Adjusting to the Lord’s Plan

~ While following God may involve change or, at times, even loss, we can trust Him for a just reward.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:18-22

Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen before they became Jesus’ disciples. Their lives revolved around the details of their occupation — weather conditions, equipment repair, catching fish, and turning a profit. But in today’s passage, when Jesus called them to become fishers of men, they made a dramatic change.

In contrast, the rich young ruler walked away sad when he realized what he’d have to give up to follow Christ (Matthew 19:21-22). An invitation from the Lord usually means modifying our way of living. Whether this involves switching jobs or altering habits, God expects us to adapt to His plan.

At times, the Lord may call for a shift in our relationships. Before being invited to travel in Jesus’ company, James and John had worked in the family business with their father. Saying yes to God meant seeing friends and relatives less frequently. But Christ promises a great return on any sacrifice we make (Matthew 19:29).

Our heavenly Father’s plans are based on His goodness, justice, and mercy. Because of His perfect character, we can trust the direction He gives us. Adjusting to God’s design — accepting His will and making needed changes in our circumstances and relationships — is always the wisest action to take (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/adjusting-to-the-lord-s-plan






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Making Changes to Fulfill God’s Plan

~ In exchanging our will for God's, we discover what is truly good and satisfying in life.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:24-27

As God’s adopted children, we have been given the purpose of glorifying Him through righteous living. Previously we saw this means making certain modifications in our life. Let’s consider two more changes that may be necessary for followers of Jesus.

1. One adjustment has to do with our belief system:

A Christian’s thinking ought to match Jesus’. For example, students of Scripture will learn the following: The Lord is the One who deserves our praise (Psalm 96:4); the last shall be first (Mark 9:35); and Christians are to be generous people (1 Timothy 6:18). Our actions need to match what the Bible teaches.

2. We may also have to redefine our commitments:

God is to be our highest priority, and His desires for us should take precedence over personal preferences and what others ask us to do. We must evaluate our choices in light of His plan for us. This may mean letting go of a favorite activity, taking on a new responsibility, or staying where we are despite longing to leave. Our Father wants and deserves His children’s full devotion (Matthew 22:37).

These changes do not all happen instantly at salvation; they take place over a lifetime. And we should be encouraged, because such adjustments are accompanied by the confidence of knowing that God will use us to fulfill His plan.
_________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/making-changes-to-fulfill-god-s-plan






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Peace from Above

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” ~ James 3:17-18






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Well Done

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” ~ Matthew 25:21

“Glory” in the Bible is a translation of the Greek word “doxa” and it means “the essence of something being clearly displayed and observed.” Our great privilege is to exhibit God’s truth through the way we live, in a way that it is clearly seen by others. We are promised that if we show God’s true essence through our lives, God will grant us the glory of His approval.

The greatest end of our life will be to sit with Jesus as He reviews our life and continually hear: “This was very well done.” That is a glory that will never fade.

Life is an opportunity where we can display to others the essence of God by the way we live. The choices we make. The perspective we choose.

We participate in glory when we make decisions that manifest the goodness of God.

The whole process is modeled in this parable in Matthew 25. The voice of the master speaks and makes clear the connection between the master and the servant, the joy of approval, and the blessing for continued action.

In all our striving, this is what we truly desire. We all long to hear “well done” from an earthly father. Even more, each of us, is longing for the approval of the Heavenly Father. We want to be counted among His faithful servants. We want to be entrusted with His vision. We want to participate in His kingdom.

Each day begins anew, and is an opportunity to walk in obedience, and hear “well done.”
_______________

~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net/devotional/well-done/






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Quote for the day:

“It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it. The motive is everything. Let a man sanctify the Lord God in his heart and he can thereafter do no common act.”

~ A.W. Tozer






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Many Languages — One God

~ Our God is a powerful Redeemer — He transforms our failures into testimonies of His grace.

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Pentecost is most often associated with the Holy Spirit’s arrival. But it also demonstrates God’s remarkable ability to redeem.

To understand just how amazing Pentecost was, we need to go all the way back to Genesis 11, when everyone “used the same language” and were “one people” (Genesis 11:1; Genesis 11:6). Their problem wasn’t unity — it was self-idolatry. God had said to fill the earth, but they instead built a city and tower to “make a name” for themselves and prevent being scattered (Genesis 11:4). Only after God confused their languages at Babel did they disperse as He had ordered.

Pentecost offers an amazing contrast:

The disciples waited in Jerusalem, as Jesus commanded (Acts 1:4-5). The crowd was “amazed and astonished” to hear their different languages united in meaning (Acts 2:6-7). “We hear them,” they said to one another, “speaking in our own tongues of the mighty deeds of God” (v. 11).

That harmony of praise in Jerusalem redeemed the confusion at Babel. And while the church was also “scattered” after that, believers took persecution as an opportunity to sow seeds for the gospel (Acts 8:1; Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19). Their obedience made it possible for us today to declare “the mighty deeds of God.” And one day people “from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages” will sing of the salvation of God and the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-10).
________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/many-languages-one-god






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The Daily Article — May 17, 2024

~ The Chosen passes Baywatch as the most widely translated show in history!



