God Won’t Trick You

 

 

Lori Wilkerson Stewart – 700 Club Producer, cbn.com

It was Halloween night, 1985, and I was home alone. Only 16 at the time, I was tasked with passing out candy to the trick-or-treaters while my parents went out for the evening. Around 10 o’clock, I climbed into bed and turned out the lights. Immediately I began to hear tapping on my window, which was strange since I was on the second floor. Every few minutes, I heard what sounded like pebbles hitting my window, but when I looked through my curtains, there was no one there. It was unsettling.

Soon after, the doorbell rang. I thought my parents must have forgotten their keys, so I headed downstairs and opened the front door. I was startled by two 4-foot-tall boys in frightening masks standing there. My heart started to pound. I asked them, “Isn’t it a little late to be trick-or-treating?” As they silently shook their heads “no,” someone started beating on my back door. This completely freaked me out, and I let out a small scream. That’s when one of the boys took off his mask, and I instantly recognized my boyfriend’s younger brother. When my boyfriend appeared—laughing hysterically—from around the corner, I realized two things: I had been tricked, and I really needed to break up with my boyfriend!

It’s fun to participate in harmless shenanigans and mischief from time to time. On the other hand, sometimes people play tricks on us that can cause real harm. Phishing, spoofing, ghosting, and catfishing—new terms are popping up left and right—it’s hard to keep up with all the ways people can hurt you these days! The enemy is always coming up with diabolical schemes to wreak havoc on us. In fact, you can trace all lies and partial truths back to him:

He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44 NLT).

Thankfully, there is One who will never prank you, deceive you, or have a big laugh at your expense. God won’t trick you because it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18)!

Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true (Romans 3:4).

In Matthew 7:9-10, Jesus presents a scenario that sounds a little bit like “trick-or-treating”:

“You parents, if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!”

Jesus is making the point that if we ask God for something good and necessary, He’s not going to trick us and give us something terrible! We serve a kind and loving God who wants to give good gifts to those who ask Him (Matthew 7:11).

I love to pray the promises of God. The Bible is packed with promises for healing, for provision, for protection, for peace, etc. And since God cannot lie, I know in God’s time, they will all come to pass. What are you praying and believing God for today? Be assured that a good answer is on the way. God won’t trick you.

His Message

 

 

Nia Taylor – Trainer – Virginia Beach Prayer Center

Recently, I had the privilege to preach at our church conference for the first time. It was not my first time speaking to a group, but it was my first time speaking in front of them. I was so nervous, frightened, and scared. I knew I should not be scared because God was with me. His word says:

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry (2 Timothy 4:2-5 NIV).

This was His message, not mine but it had taken me so long to get a word. I had sat before Him praying “Lord send me a word for your people” and I had gotten nothing. Slowly and steadily the message came—2 Timothy 4:2-5. It was brief but I had wished there were more.

Little did I know I was going first. I was going to start off the conference. My word from God was going to set the stage for everyone else. The pressure was on. When I took the podium to start my message, I started to shake but no one noticed. I also had a quiver in my voice; they did not notice that either. I yelled out, “Now at the count of three scream ‘All Aboard’”! And they did.

Then the message began to flow. It was one of encouragement and bravery to equip the people of God for these coming times. We know we are in a world that is turning away from God. We are the saints called to equip the body whether it is preaching, teaching, evangelizing, prophesying, or praying. As long as we do our job God will do His.

No matter what He has called you to do, do not be afraid. He will equip you for the work. He will give you everything you need, even the words you need. He has gotten it all under control. He called you for the time and for this season.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for such a clear and powerful word for Your people. Help us to hear this message deep in our souls and always be ready to share Your truth. It’s not well received at times and many have turned away from it and embraced myths. Pour out Your Word through us through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Give us courage, strength, and wisdom. Amen.

