Or to paraphrase…Let us not become discouraged. When we become discouraged, it debilitates us and weakens our mind. We become exasperated at the sheer difficulty we face, and that can lead to depression. We shut down…and give up. But giving up is a decision we make…not the Lord’s will for our life.
Category: Daily Inspirational Devotional
Psalm 119: 130 ” The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
After speaking at a Ladies Breakfast yesterday, I reflected on what I had gleaned from the experience. Yes, I learn something every time I speak…for within all the preparation and presentation, the Lord speaks to me also. Insight into God’s word makes the simple wise, and I’m grasping after His truths daily. Insight into His heart is like a rose slowly unfolding its petals…becoming more beautiful and precious every day.
Romans 14: 10-12 ” You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live’, says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
We are casual to judge others. We become judge, jury, and executioner with a glance or comment…judging others more harshly than ourselves. But there will come a time when all our judging will cease…for the great Judgment Day will come and it will be God doing the judging. And at that moment…all will recognize and submit to His authority alone. For at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2: 10-11)
Jeremiah 10:23 ” I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”
If you want to see a disaster waiting to happen…watch people trying to run their own lives apart from God. Humans are nowhere smart enough to think they can rule and reign themselves…let alone everything else in the world. The very sage words of Proverbs 3:5-6 remain so true…”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
Matthew 5: 38-39 ” You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Jesus was quoting Leviticus 24:20 where the law stated that as a man had injured someone, so he was to be injured. But then, Jesus turned that law completely upside down by advocating loving your enemy and not repaying evil with evil…of doing good to those who hate you, and turning the cheek.
Philippians 2: 14-16 ” Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.”
These verses aren’t asking you to go around singing all day, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…” But they are asking you to make a difference in the world and to not hide your faith. When you allow the love of Jesus to shine through you…people sense it…they know there’s something different about you…and they’re drawn to the light.
Proverbs 6:23 ” For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.”
We all want long life, health, and prosperity…but what does it take to achieve these things? This verse states that we need to first accept instruction and discipline from the Lord, and then allow it to be assimilated and incorporated into every part of our life…and into every action and behavior .
Psalm 26: 7 ” I go about your alter, O Lord, proclaiming aloud Your praise and telling of all Your wonderful deeds.”
It’s testimony Sunday, and I want to share a miracle that happen this week…especially for those who think miracles don’t happen anymore. My Daughter-In-Law was driving home with two kids, two dogs, and a newly acquired horse…a journey covering three states…when the clutch in the truck started making noise…and then the wet heavy snow began falling, making driving very difficult. After 16 1/2 hours on the road, she safety pulled into their driveway. The next morning, she got into the truck to take it to the Dealership to find the clutch was completely out…the truck wouldn’t move, and had to be towed. How many miles do you think the angels propelled that truck through the blinding snowstorm and held that clutch together so they could get home safely?
Galatians 6: 7-8 ” Do not be deceived: God can not be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
We sow our wild oats, and what do we get in return? Lung cancer from damaging long-term cigarette smoke…Hepatitis C from IV drug use…Sexually transmitted diseases from promiscuous activity…Cirrhosis of the liver from chronic alcohol abuse. It doesn’t sound like great compensation for a few minutes of pleasure. That’s why God’s offer is far superior with lasting benefits…for it says in Romans 6:23, ” For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Isaiah 25:1 ” O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.”
The steadfastness and certainty of the Lord can not be more apparent than knowing that what He has planned for us was decided long before this world began. This is shown even more beautifully in Isaiah 14:24, “The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.’ ” God and His Word does not change…nor will His purpose and plans for your life.
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