When "The Chosen" set out in 2017 to crowdfund its way to a first season, their goal of introducing “the authentic Jesus to a billion people” was ambitious, to say the least. And while they still have a ways to go to reach that point, they’ve recently crossed the threshold of 200 million viewers around the world.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and The Chosen app have contributed greatly to that number. However, their growth has been fueled just as much by the degree to which the show has been translated and dubbed into so many languages around the world.

As Adam MacInnis writes, "The Chosen has partnered with Come and See to dub the show into fifty languages, with the hopes of eventually taking that number beyond six hundred. That number far surpasses the previous record holder — Baywatch — which saw its episodes translated 34 times."

And the extra effort to dub the show rather than just make it available through subtitles is crucial for areas where literacy is lacking.

Making the Gospel Accessible:

MacInnis describes how, in Madagascar for example, the nation’s president — Andry Rajoelina — reached out to Come and See to request that the group make the native Malagasy language a priority, even though it is spoken by a relatively small number of people. When it was made available last year, The Chosen became what is believed to be the first show ever dubbed into the language.

And, as Come and See CEO Stan Jantz describes, the impact has been felt throughout the island nation, with the show taken into remote areas, reaching people with the gospel in ways that were previously impossible.

However, the people at Come and See are quick to note that for such efforts to be effective, it takes a lot more than just typing a script into Google Translate. The intricacies of making sure that the message is conveyed accurately and in a way that makes sense to its audience require the ability to hear it spoken through the ears of native speakers.

That’s why the ministry seeks out pastors, Bible translators, and biblical scholars who speak the language when trying to translate the show. Moreover, they also strive to work with people who share their passion for the project. And the ability to partner with people who are not only capable but share their vision for what God can do through The Chosen is a big reason why the show now has more viewers outside the US than in its American audience.

It should also serve as a powerful reminder for each of us.

“The torture you’re comfortable with”:

Jerry Seinfeld was in the news recently after a group of students walked out of their commencement ceremonies at Duke in protest to the comedian’s support of Israel in its war against Hamas. And that’s too bad, because there was a lot in Seinfeld’s address that they needed to hear, including a thought that is particularly relevant to our conversation today.

While the comedian covered quite a bit of ground in his speech, his thoughts on work were what stood out the most to me.

He encouraged the graduates to “Find something where you love the good parts, and don’t mind the bad parts too much. The torture you’re comfortable with. This is the golden path to victory in life. Work, exercise, relationships, they all have a solid component of pure torture, and they are all 1000 percent worth it.”

I bring that idea up today because, even when we are pursuing God’s calling for our lives and partnering with Him in work that truly matters, there will be days and moments where that work feels like torture, where the bad parts seem to outweigh the good.

And that’s alright.

Even Jesus had those moments (Matthew 26:36–46). And if God-incarnate didn’t always enjoy doing the Father’s will, why should we think it would be any different for us?

How to Discern God’s Calling:

One of the most debilitating mistakes we can make in our relationship with God is confusing times of difficulty for evidence that we aren’t walking in His will. The inevitability of such trials is why it is so important that we make sure we are not only adhering to God’s calling for our lives but also walking that path in His strength rather than our own.

The path to getting The Chosen from an idea to a reality — much less taking it to people around the world — has not always been easy. However, one of the most consistent messages from the show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, is that he and those who work with him on the project feel a genuine calling from the Lord to help people know Jesus through their work. As a result, the difficulties they’ve faced are akin to — in the words of Jerry Seinfeld — “the torture you’re comfortable with,” and it’s helped them persevere.

As you think back on the trials you’ve faced, can you say the same? If not, it’s possible that a change is needed and you’re not living in accordance with God’s will for your life. I feel like for most of us, though, the reason is less that we aren’t living out our calling and more that we’ve forgotten to see our work — at school, home, the office, or in whatever form it might take — as our calling.

To put it another way, we’ve forgotten that work done for the Lord always has a higher purpose and is “1000 percent worth it.”

And if you need help seeing your calling through that lens, know that its Author would love to help you do just that.

Will you take the time to ask Him?
_____________

~ published by: Denison Ministries

Note: One of the keys to discerning God’s calling for your life and how He wants you to live it out is understanding your spiritual gifts. To that end, our ministry provides a free spiritual gifts test. We have also written a book that takes a deeper look into each of the gifts as well as how they are used in Scripture. We hope that these resources can prove helpful in gaining a better understanding of God’s gifts and calling in your life.

https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/the-chosen-passes-baywatch-as-most-translated-show/






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Ups And Downs

“Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty?” ~ Job 11:7

Life is like a roller coaster. There are ups and downs. Twists and turns. Terror and glee. Although at some times it feels it might last forever, it is truly over in the blink of an eye.

There is no way to fully prepare for what comes next. Part of the design of a roller coaster is the exhilaration of not being in control. Similarly, life is full of mystery and surprise.

The only thing we can do to prepare is to understand the journey we are on. An accurate perspective allows us to adapt to the changes, enjoy the best parts and endure the worst.

One twist leads to another. One dip sets up a rise. The whole of life is a beautiful journey. We did not design the ride. We cannot control its architecture. But we can make choices to control the perspective we will have along the way.