Crossroads of Character

 

 

Vernell Windsor – Prayer Center Coach, cbn.com

Have you ever wanted the Lord to punish someone because they mistreated you? Or perhaps experienced road rage? Maybe you argued with the other driver like they could hear you from the confines of your car? Or perhaps you “retaliated” by making hand symbols they could “read” in any language? The struggles of humankind are real.

Do not worry! My road rage days ended one morning years ago when my tween daughter said to me, “Mom, two wrongs don’t make a right.” Ouch! I was deeply convicted for my tongue-lashing and worked diligently to not speak against anyone on the road again. This new way of driving required a lot of intentionality. And I had to replace the habit with something else. You guessed it; I began to pray for them instead.

The prophet Jeremiah had much to say about those who gave him a hard time. Consider his response in the following verse:

Yet You, O Lord, know all their deadly designs against me; do not forgive their iniquity or blot out their sin from Your sight. But may they be overthrown before You; deal with them in the time of Your anger! (Jeremiah 18:23 NASB)

Jeremiah’s outburst sounded like road rage. He was confronted by angry men who meant him great harm and responded like David did in many of the Psalms. This was not his finest moment. We have all been in that place of desperation at some point or another. There is a crossroads, and we must decide which path to take. The Bible has a lot to say about anger but much more about love. May we always remember that God is love!

For me, the whole road rage path became easy to turn away from because I wanted to demonstrate good character before God and my children. The Holy Spirit really does convict us of sin and helps us overcome it. He helped me to bridle my tongue and refocus on compassion for others. After all, Jeremiah 18 was all about the Lord’s desire to bless, not curse. I love that we “get to” choose the outcome. May we always choose life and blessings.

Let’s pray. Father, our desire is to please You in all that we say and do. Help us to guard our hearts so that our manner of speech honors You and others. Allow us to see others with Your heart of compassion. Deliver us from every evil way. Help us to bridle our tongues so that they only speak to give You glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

Be Compassionate

 

By Mary Southerland, Crosswalk.com

“Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

I was worried about our daughter. Danna has a severe case of endometriosis. She is often in so much pain that her husband finds her is curled up in a ball on her bathroom floor. Her OB/GYN is beginning to talk with her about having a hysterectomy. She is only 35! So, I struggle with worrying about her instead of trusting God to care for her. But I’m trying! For weeks, Danna has had severe pain in her shoulder that radiates under her arm into her upper back. She has tried just about everything – hot showers and baths, massage therapy, stretches, her husband trying to work out the knots with a handheld massager, using a Tens unit – but nothing has worked. So finally, her doctor prescribed physical therapy.

Physical therapy is usually painful. I have had to go through physical therapy after shoulder surgery for my back which is riddled with arthritis, Scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and stenosis. And there are my knees – which are bone-on-bone, they tell me. Other than those issues, nothing hurts. But the fact is that physical therapy is usually painful. I know it is for my good, but it still hurts! I did not tell Danna that physical therapy can be painful because I didn’t want her to worry, and just maybe it wouldn’t be so excruciating. I was wrong. She called me in tears, describing all of the horrible things they did to her.

Danna’s youngest son, Hudson, is a walking heart. He knows my back always hurts, so whenever I am with him, he eventually stands beside me and lightly rubs my back. His love does lessen the pain. He especially does not like it when anyone hurts his mom – doctors included. So, when Danna picked the boys up from school, Hudson wanted to know every detail about what they had done. Hudson adores Danna. They have the most precious relationship.

When Danna described the physical therapy she had just experienced, she said Hudson’s eyes got bigger and bigger. Then came the question that undid him. “Mom, where did they do those things to you?” When Danna lightly touched the places on Hud where she had just gone through so many painful therapies, including dry needles, inserting a needle into the trigger points, and then turning on the electrical current, Hudson started crying. I asked, “Danna, did you poke him when describing the therapy? She said, “No! I just barely touched the spots where I was in pain. He started crying because someone had hurt his mom, and he could not stand it!” I had just been schooled in the true meaning of compassion – by my 9-year-old grandson.

