August 2018 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for August 31, 2018 – Living in the promises of Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

This has been the week for sharing scripture verses that I consider “all-purpose” passages. Many of these were favorites of my mother…and she quoted them often. Jeremiah 29:11 might have been her all-time “go-to” passage…and indeed, it does speak to the very heart of our relationship with God.

No matter what you are facing…God’s plans are for good – and designed to give you a future filled with hope. I do not say this lightly. I know many who are in the throes of a serious illness…or even waiting on the angels to carry them to Heaven. I know of families who are in distress…financially, emotionally, physically – and spiritually. I know children who have burdens so big that no middle-aged adult should have to carry them. I know of more than one nation in this world that is in great turmoil – and needs a rescue!

I know of people who have grown so cynical and hate-filled that they don’t even remember how to love their neighbor. I know people who have lost all hope, because they have been knocked down one time too many. I know folks who are so consumed with fear that they cannot see other people as equally precious in the sight of God. I know a few individuals who are “hanging by a thread” and pretty close to throwing in the towel on life.

I also know many people who are filled with hope and peace, despite a myriad of challenges in their daily living. I know dozens who are focused on Jesus…who are busy serving and “doing” and living in the promise of Jeremiah 29:11. No one would blame a lot of these people for giving up or wallowing in self-pity. It would be totally understandable if they threw a little “hissy fit” on occasion and declared that…“This is not fair!”

Instead, these precious disciples are busy trusting God and believing this profound and all-encompassing promise. They know beyond any doubt that God is in complete control…that His plans are good and not intended for evil…that God is designing their future. And this gives them hope, peace, and the courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I don’t know your circumstances today. But I know that pretty well everybody in this world has something. The question becomes…What will you do? Where will you place your hope and faith? How will you live, speak and act? Will your thoughts, words and actions reflect the hope and promise of a future perfectly planned and orchestrated by God?

Our daily conduct should say to the world…”I am a child of God. He numbers the hairs on my head and my every tear…and He has a perfect plan for me.” People are watching – what will you show them?

Daily Devotional for August 30, 2018 – Good manners, funeral processions, and caring for widows and orphans – what kind of Christian do you claim to be?

James 1:26-27
Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world.

The question arose recently on Facebook whether or not it was illegal to fail to stop for a funeral procession. The person who asked had been part of a procession, and he noted that many people didn’t stop – even when it would have been perfectly safe to do so. I did an Internet search for this question and learned that the law varies from state to state – and even from city to city within certain states.

The bottom line is that stopping for a funeral procession is simply good manners – and the right thing to do. While this may seem small in the scheme of things, little matters add up to big ones…and as I have often said…people.are.watching! People notice those who quietly show respect – even for a funeral procession involving complete strangers – and those who do not. People notice when we take care of the less fortunate – and when we snub them.

People notice when we “talk a good game”…and when we “run our mouths” and disparage others, say and do things that are self-serving, and generally act like we have some sort of corner on all things “Jesus”. I am reminded of child who becomes territorial and possessive when faced with the notion that he/she might have to share with someone else. Too often, we act like “our” church or “our” thoughts and ideas are to superior to those of others. And believe me, people notice!

God wants disciples who behave in a manner that brings Him honor and glory. He wants His children – and that would be you and me! – to demonstrate decency and respect for others…all.of.them! God wants more action and less talk – especially if we can’t say something nice! He wants more humility and zero arrogance…He wants faithful servants who think of the needs of others first.

Let’s do this…let’s stop spending so much time griping, complaining, and criticizing others – and get busy serving them in God’s name. Let’s look for ways to demonstrate human decency and respect…to show others about God rather than tell them…to behave in ways that are reflective of who we are – and WHOSE! Let’s pull over for a few minutes when we encounter a funeral procession…and welcome the stranger who dares to sit on our pew at church! Let’s be “less” – so that God can be “more”!

Instead of trying to be “religious”, let’s try being a humble servant. Our goal is to be pure and faultless in God’s eyes – not the “model Christian” of the world’s standards. Let’s show others a true servant of Jesus instead of a man-made image of Christian discipleship. And let’s start today.

We don’t have a minute to waste! When people look at you, what – and WHO – do they see?

Daily Devotional for August 29, 2018 – God WILL take care of you!

Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid. I am with you.
Don’t tremble with fear.
I am your God.
I will make you strong,
as I protect you with my arm
and give you victories.

In late August 1974, I entered college at Arkansas Tech University as a 17-year-old, newly-married freshman. Let that sink in for a minute! In some ways, “the world was my oyster” and everything was new and exciting. On the other hand, this would have been a lot of new experiences at once for anyone to digest. I can say with a fair amount of certainty that there were probably a lot of things that I didn’t handle well…although, “time” has blurred my memory of much of that era.

There are two things that I do remember. Early on, the Gideons visited our campus and gave each student a New Testament with the Psalms and Proverbs…in our school colors of bright primary green, stamped with gold lettering. We still have our New Testaments…and during our college years, I read mine often – along with my copy of The Living Bible.

My Gideon Bible had a “quick reference” guide that told the reader “Where to find help, when”…afraid, overcome, leaving home, lonely, thankful, worried, protected…and much more. I am grateful to the Gideons for theseBibles. Even in today’s age of technology, I have no doubt that countless young people keep this little pocket-sized book of scriptures handy – and refer to it often.

The other thing I remember is a hymn from my childhood – “God Will Take Care of You”. In times of uncertainty, this song would come to me…and I would sing it to myself – especially the chorus. Over the years, this song has brought me courage, solace, and peace in a number of situations. The words are simple – especially those in the chorus. But they speak directly to the message of Isaiah 41:10…”God will take care of you, through every day, o’er all the way.”

In both this simple chorus – and the words of Isaiah 41:10 – we hear all we need to know about God. We are assured of His love, protection, care, omnipotence, and power. We are promised strength, courage, peace – and victory! God will take care of you. What’s not to love about this? Why would we possibly place our faith and trust in anyone or anything else?

At some time or another, many of us (if not all) wander away from this thinking – at least for a little while. Whether we realize it or not, we begin to listen to the devil…and we take on the weight of the world. We try to hand things that are “above our pay grade”…and we allow fear, doubt and discouragement the room to grow in our hearts and minds. This is the day to kick the devil and his “stinkin’ thinkin’” to the curb…to stop and remember that God’s arm is still around us…and He is orchestrating our victories!

Embrace the words of this old hymn and rest in the confidence that we can “beneath His wings of love abide.” God is with us. He is our GOD…and He will take care of us all the way – every day! Are you ready to let Him?

God Will Take Care of You
Written by Civilla D. and Walter S. Martin
1904 ~ Public Domain

Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.

All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.

Daily Devotional for August 28, 2018 – Learning to wait upon the Lord

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

This was one of my mother’s favorite Bible verses. I find it to be an “all-purpose” scripture that encompasses a myriad of situations and circumstances. The words are filled with hope and promise, courage, power, endurance, faith, patience, and restoration. This verse speaks to people of all ages…from the child who is eager to grow up to the elderly grandparent who is nearing the end of his/her earthly journey.

For everyone from the youngest child placed in foster care to the older adult who is examining senior living facilities or facing the prospect of moving to a nursing home…the message is the same – wait upon the Lord! For those who are dealing with health concerns or physical impairments, the Bible tells us to wait upon the Lord!

To the loved ones who are nurturing someone in a hospital, nursing home – or even Hospice care…wait upon the Lord! To those who know that life on this earth is quickly coming to a close…wait upon the Lord! To anyone who wonders how he/she will survive in whatever has become a “new normal”…wait upon the Lord!

To all who are in a hurry to get on with life…to finish high school, drive a car, celebrate their 21st birthday, go to college, buy a new house or car, get married, bear and rear children, settle into retirement, qualify for Medicare and Social Security, and so much more…God is telling you to wait upon the Lord!

I know it sounds trite, but timing really is everything…especially God’s timing. I am not a patient person. I often try to figure out a way to expedite things…often with anything but stellar results. Today, we should all spend a few minutes studying the words of Isaiah 40:31. We should take a breath and consider the merit in waiting upon the Lord. We should remind ourselves of the value and blessings that come with finding renewed strength in God’s wisdom and timing.

Take time today to consider all that God does for us when we “wait upon Him”. Thank God for giving us renewed strength, courage, wisdom, and stamina. Thank Him that under His power, we will “walk” without fainting…and “run” without fatigue. Remind yourself that God is always with you…always ready, willing and able to do whatever is necessary to get you through any and all situations and circumstances.