Observation is an avenue for preparation. It informs perception, setting the standard of awareness within us. We might not know exactly where we are or what’s next, but we do know God is in both places, and is the designer of our “ride.”

If we wrap our minds and hearts around the value of the ride, understanding the incredible investment God makes to teach and prepare us for a lasting joy, we are set free from getting lost in every loop.

The terrains of life are opportunities to probe the infinite depths of God.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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Encountering Peace

God never intended for you to be overworked and overtired. In fact, He created you with a need to rest.

He modeled the practice of resting when He created the world, taking time to rest after his work was done (Genesis 2:2–3).

Rest is both a gift from God, found perfectly in Him (Psalm 62:1), as well as a command, given for our good (Exodus 20:8–11).

Our Lord Jesus also provided an example of rest even in the midst of busyness (Luke 5:16).

Rest is vital for your mental and physical health. So today I want to help you experience deeper, more restorative rest by giving you five truths on which you can meditate. As you read each of these truths, let your mind be filled with the promises of God to give you rest, peace, and life.

Truth #1:

God is your shepherd; you lack nothing. He lays you down in green pastures and leads you beside still waters, restoring your soul (Psalm 23). Feel God’s everlasting arms beneath you, lifting you up, whispering, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God” (Isaiah 41:10).

Truth #2:

In quietness and trust is your strength. The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose mind is steadfast because they trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). Feel the gentleness of Jesus; He is meek and humble in heart. Find rest in Him, for His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28–30). Immerse yourself in the peace of Christ; let it rule in your heart. Be thankful, as you were called to peace as a member of one body (Colossians 3:15).

Truth #3:

The Holy Spirit fills your heart with love, joy, and peace, bearing the fruits of kindness, goodness, and faithfulness, bringing divine serenity to your soul (Galatians 5:22–23). Receive the blessed peace of Christ; He has overcome the world. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid, for His peace is with you (John 14:27, John 16:33).

Truth #4:

Through every trial, the peace of Christ is your anchor, His love your shield, protecting your heart from the storms and sheltering your soul (Hebrews 6:19). Underneath the shadow of God’s wings, find solace and peace, feeling the gentle caress of divine love shielding you from every tempest (Psalm 36:7).

Truth #5:

Peace is found in the enduring presence of God, for He is the God of peace (2 Thessalonians 3:16). His whispers are a comforting melody in your soul, the echo of everlasting love and tranquility.
________________

I pray that as you meditate on these truths, your soul is wrapped in eternal comfort and peace with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In the Spirit,

Drew Dickens

https://encounteringpeace.com/

RanB2khz: I listen to the Biblical meditation's available from this website (or app) almost daily. They are really encouraging, uplifting, and at times convicting. Sign-up from the link above and try it out for yourself. God bless!






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God Comforts Us

~ Distractions offer only temporary relief from pain; in contrast, our heavenly Father promises healing.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 66:12-13

In times of distress, we can fall into the habit of turning to God as a last resort. Food, relationships, careers, technology, and entertainment — these and other forms of escapism allure us with the false promise of relief. But whether we indulge in sweets, mindless scrolling on social media, or pointless busyness, we’ll always find ourselves empty and drained afterward. Worse still, the problem that sent us running is still there when we get back.

Reaching for God instead of our distractions requires the pain of being present in our distress — fully aware of our deep need, seeking a heavenly solution instead of the pleasures and diversions of this world. In our reading today, God reminds the children of Israel that even in the messy, painful space between promise and fulfillment, He never begins something that He doesn’t complete. In Israel’s struggle to become a nation after years of suffering and exile, God never left them. Instead, Israel experienced His deliverance in abundant and diverse ways.

Since we are children of God, Israel’s promised deliverance is extended to us — it’s an invitation to turn to Him with full confidence that we will be comforted. We are assured that “God, who began the good work within us, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)
__________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/god-comforts-us






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Traffic Jam

“...in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” ~ Romans 8:37-39

Perspective is a choice. The decision is hardest when our expectations do not match the reality we are facing. We sometimes feel like these kinds of situations victimize us, stealing our choices away. But they do not. They just provide the context for our choices.

If we find ourselves stuck in traffic, there are two ways to perceive.

One is frustration. We are angered that the world did not meet the expectation of circumstances to which we are entitled. We cannot control our circumstances, so we react in anger. We decide that being mad at other drivers and poor road conditions and the city infrastructure is the proper perspective. In a sad sort of way, we decide that since we can’t control the traffic, we will instead destroy our joy, for that is something we do control.

The other option is to see the traffic jam as a blessing. Take the unforeseen opportunity to pray, to make a phone call to a friend, or just take a deep breath. See the people as comrades, fellow humans, also trying to make their way in this world. Understand that others have plans and that sometimes interruptions are opportunities.

Nothing can be done to change the circumstances – but your perspective can change and your choices can be made.
________________

~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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Amen brother. Thank you for sharing the Godly perspective that we all need to be striving for as we traverse this world daily. Have a blessed day!






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A Peaceful Thought-Life

~ Today let us dive a little deeper into biblical concepts, and I hope we each walk away better equipped to face life’s trials with the transcendent peace of God.