Hudson reminded me of the Good Samaritan, with whom I have a love-hate relationship. The Samaritan decided to use his pain to help someone else who had been wounded. The Samaritan had experienced pain in his own life. He could have surrendered to that pain, as so many people do. But he made a different choice. You see, all Jews hated all Samaritans. It was just a fact. Jews had absolutely nothing to do with Samaritans. And here was the problem. The man lying on the road was indeed a Jew.

Think about that fact for a moment and let it sink in. There was no logical reason for this Samaritan to change his plans and spend his money to help this “enemy” or “sandpaper person” in need. But compassion doesn’t look for reasons to look for boundaries or restrictions. Instead, it pursues every opportunity to help those in need.

What Does It Mean to Be Brave?

 

Norma Martinez – Prayer Center Coordinator – CBN Mexico

Over 10 years ago, I worked for a company that was dedicated to conducting telephone surveys. I remember fearing rejection when I was conducting surveys lasting anywhere from seven to 20 minutes. I just thought that after I started, they would end my call without finishing the survey.

Now I am serving in CBN Mexico, where I started in the ministry as a volunteer answering calls for Club 700 Hoy. I pray for people who contact us and need a word of encouragement. During my first week of taking calls, I experienced the same fear of being rejected—but not anymore. God made me brave by speaking on God’s behalf through His written Word. Through what I have experienced in each call and hearing how God can use us, I have learned to leave timidity behind and face risky situations.

In Jeremiah chapters 12 to 14, we read about the kingdom of Judah and their society’s idolatry, immorality, and disregard for God´s ways. It is in the midst of such turbulent times that God asked the prophet, Jeremiah, to deliver a tough message to the people of Judah. Jeremiah loved the people of Judah, but he loved God much more and chose to obey Him by calling the nation to repent of their evil ways and seek the Lord, warning them of destruction to come if the nation did not repent.

As painful as it was to deliver the message, Jeremiah still prayed for God’s mercy toward Judah, trusting that God was good, just, and upright:

“We acknowledge our wickedness, LORD, and the guilt of our ancestors; we have indeed sinned against you. For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us and do not break it” (Jeremiah 14:20-21 NIV).

Just as Jeremiah was brave to deliver God´s message to His beloved people, we too must be brave and do what God asks of us. Even when it is difficult or uncomfortable, if we trust God’s infinite wisdom and great love, we will see the best for us, His children.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Being brave is having the virtue or quality of showing courage and strength in the face of people, circumstances, and the problems of life. It is a psychological quality comparable to strength, but it is also a virtue that is acquired through the repetition of courageous acts.

In Joshua 1:9, God commands us to be strong and courageous, but he also reminds us that in those moments when courage is required, we are not alone.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Being brave is having the courage to overcome what we have in front of us. It is the opportunity to face that situation that life offers us, or that we have chosen. Courage is a challenge to which we expose ourselves to grow, learn, and improve ourselves; and it is what God has given me.

As you reflect on these words today let’s ask the question, In what area of life do you feel that you need to be brave? Where do you need the courage to overcome what is in front of you?  My prayer for your life is that fear would depart as you place your trust in God and step forward in faith.

Does God Really Want to Meet with Me?

 

By Megan Evans, Crosswalk.com

“How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.” – Psalm 84:1-2 (NLT)

Messy moments and seasons of life when we have strayed can leave us wondering if God even wants to be around us anymore. Perhaps your heart has asked the question, “does God really want to talk to someone like me right now?” Though the shame of our sin may tell us no, God’s faithful love screams a victorious yes! So then, what does a Holy God do with sinful people like you and me? Thankfully, as He has always done, our Heavenly Father calls us to His side. What a tender welcome into His unfailing love! Like the generations who came before us, He scoops us up, washes us clean, and teaches us how to live under His refuge and blessing.

God went to great lengths to prepare His people to be able to meet with Him. All throughout the Bible we see a Holy God pursuing unholy hearts in need of saving. Even when God’s people wandered and strayed, He never stopped loving them and still seeks our hearts to this day. God wants to spend time with us and promises forgiveness and redeeming love when we come to Him. This relationship is the only way our hearts can ever be truly satisfied. The presence of the Lord is indeed a lovely dwelling place and our spirit yearns for it because His presence is where God created us to live out our days.