In the earlier verses of Isaiah 40, we are reminded that God names and numbers even the stars and planets. He sees our desires – and our troubles. He knows our every joy and heartache. And God never grows weak or weary. Isaiah 40:29 says…”He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak.” God understands everything about us…even better than we do! This is the day…now is the time. Surrender to His power and endurance – and soar with wings like eagles! Make this the day you truly begin to wait upon the Lord!

Daily Devotional for August 27, 2018 – Finding God – and faithful obedience – in suffering

Hebrews 5:7-9
God had the power to save Jesus from death. And while Jesus was on earth, he begged God with loud crying and tears to save him. He truly worshiped God, and God listened to his prayers. Jesus is God’s own Son, but still he had to suffer before he could learn what it really means to obey God. Suffering made Jesus perfect, and now he can save forever all who obey him.

We don’t have to look very far to find people who are suffering. Many are grieving the loss of a loved one, while others are battling a terrible illness or injury. “Children” of all ages are missing and/or exploited. Relationships are disintegrating. Children and parents have been separated – for a myriad of reasons. Many wonder whether they will ever see each other again.

Natural disasters have totally destroyed homes. In the process, the families who inhabited them have been forever altered. Wars and other circumstances have displaced and discouraged countless numbers. In short, life is incredibly hard for many…and their suffering is real.

The human instinct is to cry out to God and ask, “Where are You? Why did You let this happen to me?” And perhaps the answer is found in Hebrews 5:7-9. Jesus was no stranger to human suffering. He endured unbelievable torture at the hands of others…He bore physical hunger, homelessness, disassociation from loved ones, verbal taunts, loneliness, physical beatings, and more. Ultimately, Jesus was crucified and endured a horrific death.

In this scripture passage, we learn two things…1) that Jesus experienced human suffering firsthand – and understands our condition; and 2) that there is nothing wrong with crying out to God in distress and despair. Some consider calling on God as a sign of weakness or lack of faith. In truth, this is an act of humility and submissive obedience. The only One who can help us is God. The only One who fully understands our deepest needs is Jesus.

We are right to cry out to God. While it doesn’t always seem like He is answering, God does hear our pleas…and He is working on our behalf. Perhaps you have experienced the personal comfort of someone who has shared your experience. If so, you know how their empathy and understanding feels genuine. They have “been there, done that”!

I cannot comfort someone with cancer like another person who has endured the disease. But I do have personal experience with caring for someone who is suffering from this beast. My words and gestures to a parent whose child is sick, injured or dying would not be as meaningful as those of someone who has experienced this firsthand. But I feel somewhat equipped to minister to a person whose loved one is on Hospice care.

I do not mean to imply that we should welcome suffering…or wish it on another. But God never wastes an opportunity. He allowed Jesus to suffer so that He would better understand the human condition – and demonstrate faithful obedience. God carries us through challenges and difficulties that seem impossible to manage in order to strengthen our faith and equip us for ministry to others. And always, always, God is with us. He knows our needs…He hears our cries for help…and He answers in the way that is best for “the big picture”.

Each day, I ask God to care for “the sick and the suffering”. I know He knows the needs of those outside my “circle” for whom I pray specifically. Psalm 56:8 tells us that God stores our tears in a bottle and counts them! So I know that He is listening when we cry out and ask Him to meet us where we are…and to bring us peace, healing, and joy.

Look at the events and experiences of your life and see how God is addressing them. Consider the ways that you can use your own “suffering” to minister to others in similar situations. It is not God’s will that any of us should suffer. Believe this! Trust that there is nothing we can endure that is foreign to Jesus…that God has given us an immediate and constant Comforter who stands ready to walk with us through any trial or tribulation. And call on God to manage your “burdens”, as you demonstrate your faith in Him to do this.

Daily Devotional for August 26, 2018 – Producing good fruit on all “sides”

Galatians 5:22-24
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; and here there is no conflict with Jewish laws.

Those who belong to Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to his cross and crucified them there.

I wanted to write about the late Senator John McCain today…because I just felt like it was the right thing to do. I have personally known and loved several people who succumbed to Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain Tumors. I know how devastating – and cruel – this form of cancer can be. Like my friends before him, I’ve watched Senator McCain and his family face this beast head-on, and I greatly admired his spirit and determination as he fought a courageous battle with dignity and grace. In my mind, John McCain demonstrated many of the fruits of the Spirit for all of us – especially in these last months.

