wordofgod: Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Showing posts with label Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Impossibilities

“Jesus looked at them and said,

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

This statement from Jesus follows a question asked by his disciples, “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus had challenged a rich man to sell all of his worldly possessions and become a disciple, but the young man went away, sorry that he could not do as Jesus asked.

In our rich culture, there are a lot of young (and old!) men and women who do not want to give up everything to follow Jesus. Persuading them to be Christians often seems impossible. Jesus acknowledged that it is hard for those who are rich to enter the Kingdom of God; in fact he said that it was easier for a camel to go through the “eye of a needle” than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.

When in Israel, our tour group was able to see what the “eye of the needle” is (a small opening in the city gate where camels can be tied up) and to think about how difficult it would be for a camel to squeeze through one! With human eyes, it does look impossible!

Perhaps you are struggling with your own “impossibility” today. There is a chorus that comes to mind (perhaps like me you learned it as a child):

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains, you can’t tunnel through? God specialises in things thought impossible And he can do what no other power can do! — Oscar C. Eliason

Father God, help me to see what seems impossible to my human eyes in a new light today. I give you my mountain, my uncrossable river, my loved one who turns away from Jesus again and again, knowing that you do the impossible every day because that is who you are!

Allow God to carry you. Rest in him, trusting him to work in ways that surprise you!

By Karen Woodard
Used by Permission

Everything is Possible

“Jesus looked at them intently, then said, ‘Without God, it is utterly impossible. But with God everything is possible’” Mark 10:27

“An hour in prayer can give the believer enough power to overcome the second most powerful force in the universe,” sagely declared an anonymous observer.

God’s Word gives us many “exceeding great and precious promises” that confirm the truth of this wise observation – and the truth of the scriptural promise that with God everything is possible. One of these precious promises declares, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31,KJV).

Sometimes renewed strength – spiritual strength, God’s strength – is all we need to face the problem or difficulty or testing or trial that confronts us.

In the gigantic tasks God has given us to do in the work of Campus Crusade for Christ often it is the confirmed realization that with God everything is possible that keeps us going on, trusting God to do that which no man could possibly do.

“Dear Lord, give me a heart like Yours – one that reaches out to the ends of the earth, and the end of the block, with the good news of the gospel, always believing that nothing is impossible with Your help.”

Questions: What has God been calling you to do that you have been ignoring? Can you trust Him to do what He has been nudging you to do?

Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

When You Feel Threatened

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men. They weren’t superheroes or endowed with gifts and charisma that made them stand out in a crowd. In fact, they were so ordinary that the rulers and elders of the people knew instinctively that the courage they witnessed in Peter and John must be from another source. Their courage was so astonishing that others assumed they had to have been with Jesus.

Later in Acts 4, these same ordinary men faced interrogation and threats to their well-being if they continued to witness about Jesus. What ensued was incredible. They responded by telling the rulers and elders that they couldn’t help but speak of what they had seen and heard.

Peter and John shared their experience with their fellow believers and then they prayed,

“They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (Acts 4:28-30).

They acknowledged to God that it was by His power and will that this experience happened. They asked for the Lord to display His majestic glory through them. Then they asked the Lord to enable them to speak with great boldness – not to help them run to the next town, not to be hidden from the threats, not to even remove or silence the threats – but to meet the challenge head on with even greater boldness.

What are your prayers like when you feel threatened?

Father God, thank you that you are able to give us what we need to become who we need to be in the face of our biggest challenges. Please give us the overcoming power to grasp your love, to obey your voice, and to cling to you for what is needed in the midst of whatever situation we face. Pour into us your strength and power, and may you ultimately be glorified. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.

By Donna Mitchell
Used by Permission

https://thelife.com/devotionals

Monday, May 22, 2023

Never Alone

“No I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm, I will come to you” John 14:18.

“I feel so alone,” Bev said,” with my husband gone and all my children married. Sometimes I can hardly bear the pain, the anguish. At times its as though I am about to suffocate – I am so lonely!”

Bev was in her late 70’s. Her husband was dead, and the other members of her family had become involved in their own careers and activities. Though they loved her, they were so busy they seldom saw her to express that love.

I shared with her the good news of the one who loved her so much that He died on the cross for her and paid the penalty for her sins, the one who promised to come to her and, once He came, never to leave her.