One such account of God’s extensive preparation to dwell and meet with His people regularly can be found in the Old Testament book of Numbers. This certainly isn’t the most action packed book of the Bible, but nestled amidst the bookkeeping and records are tender moments between God and man.

If anyone could have pushed the limits of the Father’s love it would have been the Israelites, yet the Bible chronicles His unfailing love and desire for relationship with man. God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, gave them law and instruction, and prepared to dwell in their midst by way of the Tabernacle. When it came time to dedicate the altar to God, each tribe committed to serve the Lord by presenting their offering. This demonstrated not only obedience, but hearts that were finally ready for relationship.

God spoke to Moses there at the tabernacle, or Tent of Meeting as it is also called. Scripture tells us, “Whenever Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. The Lord spoke to him from there” (Numbers 7:89 NLT).  

We were made for so much more than just the ordinary sin of this broken world.  We were meant to enjoy God’s perfect love, joy, hope, and peace and to dwell in His extraordinary presence. The Lord pursued and redeemed this ragtag group of Israelites and He wants to spend time with us too. Yes, God really wants to meet with you and me regardless of where our hearts have wandered, so it’s time to come back home. Like Jesus tells of the prodigal son who returned home to his welcoming father, “…He was lost, but now he is found” (Luke 15:32).

If your heart is longing for God’s tender presence then meet with Him right now. Spend time with God in prayer and rest there lingering in His love and forgiveness. If you’ve surrendered the throne of your life to Jesus Christ, then His dwelling place is no further than your heart. You are welcome in His courts today, so enter with praise shouting joyfully to the living God.

He is ready to meet with us anyplace, anytime, anywhere. So don’t wait! Talk to God in prayer and listen to His Living Word through the pages of your Bible. Jesus is the answer to anything our body and mind are longing for today. Our spirit is yearning for time with God, and we can rest assured we are welcome in His lovely dwelling place.

God Our Comforter

 

Marissa Nordlum, cbn.com

Every single one of us, at some point or another, has felt sorrow. Just as we go through times of joy and beauty, we will also experience pain and sorrow in this lifetime. While sorrow is unavoidable, we can find hope in our sorrow when we lean on the Lord as our comforter.

The example of the Lord as our comforter often reminds me of how a child seeks comfort from a parent. Since becoming a parent, I have experienced this many times. I have two little boys and every time one of them wakes up from a bad dream, gets a bad “owie,” or is feeling pain in any way, they immediately run to me, throw up their arms, and want to be cuddled and receive comfort. They know as my children that I will comfort them and take care of them. Even though they are young, they know I will always be there waiting to help them when they need it.

Jeremiah knew this when he declared in Jeremiah 8:18 (NIV), “You who are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.” Jeremiah had been in lament over the nation of Judah and their lack of repentance towards God. While the nation of Judah may not have found God as their comforter, Jeremiah did and sought the Lord on their behalf. Even though destruction and pain were upon the nation of Judah, Jeremiah cried out to the Lord and declared that He was his comforter.

We too can trust that we serve a God and heavenly Father who is our comforter. He will always be there waiting for us when we call on Him. We can call on him in the highs, and also in the lowest valleys. And when we do, we can in show that same love and comfort to those needing it around us. Just like 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

So today, if you need comfort, run to the Father. He is waiting with arms wide open, just like a parent will wait for their child. He is ready to comfort you and be there for you in your time of need.

And if you have received God’s comfort in the past, choose today to find someone else to extend that same comfort to. Remind them that the God of all comfort is on their side.

Living Under a Microscope

 

Vernell Windsor – Prayer Center Coach, cbn.com

Are there any science nerds out there? Does anyone remember learning how to use a microscope in biology class? We were empowered to inspect those tiny cells of life smeared on a tiny glass plate. Or maybe you auditioned for a part in a play, or some other type of performance? You diligently prepared for the big moment, and it was quite exhilarating. All eyes were on you!

