Temptations Oct.14

 

Scripture promises you would not be tempted beyond your endurance, but with any struggle will come a way of escape.  Sometimes you may not see an immediate way out, but God’s Grace is there just the same--working out any problem becomes much like a slow healing. At times, healing comes instantaneously. Others must go through a process which may mean doctor involvement or other systems of health. In scripture, just like the angel could not come to help in war because he was busy in another place, [Dan. 10: 12-13]God uses your earthly time for the Holy Spirit to use the proper connections. All things are being influenced by heavenly principles and Son Jesus. Relax and trust that God IS working even when you might feel abandoned. 

Prayer: Lord, help me increase my trust in you, even when I cannot see your overall picture.

Surprises Oct.13

 

        Jesus of Nazareth is not some hesitant Savior, meaning you must beg over-and-over for his attention. In fact, every day his plan may seem a new surprise, a new gift for you which contains his intermingling joy.  Pay close attention. His ways are still not always what you think. Often, through unusual thinking or action, he sends you a blessing. It can appear even as some hardship, some health issue, a financial message, or a family event. Potentially, any activity may become his channel for surprise because he loves to give when you may least expect. Pray to recognize his gift and not some selfish hardship!

Prayer: Lord, help me remember you injected your love into every cell of my mind, body, and spirit; every neuron fired in my brain is surrounded by your love!

Connections Oct.12

 

As a Jesus follower, pay attention to the constant connection of your inner being and your outward behavior. Even though you live in this world but are not truly of it, you are to build bridges between spiritual devotion and physical outcomes. Think of the difference between the example of Mary and Martha in Luke’s gospel but remember they were still sisters. True fellowship remains the goal in spite of circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, with connections, help me know where and when I fit.

Genuine Help Oct.10

 

We are bombarded with advertisements and institutions that promise to offer some kind of relief. They ask: Can you be set free from the struggles and troubles? Do you wish for the prosperous conditions of those who do not follow Christ, who seem to have no problems? And yet, does not everyone eat, drink, and get hailed on? Is your constant goal to avoid discomfort or suffering? Psalm 121 points you to a magnificent truth: Believers and non-believers can have the same difficulties, but the heavenly Father will keep you from evil. Events that happen to you are neither good nor bad but have the potential seed for either one. God may allow you a hard, difficult, uncomfortable event, but His Spirit can keep you from doing evil. So it remains no accident in Christ’s model prayer that he prayed “. . . deliver us from evil.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray we pay attention when you deliver us from evil thoughts and ways.

 

Small Items Oct.9

 

Life twists and turns like a briar bush and interlays like a mosaic tile-floor as well. Jehovah is interested and just as concerned about the everyday little pieces of life as they fit together. Nothing exists too small or mundane, but what it may be a significant part of the mosaic of Christ. At the end of life you will see and understand, you will recall, piece by piece, the full mosaic that heavenly Father put together. Just lean on faith if you do not understand the pieces now!

Prayer: Oh Lord, help me pay attention to your doings of all the little facets of life.

Your Divided Self Oct.8

 

No ‘ifs ands or buts’. . . surrender your divided self into the realm of Jehovah God. And trust certain principles that what you give yourself to (Jesus the Son) can sustain you with heavenly principles. Any person or action that appeals for your energy needs to call out your best potential. If some issue only brings out the worst in you, it is not of heavenly Father. The Father’s concern and will promote the best  for you, though it may not happen when your self-will expects.

Prayer: Lord, help me know the difference between the selfish non-best and the legitimate your-best to grow self-interest.

 

 

What is most Important? Oct. 7

 

As you live in this world, what becomes the most important result of knowing the Savior, Jesus of Nazareth? Is it heaven? Is it peace? Is it abundance? Is it morality? Is it hope? Is it that you will have your own kingdom? All have merit and deciding one thing becomes difficult, but if you follow Proverbs 2 and gain its treasure, the Holy Spirit will grant a guide most precious: Wisdom.

Clearly there are two kinds of wisdom. One is fueled by ambition that leads to selfish motivation and stays earth bound, not of the heavenly Father. The other comes from heaven and upholds your Savior, while it feeds the fruit of the Spirit. How is the correct wisdom attained? Proverbs says start by accepting the entire word of heavenly Father. In that acceptance comes good sense and better insight into all life, relationships, and overall humanity.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the wisdom to choose and maintain the right wisdom for you.