A Devotion May Be Someone's Only Bible
Focusing our minds on Christ. . .studying His word, drawing tight into a relationship that is unbreakable. This is when His Spirit lives in our minds helping us keep our eyes focused only on Him.
I have a friend who is losing her vision. When we walk at the state park, we take the asphalt trail, which is flat and smooth. She cannot see tree roots or uneven ground if we enter the woods.
But even if we don’t have vision issues, we can get entangled in the roots of false living. I remember a relationship I had with a nice Christian man. Over time, I saw his conflicting ways of living. He did not back up his beliefs and actions with biblical truths. I saw what wasn’t in his heart and his unwillingness to grow as a Christian. Our relationship grew apart.
Many of us have a favorite devotional book we use daily or while on the run—something that gives a few words of Scripture to ponder throughout the day. Those snippets of God’s truths can be the beginning of a seed to grow into a deeper journey in the Word so that growth will blossom.
Reading books that teach us and reading through the Bible helps us see the bigger picture of God’s shining love. God’s Word lights our way so we can stay on God’s path, not our own.
Think of someone you could walk with and show God’s light to. We all go through periods of light and darkness, so let’s help one another grow through all seasons.
There are too many people in this elevator. Does anyone else feel like the walls are getting closer together?
Thoughts like these have crossed my mind occasionally. I get a little anxious in crowds and small spaces. Almost immediately, I look for the nearest exit because there is not enough air for everyone. Of course, that doesn’t help when seated in an airplane at high altitude.
Similar concerns also arise when I know I’ll be in a social setting. Although I am familiar with or even related to folks involved in the event, a bit of fear arises. What will they think of me? Am I too quirky or out of step with the norm? What if I do or say something awkward? Okay, where did all the oxygen go?
Reading what Zechariah proclaimed at the birth of his son, John, gives me truth to hold on to. The enemy that assaults me comes from within—self-defeating thoughts and attitudes—and tries to prevent me from serving the Lord by offering my friendship and fellowship to those I encounter.
Zechariah’s words about rescue refer to our mighty Savior, Jesus Christ, the Rescuer. Having placed my trust and faith in Him, the chains of fear break off. Jesus opens the door, allowing in breezes to refresh us all. Taking a deep breath, I am freed to roam the room and offer kindness, acceptance, joy, peace, patience, and encouragement.
If some fears squeeze the air out of you, look to Jesus. He has the key to the chains that bind you. He opens the door. Turn to Him and breathe deeply.
In the late 1980s, scientists attempted to duplicate the earth’s ecosystem in a closed environment called Biosphere 2. While the project failed, researchers did learn a valuable lesson about trees.
Trees in the biosphere grew fast, but before they could mature, they collapsed. Studies later revealed that their demise resulted from a lack of wind. The wind keeps a tree moving continuously, and this constant stress causes the roots to grow deeper and bigger, thus making the tree stronger. Since the trees in Biosphere 2 never experienced wind, their peaceful environment made them too weak to survive.
In the same way, the stress of trials cultivates spiritual perseverance in us. Trials are inevitable and often painful, but they have a purpose. They refine our faith, develop our endurance, and mature us spiritually. Trials strengthen our faith roots and help us survive life’s challenges—whether we suffer the loss of a job, a frightening diagnosis, or the death of a loved one.
James maintains our response to trials determines if we will experience spiritual growth. To become “mature and complete,” we must respond joyfully. This doesn’t mean we have to paint on a happy face and swallow our pain. Instead, we can anticipate what good God will do for us through the trials. We choose to grow bitter or better, to lose hope or gain faith. Our perspective makes all the difference in our journey toward becoming like Christ.
Remember to lean into God’s grace instead of grumbling and complaining when trials come your way. Trust that He will work all things together for your good and His glory. Face your trials positively, knowing God’s grace will sustain you. God will use your trials to develop you into a stronger and more mature Christian.
As a father, I want to protect my children and shield them from hurtful words, upsetting situations, and harmful people.
Years ago, our fifteen-year-old son was injured at a football practice. His spleen ruptured while being hit on a play. What followed was an incredible trial. He lost twenty-two pounds, had two blood transfusions, spent ten days in two different hospitals, and missed thirty-one days of school. Thankfully, he recovered.
Truthfully, however, my strength as a father was not enough for us. We needed the strength of the Lord to endure that season.
God knows our struggles and wants to be our protector, shield, and provider of strength.
Paul reminds us we struggle not against people but spiritual forces. We cannot protect our families from every threat they may face. Though our inadequacy is humbling, it draws us to depend upon the Lord. We serve the God who has defeated death and hell through His victory over sin on the cross and through His resurrection.
If the Lord promises to help us, no one has reason to fear spiritual attack. We are victorious because we are children of the most high God. We can take our battles and struggles to the Lord of the universe. We can put on the whole armor of God because God gives us all we need to fight the battles.
God can help us face our greatest fears, disappointments, or enemies. He allows trials to strengthen our faith and increase our dependence upon Him.
Let God fight for you. Put on His full armor so you can face any circumstance.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and svetlanaeliseevan.)
It was a season of delays and longsuffering. I had prayed, labored, and waited expectantly for what I had longed for from the Lord, but things constantly went wrong. Nothing manifested for me.
During these times, I was tempted to become discouraged. Other temptations magnified, and it seemed as if this would never end. But I was encouraged as I read about God's commendation of the church of Philadelphia. One of the major praises given by Christ concerned how they had kept His words despite how little they were and how little strength they had. Because of that, the Lord would keep them from the hour of trial that was coming to test the earth's inhabitants.
When I realized that such light and momentary afflictions prepare me for eternal glory, it became much easier to stand firm and trust Christ despite the delays, which were not God's denials.
We are tempted to quit when our strength feels small, yet the Lord God is testing and refining our character and reminding us to be patient. One of the most encouraging truths we can cling to is that if the Lord God is providing the results, it isn't up to us to try and control the outcomes only He can produce. We must simply be still and at peace, rest confidently on His Word, and believe we will reap a harvest in due season if we faint not.
When experiencing a difficult trial that tests and challenges us, the temptation to falter and give up often intensifies right before the Lord is about to do something amazing. We should trust the Lord God to make a way through temptation and bring us into His presence in due season.
Many of us will be tested throughout the course of our lives, but how seriously do we take these tests? Think of what you need to pass God's tests. Then seek out the word of the Lord and delight in Him.