Scripture Reading:

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” ~ Romans 8:6

Your thought-life can either be a place of peace and life or a source of immense internal struggle and despair. It’s our thoughts that the enemy tries to affect with half-truths and outright lies. It’s our thoughts that are the gateway to our emotions and actions. And it’s our thoughts our loving heavenly Father longs to influence, redeem, and renew that we might experience everlasting peace.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

• Do you long for perfect peace today?
• Do you long to keep your mind stayed on the inexpressible excellencies of Jesus?

It all starts with trust. When we allow our minds to stray into worry, doubt, fear, reservation, and lies, it is because we don’t trust that God is who He says He is or that He will do what He says He’ll do. If we truly trusted God with our relationships, we wouldn’t spend so much energy mulling over conversations that could have been better or different.

• If we truly trusted God as the perfect provider of our finances and possessions, we wouldn’t spend so much time overwhelming ourselves with all the different financial opportunities available, or not available, to us.

• If we truly trusted God with our futures, we wouldn’t devote so much of our minds to playing out every scenario that could possibly happen.

• And if we truly trusted God that we are loved, liked, enjoyable, and wholly found, we wouldn’t spend so much time thinking of ways we can impress others, work our way into a clique, make others laugh, or win the affections of another.

Romans 8:6 says, “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Where you set your mind today is your decision. The Spirit is fully available, ready and willing to lead you to abounding joy and peace. And "the enemy is prowling like a lion seeking to devour" your thoughts that they might breed emotional and even physical death (1 Peter 5:8).

There is a battle for your thoughts happening every moment. But “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). God has a perfect plan to lead you away from thoughts that plague you into life and joy in the Holy Spirit. Trust Him as your good and loving Father. Trust that He is always with you. Place your faith wholeheartedly in Him because He is perfectly faithful and able. He has plans for an incredible hope and future for you if you will simply trust Him and set your mind on Him as often and as passionately as you can. May you find peace today in your thoughts through a powerful revelation of God’s abiding love.



Our thoughts truly are a powerful gauge of our level of trust. Thoughts don’t run themselves. We think the way we do for a reason. When we begin to take captive and evaluate our thoughts, we embark on an important process of renewing our minds. Take notice of the way you think today. Take notice of what troubles you and what brings you peace and joy. Open your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to help you renew your mind and place your trust in Him that you might truly have peace. May your thoughts be marked by the nearness and love of Jesus.
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~ published by: First 15

https://www.first15.org/






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God Remembers Us

~ It is impossible for God to forget us — we are His children and are inscribed upon His hands.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 49:13-18

• Does it ever seem as if God has forgotten about you?
• Do you ever feel overlooked, abandoned, or unimportant?

In seasons of suffering, it’s easy to think He doesn’t see or care about what we’re going through. With Jerusalem destroyed and most of its inhabitants sent into Babylonian captivity, the people of Israel were also tempted to think God had forgotten and abandoned them.

Today’s passage, however, directly challenges the assumption that pain and hardship are indications of His absence. After God acknowledges that He knows all about Israel’s fear of abandonment, He counters by asserting His unconditional love. He is as near, attentive, and giving as a mother with her nursing baby, and it is impossible for Him to forget us. To make this point clear to the apprehensive, weary Israelites, God gave reassurance that He had inscribed them upon the palms of His hands. Does that image sound familiar?

Centuries later, Jesus Christ hung on a cross with nails driven into His hands — proving that God’s words were true and that we are worth more to Him than we could ever imagine. We are God’s unforgettable, beloved children.

How would it change our daily lives and our relationship with our heavenly Father if we lived safe in the knowledge that we are always on His mind?
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/god-remembers-us






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Faith to Leave

~ Have you decided to follow Jesus whenever and wherever He leads?

Scripture Reading:

"As He was going along the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will have you become fishers of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat mending the nets. Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and went away to follow Him." ~ Mark 1:16-20

When Jesus met Simon and Andrew, the brothers weren’t extraordinary saints. The same was true of James and John. They were all just fishermen — men who, along with many others, listened to the Lord’s teaching. What set them apart was their faith to leave behind their old life for a new way of living.

Mark is fond of using the word immediately. In his gospel, he writes that the brothers “immediately” left their nets and followed Jesus. We might miss the enormity of this decision. The men left their businesses — their source of income — but that was only the beginning. More than three years of discipleship took them far from family, home, comfort, and safety. They answered Jesus’ call with faith, not only to believe but also to leave.

We may not receive so radical a call. Yet we aren’t all that different from the disciples. When Jesus invites us to follow Him, we must set aside everything that competes for our trust in Him. In other words, we must be willing to leave our own “nets” — jobs and homes, or perhaps comfort and success — when the Lord calls us to do so.

What would it take for you to have that kind of faith?
_______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/faith-to-leave






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Our Weakness Can Be Our Strength

A 10-year-old boy decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move. "Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"

"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.

Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.

This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. "No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."

Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: He dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.

On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"

"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."

The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

"'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
________________

~ published by: The Daily Encourager

To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager






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Lord, Teach Us to Pray

~ Keep talking to the Lord — He always welcomes you, just as you are.