There in the loneliness of her living room, she bowed with me in prayer and invited the risen living Christ to take up residence in her life, to forgive her, to cleanse her, to make her whole, to make her a child of God. When she lifted her face, her cheeks were moist with tears of repentance and her heart was made new with joy.

“I feel so different,” she said. “Already I feel enveloped with the sense of God’s presence, His love and His peace.”

As the months passed, it became increasingly evident that she was not alone. He who was with her had been faithful to His promise never to leave her.

Do you feel deserted, alone, rejected? Do you have problems with your family, work, school, or health? Whatever may be your need, Jesus is waiting to make His presence as real to you as if He were with you in His physical body.

There are five things that I would encourage you to do to enhance the realization of His presence. (1) Meditate upon His Word day and night. (2) Confess all known sins. (3) Aggressively obey His commandments. (4) Talk to Him about everything as you would your dearest friend. (5) Tell everyone who will listen about Him so that they too can experience with you the supernatural life which comes only from allowing the supernatural power of the indwelling Christ to be reflected in and through you.

Bible Reading: Psalm 68:3-6

In order to enhance the Lord’s presence in my life, I will practice the five recommendations knowing that as I walk in this vital personal relationship with the risen Christ, the supernatural qualities that characterize His life will become more and more apparent in time.

By Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Loving the Truth

“No lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless” (Revelation 14:5).

To become blameless is to be free from falsehood; it is to be delivered from sin and the deception that protects sin.

Yet this process is not attained if we are only casually committed to the Lord Jesus. We must be dedicated to the way of truth. Indeed, each of us has been conditioned by decades of unbelief, fear, and an unbridled thought-life, which has reinforced deception.

Christians who tend to automatically assume they are the “chosen of God,” have reassured themselves that they could not possibly be deceived. The very thought, “I cannot be deceived” is itself a deception! Let us stay humble and not presume that the calling of God and the choosing of God are alike. “Many are called,” Jesus taught, “but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). Many tests await the called before they are equipped by God and become His chosen; not the least of these tests is becoming free from deception.

You see, our natural minds were fashioned in a world where the concept of honesty must be enforced by laws. Within our world the bias of our communications media intentionally distorts the facts, advertisers promise the impossible, and people are held spellbound in the fantasy worlds of movies and books. The lie is everywhere and somewhat in everything, and we must accept the possibility that even in those things of which we are sure, there still might be elements of deception.

We do not realize it, but we need revelation to know the truth. People who may appear kind, nice or flattering have proven unkind, cruel and deceitful. And we must admit that we often attempt to appear better than we are as well.

This effort to appear one way while inwardly being another has created a world in which the truth is not apparent, where things that are plainly seen by one can be invisible to another. Deception and confusion so fill this world that in order for us to discern what is right, Scriptures command us to “seek” for, “love,” and “truth” (Proverbs 2:1-5; 2 Thessalonians. 2:10; Proverbs 23:23).

Jesus prayed, “[Father] sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). He was saying, “Father, purify them of the lies and illusions of this age through Your penetrating Word.” In Ephesians, Paul tells us that Christ sanctifies the church by cleansing her “by the washing of water with the word . . . that she would be holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:26-27).

This then, embracing the Spirit of Truth and allowing the Word of truth to break the patterns of falsehood and deception in our lives is the process through which we become Christlike — and this process begins in earnest when we not only hear the truth, but when we love it.

By Francis Frangipane
Used by Permission

The Pain of Letting Go

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endures forever–forsake not the works of Your own hands.” Psalm 138:8 (Amplified Bible )

The story of the Prodigal son weighed on my heart today. Watching the Father allow his youngest son to leave home and experience life reminds me of the challenges we face as parents to our natural and spiritual children. The process of growing and maturing is not always pleasant to watch. We cannot raise strong, responsible children or even spiritual sons and daughters by shielding them from all pain and hardships, especially those that come from their own decisions. Often times it is the pain that leads them to the arms of the Father.

There comes a time, as parents, we must release our control and learn to trust God in the process. Looking back at the Father in the parable, he knew that he had to allow his son to leave. But he also knew that he could trust the Lord with what was precious to him, the life of his son. We too must allow our heavenly Father to mature our children and bring them to perfect stature in Him. Just as the prodigal son came to himself realizing that he had it better with his father, our seed will as well. It may not be an easy transition but it is a necessary one.

