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.