In 1 Timothy 4, the Apostle Paul tells of one disciple encouraged to live his life “under the microscope,” or on the “stage of life.” Could this exhortation apply to the rest of us? Let us look at it:

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given to you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:13-16 ESV).

Did you catch it? He wrote, “so that all may see your progress.” This sage exhortation serves us well. In a sense, we’re living life under a microscope. Scientists have learned valuable information through microscopic research. Another way to understand this is to see oneself as on the stage called life. What we do matters to God, our family, and our community. Others are affected by our personal decisions.

I remember one of my siblings being quite disturbed because I did not go to law school when accepted (back when the dinosaurs roamed). This was a classic “microscopic” moment in time. I had no idea she had held this thing so tightly (it was my life, right?). She saw something in me that I did not. I will always love her for it!

We do live in glass houses! The earth is not as big as we once thought (thanks to high-speed internet). Not only are we to live for God, but other believers need to see our progress as we follow Christ through both the good and the more challenging times of our lives. Discipleship may cost us something! It takes time to read Scripture regularly and to exercise all those God-given gifts like exhortation and teaching. Nor does progress happen all by itself. We have a great responsibility to persist! Are you up for the challenge?

Setting the Captives Free

 

 

Pat Robertson, cbn.com

Every October, many Americans are bewitched by Halloween. They dress their kids like cute little witches, devils and goblins … but there’s really nothing cute about Satan.

Matthew, Mark and Luke* give horrifying descriptions of a demon-possessed man who lived naked in a cemetery, gashing himself with stones — so wild that no chains could restrain him, and so violent that no one could safely pass by.

But even the strongest demons are no match for God’s power! Jesus looked beyond that man’s revolting appearance and saw a pitiful human being, made in the image of God but held captive by Satan.

When Jesus cast out the man’s demons,

“They began screaming at Him, ‘Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?’” (Matthew 8:29 NLT)

The demons referred to God’s timetable, knowing they are limited in how long they can roam the earth, trying to deceive and trap people with lust, alcohol, drugs, crime, and false beliefs like New Age — attempting to destroy souls by leading them away from God. But when their time is up — and that may be very soon! — they face eternal torture. Satan knows it, Jesus knows it, and we ought to know it, too.

Jesus sent the demons into some pigs, which instantly went crazy and rushed down a steep hill to drown themselves.

The whole city came to see the demonized man clothed and miraculously sane. But instead of being happy for him, they were outraged about their pigs — and rudely sent Jesus away!

Similarly today, it’s sad how some folks care more about their pets and possessions than suffering people. I’ve been to places in Africa and around the world where men, women and children live in abject poverty, afflicted with hunger, thirst and disease. What joy to bring them nourishing food, clean water, essential medicine — and above all, the life-giving Gospel.

In God’s eyes, just one human life is worth far more than any earthly treasure — and Jesus showed that divine love on the cross.

Learning to Be a Follower and Leader

 

By Laura Bailey, crosswalk.com

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23 NLT

Are you a leader or a follower? Which would you say if you were asked? Do you identify as one over the other, or perhaps both, depending on your circumstances? A quick internet search and over 15 million quizzes, articles, and resources can help determine whether we tend to be leaders or followers. Why the interest in this subject?

Culturally leaders have been praised for bold words, brave actions, and boundary-pushing agendas. However, as Christians, we see numerous times to follow Christ, who walked humbly and elevated others. Does Scripture encourage us to be followers or leaders? It tells us to engage in both roles!

We see the importance of being a disciple of Christ throughout the New Testament. Jesus tells us, “ whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23 NIV). So we must do three things: deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. All commandments seem like a follower, so where do believers have the opportunity to lead?

