God's Word is His Promise

By Charity Pence

This Week’s Verse: Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (NKJV)

Devotion:
A few years ago I wrote out some Bible verses and posted them around my home. The purpose was to keep myself surrounded by God’s word. Deuteronomy 11:18 says, “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.” (KJV) God commands us to keep his word before us. However, over time, I became oblivious to the posts I had put up. They began to blend in with the surroundings so that I barely saw them.

Finally realizing this, I recently took them down and opened my Bible so I could write down verses that apply to my current circumstances. Then I stuck them in places where they would be hard to overlook and made a point each day to acknowledge them. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (NKJV) God’s word has exactly what we need when we need it.

A week later, I noticed an obvious change in my attitude. Coincidence? Not hardly. Being surrounded by God’s promises reminded me of all the good God has planned for me. My hope was renewed! “This hope we have as an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, which enters the presence behind the veil.” Hebrews 6:19 (NKJV)

I plan to move the verses around and update them as often as necessary. I want to continue to be surrounded by God’s word.

It is interesting that God’s word is always available to me. But I have to recognize it. I have to accept it, believe it and claim it! “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (KJV)

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I forget that the Bible is not just a book filled with your words but also your promise to me and all people. When I am reading your word, help me to see you are speaking directly to me. Please protect me from Satan’s attempts to steal your promise. Your word is true, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Applications: When is the last time you really allowed God’s word to soak into your heart? Take time this week to study God’s word. Find a verse that applies to whatever you may be going through and keep it before you at all times. It makes a difference!

Power Verses:
Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (NKJV)

John 1:1, “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.” (KJV)

John 8:31-32, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” (NKJV)

Conversation with God

by Karen Keim

“Lord, I am really hurting right now. I can’t quit crying. That person once again spoke to me and treated me in a manner that I don’t deserve.”

“I know how you feel, Karen. I didn’t deserve the treatment I received so long ago. And you know what else? Not that I want to hurt you more, but I don’t deserve the way YOU treat me sometimes either.”

“I know, Lord, and I’m sorry, but can we deal with that later? Right now can we just talk about me? I mean, how much more can I take? How much more SHOULD I take? I have a notion to just e-mail them and give them a piece of my mind!”

“You know, if you really consider yourself religious and don’t keep a tight rein on your tongue, you deceive yourself and your religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)

“So I’m just supposed to sit back and continue to take this treatment at their will?!? Psshh!”

“If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:29b)

“But who do they think they are?”

“I could ask you the same thing, Karen. Who do YOU think YOU are? You’re a sinner saved by my grace. You were once lost, too, you know.” (Ephesians 2:5)

“All right, all right. But, Lord, you know my friend and I have even been praying for them, even going so far as to literally hold in our hands things that belong to them and praying that they would soften their heart, that they would in some way come to accept You. Boy, that’s sure done a lot of good!”

“You don’t think so? Sounds to me like you’ve gotten the attention of satan! Sounds to me like he is on the prowl, like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Are you going to let him get you?” (I Peter 5:14)

“Great! So now what am I supposed to do? I can’t fight SATAN!”

“Resist him. Stand firm in your faith. Be self-controlled and alert.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“I can’t, Lord! Don’t you hear me crying? All I want is to give them a piece of my mind!”

“Don’t you trust me? Don’t you think I can handle this one for you? Don’t take revenge. If there is revenge to be taken, I will take care of it.” (Romans 12:19)

“Well, okay. But I’m just not going to talk to them! If they’re going to treat me like that, I’ll just treat them the same way!”

“Would that really make you feel any better? How about just forgetting about it and turning the other cheek?” (Matthew 5:39)

“Oh, for goodness sakes! I suppose the next thing you’re going to tell me is I should overcome their evil by doing good to them, so it’s kind of like heaping burning coals on their head!” (Romans 12:21)

“You got it! I love you, Karen! Isn’t that enough?”

~This is a rerun of a post in July 2009

Roller Coaster Ride

By Bethany Lashbrook

Today’s Verse: Psalm 18:30, “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” (NLT)

Devotion:

Recently my family went to a theme park where we road roller coasters and went to a water park all day long! On one roller coaster, I was riding with our youngest daughter, who is just six. From the time the roller coaster started to move until the time it finished, I believe I screamed.

As soon as we came to a halt, I said, “I screamed the whole time!” Then, Gabi, sitting next to me said, “I didn’t scream at all!”

I think in life, it doesn’t matter if you are a screamer or a non-screamer; what matters is if you get on the roller coaster or not!

Life isn’t all about peaceful walks without interruption, one-way streets without traffic, and life lessons learned without pain.

Life is more like a roller coaster ride with ups and downs, turns we aren’t expecting, terrifying moments that make our heads spin, yet thrills we just can’t humanly explain.

