"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)
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“The Bible has been banned, burned, scoffed, and ridiculed. Scholars have mocked it as foolish. Kings have branded it as illegal. A thousand times over it the grave has been dug, and the dirge has begun, but somehow the Bible never stays in the grave. Not only has it survived, it has thrived. It is the single most popular book in all of history. It has been the best-selling book in the world for years!" Max Lucado, Grace For the Moment #devotions
Don't be surprised when God, not only answers your prayers, but then goes above and beyond what you had been hoping for. We are not always faithful, but God ALWAYS is.
Place the glory where it belongs and let everyone know what the Lord has done! "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20) He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalms 46:10)
Sometimes we'll get distracted by other people's opinions, or by our own urges to rush ahead, rather than do what we feel God has called us to do. In times of uncertainty around God's calling in your life, it is sometimes best to just "be still", trust His plan for you, and wait for His further encouragments on your path. But, when He DOES reveal it to you, be sure to follow it as it is His will for you. On this day we give thanks to all the American patriots who gave their lives for our country and our freedom. Thank you again for your sacrifice and may God continue to watch over the loved ones you left behind, now and forever.
Our command is to concern ourselves with today and let God handle our "tomorrows". It's not that we should neglect our responsibilities of the future, but that we should be casting our worries and concerns onto the Lord. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Don't let what you can't control at the moment rob you of the joy of today. We are but a mist, and not one of us is promised a tomorrow, so let's seek first the kingdom of God and let Him provide our needs from there (James 4:14 and Matthew 6:33). "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them." (1 Timothy 2:1)
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I think we can all lose sight of how blessed our lives are from time to time.
We begin to focus all our energy on the "worldy" issue of the moment. I'm not saying that these issues aren't "stressful", but if we were to keep our focus on the "eternal" and not so much on what's temporary, I believe we'd be MUCH better off on a daily basis. "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossains 3:2) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
I believe our marriages are very important, not only to us, but also to our Heavenly Father. That said, there is absolutely nothing that should take top billing away from your relationship with Jesus. Make sure God is THE priority in your marriage, as all else will take care if itself. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
Too often I see broken spouses who are saying they can't go on without their significant other. What does that say about their relationship with Jesus, who gave Himself so they "could" go on? If you find yourself saying (or even thinking) that, remember the sacrifice Christ made for you. Remember, this life is not eternal, and your ultimate inheritance is in heaven. "Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." (Psalm 73:25-26) "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." (2 Timothy 3:16)
"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10) "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (Colossians 3:23)
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Bottom line: Give God the wheel and get in the back seat.
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55: 8-11) Proverbs 31 Ministries
Often times we conceal the broken parts of our lives to hide what is really going on inside of us. We pretend we are fine and push our problems deep down inside, but eventually our broken pieces find their way to the surface. But why do we torture ourselves like this? God never wanted us to live our life weighed down in chains. He came to break each chain that holds up captive, and bring freedom to our life. Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Friend, what we keep hidden cannot be healed. Freedom comes when we decide to bring darkness to light. We need to share our pain and confess broken places in our lives with God and others. When we do this it gives others the same freedom to vulnerably share their lives with us, too. What are some hidden areas you need to bring into the light this week? We are believing alongside you that confession and vulnerability in your life will bring healing. |
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