Father, grant us the grace to trust you with the lives of those we love. Lord, teach us continually how to guide them in wisdom and truth. As we commit them to you, I ask that you reassure us daily that you will complete the work that you have begun in them.

Scriptural References

Luke 15:11-24
Psalm 57:2
Philippians 1:6
2 Timothy 1:12
Isaiah 54:13

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Where Peace is Found

Everyone is looking for peace.

If you were to ask ten people on the street what they want most in 2023, “peace” would most likely be mentioned. We want peace for those experiencing the effects of war. Families are searching for peaceful resolutions. Our personal lives crave peace. Many wonder what peace really is and where it can truly be found.

Peace is the possession of adequate resources.” – George Morrison

Could there be a better definition?

Imagine finding yourself on a highway with very few gas stations. A full tank of gas would give you peace. You possess the adequate resources, so there is no cause for concern. Realize your tank is on “empty,” and peace quickly disappears.

Why do many Christians lack peace?

We forget we have adequate resources. We are short-sighted, seeing immediate needs and circumstances, and forgetting what we possess.

We have tried-and-true promises made and always fulfilled by the “God who cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2)

We have the food of God’s Word sitting on a shelf waiting to be read and designed to satisfy in ways “comfort food” never could. We don’t live by three meals a day alone, but “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

We’re told to cast all our cares on Him in prayer. Why? “Because He cares.” (1 Peter 5:7) At His feet, we “find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

We should never fear death. Death is simply the doorway to the everlasting life we received when we placed our faith in the death of Jesus on the cross in our place. By faith, we know we will never experience the wrath we deserve. God placed it on His Son instead. This is the ultimate source of peace.

Are you looking for peace this Year?

Do you have these resources?

If so, look no more.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

By Bethany Hayes
Used by Permission

The Wellspring of Peace

“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.” John 14:27

When I saw the headline, it caught my eye: “Take a deep breath before you read this news.” So, of course, I read it. The article was about stress and my, oh my, It seems like I live in the stress capitol of America, at least according to a recent national study. The Bay area’s stress comes from 15.5 suicides per 1,000 people, a 12.3 percent divorce rate each year, an 11.2 percent unemployment rate and an average commute time of 28.3 minutes, among other factors.

Then there’s the global ranking by advertising giant JWT, which puts the United States right at the top of its ‘Anxiety Index‘ with 72 percent of its people anxious about life. That’s about on par with Egypt, which just had a revolution. By contrast, just 55 percent of Australians and 35 percent of the Chinese are anxious.

Clearly, regardless of where we reside in America, we all live in a stressed up country. Perhaps it is the materialism of our society. We work hard to catch up the Jones family down the street and just when we get there, they refinance and leave us in the materialistic dust. People seem to never be satisfied. They want more and more. Maybe they are focused on finding “things” that become more of an ego massaging collection rather than a source of true peace.

I suggest that only a dedication of a life to Christ can bring true, peace, joy and satisfaction. The Bible clearly says it is so:

Psalms 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,? meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Philippians 4:6,7 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.?7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

The joy of life, the means of satisfaction and the source of all peace is not found in the mall, but rather as we draw from the well of all peace, the peace which passes all understanding……. the peace that comes from living a vibrant life comes from knowing Jesus, the Christ in a real and personal way.

Trust Him and your well will never run dry and you too will have a peace beyond all understanding.

By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

Friday, May 19, 2023

Are You Afraid to Fully Surrender to God?

Many people say,

“Sure, I believe in God. I’ve gone to church most of my life.”

But is this all there is to it? What does it mean to believe?

To believe means more than intellectual consent. It involves surrender. We must give ourselves to God before He can give Himself to us. We practice this kind of surrender every time we fly in an airplane. We board an aircraft, sit down in our seats and put the seat belt on. And for the next four hours or so we’re at the mercy of a pilot whom we don’t even know. We trust that he knows what he’s doing and he’ll get us to the right destination safely.

We do the same with a doctor. Before surgery we sign a consent form, right? We allow the anaesthetist to put us to sleep. Talk about complete surrender! Then the surgeon can help us and not before. The principle of complete surrender holds true in many situations in life. Complete surrender is needed before help can come to us.

It’s no different with God. Before He can help us, we must give ourselves to him completely.

