Nov 29 20
Where is Your Faith?
“They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And He said to them, “Where is your faith?’” Luke 8:24-25 NASB
Sixteen years ago, I was sitting in a hospital waiting room surrounded by strangers after my husband, Joe, suffered a massive heart attack. Even though I can be a pretty excitable and emotional person, at that moment in time, I was filled with a great sense of peace. To be honest, I didn’t know if God was going to spare my husband’s life, even though that’s what I was asking Him to do. I just know that at some point, I made a decision to put my faith in God, and I knew that He was with me in the storm. At the time, that was all I needed to know.
Today, in the midst of a global pandemic, I seem to be surrounded by people who are overcome with fear. Some fear death. Some fear sickness and disability. And others fear all of those. And they are living in torment. Where do I stand in all of this? I have the same sense of peace today that I had in that hospital waiting room many years ago, even though I am in the high-risk category because of my age. You see, I have made a decision. You could call it a “faith decision.” I have decided to put my faith in God to protect me and my family throughout this pandemic. And I am going about my daily life – and serving God and others with all of my heart – without any fear.
In the passage of Scripture above, the disciples are in a boat with a sleeping Jesus when a fierce storm descends upon them. As the boat begins to fill with water, putting them “in real danger” (v. 23 NLT), the disciples cry out, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (v. 24) Jesus arises and rebukes the wind and waves, and then He rebukes His disciples: “Where is your faith?” (v. 25) Even though the disciples were in real danger, the Lord still rebuked them for their fear. Think about that. Does God still expect us to be full of faith instead of fear when a loved one of ours has what seems to be a fatal heart attack? Yes. Does He still expect us to resist fear when we are in the midst of a pandemic that has already claimed the lives of many people around the world? Yes! Why? Because faith pleases and glorifies God, and He ALWAYS rewards us for it. (Hebrews 11:6) On the other hand, all fear ever accomplishes is to provide Satan with an inroad into our lives and our families.
I knew that the Lord would reward me for trusting Him with my husband’s life that day 16 years ago. I didn’t know for sure what that reward would be, but I was so grateful when it turned out to be my husband’s supernatural recovery. I believe that God is asking you today to trust Him in the midst of your own storm. How will you answer His call to faith?
Lord, whenever I face trials and troubles in this life, help me to put my wholehearted trust in You. Fill me with a desire to devote myself to Your Word and prayer, so that I can cooperate with You for the building of my faith. Teach me how to resist and rebuke fear whenever it comes against me. Thank You that as I answer Your call to faith in every situation and circumstance, I will reap the blessed rewards that are reserved for Your most faithful followers!
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Nov 22 20
Stay Busy Enjoying Life
“God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.” Ecclesiastes 5:20 NLT
The Holy Spirit gave me this promise recently so that I could begin praying it over my life each day. God knows that I have NOT been “busy enjoying life” these past 60+ years. I have spent most of my days “brooding over the past,” and worrying about the future. And what has been my reward? Nothing good, I can tell you.
I have become so determined to reap the full benefits of this promise from God that I have written it out by hand in several translations, and I keep it right in front of me while I am sitting at my desk in my home office, as I am doing now. One translation says, “God will keep you so happy that you won’t have time to worry about each day.” (CEV) Glory to God! This is another powerful prayer for us to pray for ourselves daily.
The Easy-to-Read version of Ecclesiastes 5:20 says, “God will keep them busy with the work they love to do.” I like to pray this translation, too, because a big part of life involves our work. No one wants to spend their life doing work that they hate to do. Life is too short for that. That’s why it’s wise to pray that the Lord will enable us to do work that we actually enjoy. Another verse from Ecclesiastes says: “There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24 NET) Solomon was wise enough to know that our ability to enjoy any aspect of our lives comes from the Lord Himself. We can’t manufacture it ourselves, no matter how we try.
Jesus said that He came so that you and I “may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP) If you haven’t been enjoying your life lately, perhaps it’s time for you to ask the Lord why. Now that you know that it’s His will for you to enjoy your life, don’t settle for anything less!
Lord, on the basis of Your Word, and in the name of Jesus, I ask that You keep me so busy enjoying life that I don’t waste any more time brooding over the past, or worrying about the future. Keep me so happy that I won’t spend another day fretting or fuming. And keep me busy doing the work that I love to do most. Thank You that as I ask in Jesus’ name and receive, my joy will have no limits! (John 16:24 TPT)
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Nov 15 20
Pain’s Positive Outcome
“ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you – rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” Isaiah 60:1 AMP
While I was attending college years ago, my high school sweetheart of more than three years broke off our relationship. I was right in the middle of one of my toughest semesters when it happened, and I felt like this breakup couldn’t have come at a worse time. At first, I couldn’t focus on anything, and it seemed like everything in my life lost its meaning, including my studies. I wallowed in self-pity for a while, and when I got tired of that, I became filled with indignation and determination. With renewed vigor, I threw myself into my studies, and not only did I do well, but I succeeded in attaining a perfect 4.0 average for the semester.