Scripture Reading:

"Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” ~ Matthew 9:35-38

When it comes to prayer, there are two common pitfalls to be aware of. First, when it’s unclear what to pray, some people choose not to pray at all. And second, many believers settle into a lifeless form of praying that leaves them feeling hollow and disconnected from God. Both situations lead to discontentment and frustration.

As Christians, we know that we should pray, even if doing so seems daunting. But far more than any sense of obligation we may feel, it’s wise to recognize that God intended prayer as a blessing for His children: Communing with Him is a fundamental way of experiencing His fullness. We have much to gain by praying — including peace, comfort, wisdom, and God’s very presence. So, it would be tragic to give up on trying.

And remember, when we communicate with God, there’s no measuring stick or scorecard. A fumbling yet heartfelt attempt pleases Him far more than a well-worded litany that lacks sincerity. And keep in mind that formal prayers — such as the one Jesus taught His disciples (Matthew 6:9-13) — can help us find a path back into the practice when we’re lost.

Start with the Lord’s Prayer today and return to it as often as needed. You may eventually find your own words flowing freely as a result. But if not, don’t give up. Just keep talking to the Lord.
______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/lord-teach-us-to-pray






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Caring for One Another

~ Ask God to show you how to minister to the people He’s brought into your life.

Scripture Reading: John 19:25-30

The last mother named in Matthew’s messianic lineage is “Mary, by whom Jesus was born” (Matthew 1:16). Mary watched her Son’s ministry, no doubt treasuring all He said and did (Luke 2:51). She likely felt a range of emotions — from motherly pride to worry and fear — despite the fact that she understood He was “about His Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). Then, when Jesus was on the cross, she undoubtedly felt anguish watching Him suffer but also heard Him lovingly entrust her to John’s care (John 19:26).

Even though she had long anticipated a sword through her soul (Luke 2:34-35), that knowledge didn’t lessen her pain. But she didn’t endure it alone. She was surrounded by other believers in the days before and after Jesus’ passion. Following His ascension, she waited with them for the Comforter (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1) and likely lived for years as a member of John’s household and part of the growing Christian community — worshipping, praying, and serving with those Jesus had come to save. And in that early church environment, she would also have been served by them.

• Do you know of friends or acquaintances who are dealing with adversity?
• How can you show them the love of Christ?

Ask the Lord to reveal ways to care for the people He has brought into your life.
______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/caring-for-one-another






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Comforting Those Who Grieve

~ Those who mourn are all around us; may we offer them the compassion of our Savior.

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 11:26-27

Like Tamar and Rahab, the fourth woman in Matthew’s genealogy has a tarnished reputation — Bathsheba is labeled by some as a temptress. In reality, however, she was a victim. Desired by King David, she was brought to him and soon found herself pregnant and in danger of death for adultery. David tried to cover up his sin by manipulating Bathsheba’s husband Uriah. When that didn’t work, David had him killed at the [battle] front.

Suddenly, Bathsheba was a grieving widow. “She mourned for her husband,” according to 2 Samuel 11:26. Then David made her his wife. When she delivered a son, her joy was short-lived. The child became sick and died, as the prophet Nathan had prophesied (2 Samuel 12:14). Now she was grieving two great losses: a husband and a child.

When it comes to our attention that a parent is grieving, we may feel unsure of the best way to reach out. But we have Jesus as a model of how to offer care. Matthew saw his Master heal the multitudes and remembered the words of Isaiah:

“He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick;” ~ Isaiah 42:3

May we receive such people with gentleness and be a safe place that promotes their healing.
_______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/comforting-those-who-grieve






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Remnant

“ In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace.” ~ Romans 11:5

Throughout it’s pages, the Bible speaks about or infers that God retains “a remnant”. The remnant are those who pass through the gauntlet of circumstances with their faith intact. Those who do not lose heart or surrender their courage to continue to walk in truth and grace.

The command Jesus gave us to be the “salt” of the world is a call to live as a remnant. When salt is applied, it only needs to be a small amount in order to have its designed effect. That’s also the job of a remnant. When it retains its character, it preserves all it surrounds.

We tend to think of being salt when we walk through life’s valleys. But the greatest opportunity to serve as a salty remnant is on life’s plains, simply because that is where most of life occurs.

The plains contain a vast array of experiences. A myriad of opportunities. Every single one of them brimming with it opportunity as well as peril. But this is a perspective we must choose. The plains do not impose it upon us. If we aren’t intentional about seeing life on the plains as an opportunity to be salt, they can become a hypnotic routine. Like monotonous white stripes on an endless straight road.

There are no meaningless choices. Each and every day, the decisions we make have an impact on who we are, whom we trust, and where we aim our worship.

Living life on the plains as salt, as a member of the remnant is transformative. But it requires adopting a perspective that what the world considers menial, like taking the trouble to deliver a cup of cool water to a person in need, is actually something that is great in God’s economy.

Today is an opportunity to live a remnant lifestyle.
________________

~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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Have His Way

“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” ~ Isaiah 55:9

When we approach God solely as The Giver of gifts and the provider of solutions to our problems (as we perceive them), we are trying to turn Him into a Cosmic Vending Machine. We want Him to give us exactly what we ask for.

