to have.
Whatever you feel called to do - write, paint, preach, play a piano, build a business, nurse, teach - make the leap and do it. If you wait until you can do it perfectly or without criticism, you'll never do it! Tap into your creativity and watch what happens.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Trust In The Lord
From: New life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn
Jeremiah 17:7-8 "...Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit."
Placing your hope in programs, the government, your job, or the economy (anything but God) is like expecting a tree to flourish in the barren desert. Your thirst continues because these things or people are unable to satisfy your deepest needs.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 "...Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit."
Placing your hope in programs, the government, your job, or the economy (anything but God) is like expecting a tree to flourish in the barren desert. Your thirst continues because these things or people are unable to satisfy your deepest needs.
But placing your hope in the Lord changes everything. Jesus said, "The water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:14)
Where is your hope? Is it in things, which will come and go, or is your hope in the living God?
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Spiritual Growth
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
The Bible is full of guidance on how we can grow much faster if we share in each others’ spiritual growth. When we get together with other believers, we can play a major part in helping each other walk more closely with the Lord.
God wants us to learn to use our times with our brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage them spiritually, to motivate them in their times with God and in prayer, to serve them and help them. We miss out on so much potential growth when we only just "hang out" together.
Hanging out can be very restorative and stress relieving. And if we simply add a relaxed spiritual discussion to our hanging out, we will also leave that time together encouraged in the Lord. This will deepen our spiritual relationship with each other and the Lord.
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
The Bible is full of guidance on how we can grow much faster if we share in each others’ spiritual growth. When we get together with other believers, we can play a major part in helping each other walk more closely with the Lord.
God wants us to learn to use our times with our brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage them spiritually, to motivate them in their times with God and in prayer, to serve them and help them. We miss out on so much potential growth when we only just "hang out" together.
Hanging out can be very restorative and stress relieving. And if we simply add a relaxed spiritual discussion to our hanging out, we will also leave that time together encouraged in the Lord. This will deepen our spiritual relationship with each other and the Lord.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Persevere In Prayer
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Romans 12:12 "Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer."
Sometimes God is silent, even when His children cry out for answers. Our Heavenly Father knows what’s best in how we process unanswered prayers. We may not be ready to receive what we want or think we need. Unanswered prayers produce prayer.
A prolonged prayer process creates new convictions we cherish and cling to for comfort. Unanswered prayer pushes us to unknown places that need soul care. Humble prayers are always productive.
Lastly, we remain in prayer to remain in Him. Our perspective grows in Christlike clairvoyance as we focus on our Heavenly Father in His infinite love and holiness. Prayer becomes like oxygen for our soul, lest we smother ourselves in worry. Yes, our Lord never sleeps, He listens intently and loves us passionately.
Romans 12:12 "Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer."
Sometimes God is silent, even when His children cry out for answers. Our Heavenly Father knows what’s best in how we process unanswered prayers. We may not be ready to receive what we want or think we need. Unanswered prayers produce prayer.
A prolonged prayer process creates new convictions we cherish and cling to for comfort. Unanswered prayer pushes us to unknown places that need soul care. Humble prayers are always productive.
Lastly, we remain in prayer to remain in Him. Our perspective grows in Christlike clairvoyance as we focus on our Heavenly Father in His infinite love and holiness. Prayer becomes like oxygen for our soul, lest we smother ourselves in worry. Yes, our Lord never sleeps, He listens intently and loves us passionately.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Biblical Hope
From: Michael Youssef Ministries
Romans 5:5 "And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who was given to us."
Biblical hope comes from knowing who we are in Christ and that we belong to Him. Biblical hope comes from the absolute confidence and trust that God has our best interests in His heart. When we are filled with biblical hope, we wake up each morning with enthusiasm waiting to see how God is going to meet our needs, how He is going to walk with us that day, and how He is going to use us mightily for Him.
There are times when we will grieve over issues and people, but even in the midst of our frustrations and turmoil we can maintain a consistent state of mind that is filled with optimism. When we know who we are in Christ and where we are spending eternity, we will stay in fellowship with God. Our relationship with Him will give us the strength to persevere in tough times and to rejoice in hope.
We can find optimism in this life when Christ lives within us. A close relationship with God will give us joy in the midst of trouble, fruitfulness and blessings in times of uncertainty. A solid prayer life will give us confidence when everything else is crumbling around us. Pray for the Holy Spirit's help to guide you in your prayers and to prepare your heart for the presence of God.
Romans 5:5 "And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who was given to us."
Biblical hope comes from knowing who we are in Christ and that we belong to Him. Biblical hope comes from the absolute confidence and trust that God has our best interests in His heart. When we are filled with biblical hope, we wake up each morning with enthusiasm waiting to see how God is going to meet our needs, how He is going to walk with us that day, and how He is going to use us mightily for Him.
There are times when we will grieve over issues and people, but even in the midst of our frustrations and turmoil we can maintain a consistent state of mind that is filled with optimism. When we know who we are in Christ and where we are spending eternity, we will stay in fellowship with God. Our relationship with Him will give us the strength to persevere in tough times and to rejoice in hope.