Jesus tells his disciples that their job is to lead the charge in making more disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey God’s Word. Check out Matthew 28:18-20, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

For many Christians, we’ve heard the verses above; perhaps we have them written on a shirt or created a pretty post on social media with the scripture. But, we need to go deeper than just rote memorization; faith coupled with action, the call to follow Christ.  We need to do the deep heart work and ask, how does following Christ change how I live and equip and encourage me to fulfill the great commission to go and make disciples?

There are so many things competing for our time; for many of us, God has not called us to full-time ministry. But, He does invite us into a more profound commitment to serving Him. Being a disciple isn’t always easy. Jesus tells us it will be pretty tricky- but the reward is great. 1 Peter 2:19-25 outlines what it looks like to live godly lives. It also tells us three things; we should expect to suffer because Christ suffered, Jesus is our example, and He trusted himself to God, we were once lost sheep, but now we are under the protection of the Good Shephard.

Faith is not always easy, and happy obedience isn’t, at least for me. But just as Jesus had a greater plan for the disciples 2,000 years ago, He has a plan for us. He is working all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). While the original twelve disciples had particular roles, our jobs are no less important. We still exist for the same purpose, to know God and make Him known as we follow Christ and lead others to our  Lord and Savior.

Beyond Redemption: Am I Forgivable?

 

 

Jennifer Scribner – cbn.com

During my teenage years, I was faced with several traumatic experiences, which resulted in the onset of some self-destructive behaviors on my part. The sudden death of my fiancé was when I really started to spiral down into sin and destruction. There were times when I disobeyed God. I harbored resentment toward Him because of the anguish and suffering that I was forced to go through.

I had reached the point where I simply did not care what the future held for me. But as I began to experience a growing sense of complete isolation in my grief and sinfulness, I prayed to God for direction. The devil had not wasted any time in trying to convince me that I was beyond redemption, which is why I am so thankful that my Savior quickly delivered me from my poor choices. It was very challenging for me to avoid falling for the lies told by the devil, but I clung to the Word of God and persisted through it all. After making a conscious effort to read the Bible on a regular basis, I was able to unearth a great deal of motivation, as well as the encouragement and hope that I needed to make better decisions.

For as long as I can remember, the wonderful teachings and letters of the Apostle Paul have held my attention. When I saw such divine love and obedience in the life of a man who had been the worst of the worst, it gave me inspiration. It is difficult to fathom how Paul was once Saul—a murderer who was motivated by rage and evil and who was set on eliminating all of God’s children.

Paul, in his capacity as an apostle, readily acknowledges this fact on different occasions. Through his teaching, he instilled the confidence that it is never too late to find salvation and forgiveness, regardless of the choices we’ve made in the past.

The following passage from 1 Timothy is just one example of Paul’s teaching on this subject.

Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that comes from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:14-16 NLT)

Thank You, Father, for believing in us and giving us all the hope and truth for redemption.

Rest for the Weary

 

 

Dayna Lovelady – Employee Engagement Manager

Disasters, violence, division, and lawlessness overtake the headlines of the local, national, and world news. Our media lacks good news stories. Daily, I see that terrible things are happening within my city, state, and nation. Some say they do not know why they are doing good when evil is around them — it would be easier to join the crowd.

When sin is all around us, there can be a temptation to fall into it. We must choose to do good and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading as we live our lives. There may be times when we do our best for God and it seems that bad still happens. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (CSB) says,

But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.

Doing good is a fruit of the Spirit of God and it pleases Him. No matter how unpopular doing good may be on our jobs, in our schools, in our communities, or in our families, there is always a reward from God. Galatians 6:9 urges,

Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.

The Bible warns about getting tired of doing good more than once and this advice is still applicable today. Jesus summoned those who were weak and weary during His time on earth, and He still offers that place of refuge. He graciously extended the invitation of rest for the weary soul when He said in Matthew 11:28-29,

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Does your soul need rest today? I encourage you to go to the refuge of Jesus. He is always available any day or night that you stand in need. He knew there would be times when we would become weary and burdened living in this world. When we do good, there are opposing forces that want us to do evil, and that alone can be draining. Yet, God has allowed us to take refuge in Jesus so that we find rest for our souls to keep going and to keep doing good.

