God's Timetable

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time"  -- 1 Peter 5:6 / New King James Version

 

Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to wait.  This is especially true when we are in a hurry and when we want things to happen now, if not sooner!  But God's plan does not always happen in the way that we would like or at the time of our own choosing. Our task, as believing Christians who trust in a benevolent, all-knowing Father is to wait patiently for God to reveal Himself.

 

We human beings are, by nature, impatient.  We know what we want, and we know exactly when we want it:  RIGHT NOW!  But, God knows better. He has created a world that unfolds according to His own timetable, not ours . . . thank goodness!

_______________

 

"He has the right to interrupt your life. He is Lord. When you accepted Him as Lord, you gave Him the right to help Himself to your life anytime He wants"

-- Henry Blackaby

______________

 

Lord, Your timing is always right for us.  You have a plan for our life that is grander than we can imagine. When we are impatient, remind us that You are never early or late.  You are always on time, so let us trust in You . . . always.

The Battle Has Been Won

"Cast your burdens upon the Lord and He will sustain you: He will never allow the righteous to be shaken"  -- Psalm 55:22 / New American Standard Bible

 

Christians have every reason to live courageously.  After all, the ultimate battle has already been won on the cross at Calvary. But even dedicated followers of Christ may find their courage tested by the inevitable disappointments and fears that visit the lives of believers and non-believers alike.
 

When you find yourself worried about the challenges of today or the uncertainties of tomorrow, you must ask yourself whether or not you are ready to place your concerns and your life in God's all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving hands.  If the answer to that question is yes - as it should be - then you can draw courage today from the source of strength that never fails: your Heavenly Father.

_______________

 

"Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness"  -- John Calvin

_______________

 

Lord, sometimes, this world can be a fearful place, but You have promised us that You are with us always. Today, Lord, we will live courageously as we place our trust in Your everlasting power and our faith in Your everlasting love.

Contented in Him

"The LORD will give strength to his people, the LORD will bless his people with peace"

-- Psalm 29:11 / New King James Version
 

Everywhere we turn, so it seems, the world promises us contentment and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the contentment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting. Happiness depends less upon our circumstances than upon our thoughts. When we turn our thoughts to God, to his gifts and to his glorious creation, we experience the joy that God intends for His children.  But, when we focus on the negative aspects of life we cause ourselves needless suffering.
 

Do you sincerely want to be a contented (fulfilled) Christian?  Then set your mind and your heart upon God's love and His grace.  Seek first the salvation that is available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and then claim the joy, the contentment, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep!

_______________

 

"Real contentment hinges on what's happening inside us, not around us" -- Charles Stanley

_______________
 

Lord, You offer us contentment and peace; let us accept Your peace. Help us to trust Your Word, to follow Your commandments, and to welcome the peace of Jesus into our hearts, today and forever.

His Awesome Creation

"And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life  . . God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good" 
-- Genesis 1:30,31 / New American Standard Bible
 

When we consider God's glorious universe, we marvel at the miracle of nature.  The smallest seedlings and grandest stars are all part of God's infinite creation.  God has placed His handiwork on display for all to see, and if we are wise, we will make time each day to celebrate the world that surrounds us.   Today, as you fulfill the demands of everyday life, pause to consider the majesty of Heaven and earth.  It is as miraculous as it is beautiful, as incomprehensible as it is breathtaking.
 

The Psalmist reminds us that the heavens are a declaration of God's glory (Psalm 19:1). May we never cease to praise the Father for a universe that stands as an awesome testimony to His presence and His power.

______________

 

Lord, You have created a universe that is glorious to behold yet impossible to comprehend. We praise You for your creation, and for the sense of awe and wonder that you have placed in our hearts. 

Need Courage? God Can Handle It

"The Lord is the One who will go before you.  He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged"

-- Deuteronomy 31:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible
 

Life here on earth can be difficult and discouraging at times.  During our darkest moments, God offers us courage and strength if we turn our hearts and our prayers to Him. As believing Christians, we have every reason to live courageously.  After all, the ultimate battle has already been fought and won on the cross at Calvary. But sometimes, because we are imperfect human beings who possess imperfect faith, we fall prey to fear and doubt. The answer to our fears, of course, is God. Do you believe?
 