Let me be clear…my “politics” and John McCain’s did not always align. As I read about his life, I was reminded of past behaviors that he readily admitted were hurtful to others – and downright unbecoming and wrong. This could surely be said for all of us in many ways. There is no excuse for our sins and transgressions…but as the late Maya Angelou said, “When you know better…do better.” And I believe John McCain did better.

When God looks at those who have surrendered to Jesus, He doesn’t see their political affiliation. God doesn’t even see past sins and misgivings. He sees people with the potential to serve Him and spread the Good News of Jesus. God sees disciples who can operate in the power of His Holy Spirit…and produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He sees servants who can encourage others to incorporate these same fruits into their own lives. The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to stand up to those who would choose to operate differently and say, “God has shown me a better way.”

I didn’t hear John McCain specifically cite God in his comments often…but many of his words and actions indicated that he was indeed operating in the fruits of the Spirit. We don’t have to “preach” night and day…we just have to “do better”. We have to show others these seven “fruits” in our words and actions. We have to nail our evil desires to the Cross and be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth…in even the smallest of our daily activities.

There is no need to compare ourselves to anyone else…in terms of sins or discipleship. We all have the same “blueprint”…and the same opportunities. Some of us are clearly doing a better job with these than others…and I believe John McCain was one who had learned to do his best. For me, his was a demonstration that Christian discipleship transcends political and social divides. There should be no partisan camps on issues of what constitutes human decency and morality. These are clearly mandated by God Almighty – with indisputable directives and expectations…and a guaranteed outcome.

In a note released yesterday, Meghan McCain stated that the days ahead without her dad will be filled with life and love, because of his example. She also noted that “John McCain…wakes today to something more glorious than anything on this earth.” Are you living in a way that demonstrates this hope and assurance to others? Is your life producing the fruits of the Spirit – and giving everyone you encounter an example of Christ’s love, grace and mercy to follow for themselves?

This is the day to nail our desires to the cross and take up the fruits of the Holy Spirit…to quit following the world’s rules and caring what this group or that one thinks. People are watching…and GOD is waiting! Are you ready to surrender – and follow Him completely? Is this the day that you’ll begin to do better? Don’t you think it should be?

Daily Devotional for August 25, 2018 – Reading the signs and following the rules…there are no excuses!

Deuteronomy 30:11-14
You know God’s laws, and it isn’t impossible to obey them. His commands aren’t in heaven, so you can’t excuse yourselves by saying, “How can we obey the Lord’s commands? They are in heaven, and no one can go up to get them, then bring them down and explain them to us.” And you can’t say, “How can we obey the Lord’s commands? They are across the sea, and someone must go across, then bring them back and explain them to us.” No, these commands are nearby and you know them by heart. All you have to do is obey!

At our community pool, there are signs posted to outline about a dozen rules…including, “No running, no diving, no glass in the pool area…and children under 18 are not allowed in the therapy pool, unless accompanied by a certified swim instructor”. From the beginning, we have read and explained these rules to our little ones when we would go for a swim. The children understand these regulations – even though the youngest two are just beginning to be able to actually read them.

The signs are in plain view, so I always find it interesting when an adult violates one of these rules and then says to the staff member, “I didn’t know!” What is even more amazing is that some people will continue to break these rules, even after a reminder. This might be why one of the items on the list states that after a third “warning”, violators will be asked to leave the building! We are a stubborn lot – and apparently some of us think the rules are for “the other guy”!

You and I know God’s commands. We’ve heard them all of our lives. We’ve read them in the Bible and elsewhere…and they are not hard to understand. There is no “gray area” in “Thou shalt not kill.” The directive to love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul is pretty definitive. Even young children understand the command that “Thou shalt not steal”…and what it means to treat others as you wish to be treated.

Every single one of us has broken a rule at some point. We have all violated God’s commands, which is why I am so grateful for His grace, mercy and forgiveness…and for His gift of Jesus. Because of the blood of Christ sacrificed for our sins, there is no “three strikes” rule. But at the same time…because of this tremendous gift of love, we must make every effort to never violate His commands. We must continually strive to love and serve Him with complete, faithful obedience.