Over the years, I have realized what a great motivator painful experiences like these can be. I have discovered that when we become disillusioned and disappointed by people, jobs, or other things, the hurt we experience can act as a catalyst for needed change in our lives. If we have become too complacent, or too comfortable with the “status quo,” or if we have lost sight of our fondest dreams, visions, and goals – a painful situation can jolt us into making some necessary changes.
One of the things I love most about God is that He never wastes our pain. If He allows us to go through a hurtful experience, He always has a purpose for it, and He always works it out for our good. (Romans 8:28) Sometimes the Lord will use heartbreaking circumstances to point out some things in our lives that have gotten off track. Many times, our priorities need to be reevaluated. Or our goals need to be reassessed. Whatever it is, God will show us how to deal with it, if we will turn to Him for guidance and grace. During a trial, I like to pray, “Lord, show me what it is You want me to learn from this experience.” I don’t want my trials to be any more lengthy or intense than absolutely necessary, so I like to humble myself before Him, and be as receptive to His instruction during these times as I can. Each time we face disillusionment or disappointment, we have to decide if we will become bitter or better. Those who turn to the Lord for help will emerge from their trials with greater strength, faith, and purpose.
If you are going through a difficult time now, take heart! God loves you, and has a positive outcome planned for your trial. Turn to Him, trust Him, and by faith today declare like the apostle Paul – “This is all going to turn out for my good!” (Philippians 1:19 TLB)
Lord, when I face hurtful circumstances, please remind me that You can bring great good out of them. I pray that painful experiences would always motivate me, and help me to refocus, rather than cause me to become depressed or bitter. Help me to quickly learn the lessons You want me to in every trial. Thank You, Lord, that as I turn to You in times of disappointment and despair, You will fill me with a fresh sense of hope!
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Nov 8 20
Don’t Lose Sight of God’s Word
“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NLT
Years ago, I heard a testimony by a godly man who told how he had experienced an attack on his health that came on suddenly and violently. He was wise enough to seek the Lord in the matter, and when he did, God’s answer surprised him. The Holy Spirit told him that he had given an inroad to Satan by neglecting to keep the Word of God before his eyes, as was his usual habit. The Lord reminded Him that Proverbs says, “Do not let [the Scriptures] out of your sight . . . for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” (v. 21, 22 NIV) This man had a high-profile ministry, and he could not afford to let his guard down in this fashion.
The New King James translation of verse 21 says of the Scriptures, “Do not let them depart from your eyes.” We can listen to God’s Word, as this passage instructs, but just hearing it isn’t enough sometimes. We need to keep it before our eyes, especially when our bodies and our health are under attack.
There is simply no substitute for spending undistracted and unhurried time alone with God and the Bible on a regular basis. But sometimes, keeping only a verse or a promise from Scripture before our eyes is all we need to receive from God what He has in store for us. The last time I needed a healing miracle from the Lord, He led me to Psalm 41:3, which says that God restores us to full health, He completely heals us, and He heals all of our infirmities. (See the ESV, NET, and NRSV translations.) I especially rejoiced at the NET footnote for this verse which says, “The healing is as good as done.” Hallelujah! I wrote these verse translations out by hand on a sticky note on my desk, keeping them before my eyes day and night – declaring them in faith, and thanking God in advance for keeping His Word. My healing didn’t come overnight, but it did come. And I still keep these verses before my eyes each day, so that I can keep the healing that the Lord blessed me with.
Whether you need a miracle for your body, your finances, your family, or your job situation, don’t lose sight of God’s Word and promises. Dig into the Scriptures with the help of the Holy Spirit, and receive every good thing that the Lord has for you!
Lord, give me a strong desire to spend regular time with You and Your Word in solitude and stillness. Speak to my heart, and help me to hear and to heed Your voice. Show me which specific verses and promises from Your Word that You want me to keep before my eyes day and night. Thank You that Your Word is true, and You are true to Your Word!
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Nov 1 20
God is Still in Control
“The Lord sat enthroned over the flood. The Lord sits enthroned as King forever. The Lord will give power to His people. The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:10-11 GW
When any area of our lives feels out of control, or when our relationships, or the whole world itself seems out of control, we need to believe with certainty that God still rules and reigns above all. I find Psalm 29:10 especially comforting during these times. It says that just as God “sat enthroned over the flood” during Noah’s day, He still “sits enthroned as King forever.” God is greater than any flood or storm, and even this global pandemic is not beyond His control. We don’t know what the future holds, but if we are born-again children of the Most High God, we can know that He holds our future in His hands, and that He is committed to working ALL things together for our good. (Romans 8:28)
The very next – and last – verse in Psalm 29 (v. 11) says: “The Lord will give power to His people. The Lord will bless His people with peace.” When we are tempted to see life, and the whole world, spinning out of control, God offers us His own power and peace. He fills us with His Spirit – a Spirit of “power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) And He says to us – “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 TLB) The Lord knows that when we face trials and troubles equipped with His divine strength and peace, we simply cannot be defeated.