We can find optimism in this life when Christ lives within us. A close relationship with God will give us joy in the midst of trouble, fruitfulness and blessings in times of uncertainty. A solid prayer life will give us confidence when everything else is crumbling around us. Pray for the Holy Spirit's help to guide you in your prayers and to prepare your heart for the presence of God.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Never Easy
From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn
Psalm 16:8 "I keep the Lord always before me; with Him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken."
Knowing how to respond to tragedy is never easy. Maybe it’s the desire to know why the tragic event happened that leaves you feeling alienated and alone. Was it something you did? Was it someone else’s fault? Why did God allow it to happen? These questions usually go unanswered because “Why?” is almost always the wrong question.
Remember Job? The Bible tells us Job was a Godly man. Yet, he lost everything . . . his wealth, family, and his health. Why did all of this happen, especially to such a good man? As time passed Job grew increasingly upset and confused. He even began to question God’s sense of justice.
While God never explained to Job why the disasters had befallen him, He did bring Job to a place of humble surrender. This increased Job’s understanding of God and gave him the proper perspective to continue life. Neither Job nor any other person who has suffered a serious loss can ever fully understand why a catastrophe has happened. But if you’re willing to seek God and surrender your life and your situation into His powerful hands, He’ll do a work in you and through you that will restore your spirit and bring Him honor and glory.
Psalm 16:8 "I keep the Lord always before me; with Him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken."
Knowing how to respond to tragedy is never easy. Maybe it’s the desire to know why the tragic event happened that leaves you feeling alienated and alone. Was it something you did? Was it someone else’s fault? Why did God allow it to happen? These questions usually go unanswered because “Why?” is almost always the wrong question.
Remember Job? The Bible tells us Job was a Godly man. Yet, he lost everything . . . his wealth, family, and his health. Why did all of this happen, especially to such a good man? As time passed Job grew increasingly upset and confused. He even began to question God’s sense of justice.
While God never explained to Job why the disasters had befallen him, He did bring Job to a place of humble surrender. This increased Job’s understanding of God and gave him the proper perspective to continue life. Neither Job nor any other person who has suffered a serious loss can ever fully understand why a catastrophe has happened. But if you’re willing to seek God and surrender your life and your situation into His powerful hands, He’ll do a work in you and through you that will restore your spirit and bring Him honor and glory.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Small Steps, Not Giant Leaps
From: Bob Gass Ministries
2 Corinthians 3:18 "...From one degree of glory to another..."
How would you describe someone who is spiritually mature? Leonard Wedel says: "A mature person does not take himself too seriously...keeps himself alert in mind...does not always view with alarm every adverse situation that arises...never feels too great to do little things, and is never too proud to do humble things...never accepts either success or failure in themselves as permanent...is one who is able to control his or her impulses...is not afraid to make mistakes...has faith in themselves which becomes stronger as it is fortified by their faith in God."
The Bible says we are changed "from one degree of glory to another." Notice, spiritual maturity takes place by degrees. In small steps, not giant leaps.
2 Corinthians 3:18 "...From one degree of glory to another..."
How would you describe someone who is spiritually mature? Leonard Wedel says: "A mature person does not take himself too seriously...keeps himself alert in mind...does not always view with alarm every adverse situation that arises...never feels too great to do little things, and is never too proud to do humble things...never accepts either success or failure in themselves as permanent...is one who is able to control his or her impulses...is not afraid to make mistakes...has faith in themselves which becomes stronger as it is fortified by their faith in God."
The Bible says we are changed "from one degree of glory to another." Notice, spiritual maturity takes place by degrees. In small steps, not giant leaps.
Live by God's Word, not by how you feel, for His Word states that as long as you believe, God is working in you. "...The Word of God...is effectually at work in you who believe." (1 Thessalonians 2:13). There is a direct connection between your daily intake of God's Word and your spiritual maturity level. And the good news is: God hasn't left us to do it on our own.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Values And Choices
From:Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern the will of God, what is good, pleasing and perfect."
If you do not combat the world’s way of thinking by saturating your mind with Scripture and prayer and spiritual fellowship with other believers, then you have no hope of standing against the world in your life. God’s message to you is clear—don’t become like the secular world, but be transformed by the Holy Spirit as you renew your mind.
The Spirit will take the spiritual input you put into your mind and enable you to see life the way God sees it. Then your values will reflect His influence and your choices will follow your values.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The Power To Endure
From: Oswald Chambers Ministries
Philippians 3:12 "Not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it..."
You always know when the vision is of God because of the inspiration that comes with it. Things come to you with greatness and add vitality to your life because everything is energized by God. He may give you a time spiritually, with no word from Himself at all, just as His Son experienced during His time of temptation in the wilderness. When God does that, simply endure, and the power to endure will be there because you have the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The proof that we have the vision is that we are reaching out for more than we have already grasped. It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually. Paul said,"Not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it..." Beware of the danger of spiritual relaxation.
The proof that we have the vision is that we are reaching out for more than we have already grasped. It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually. Paul said,"Not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it..." Beware of the danger of spiritual relaxation.
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