Being totally dependent upon God is one of the hardest things we Christians have to do in life.
We fear the helplessness of it. We want to be in control. Still, God cannot work unless we surrender to him. His way is always to work through weakness.

We have the mistaken idea that when we surrender completely we’ll become spineless and mindless persons. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, when we surrender we tap into God more fully. We become more alive, more realistic, more courageous, more truly ourselves than we’ve ever been before.

Dear God, forgive me for being so independent. I want to trust you more in every situation. I give myself to you now in full surrender. In Jesus name, Amen.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverb 3:5-6

By Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission

Thursday, May 18, 2023

When We Feel Helpless

We love movies that capture our attention with tales of people who are trapped, helpless, and frantically looking for a way of escape. However, this is not something we want in real life. Yet when it happens, we immediately start looking for the way out and beg God for rescue through physical healing, changed circumstances, or additional provision.

Have you ever considered that spiritual rescue is even more important than physical deliverance? Although Jesus has freed us from the penalty and power of sin, there are times when we feel helpless in the face of sinful habits, emotions, rash words, and ungodly thoughts. That’s when we need to follow the example of the psalmist and cry out to God for spiritual rescue.

Admit your helplessness to God. In yourself, you have no power to overcome sin. But God’s Spirit within you is almighty.
Confess any sins, fears, unbelief, or self-reliance. Surrender all further attempts to change by self-effort, and make no provision for sinful desires.
Turn your gaze toward God. Think about who He is, what He desires, and what He has promised.
Fill your mind and heart with God’s Word. Meditate on it. Ask Him for wisdom and strength to follow Him with reliance on and submission to His Spirit.
Trust God, and wait upon Him to change you from the inside out. Although salvation occurs in a moment, sanctification is a lifelong process.

A time will eventually come when the helpless feeling departs and is replaced by the joy of obedience. When that happens, give God the glory.

Psalm 119:145-160

I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O Lord! I will keep Your statutes. 146 I cry out to You; Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies. ¹⁴⁷I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. ¹⁴⁸My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word. ¹⁴⁹Hear my voice according to Your loving kindness; O Lord, revive me according to Your justice. ¹⁵⁰They draw near who follow after wickedness; They are far from Your law. ¹⁵¹You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth.¹⁵²Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.¹⁵³Consider my affliction and deliver me, For I do not forget Your law. ¹⁵⁴Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word. ¹⁵⁵Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes. ¹⁵⁶ Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord; Revive me according to Your judgments. ¹⁵⁷Many are my persecutors and my enemies, Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies. ¹⁵⁸I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, Because they do not keep Your word. ¹⁵⁹Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your loving kindness. ¹⁶⁰The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Not Hard at All

“Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really that isn’t hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him.” – 1 John 5:3,4

I believe that we are on the threshold of witnessing the greatest spiritual revival in the history of the church. I believe that the Great Commission will indeed be fulfilled before the return of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 13:10).

Today, however, because of the subtle ways of the world system, there are more carnal Christians than at any other time in history. But the Bible tells us that the tide will turn and that the church will soon enter its finest hour.

We are beginning to see that turning of the tide. More and more Christians are discovering how to live supernaturally in the power and control of the Holy Spirit. The gospel is being spread throughout the world by many committed Christians who are determined, by faith, to

help fulfill the Great Commission in this generation, whatever the cost.

I do not know anyone, however, who loves this world system who has ever been used of God in any significant way. There is nothing wrong with money and other material success.

However, we are to wear the cloak of materialism loosely. We are to set our affection on Christ and His kingdom, not on the material things of this world.

The Lord left us with this wonderful promise: “…every child of God can obey Him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him.” Inviting Christ to help us is our decision to make. It is simply a matter of the will.

BIBLE READING: 1 John 5:1-8

I will obey God and trust Christ to defeat sin and evil pleasure in my life, so that I can live a supernatural life and help take His gospel to all men throughout the world.

By Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission

The Fabric of My Faith

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. Hebrews 11:6

Faith is woven throughout the everyday fabric of my life, in the big and small circumstances, in the hard and perplexing uncertainties, and in the quiet moments when God is calling my name, drawing me near and asking me to follow wherever He leads. I will choose faith because this is what God desires.

God wants us to have Faith.

He wants us to Trust.

He requires that we Wait.

He wants us to Believe.

He requires us to Wait patiently on Him.

All of this works with our obedience in following God, and our obedience in following Him in what He has called us to do – which is His purpose in us.