The next time you find your courage tested to the limit, remember that God is as near as your next breath. He is your shield and your strength. He is your protector and your deliverer. Call upon Him in your hour of need and then be comforted. Whatever your challenge, whatever your trouble, God can handle it . . . and will!

_______________
 

Lord, let us turn to You for courage and for strength.  You are with us always and we will face the challenge of this day with trust and assurance in You.

Christ's Love Changes Everything

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God" 

-- Colossians 3:3 / Holman Christian Standard Bible
 

What does the love of Christ mean to His believers? It changes everything.  His love is perfect and steadfast.  Even though we are fallible, and wayward, the Good Shepherd cares for us still.  Even though we have fallen far short of the Father's commandments, Christ loves us with a power and depth that is beyond our understanding.  And, as we accept Christ's love and walk in Christ's footsteps, our lives bear testimony to His power and to His grace.  Yes, Christ's love changes everything; may we invite Him into our hearts so it can then change everything in us.

_______________
 

"As we are reminded through our burden of our utter weakness without Christ, we are given the strength to go on"  -- Mary Morrison Suggs

_______________
 

Jesus, our lives have been changed forever by Your love and sacrifice.  Today, we will praise You, we will honor You, and we will walk with You.

Mankind's Treasure Hunt

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"  -- Luke 12:34 / NKJV
 

All of mankind is engaged in a colossal, worldwide treasure hunt.  Some people seek treasure from earthly sources, treasures such as material wealth or public acclaims; others seek God's treasures by making Him the cornerstone of their lives.

 

What kind of treasure hunter are you?  Are you so caught up in the demands of everyday living that you sometimes allow the search for worldly treasures to become your primary focus? If so, it's time to think long and hard about what you value, and why.  All the items on your daily to-do-list are not created equal. That's why you must put first things first by placing God in His rightful place:  first place.  The world's treasures are difficult to find and difficult to keep: God's treasures are ever-present and everlasting.  Which treasures, then, will you claim as your own?

_______________

 

"The Scriptures also reveal warnings that if we are consumed with greed, not only do we disobey God, but we will miss the opportunity to allow Him to use us as instruments for others"  -- Charles Stanley

_______________

 

Heavenly Father, when we focus intently upon You, we are blessed.  When we focus too intently on the acquisition of material possessions, we are troubled. Make our priorities pleasing to You, Father, and make us a worthy servant of Your Son. 

Measuring Your Words

"The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his life" 

-- Proverbs 16:25 / NKJV

 

God's Word reminds us that "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing"  (Proverbs 12:18). If you seek to be a source of encouragement to friends, to family members and to coworkers, then you must measure your words carefully.  And that's exactly what God wants you to do.

 

Today, make the promise to yourself:  vow to be an honest, effective, encouraging communicator at work, at home, and every place in between.  Speak wisely, not impulsively.  Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger or derision.  Learn how to be truthful without being cruel.  Remember that you have the power to heal others or to injure them, to lift others up or to hold them back.  And when you learn how to lift them up, you will soon discover that you have lifted yourself up, too. 

________________

 

"We should ask ourselves three things before we speak:  Is it true? Is it kind? Does it glorify God"?  -- Billy Graham

_______________

 

Lord, You have warned us that we will be judged by the words we speak. Keep us mindful.  As we can have influence on many people; make us an influence for good.  And, may the words that we speak today be worthy of the One who has saved us forever.

Not Enough Time

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High.  It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening"

-- Psalm 92:1-2 / New Living Translation
 

Each day has 1,440 minutes in it.  Do you value your relationship with God enough to spend a few of those minutes with Him? He deserves that much of your time and more.  Is he receiving it from you?  Hopefully so. But if you find that you are simply too busy for a daily chat with your Father in Heaven, it is time to take a long, hard look at your priorities and your values.

 

As you consider your plans for the day ahead, here's a tip: organize your life around a simple principle: "God first." When you place your Creator where He belongs, at the very center of your day and your life, the rest of our priorities will fall into place.