The “signs” outlining God’s commands are everywhere – in plain view. But for those of us who have surrendered to Jesus, they are also written on our heart. We know them well…we have no excuse for breaking God’s laws. Does this mean that we will never, ever sin or break a commandment? Probably not, because we are human – and the devil is incredibly conniving and ever ready to take advantage of our weakness. But we can make a concerted effort to stay on track…to listen for God’s voice…and to follow His commands to the letter.

There is no excuse…at least not one that will hold up to God’s judgment. And none of us is “above the law”. We must all do our best, every minute of the day…and thank God continually for His grace and mercy. The signs are everywhere…we know the rules. Now it is up to us to follow them forever and ever. How well are you doing?

Daily Devotional for August 24, 2018 – Learning to be grateful…even on the “worse” days

Colossians 3:15-17
Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I saw a quote that said, “Some days are better than others…some are worse!” I don’t know who to credit with creating this sentiment…but it surely fits for many! Just recently, a moving company backed into my cousin’s new car while loading her belongings to move across town…then she fell over a tool box and fractured her elbow…and then her hot water heater burst and flooded her garage – all within 24 hours! A friend was released from the hospital yesterday after a stay for congestive heart failure…and on the way home, his car “died”.

Both of these people have managed to stay positive despite incredible challenges and difficulties. And they are not alone. Many people find a way to be grateful and maintain a thankful heart, no matter what is happening. How do they do it? I suspect that in large degree, they are allowing Christ to control their thoughts. They are depending completely on Jesus’ wisdom – and thanking Him hourly for the many blessings that He bestows, even in the midst of great trials and tribulations. And these folks inspire me to do better in my own daily walk.

It is so easy to get bogged down…to gripe and complain – or throw up our hands in defeat. And no one delights in this more than the devil. He loves it when we separate ourselves from Jesus – and distance ourselves from fellow believers. The devil is thrilled when we chose to isolate and “do our own thing”…and he is absolutely over-the-moon elated when we wallow in negativity – or turn our backs on God.

I promise you…no matter how bad things may look today, God is still with you. The Holy Spirit is still orchestrating even the smallest details of your day…and Jesus is still worthy of your praise. Some days are better than others…and yes, some are indeed worse. But even our worst day with Jesus is better than a second without Him. Moreover, whatever we may endure will always pale in comparison to what He suffered – for us.

So be grateful. Let the Good News of Jesus completely fill you and give you hope, courage, peace and joy. Thank God throughout the day for sending Jesus…and thank Jesus for loving you beyond what you can ever comprehend. Focus on the future…and God’s promise of Eternity in Heaven for those who surrender to Christ. This may be a “worse” day…but better days are surely coming. Give thanks to God…for all of them!

Daily Devotional for August 21, 2018 – Tying everything together with the garment of love…

Colossians 3:12-14
God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

When I started college in 1974, I took College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests in several subjects. Students who make a passing score on these tests can earn up to three college hours of credit for particular courses. This program helps students earn a college degree more quickly and affordably by rewarding prior knowledge in a certain area. I was able to “CLEP out” of College Algebra and the first semester of Freshman English, which was the grammar portion of this course. I credit my high school math teacher, Mrs. Berry…and my 6th and 8th grade English teachers – Mr. Latch and Mrs. Allison – for providing me such a solid foundation in these subjects.

When the time came to enroll in the second semester of Freshman English – a composition class – I signed up to study under an author and former screenwriter, Francis Irby Gwaltney. When Mr. Gwaltney discovered that I had scored well enough to bypass the first semester of Freshman English, he immediately tried to steer me to an “Honors Composition” class. I begged to stay in his class, citing my lack of experience in writing and the fact that I never wrote one single “theme” in high school.

Mr. Gwaltney relented and allowed me to stay in his class. As he got to know his students, he discovered that I was a mere 17 years old…and a newlywed! He dubbed me his “child bride”…and he took me under his wing for the rest of the semester. I learned so much about writing from Mr. Gwaltney. His vast expertise was a tremendous asset…and his frank critiques of our weekly submissions left no room for error. But more importantly, Mr. Gwaltney loved me…and I knew it.