Scripture says: “Through [Christ] you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” (1 Peter 1:21 NIV) If you are facing health problems today, let your faith and hope be in God! If you are concerned for your financial future, let your faith and hope be in God! If the condition of your marriage, or other relationships, have you worried today, let your faith and hope be in God! The Holocaust survivor, Corrie Ten Boom, said: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” What or who is God asking you to trust Him with today?
Lord, I rejoice that no matter what happens in my life or around the world, You are still on Your throne, and You are “greater and mightier than all.” (John 10:29 AMP) Teach me how to make the most of the supernatural power and peace that are my inheritance in Christ. Help me to continually keep my faith and hope in You and Your wisdom, goodness, and power. Thank You that because I love You, and I’m pursuing Your purpose for me, You will cause ALL things to work together for my good!
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Oct 25 20
What’s Eating You?
“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret – it only causes harm.” Psalm 37:8 NKJV
There’s a lot for us to “fret” about these days. Politics. Pandemics. Our own health and well-being. Our finances and our futures. Our kids, spouses, friends, coworkers, bosses, and loved ones. We live in a broken world filled with broken people and broken societies.
The Lord has shown me the verse above more times than I can count. He knows that I have a tendency to fret. When I took the time to do a search on the word “fret,” it caught my attention like never before. According to the Bible, when you fret about something, you worry about it so much that it eats away at you. “Fret” comes from the Old English word “freton,” which means to “devour like an animal.” When you fret over something, it not only consumes your thoughts, but it eventually consumes YOU. Perhaps you have heard it said that it’s not what you are eating that is harming you – it’s what’s eating you. King David had a revelation of this when he wrote, “Do not fret – it only causes harm.”
I’m in my 60s now, and though I am basically a healthy senior citizen, I know that I would be in even better shape today if I hadn’t spent so many years fretting about people and things that I couldn’t change. And I’m in good company because most of the emails I receive from Christians are about their inability to change people and circumstances that are beyond their control. I am convinced that if we prayed more and fretted less, we would see God move more mightily in our lives, and in the lives of our loved ones. The Bible tells us how to enjoy the kind of peace that Christ died for us to have, right here and now. “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, PRAY. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” (Philippians 4:6 MSG)
Oswald Chambers wrote: “All our fret and worry is caused by calculating without God.” Are you calculating your life, your circumstances, or the world around you without God? Are you forgetting that all things are possible with Him? Let the fret go – and lay hold of the peace that He has for you today!
Lord, forgive me when I allow myself to fret and worry. Help me to see everything and everyone from Your perspective from now on, so that I can enter into and enjoy the supernatural peace that is Your will for me. Remind me often that nothing is impossible for You, nothing is too difficult for You, and nothing can hinder You. (Luke 1:37; Jeremiah 32:17; 1 Samuel 14:6) Thank You for teaching me how to forgo fretting, so I can receive Your absolute best every day in every way!
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Oct 18 20
God Protects the Simplehearted
“The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, He saved me.” Psalm 116:6 NIV
When I first began reading my old NIV Bible many years ago, and I came across the word “simplehearted,” I imagined someone who was foolish, unwise, or irrational. Then I looked more closely at how my study Bible defined a simplehearted person: “The person who is childlike in his sense of dependence on and trust in the Lord.” All of a sudden, it dawned on me that being simplehearted is something that God values and looks for.
Before I began studying the Scriptures for myself, it never occurred to me that the Lord valued people who leaned heavily upon Him. I had some understanding about Jesus appreciating childlike faith, but I never dreamed that He wanted us to be heavily dependent upon Him. Perhaps I was afraid to use my faith as a “crutch” as some unbelievers claim. Once I got a hold of the truth, I began to see God’s hand working mightily in my life.
I began making a list of Scriptures that talk about living a life of dependence upon the Lord. James 4:10 (NLT) says: “When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on Him, He will lift you up and give you honor.” Who couldn’t use a little more “honor” in their life? Lamentations 3:25 (NLT) says: “The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.” We will see more of the goodness of God in our lives as we lean more heavily upon Him and His leadership. The apostle Paul said, “I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.” (Colossians 1:29 NLT) Paul depended on Christ for his strength, and we can do the same thing. Jesus Himself said, “I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord – but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders].” (John 5:30 AMP) If the Master needed to depend on the Father for wisdom and guidance, how much more do we?