We will accomplish more through our faith than through anything else, such as works, abilities, talents, and degrees. Our faith is the outward demonstration of a heart that completely trusts God and believes He will do for us what we cannot do in our own strength.

David could not kill Goliath in his own strength. That was God’s power in the slingshot and in the stone that hit Goliath. It was David’s faith and God’s power.

Joshua and his army could not make the Jericho wall fall down with shouting and trumpets, but they demonstrated faith and obedience – and God in His power brought down the city wall.

It takes faith to navigate our lives as each day comes with challenges that force us to choose to live by faith and trust in God, or the alternative, trust ourselves and the world around us.

Some days rise up like giants before us. Do we believe that God will defeat the giants for us? It takes faith to believe He will and I want to make every effort to live out that kind of faith. I want to live a faith that pleases God.

By Kathy Cheek
Used by Permission
From: First Breath of Morning: Where God Waits For You Every Day.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

He Is

HE IS…

The Almighty One and your Might,
The Provider and your Provision,
The Giver and your Gift,
The Protector and your Protection,
The Warrior and your Victor,
The Healer and your Health,
The Blessed One and your Blessing,
The Eternal One and your Ever-Present Help in time of need.

by Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

Monday, May 15, 2023

When We Dare to Let God be For Us

Ever found yourself up against a Red Sea—hemmed in, with nowhere to turn?

Ever faced a wall too high and too strong, with no way over or through?

Have your circumstances caused you to long for previous, even loathsome days—like the Israelites who said it would have been better to be back in Egypt, serving the Egyptians?

“It would have been better to still be ‘back there’ than swallowed up with THESE circumstances.”

It’s at times like these when the Lord says:

“Stand still . . .See. . . ” (Exodus 14:13)
Watch what I will do.
You have nothing to do but be silent.

Oswald Chambers once said:

“Dare I really let God be to me all that He says He will be?” (“My Utmost for His Highest,”)

When the Israelites had nowhere to turn and God said He would act, they dared to let Him be for them all He said He would be.

They stopped, stood still—marched silently around an impossible wall—and watched God work.
Because He said He would.

The sea split open.
The walls fell down.
They crossed through their frightening circumstances.
They marched around their greatest fear.
Because God said He would work.
They had nothing to do but be silent.

Someone has defined “rest” as to “cease striving.”

When the children of Israel let their faith rest, they watched God work.

God stepped in, because He was capable of doing what they couldn’t.
They rested in who their God is. They watched silently.

They passed through (Hebrews 11:29); they took the city (Joshua 6)—only after God had worked.

They did what God said, because He said He would do it.

Ever found yourself against a Red Sea, a wall like Jericho’s, a circumstance, a need, a dream, an ache that only God could conquer?

He is able.
Rest.

Dare to let God be for you all He has said He will be.
Faith that rests will watch God work.
Every time.

“Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. . .
Rest in the Lord.” (Psalm 37:5,7)

By Bethany Hayes
Used by Permission

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Bold Love

The love of a mother for her child . . . is there a love any deeper?

The love of God for His children . . . is there a love any bolder?

Woven through scripture, like the ribbons on a newborn’s quilt, are gentle

reminders that God’s love is like that of a mother: deep, unrelenting, bold.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you . . .” (Isaiah 66:13).

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands . .”
(Isaiah 49:15-16).

“But we were very gentle with you, like a mother caring for her little children . . .”
(1 Thessalonians. 2:7)

HAVE A BLESSED MOTHER’S DAY!

By Max Lucado
Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Wait on the Lord

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

God renews the strength of those who are weary and exhausted, and who look to Him.

If we rely on God and exercise our faith, God can make us into people who are resilient.

There will come times when we’re too weak to run, walk or even crawl. But the Spirit of God can give us wings of faith to help us fly. Yes, you can fly, because the Spirit will carry and sustain you. The Spirit has become the wind beneath your wings.

Yes, we’re running the race in order to win the prize. We’re running the marathon race; yet we’re to remain calm. We’re moving and doing; yet we’re to be still and know that He’s Lord. We’re to stay still in the presence of God.

We’re running with speed; yet our breathing remains calm, our focus steady. If we’re running the marathon, we cannot afford to get too excited, because the anxiety will cut off the wind. So we’ve to be calm, steady our course, get rid of our fears, dwell not on the past or worry about the future.