God does not need more of our perspective. We need more of His. When we aren’t ignoring Him, we spend so much time trying to explain ourselves to God, making a pitch for the longings of our flesh to be fulfilled.

The problem is we do not really know what to ask for. We need to ask Him what we ought to ask for. God does not exist to hear from us and provide resources so we might have our way. He exists so we might hear from Him and be resourced to participate in His Way.

The issue is not that we ask too much of God (or even that we are asking Him for things). The issue is we are asking too little of Him. We are asking for our perspective to be validated through changed circumstances.

But what if God wants to redeem our circumstances through changed perspective?

Scripture is full of pleas for us to die to our false perceptions, to see past our superficial desires, and to discover The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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Hope for the Stranger

~ God calls us to welcome and include those who are new or unknown in our communities.

Scripture Reading: Ruth 1:6-14

When Naomi returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons, she brought along her widowed Moabite daughter-in-law. Ruth — the third woman mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy — was a stranger, but she chose to follow the customs of Naomi’s land. Because they were poor, Ruth gleaned barley from the edges of the fields, God’s provision in Israel “for the needy and for the stranger” (Leviticus 19:10; 23:22). Her faithfulness impressed the community and especially Boaz, the owner of the field.

Ruth lived on the margins, literally and figuratively. But settling in Bethlehem eventually led to a home and family of her own. Boaz, by marrying her, helped to restore the inheritance and prospects of a family devastated by loss. Ruth was welcomed and cared for by her adopted community, and she ultimately bore a child whom the neighborhood named Obed (Ruth 4:13-17).

People like Ruth live in our communities today. You can find them in the grocery store and dentist’s office as well as the dog park, senior center, and library. God calls us to welcome and provide for all the “strangers” among us, just as He welcomed us when we were outsiders. He made us members of His household and grafted us into the kingdom (Ephesians 2:19-20).

How can we extend that same love and generosity to those around us?
__________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/hope-for-the-stranger






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Answered Prayer

'“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'” ~ Isaiah 55:8-9

When you pray continually about a concern, don't be surprised at how Christ answers.

Paul prayed to visit Rome so he could teach the Christians there. When he finally arrived in Rome, it was as a prisoner!

Paul prayed for a safe trip, and he did arrive safely – after getting arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake!

God's way of answering our prayers are often far from what we expect. When we sincerely pray, God will answer – although in His timing and sometimes in ways we do not expect.
________________

~ The Life Application Study Bible

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Being Super

“As each has received a special gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” ~ 1 Peter 4:10

The weight of responsibility is an integral part of being super. And it becomes very difficult for others to understand how we are stewarding our gifts and passions. We can never please them all. And the slightest hint of rejection is enough to knock us off our perch.

The faith that angels observe with fascination is our strongest power. And it is longing to get out, to make itself known, to serve responsibly. Faith is inside of us. We are filled with potential energy waiting to go kinetic. To be something is only half of the equation of humanity. It is how we steward who we are that determines the depth of richness we will experience in this world.

God is cheering for us, wanting the most good for us. He wants us to be who we truly are, no matter the risks involved or how the world might respond. He wants us to live the extraordinary life prepared for us.

Being super is not about fame and fortune and power. It is more subtle than all that. Being super is about living well. Being who we are. Worshipping God through a life well-lived, a life of joy and of service.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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Ezekiel as a Watchman

"Now at the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the house of Israel. When you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. If I say to the wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him — you don’t speak out to warn him about his wicked way in order to save his life — that wicked person will die for his iniquity. Yet I will hold you responsible for his blood. But if you warn a wicked person and he does not turn from his wickedness or his wicked way, he will die for his iniquity, but you will have saved your life. Now if a righteous person turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, and I put a stumbling block in front of him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die because of his sin and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. Yet I will hold you responsible for his blood. But if you warn the righteous person that he should not sin, and he does not sin, he will indeed live because he listened to your warning, and you will have saved your life.”

~ Ezekiel 3:16-21

Some powerful words of responsibility here from God.

Are we to be God’s Watchman? Asking for a friend...






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God’s in the Details

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:7

"But even the hairs of your head have all been counted.” ~ Matthew 10:30

While I was talking with someone the other day, she mentioned something going on in her life. I asked if she'd prayed about it. She replied no, she didn't think God was concerned about something that small. She went on to say she prays about the important things but not anything as small as this. I could identify with this thinking, and at one time my thinking was the same. After all... God has a lot to do all the time!

There is nothing under the sun that is not important to God. All we have to do is look at our solar system, the starry universe, how a baby is perfectly put together before birth, the cell structure in our bodies, right down to a perfectly and intricately made bumble bee in a minutely detailed single flower.

He is most definitely and assuredly in details. And He is totally interested in the details of our lives. The Word of the Lord is truth, and it says that even the hairs of our head are numbered by God. He knows every single solitary detail about us. He IS interested and involved in our lives.

No prayer request is too small for Him. He already knows what is in our hearts and minds, and longs for us to come to Him, our Heavenly Father, to ask and to talk things over. Through the Holy Spirit, we can come to Him, trusting and believing.