Prayer:
Lord, I am weary of doing good and I need Your rest. Please help me to lean on You and to be empowered to continue to do good, even when evil is all around me. I receive new strength from You, and I look forward to the rewards that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God Is Our Guide

 

 

Tori Troncone – cbn.com

My husband and I had the opportunity to snorkel in the Caribbean Sea on our honeymoon. We saw sea urchins, sting rays, and countless colorful fish. It’s one of our favorite memories. However, it’s a memory that almost didn’t happen.

Once we were out in the middle of the sea, strapped into our life vests and fitted into our flippers, Luke and I almost stayed on the boat. I’m not a super-strong swimmer, and to be honest the vastness of open water was starting to overwhelm me. Not to mention the barracudas, eels, and sharks that inhabit the Caribbean Sea. No thanks!

The only reason we got into the water that day was because we had a guide, a whole team of them in fact. We had a guide swimming out in front of us to make sure we didn’t run into anything dangerous. We had guides on each side and behind us, making sure we didn’t drift away from our boat. If we had questions or needed assistance getting back to the boat, they were there to help.

Our beautiful snorkeling adventure would not have been the same if we had just been dropped out into the sea by ourselves. In fact, it wouldn’t have happened at all!

How encouraging it is to know that we do not have to face the vast unknown of this world without a guide! Are you unsure which path to take? Are you walking through a season of newness or unfamiliarity? Whatever uncertainty we may be facing, we do not have to do it alone! Praise the Lord that He has promised to be our guide! His Word tells us that He will go before and behind us, and He will answer us when we call Him.

Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. “Yes, I am here,” he will quickly reply (Isaiah 58:8-9 NLT).

We also find this promise frequently in the Psalms (23:1-3, 25:8, 32:8, 37:23, 119:105). The Lord has made it clear that we can trust Him to guide us. So, will we trust Him?

If I had never gotten off the boat in the Caribbean Sea, I would have missed out on the experience of a lifetime. But I also would never have known what a great group of men we had guiding us out into the waters. I wouldn’t have seen how they cared for the weak swimmers or swam far out ahead of the group to ensure our safety. Will we get to witness God’s faithfulness if we refuse to trust Him with the unknowns we are facing?

The world can be a scary and overwhelming place. But we serve a good and faithful God! When we seek Him and follow Him, we can walk in confidence, knowing He is guiding us.

Father God, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive us when we let our fears keep us from trusting You and seeking Your voice. Help us to remember what You have promised us time and time again in Your Word.

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you (Psalm 25:4-5).

God Loves Me Unconditionally

 

Charmain Hibberd, cbn.com

What did you do when you were in trouble as a child? Were you one to run and hide? Or did you boldly own up to your offence and receive your discipline?

I was definitely in the run-and-hide category. As a perfectionist, any kind of perceived bad behavior and consequent punishment was terrifying to me—so I would run. I think the most common reason we as humans can come up with to convince ourselves that God does not love us anymore is when we do something wrong. Perhaps it is an addiction or habitual sin that causes us to conclude that we have spent our mercy. God’s grace has run out.

I remember receiving my unconditional acceptance letter to the university of my choice. I was euphoric that day as I opened the letter and read those two wonderful words—unconditional offer. This meant that no matter what I did, no matter what grades I received in high school, I was in. I was accepted. My place was secure.

This is the message I want to communicate to you today. No matter how much you think you may have messed up, fallen short, or let God down, you have a 100% acceptance rate in the kingdom of God.

I am not advocating that we all walk around practicing bad behavior and sin simply because we have a forgiving God. Not at all. I simply want to say that the height and depth, the length and breadth of love that the Father has for us is ours forever, no matter what.

There is no condition that you or I can find ourselves in that will ever cause God to withdraw His love from us. Once you have surrendered your life to Christ and remain in Him, you are secure. Rest in that knowledge today.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).