________________

 

"A person with no devotional life generally struggles with faith and obedience" 

-- Charles Swindoll

_______________

 

Lord, every day of our lives is a journey with You.  We will take time today to think, to pray, and to study Your Word.  Guide our steps, and keep us mindful that today offers yet another opportunity to celebrate Your blessings, Your love, and Your Son.

The Voice Inside Your Head

"I always do my best to have a clear conscious toward God and men"  -- Acts 24:16 / HCSB

 

When you are about to do something that you know is wrong, a little voice inside your head has a way of speaking up.  That voice, of course, is your conscience:  an early warning system designed to keep you out of trouble.  If you listen to that voice, you will be okay; if you ignore it, you are asking for headaches, or heartbreaks, or both.

 

Whenever you are about to make an important decision, you should listen carefully to the quiet voice inside.  Sometimes, of course, it is tempting to do otherwise.  From time to time you will be tempted to abandon your better judgement by ignoring your conscience.  But remember:  a conscience is a terrible thing to waste.  So instead of ignoring that quiet little voice, pay careful attention to it. If you do, your conscience will lead you in the right direction - in fact, it's trying to lead your right now.  So listen . . . and learn.

_______________
 

"To go against one's conscience is neither safe nor right.  Here I stand.  I cannot do otherwise"  -- Martin Luther

______________

 

Dear Lord, You have given us a conscience that tells us right from wrong.  Let us trust our conscience, and let us live according to Your teachings, not just for today, but forever.

His Power and Yours

"Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life" -- Romans 6:4 / Holman Christian Standard Bible
 

When you invite Christ to rule over your heart, you avail yourself of His power.  And make no mistake about it:  You and Christ, working together, can do miraculous things. In fact, miraculous things are exactly what Christ intends for you to do; but he won't force you to do great things on His behalf.  The decision to become a full-fledged participant in His power is a decision that you must make for yourself.
 

The words of John 14:12 make this promise:  when you put absolute faith in Christ, you can share in His power.  Today, trust the Savior's promise and expect a miracle in His name.

_______________

 

"The Christian life is not simply following principles but being empowered to fulfill our purpose: knowing and exalting Christ" -- Franklin Graham

_______________

 

Lord, Your Son died for the salvation of all men, and He died for us. Through the power of Christ, we can be compassionate, courageous, and strong. Help us use that power, for the glory of Your kingdom, today and forever.

Living in Christ's Love

"So now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming"  - 1 John 2:28-29 / HCSB

Even though we are imperfect, fallible human beings, even though we have fallen far short of God's commandments, Christ loves us still.  His love is perfect and steadfast; it does not waver - it does not change. Our task, as believers, is to accept Christ's love and to encourage others to do likewise.

 

In today's troubled world, we all need the love and the peace that is found through the Son of God.  Thankfully, Christ's love has no limits; it can encircle all of us.  And it is up to each of us to ensure that it does.

________________

"If you come to Christ, you will always have the option of an ever-present friend. You don't have to dial long distance.  He'll be with you every step of the way"

== Bill Hybels

_______________

 

Lord, we know that You love us today and that You will love us forever.  And we thank you for Your love today and forever.

Blessed Beyond Measure

"May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May the Lord show you his kindness and have mercy on you" -- Numbers 6:24-25 / New Century Version
 

Have you counted your blessings lately?  You should.  Of course, God's gifts are too numerous to count, but we should at least attempt to count them nonetheless. Your blessings can include life, family, friends, talents, jobs and possessions, for starters.  And your greatest gift, a treasure that was paid for on the cross and is yours for the asking is God's gift of salvation through Christ Jesus.

 

As believing Christians, we have all been blessed beyond measure.  Yes, there will be days of hardship and days of loss, but we have been blessed in many other capacities.  Thus, thanksgiving should become a habit, a regular part of our daily routines.  Today, let us pause and thank our Creator for His blessing.  And let us demonstrate our gratitude to the Giver of all things good by using His gifts for the glory of the kingdom.

________________

 

"We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts" = Dietrich Bonhoeffer

_______________

 

Lord, You have given us so much, and we are thankful.  We know that every good thing You have given us is to be shared with others. We give thanks for Your gifts  . . and we will share them. 