What an awesome and amazing God we have, that He would be interested in every detail concerning us. So "give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."

How wonderful we serve a God of details.
_______________

~ by Sally I. Kennedy, Inspirational Messages

~ published by: The Daily Encourager






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Love the hymns brother! The lyrics are so full of truth, love, life, and, of course, conviction. Thank you for sharing that particular one - a most awesome prayer! Here is a link to a hymnal site in case anyone was looking for one:

https://www.hymnsite.com/

Have a blessed day!






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From the Pastor’s Heart – May 2024

~ Choose to lean on your kind and patient heavenly Father, who sees your struggle.

The Christian life isn’t always easy, but as children of God, we have special help for both good days and bad. Dr. Stanley faced discouragement as much as any of us, and he knew how to reach for spiritual sustenance.

We at In Touch care about how you’re doing. This month we’d like to share with you some words from Dr. Stanley about our “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). Remember the grace of Jesus whenever your heart needs uplifting.
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At some point, discouragement comes to everyone — through bad news, worldly sorrows, or distressing circumstances. In those moments we can convince ourselves that we’ll be undone by our troubles. Or we can choose to lean on our kind and patient heavenly Father, who sees our struggle. He will never leave us to cope on our own. Instead, He comforts and strengthens us through the Holy Spirit.

When I need encouragement, I turn to one of my favorite Bible passages — Romans 15:4-5:

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus.”

Perseverance is the determination to keep going and not give up. If you’ll look carefully at verse 5, what do you see? It’s God Himself who gives us that determination. Doesn’t that give you hope today?

Let’s look at how He does this:

1. The Spirit of God encourages us with the Word of God.

In Scripture, we discover what kind of God He is. Psalm 119:68 says the Lord is good. He’s not only good in character and the giver of good things, but He’s also the one who determines what is good. He knows what’s best for us at each point in our life and can guide us wisely in every situation. When we understand that God allows difficulties because they are ultimately beneficial for us, we don’t need to be discouraged by them. In time we’ll look back and thank Him for the way He brought us through.

2. God’s Spirit comforts us through prayer.

The Lord doesn’t want us to be anxious but to come to Him with every concern (Philippians 4:6). When my granddaughter was 7 years old, she taught me one of the simplest and most effective prayers we can offer to the Lord in times of need. We were horseback riding while visiting a ranch, and suddenly her horse galloped away from the group. After we caught up with her, she told me she was afraid but kept praying, “Jesus, help me!”

Remember this short prayer next time you feel helpless in the face of trouble. No problem — not even yours — is bigger than our omniscient, omnipotent God, and nothing is too small, worldly, or ordinary for Him to get involved and reveal His love.

3. God also encourages us through Christian music.

I have some favorite hymns that remind me of God’s faithfulness and His purpose for trials. Think about the lyrics from old hymns, like this verse from “How Firm a Foundation”:

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”

There is great comfort in knowing and trusting God’s grace to sustain us in trials.

4. God’s people are another means by which He encourages us.

In closing his letter to the Colossians, Paul listed the friends who worked together with him for the kingdom of God. What he wrote about them was, “They have proved to be an encouragement to me” (Colossians 4:11). A godly friend can lift you up when you’re down. This is just one of the many reasons to join a local church where you can participate in the body of Christ in a direct and personal way. Not only will you find courage for your own difficult times, but you’ll be there for others when they’re in need.

5. Finally, the Holy Spirit will help you to notice God’s daily blessings.

Discouragement keeps us from seeing all the good He provides. But when we consider His endless gifts, our attitude is transformed. Sometimes we need to take our focus away from the troubles of life and shift it to the awesome creation that surrounds us. The wonder of the seasons, for example, or the perfect order of the universe will always remind us that God is great and He has everything under control.

What a comfort to know that the Lord is present and living within you!

Actively look for Him and His comfort, and you’ll recognize His love, mercy, and goodness in every situation.
_________________

Dr. Stanley’s words above are a reminder of the truth found in John 14:27, that the Lord gives to us “not as the world gives.” The peace of God is mysterious, remarkable, and effective. It holds us together in a way that nothing else can. We hope you’ll lean on His encouragement more every day. Till next time, God bless you.

For His Glory,

Your Friends at In Touch Ministries

P.S. This month we recognize Mother’s Day, a celebration that was dear to Dr. Stanley. His own mother had a strong influence on him, one that ripples out to each of us who benefit from his ministry. We’re grateful for godly women who impact their neighbors, friends, and family with Christ’s love.

Happy Mother’s Day.

https://www.intouch.org/read/from-pastors-heart/may-2024






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God Cares About the Vulnerable

~ God considers justice and compassion important for those who need help — and we should as well.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew mentions only five women in Jesus’ genealogy. That alone makes them remarkable, but their stories are more than mere curiosities. They reorient how we see and value the women among us.

Tamar was the mother of Judah’s sons Perez and Zerah. But Judah wasn’t Tamar’s husband; his son Er was. Er, however, was “evil in the sight of the Lord,” so his life was taken from him (Genesis 38:7). Tamar then married Er’s brother Onan, who also displeased God and died. Though Hebrew custom (and, later, the law) protected a widow by requiring a relative of the deceased to marry her, Judah denied Tamar because he was afraid to lose another son (Genesis 38:11). So she took matters into her own hands (see Genesis 38).

