Blessings

August 27th – Deuteronomy 9:7

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Deuteronomy 9:7

I think about the story of the Israelites and find myself shaking my head. I wonder how a people, who had repeatedly seen the mighty hand of God caring for them every step of the way, could so easily turn away from Him and His love. Then I think about my own life. And how many times I too have seen His hand at work and still grumbled against Him. How many blessings have I missed out on? Because instead of walking in trust and obedience, I gave in to fear and rebellion. And how many days, weeks, and months I have wasted wandering in the wilderness? Thankfully, we serve a loving, kind, and forgiving God. Even after the people rejected Him, God cared for them as His precious children, meeting their every need. We too are His precious children, and with each step of our spiritual walk He cares for us. And no matter how far we may wander, He is always there ready to joyfully welcome us back.

 

August 27th – Deuteronomy 9:7 Read More »

August 13th – 1 Peter 4:10

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 4:10

Recently I went through a drive-thru. I pulled up to the window to find the car ahead had paid for my order. Pleasantly surprised by the generous gift, I happily paid for the car behind me to keep the blessing ball rolling. Each Christian is given a spiritual gift. Whether it be leadership, discernment, giving, helping, or teaching, each of us receives a gift of God’s choosing. And He  expects us to take that blessing and pay it forward. For just as God told Israel, we are blessed to in turn bless others.  (Gen. 12:2-3) Evangelical author Neil T Anderson wrote, “Your greatest fulfillment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the Lord.” If we want to glorify the Lord, we need to be willing to take the blessing ball God passes to us and pass it on. Serving others generously, giving kindness, encouragement, and strengthening to all who need it.

August 13th – 1 Peter 4:10 Read More »

July 10th – Ephesians 1:18

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 1:18

Gratitude is important. God wants us to be thankful everyday for the blessings that He so freely gives us. But you know what else is important? Joy. The Lord wants us to feel the joy that comes with each gift He bestows. “You shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you” (Deut. 26:11) In His greatest blessing our Father in heaven, through His unmerited love, sent His Son to die so that we can live. And the joy of hope we have as we look forward to an eternity spent at His side should flood our hearts. Nothing in this world can surpass the riches of the glory set before us through Christ Jesus. Because of Him, God calls us beloved, righteous, and His. He blesses us abundantly  because of our inheritance through Jesus. And as heirs to the kingdom, knowing this should light up our hearts with great joy!

July 10th – Ephesians 1:18 Read More »

June 5th – 1 Peter 4:19

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 4:19

Some people mistakenly believe that being a Christian gives you a “get out of jail free card” when it comes to the trials of life. But adversity is a result of living in a fallen world. And believers aren’t immune from the pain of suffering. Especially when trying to fulfill our duty to do the right thing. But we can find comfort in knowing God uses all things for our good. He may use our faith during hardships as a beacon pointing others to Jesus. God may use our struggles for His glory. Or, as is often the case, He may use our suffering to deepen our relationship with Him. But no matter the reason for our trial, we need to keep being obedient to the Lord. Keep doing the right thing. Because trusting God in all things, even when difficult times comes, always results in great blessings!

June 5th – 1 Peter 4:19 Read More »

May 19th – 2 Corinthians 12:10

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

2 Corinthians 12:10

Human nature tells us that when others hurt us we need to retaliate. To give just as good as we get. But Jesus says that as Christians we don’t follow the fray. And we should rejoice when suffering for Him because it’s one of the greatest blessings we can receive. Look at the apostle Paul. He experienced much tribulation for his faith. Yet he was content with the horrible things he suffered. Why? Because Paul knew that it was when he was at his weakest, he could feel the power of God the strongest. That’s the amazing blessing God speaks of. The blessing of peace and even joy when facing suffering. For in our own power we are easily defeated. But when we rest in God’s, nothing is impossible. Because no matter the trial, the grace Jesus gives us is sufficient for everything we face.

May 19th – 2 Corinthians 12:10 Read More »

May 4th – Ephesians 3:20

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 3:20

Have you ever prayed to God and been absolutely blown away with the abundance of His answer? The apostle Paul tells us instead of being surprised, we should anticipate our Father to go above and beyond what we ask of Him. For we serve a God who loves to bless exceedingly those who abide in Him in faithful obedience. The Lord wants us to come to Him in prayer with all of our needs. Because He cares about every detail of our lives, both great and small. And when we do, we need to be bold, expectant, and prepared for an answer that will be far greater anything we could imagine! Today go to God in prayer with boldness. And prepare to receive superabundant blessings!

May 4th – Ephesians 3:20 Read More »

February 9th – 1 Peter 4:14

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 4:14

It’s hard to consider suffering a blessing. But for the Christian, suffering is God’s “refining fire”. A fire that burns away the impurities of our flesh nature, producing in us a new nature. One reflective of the purity of Christ. Those who suffer on behalf of Christ do so because they have a unique perspective.  They are focused on the eternal instead of the temporal, they value God’s opinion more than the opinion of mere man. And they know that if God allows suffering, it is to serve the higher purpose of His will. God promises that such suffering has eternal merit and reward.

If we are submissive to His will, God will give us the strength and resources to endure whatever circumstances He allows into our lives. He wants us to trust even when we don’t understand and challenges push us to our utter limits. To depend completely on Him and trust that He has a higher purpose. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Blessings….Becky

February 9th – 1 Peter 4:14 Read More »

February 6th – Revelation 3:20

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Revelation 3:20

An unexpected knock on the door at an unexpected time of the day or night, always throws us off. Do you answer it? Or do you pretend you’re not home? What if it was Jesus standing on the other side? Would you invite Him in, or would you peek from behind a curtain until He leaves? There’s nothing Jesus wants more than to have a loving, personal relationship with each of us. Yet He will not force us into a friendship. Instead He stands at the door of hearts, knocking, waiting for us to ask Him in. For He knows the joy awaiting us when we abide in the Lord. A joy made complete in Christ as we declare Him as our Savior and receive the glorious transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit. Do you hear Jesus knocking on the door of your heart? Open it wide, invite Him in, and receive the greatest blessings you’ll ever know!

February 6th – Revelation 3:20 Read More »

January 18th – Romans 8:28

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Romans 8:28

In this fallen world disappointments and discouragements are an unfortunate part of life. After all, we are all sinners living among sinners. Therefore we’re bound to experience trouble. Which is why this verse is one we should not only memorize, but hold unto tightly. For in this verse there is hope. I truly believe if we will only rest in this massive promise, our lives will be more solid and stable. And when Satan sends those negative thoughts that try to bowl us over, we will be able to stand strong! How you ask?

When you are hurting find God’s purpose in your suffering by prayerfully asking yourself:

  • Could God be using this trial to increase my faith?
  • Could God be using this trial to build my character?
  • Could God be using this trial to prepare me to better serve Him and others in some way?

Answering these questions will help you discover God’s plan for your life. And I can honestly promise you, that when you see the “big picture” (the one with God in it and on it!), you not only will be able to stand, but find yourself happy, rejoicing, and giving thanks for it all!!

Blessings, Sue

 

January 18th – Romans 8:28 Read More »

How Bad Do You Want it? – Genesis 32

Leave a Comment / Bible Study /

Genesis 32

Are you familiar with the story in Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestles with God? The two tussle until daybreak, only ending when Jacob receives a crippling blow. A blow which disabled him with a limp for the rest of his life. And all because Jacob wanted God’s blessing so bad, he refused to give up and let go. …

How Bad Do You Want it? – Genesis 32Read More »

How Bad Do You Want it? – Genesis 32 Read More »