A Relationship That Honors God

"My mouth is full of praise and honor to You all day long"  -- Psalm 71:8 / HCSB

 

As you think about the nature of your relationship with God, remember this: you will always have some type of relationship with Him - it is inevitable that your life must be lived in relationship to God.  The question is not if you will have a relationship with Him; the burning question is whether or not that relationship will be one that seeks to honor Him.

 

Are you willing to place God first in your life? And, are you willing to welcome God's Son into your heart? Unless you can honestly answer these questions with a resounding yes, then your relationship with God isn't what it could be or should be. Thankfully, God is always available. He's always ready to forgive, and He's waiting to hear from you now.  The rest, of course, is up to you.

______________
 

"A faith that hasn't been tested can't be trusted" -- Adrian Rogers

______________

 

Lord, we praise You from the depths of our hearts and we give thanks for Your goodness, for Your mercy, and for Your Son. Let us honor You every day of our lives through our words and through our deeds. Let us honor You with all that we have and all that we are. 

God is Love

"The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love"  --  1 John 4:8 / HCSB

 

God loves you.  Did you hear me?  He loves you more than you can imagine.  His affection is deeper than you can fathom.  God made you in His own image and gave you salvation through the person of His Son Jesus Christ.  And as a result, you have an important decision to make.  You must decide what to do about God's love; you can return it . .. . or not.

 

When you accept the love that flows from the heart of God, you are transformed.  When you embrace God's love, you feel differently about yourself, your neighbors, your community, your church and your world.  When you open your heart to God's love, you will feel compelled to share God's message - and His compassion with others. God's heart is overflowing. Accept His love; return His love; and share His love today!

_______________

 

"Often, in the midst of great problems, we stop short of the real blessing God has for us, which is a fresh vision of who He is"

-- Anne Graham Lotz

_______________

 

Lord, the Bible tells us that You are our loving Father.  We thank You for Your love and for Your Son.  We will praise You, we will worship You, and we will love You today, tomorrow and forever.

Choosing to Please God

"I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.  Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, love the Lord your God, obey Him, and remain faithful to Him.  For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land the Lord swore to give to your father Abraham, Isaac and Jacob"  -- Deuteronomy 30:19-20 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

 

Sometimes, because you are an imperfect human being, you may become so wrapped up in meeting society's expectations that you fail to focus on God's expectations.  To do so is a mistake of major proportions - don't make it.  Instead, seek God's guidance as you focus your energies on becoming the best "you" that you can possibly be.  And, when it comes to matters of conscience, seek approval not from your peers, but from your Creator.

Whom will you try to please today:  God or man?  Your primary obligation is not to please imperfect men and women.  Your obligation is to strive diligently to meet the expectations of an all-knowing and perfect God.  Trust Him always. Love Him always. Praise Him always. And make choices that please Him. Always.

_______________

 

"Faith is not a feeling; it is action. It is a willed choice"  -- Elisabeth Elliot

_______________

 

Lord, today, we will choose to please You and only You.  We will obey Your commandments and we will praise You for Your gifts, for your love, and for Your Son.

The Gift of Cheerfulness

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up" 

-- Proverbs 12:25 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

 

Cheerfulness is a gift that we give to others and to ourselves.  As believers who have been saved by a risen Christ, why shouldn't we be cheerful?  The answer, of course, is that we have every reason to honor our Savior with joy in our hearts, smiles on our faces, and words of celebration on our lips.

 

Christ promises us lives of abundance and joy if we accept His love and His grace.  Yet sometimes, even the most righteous among us are beset by fits of ill temper and frustration. During these moments, we may not feel like turning our thoughts and prayers to Christ, but that's precisely what we should do.  When we do so, we simply can't stay grumpy for long.

_________________

"The people whom I have seen succeed best in life have always been cheerful and hopeful people who went about their business with a smile on their faces"

-- Charles Kingsley

________________

Lord, You have given us so many reasons to celebrate. Today, let us choose an attitude of cheerfulness.  Let us be a joyful Christian, quick to smile and slow to anger.  And, let us share Your goodness with all who we meet so that Your love might shine in us and through us.  Amen.