This professor spoke to me in the hallways before and after class. When he met Greg for the first time, he shook his hand and took time to stop and visit with us. He later told me that “I like this guy…you two seem to be friends, and that’s important in a marriage!” This military veteran/screenwriter/book author/college professor genuinely cared about his students…and that made all the difference. It tied everything completely together.

I would venture to say that Mr. Gwaltney was one of my most influential college instructors…and my Freshman English Composition class was probably pivotal in my entire college career – including graduate school! This sometimes irreverent, always frank, but ever fatherly figure made each of us feel valued – and as if he truly cared about each of us. He was a rare gem…and his lessons stuck!

I know that the most important “tool” a teacher has is love for his/her students. Even in my Sunday school classes now, I recognize that my most critical job each Sunday is to love those children for the hour they are with me. As I have mentored other teachers, I have repeatedly told them that “You’re most important task is to love these children…the rest will take care of itself.”

People come into our “orbit” with so much outside baggage…so many extraneous thoughts, feelings and experiences. We cannot possibly know what is going on at all times in the hearts and minds of each person we encounter. But we can love them. We can show them that we care…that they have value…that no matter who they are or what is happening to them, we recognize them as a precious child of God – and we love them with the love of Christ Jesus.

Love truly does tie everything completely together. Without it, we cannot be effective – in daily living, and most certainly as Christ’s disciples. In The Message translation, a phrase in this verse says that love is “your basic all-purpose garment…never be without it”. Love is described as the one item in our “wardrobe” that we should wear every single day.

I am grateful that a college professor took such a personal interest in his students and peppered his instruction with genuine love and concern. I am thankful that his “wardrobe” included kindness, care and personal interest for the young students who walked through his doorway three days a week for a few months. I am thankful for the lifelong impact this experience has had on my own life. And I wonder about our own “wardrobes”.

What are we “wearing” these days? Have we made love our “all-purpose garment” – and the most important aspect of our Christian witness and daily living? Isn’t it time we did?

Daily Devotional for August 20, 2018 – God’s gifts for our faithful obedience – have you made the connection?

Acts 5:29-32
Peter and the apostles replied:

We don’t obey people. We obey God. You killed Jesus by nailing him to a cross. But the God our ancestors worshiped raised him to life and made him our Leader and Savior. Then God gave him a place at his right side, so that the people of Israel would turn back to him and be forgiven. We are here to tell you about all this, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to everyone who obeys God.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This morning, I opened my copy of Jesus Calling…Morning and Evening* and read words that directly spoke to present circumstances in my own life – and in the lives of my circle of friends and loved ones. How could that be? How is it that the very words I needed to hear for present situations appeared on the pages marked, “August 19” and “August 20”?

How is it that Jesus used these writings to remind me that He knows my thoughts even when my mind wanders? How is it possible that on a day when friends and loved ones are gravely ill or in need, I would read that we serve a God who heals us body, mind, soul – and even repairs and restores “sick” relationships? How does God know this…and how can He minister to me in every single instance of my life?

The answer lies in His gift of the Holy Spirit, who lives and breathes in my heart and soul. This precious gift from God is realized as a result of my surrender to Jesus and my effort to serve Him with faithful obedience. And God’s Holy Spirit is available to any who all who obey Him.

I don’t want you to miss this…if you expand your study to include the entire 5th chapter of Acts, you will see that some of the people were ready to kill Peter and the apostles for the message they were sharing. They did not appreciate in the least that these men had escaped from jail (because the Lord opened the doors) and were preaching His gospel in the temple!

If you read the entire chapter, you will see that God protected Peter and his men in their faithfulness and obedience…at least from death. These men did endure punishment and hardships…but still, they remained steadfast in their devotion to God.

It is highly unlikely that you and I will be beaten or jailed for our Christian faith. But we will face challenges. Will we remain faithful? Will we abandon God and place our trust in people? Will we fully embrace God’s gift of the Holy Spirit and listen for that “still small voice” in our heart that stands ready to guide us through every minute of the day? Will we trust God completely…no matter what situations or circumstances we encounter…and continue to obey Him?

Will we completely go “all in” with God, who sent His Only Son to earth to live and die for us, so that we would be completely and forever freed of sin, healed, and destined for Eternal Life in Paradise? Who do you obey? Isn’t it time you decided? Wouldn’t today be a great time to get started?

* Jesus Calling…Morning and Evening ~ https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-calling-morning-and-evening-devotional/

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