I’ll take the roller coaster ride any day – because I know every day is a day God is by my side helping me through the ups and downs and ins and outs!

Dear Lord, thank you for the simple pleasures in life like roller coasters. Help me to hold on tight to you when life becomes a swirly, twirly, exhilarating walk. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Application: This week, think of how God is displayed in all areas of our lives, and then tell others about it!

Power Verses:

Genesis 2:7, "Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person." (NLT)

Exodus 3:12, God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” (NLT)

Growth - One Day at a Time

By Bethany Lashbrook

Today’s Verse: Proverbs 13:1, “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

Devotion: Last week I took my oldest daughter to her first camp. Yeah, she’s been to church camps before with family, friends, and church family, but this was the first camp she has attended solo. We took her to camp, signed her in with complete strangers in a different town, and kissed her goodbye. And that was that for four whole days.

In the instant I kissed her, I saw her being born nine years earlier. Then, I saw her graduating nine years later. Sometimes sad tears can be happy tears too! Is that how the Lord sees us as we start a new adventure? Does he see us the day we were born? Does he envision us later in life after we have ventured out on our own for a bit? I would like to think that a tear of happiness comes to his face as he says, “well done my child”.

What is it about growing up that can be so exhilarating, yet still so scary at the same time? Growing pains are needed while growing in age: learning boundaries, testing curfews, increasing independence from parents, starting families, listening to wiser more experienced elders.

Yet, growing in Christ is just as hard: daily disciplines, holding of the tongue, following God’s lead, trusting God’s plan, learning to love everyone around us, serving others, thinking of others first. It is all part of growing up.

Paul reminds us in the book of Romans that we “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (5:3-5, NIV)

With the Holy Spirit, we can all continue to grow. It doesn’t matter if we are the nine year old going to camp, the mother dropping the nine year old off at camp, or the six year old going home as an only sibling for four days. We are all equipped to learn God’s teachings, follow God’s lead, and listen for his message in every event in our lives.

Dear Lord, thank you for helping me grow this week during this “first” in my life. I trust you to watch over her because it was you who made her. Thank you for continuing to teach and guide me in all things in life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application: Join me this week in praying every day for the Holy Spirit to guide our children in all things in life. If you don’t have any children, pray for your nieces, nephews or friends children. One week of prayer can equal one life changed forever!

Power Verses:

Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 11: 8-9, “Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.” (NIV)

I CAN Drive 55!

By Denise Reed

This Week’s Verse: Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV)

Devotion: Confession: I used to speed. When I was younger and less responsible I wanted to get places as quick as I could. My motto was, “Move over and let me drive!” When I became more responsible, hauling around two children, I changed my ways, or so I thought. One day, as I’m driving along with the kids the back, singing along with the Christian radio station on, I look down and see that I am driving a nice 60mph in a 55mph zone. Perfect! Then God and I had this conversation:

God: “Driving over the speed limit is breaking the law, and breaking the law is a sin."

Me: “But God, cops won’t pull anyone over for going just 5mph over the limit. So if they don’t pull me over for it, it’s OK, right? Everybody does it."

God: “But what does the speed limit sign say? It doesn’t say 60pmh. You are breaking the law! You are sinning without remorse. Sin leads to death!"

And then God gave me this thought: Say I am driving just a meager 5mph over the limit and get into a fatal accident. Will I be rejected from Heaven because I was sinning without any remorse or thought of repentance? Wow! I decided I am not going to be denied those pearly gates for something so small.

As I continued to think about this new revelation over the next few weeks, God revealed something else to me. By speeding every time I got behind the wheel, I had been living a lifestyle of sin. Lifestyle of sin!? Isn’t that term just used for serial murderers, alcoholics, rapists, the sexually immoral and all those other people? Yes! But I was acting no better than any of them! This second revelation has opened my eyes to all people who are living a lifestyle of sin and the fact that it’s not my job to judge them. My sin is not better than theirs, nor does it receive a lesser degree of punishment.

So now as I drive along with my cruise control set at 55mph (thank you Lord for cruise control), it feels liberating to know that I am not breaking the law. My heart no longer skips a beat when I see a police car. The title of this devotion is not a misquoted lyric of Sammy Hagar’s, because now, I really CAN drive 55!

Lord, thank you for giving me this revelation of my lifestyle of sin. Please continue to show me my sin that put up a wall between my heart and You. Amen.

Application: Are you living a lifestyle of sin? Is there a guilty pleasure you let yourself indulge in just every once in a while? These both put up a wall between you and God. Repent from your ways. Ask Him to reveal to you these areas of your heart.

Power Verses: Psalm 139:23, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thought." (NIV)

1 John 1:19, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (NIV)

Hebrews 10:26-27, "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." (NIV)