And we lift up our heads, look ahead at Jesus and run with endurance. And we’ll find the wind of God’s breath beneath our wings, and we’ll soar like an eagle beyond our expectations. We’re to run with endurance, in a calm and steadfast way.

We relax in the midst of stress, as we run. It is by faith. Faith gives power under control, so we can relax in the midst of all the stressful situations in life.

If we’re to see victory, then our strength must be harnessed, our vision must be focused, and our stride be steady.

By Joshua Chin Hong Lim
Used by Permission

Soul Quiet

“My soul quietly waits for the True God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62.1

I confess, I am rarely quiet. It is go, go, go. Do, do, do. And at the end of the day, it’s difficult to turn off my brain and rest. I find it easy to take refuge in all I’ve accomplished and ignore the unsettled, restless feelings in my heart. Focusing on the doing, rather than the being.

Someone once told me, we aren’t human-doings, we’re human-beings.

How true this is and yet how uncomfortable we find “being” to be.

When am I ever “soul quiet”?

We’re fixers . . .

We don’t need a Savior because we are our own savior. We need money, we take out a loan. We no longer feel in love with our spouse so we dump them for a newer model. Our child is struggling with a teacher, we move them to a different class. Our in-laws are driving us crazy, we cut them out of the picture. We read self-help books, see counselor after counselor, and take matters into our own hands.

Waiting is for those who are lazy. Waiting wastes time. Waiting never solves anything.

We don’t need a Rescuer because we are our own rescuer.

It’s easy to rationalize away this call for soul quiet waiting.

Soul quiet is hard. Soul quiet takes precious time. Soul quiet takes perseverance and intentionality.

Soul quiet causes us to let go of the list and focus on the being. Soul quiet forces us to be still. Soul quiet brings us face to face with who we are deep down inside.

We will never pursue this life accidentally. The voices of this world shout loud and long and unless we choose to remove our self from their continual barrage we will never learn to listen to the whispers of our Savior.

Years ago I learned a soul quiet practice called “Contemplative Prayer”, also known as Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading). I have found it to be a wonderful way of helping me learn to quiet my soul and wait on God.

Here’s how it works:

*Read aloud the passage of Scripture (should be only 2-3 verses). Listen to the words and be still for 1-2 minutes.
*Read aloud again and Reflect for another 1-2 minutes: What in this passage touches my life today?
*Read aloud again and Respond for another 1-2 minutes: What is God inviting me to do today?
*Read aloud again and Rest for another 1-2 minutes: Ask nothing, simply rest in the presence
of the Lord.

*Write down what God has spoken to you through His Word.

I encourage you today to take Philippians 4.6-7 and begin your soul quiet practice.

God is calling all of us to the soul quiet way of living. Resting in His presence. Waiting on Him to rescue us.

Quieting our hearts before Him.

It’s the way of Peace even when our worlds are turned upside down. It’s the way of Joy even when there is tremendous pain. It is the path of Life for those who choose to walk its way.

By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission
http://www.brokenandredeemed-kristi.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

Allow God to carry you. Rest in him, trusting him to work in ways that surprise you!

FURTHER READING

“Jesus looked at them intently, then said, ‘Without God, it is utterly impossible. But with God everything is possible’” Mark 10:27

FURTHER READING

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

Further Reading

Monday, May 22, 2023

“No I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm, I will come to you” John 14:18.

Further Reading

Sunday, May 21, 2023

To become blameless is to be free from falsehood; it is to be delivered from sin and the deception that protects sin.

Further Reading

Further Reading

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Everyone is looking for peace.

Why do many Christians lack peace?

Are you looking for peace this Year?

Related Reading

“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.” John 14:27

Further Reading

Friday, May 19, 2023

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverb 3:5-6

Further Reading

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Further Reading

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Further Reading

Further Reading

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Related Reading

Monday, May 15, 2023

Ever found yourself up against a Red Sea—hemmed in, with nowhere to turn?

Further Reading

Sunday, May 14, 2023

The love of a mother for her child . . . is there a love any deeper?

HAVE A BLESSED MOTHER’S DAY!

FURTHER READING

Saturday, May 13, 2023

God renews the strength of those who are weary and exhausted, and who look to Him.

Further Reading

“My soul quietly waits for the True God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62.1

Further Reading