Justice for widows is important in God’s eyes. The psalmist, in fact, calls Him “a father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows” (Psalm 68:5). And God’s ultimate judgment of Tamar is in her favor. She gave birth to Perez and Zerah — the twins Judah fathered and direct-line ancestors of Christ.

Psalm 68 also says God “makes a home for the lonely” (Psalm 68:6). We should participate in caring for those who are grieving or vulnerable. This is confirmed in James’ epistle when he calls the care of widows “pure religion” (James 1:27). So let us make our churches and homes welcoming places for those who need help.
__________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/god-cares-about-the-vulnerable






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Don't Forget to Pray

~ Inquire of the Lord for all things - great and small.

Scripture Reading: Joshua 9

Key Verses:

"So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.” ~ Joshua 9:14-15

When the armies of ancient Israel, led by Joshua, were conquering the Promised Land, the surrounding kings and nations were understandably terrified. This was because God was with the Israelites giving them great victories over their enemies — enemies whom God commanded the Israelites to destroy because of their sinful, decadent, and self-destructive ways.

The men of Gibeon, a close country, resorted to trickery. They sent a delegation to Joshua with the appearance of having come from a distant land so they could deceive Joshua into making a treaty with them. Their donkeys carried worn out sacks and old wineskins that were cracked and had been mended. They wore old clothes, worn and patched sandals, and the bread they carried with them was dry and moldy.

Their disguise worked very well. Joshua signed a treaty with them only to discover afterwards they were a neighboring people among those countries God had told Joshua to destroy. They had to live with the consequences as a result.

Joshua's mistake was that he made this treaty without praying and inquiring of the Lord — a valuable lesson for all of us to learn.

Suggested Prayer:

"Dear God, help me never to forget my need for wisdom and guidance from You and daily seek Your direction in everything I do. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
______________

~ published by: The Daily Encourager

To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link:

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Amen brother! Thanks for the encouraging reminder! Have a great pm!






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Thank you brother for keeping me in your prayers! We know that God hears the cries and prayers of His children in Christ. Have a great evening!






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Amen! To God be the glory!






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Thank you for the thoughts and prayers! Have several scans scheduled on Friday, and I’m ready to get to the root of the problem. Like you - I know who walks with me through the valleys of life. Have a good pm!






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Consider Him Who Endured

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” ~ Hebrews 3:13

Jesus endured ridicule and humiliation from His accusers, and overwhelming pain on the cross, simply because He dearly loved us. The joy of seeing our restored relationship with the Father allowed Him to persevere through unbelievable hardship. His sacrifice brought us Salvation – His perseverance should bring us strength and a renewed hope.

"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.” ~ Hebrews 12:3

There are going to be days when the burden seems extra heavy – days when the attacks come fast and furious and feel like they will never end. It may bring temporary relief for someone to agree and confirm the difficulty of our situation, but the only way to truly ease the load is to focus our heart back to Christ and pray for His strength;

"May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance [perseverance] that comes from Christ.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:5

We must persevere... because He first persevered for us!

There is definitely a place within the Body [of Christ] for compassion and the sharing of one another's sorrows; but when our burdens become seemingly unbearable, we must also encourage one another to simply put one foot in front of the other and boldly continue down His path. His grace and His strength WILL be sufficient! We will not lose heart if we focus on His love. We will persevere and not grow weary if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and consider Him who endured.

Have a Christ Centered Day!
______________

~ by Steve Troxel, "God's Daily Word Ministries”

~ published by: The Daily Encourager






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An Invitation

“Jesus said to them, 'You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.'” ~ Mark 9:19

We love Jesus’ miracles. They wow and inspire us. They do everything a mountaintop experience should do – awaken something within us, provide a sense of the extraordinary, and motivate us.

The downside is that we often think of the miracles as the end, the result, the goal. Jesus’ physical miracles are only the beginning. Just like every mountaintop experience, they are gifts meant to transform us. They are invitations to change, opportunities to prepare for the majority of life (the plains) and the most difficult phases of life (the valleys).

The physical miracles are an invitation. They call us to the table and provide a mysteriously beautiful taste of what the feast is all about. But it is not enough to take our invitation, to treasure it, to frame it and tell people about it. The invitation quickly becomes meaningless if we do not take advantage of the offer.

Jesus is offering relationship. He is offering to share a meal together. A feast! The mountain tops are just to get our attention, to hint at what might be possible if we commit to belief.

Sometimes you can hear Jesus’ frustration in the midst of His miracles. In Mark 9, He is prepping for a miracle but is frustrated with the lack of belief.

The mountaintops are not the end. They are not the destination, or the goal. They are terrain for the journey, meant to equip us, to inspire us, to invite us. The real heart of the journey is a meal at the table. The truest miracle is the possibility of intimacy with the Lord, the opportunity to participate in His Kingdom.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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Thanks brother for the prayers. I’ll be meeting with the doc later today to discuss some potential testing. Y’all be blessed!






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Amen brother!






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