Courage During Times of Change

"Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own"  -- Matthew 6:34 / Holman Christian Standard Bible
 

Are you anxious about situations that you cannot control?  Take your anxieties to God.  Are you troubled about changes that threaten to disrupt your life?  Take your troubles to Him.  Does your corner of the world seem to be trembling beneath your feet?  Seek protection from the One who cannot be moved.
 

The same God who created the universe will protect you if you ask Him . . . so ask Him . . . and then serve Him with willing hands and a trusting heart.  And rest assured that the world may change moment by moment, but God's love endures - unfathomable and unchanging - forever.

_______________

 

"When we are young, change is a treat; but as we grow older, change becomes a threat.  But when Jesus Christ is in control of your life, you need never fear change or decay" 

-- Warren Wiersbe

________________
 

Lord, help us to become that person who can be and should be.  Guide us along a path of Your choosing and let us follow in the footsteps of Your Son, today and every day. Amen.

Faith

" ... because whatever has been born of God conquers the world.  This is the victory that has conquered the world:  our faith"  - 1 John 5:4
 

The first element of a successful life is faith:  faith in God, faith in His Son, and faith in His promises.  If we place our lives in God's hands, our faith is rewarded in ways that we as human beings with clouded vision and limited understanding can scarcely comprehend.  But, if we seek to rely solely upon our own resources, or if we seek earthly success outside the boundaries of God's commandments, we reap a bitter harvest for ourselves and for our loved ones.
 

Do you desire the abundance and success that God has promised?  Then trust Him today and every day that you live.  Then, when you have entrusted your future to the Giver of all things good, rest assured that your future is secure, not only for today, but also for all eternity.  You will suffer loss in this world - I have.  And all those who read this, know this is true.  But, even though I have suffered great loss, I desire the abundance and success that God has promised to me.  And I trust Him today and every day that I live.  I know my future is secure.  Is yours?

________________
 

"Every man lives by faith, the nonbeliever as well as the saint; the one by faith in natural laws and the other by faith in God"  -- A.W. Tozer

________________
 

Lord, in the dark moments of our lives, help us to remember that You are always near and that You can overcome any challenge.  Keep us mindful of Your love and Your power, so that we may live courageously and faithfully today and every day.  Amen.

Eternal Perspective

"He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life" 

-- Titus 3:6-7 / Holman Christian Standard Bible
 

Our vision for the future, like our lives here on earth, is limited.  God's vision is not burdened by such limitations. His plans extend throughout all eternity.  Thus, God's plans for you and me are not limited to the ups and downs of everyday life. Our Heavenly Father has bigger things in mind . . . much bigger things.

 

Christ sacrificed His life on the cross so that we might have eternal life. This gift, freely given by God's only begotten Son, is the priceless possession of everyone who accepts Him as Lord and Savior. So, when you encounter troubles, keep things in perspective.  Although you will experience occasional defeats in this world, you'll have all eternity to celebrate the ultimate victory in the next.

_______________

 

"All that is not eternal is eternally out of date"  -- C. S. Lewis

_______________

 

Lord, we know that this world is not our home.  We are only here for a short time.  You have given us the priceless gift of eternal life through Your Son Jesus.  Keep the promise of Heaven in our hearts and help us to pass through this world with joy, with perspective, with thanksgiving, and with praise on our lips for You. Amen.

The Right Kind of Behavior

"This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him:  by keeping His commands"  

-- 1 John 2:3 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

When we seek righteousness in our own lives -- and when we seek the companionship of those who do likewise -- we reap the spiritual rewards that God intends for us to enjoy.  When we behave as godly men and women, we honor God.  When we live righteously and according to God's commandments, He blesses us  in ways that we cannot fully understand.

Today, as you fulfill your responsibilities, hold fast that which is good, and associate yourself with believers who behave in good fashion. When you do, your good works will serve as a powerful example for others and as a worthy offering to your Creator.

________________

"A pure theology and a loose morality will never mix"  --- C. H. Spurgeon

_______________

Dear Lord, this world has countless temptations, distractions, interruptions, and frustrations.  When we allow our focus to drift away from You and Your Word, we suffer.  But, when we turn our thoughts and our prayers to You, Heavenly Father, You guide our path.  Let us discover the  right thing to do - and let us do it - this day and every day that we live.  Amen.