The Passion Translation of Psalm 116:6 says: “So I’ve learned from my experience that God protects the childlike and humble ones. For I was broken and brought low, but He answered me and came to my rescue!” Our God is committed to saving and protecting those who depend on and trust in His power, wisdom, and goodness. Does that describe you today?
Lord, I don’t want to live my life apart from You in any way. Teach me how to depend on You in every area of my life, just as Jesus did. Help me to do all of my work depending on Your mighty power, instead of my own strength. Thank You that as I continually admit my dependence upon You, You will lift me up and give me greater honor than ever before!
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Oct 11 20
The Desires of Your Heart
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 ESV
Have you ever thought about all of the rich and famous people who committed suicide, or who cut their lives short by abusing alcohol or drugs? I have. And I believe I know one of the many reasons why these people end up this way. They never receive the true desires of their hearts. They may attain some measure of “success,” but God can never give them the deep desires of their hearts because they don’t have a personal relationship with Him.
Psalm 37:4 says that when we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts. What does it mean to delight ourselves in Him? When I asked the Holy Spirit this very question, He brought Second Corinthians 5:9 (NIV) to my remembrance: “So we make it our goal to please Him.” When we live our lives focused on pleasing God above everyone else, including ourselves, we will be delighting ourselves in the Lord, and He will keep His promise to give us the desires of our hearts. That doesn’t mean that He will indulge every whim of ours, but that He will satisfy all of the desires in our hearts that are good and godly, and that will bring glory to Him.
Another Scripture about this subject is found in Psalm 145:19 (NIV): “He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.” Here, God reveals that He is eager to fulfill the desires of those who hold a deep reverence for Him, and He will answer their prayers, and rescue them in times of trouble. The Passion Translation says it this way: “Every one of Your godly lovers receives even more than what they ask for. For You hear what their hearts really long for and You bring them Your saving strength.” Hallelujah!
The Amplified Translation of Psalm 37:4 says: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” There are desires in your heart right now that you don’t even know are there. But God knows, because He put them there – and He will answer these “secret petitions” of yours as you live your life for Him!
Lord, work in my heart so that I will always make it my goal in life to please You in all things. Fill me with a deep reverence for You, Your ways, and Your Word. Align my desires with Yours, so that they never conflict with Your plans and purposes for me. Thank You for hearing what my heart really longs for, and giving me even more than what I ask for!
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Oct 4 20
Secure Homes
“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Isaiah 32:18 NIV
Here is a promise that I have been praying and standing on for myself and my family for decades. Today, it has taken on new meaning for me because of the civil unrest that has been spreading across my nation. It is the desire of God’s heart to have His people living in “peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” He knows the anguish that we suffer when we are surrounded by violence, hostility, and chaos. The Bible says that “God wants His children to live in peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15 NLT) I believe that this applies, not only to our lives, but to our surroundings, too – including our neighborhoods.
Most of God’s promises and blessings are not automatic. We often have to actively pray for them, and go through a period of standing in faith for them, before we experience their full manifestation. If you are in an unsafe environment right now, and you begin to earnestly pray Isaiah 32:18, God will either remove you from the place you are in now, or He will sovereignly transform it so that it comes in line with His promise.
Thirty-one years ago, when my family and I moved into the home we are in now, we began experiencing vicious attacks on our home and property almost immediately. I wasn’t walking closely with the Lord at the time, and I had no working knowledge of His Word and promises. But several years later, when God got a hold of me, and I got a hold of His Word, I began faithfully praying and standing on Isaiah 32:18, and I eventually witnessed Him totally transforming my entire neighborhood. It didn’t happen overnight, but I didn’t let that deter me. Filled with a holy determination to receive God’s best, I held tight to His promise until one day, I looked around and realized that my family and I lived in a peaceful dwelling place, a secure home, and an undisturbed place of rest. I continue to stand in faith for my surroundings because I don’t want to become complacent. In light of what is going on in my nation right now, I’m so thankful that I have persevered in prayer and in faith.
What about you? Do you live in a peaceful dwelling place? If you do, give thanks to God, but don’t take it for granted. Keep praying and standing on God’s promises for it. If you don’t live in an undisturbed place of rest right now, pray about it – and keep on praying. The Lord will either transform it for you, or He will remove you from it completely. Always remember – “God wants His children to live in peace!”
Lord, I believe that it is Your will for me to live in peace and security. When my surroundings are not tranquil, show me how to pray for relief and rescue. Teach me how to develop a working knowledge of Your Word. Thank You that as I cooperate with You for my safety and protection, I will experience the kind of peace that can only come from You!
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Sep 27 20
