Wednesday, January 5

This week's promise:
Seeking God's will first brings perspective

How do I set priorities?

". . .choose today whom you will serve . .as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. "

Joshua 24:15

There is no greater priority than loving and obeying God. Nothing affects our eternal future so significantly.

wow i love this! the chapter i am reading in power of praying woman is talking priorities and keeping God first like Tabitha, who was a female disciple. Thank you for sharing this Ju ju bean!

Jan 8, 2005

This week's promise:
Seeking God's will first brings perspective

What happens when we fail to set priorities?

"In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their eyes. "

Judges 17:6

When we fail to set priorities we will stop doing what is right in God's eyes.

Jan 7, 2005

This week's promise:
Seeking God's will first brings perspective

How do I set priorities?

"Give me an understanding mind so that I can . . .know the difference between right and wrong. "

1 Kings 3:9

Tenaciously seeking after God's wisdom is the way to discern right priorities... the correct priorities

Jan 6, 2005

This week's promise:
Seeking God's will first brings perspective

How do I set priorities?

". . .and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. "

Matthew 6:33

Be intentional about priorities. Set them and tend to them first. Only then will your life have its fullest meaning.

Jan 9, 2005

"With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. "

Psalm 60:12 NLT

Success by God's standards is not measured in material assets, but by godliness and all that is associated with it. Many are both materially successful and successful by God's standards. But we get into trouble when we gain material or worldly success at the expense of godly success. On the day of our death, when we lay aside all material assets, material success has no value. But how we have succeeded in godly matters counts in every way.

This week's promise:
God will help you to be truly successful

What is true success in God's eyes?

"Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. "

Acts 16:31 NLT

Faith in Jesus is the highest measure of "success" to God.

Jan 11, 2005

This week's promise:
God will help you to be truly successful

What is true success in God's eyes?

"But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. "

Matthew 20:26 NLT

Serving and helping others. The model of servant leadership, promoted by some business leaders, comes from Jesus himself.

Jan 12, 2005

This week's promise:
God will help you to be truly successful

What is true success in God's eyes?

"Commit your work to the LORD and then your plans will succeed. "

Jeremiah 37:15-16 NLT

Committing all you do to God. Putting God first in your life.

Thursday, January 13

This week's promise:
God will help you to be truly successful

What is true success in God's eyes?

". . . but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for nice things . . . "

Mark 4:19 NLT

True success, that which comes from God, is killed by our attraction to worldly things. When we lust for money, position, power, fame, we will be tempted to spend our energies to get these things, and that will take us away from a pursuit of God.

WOW JU THESE ARE AMAZING! WHERE DID YOU GET THIS FROM. I LOVE IT!!! :thumbsup:

WOW JU THESE ARE AMAZING! WHERE DID YOU GET THIS FROM. I LOVE IT!!! :thumbsup:
Actually I signed up for Denise Austin's daily email for physical fitness and it had an option for the spiritual dailies as well so I signed up. It's nice to get a quick reminder of God's Word :D

Friday, January 14

This week's promise:
God will help you to be truly successful

Is it OK to be successful in this life?

"Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people. "

Proverbs 22:29 NLT

There are many godly character traits (hard work, integrity, commitment, serving others, planning) that, if applied to life, bring material success.

Saturday, January 15
Is it OK to be successful in this life?

"The LORD was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of his Egpytian master . . .giving him success in everything he did. "

Genesis 39:2-3 NLT

Throughout the Scriptures, there are frequent references to God's blessings for his people. God allows his people to have material blessing but urges them never to sacrifice spiritual matters for worldly wealth.

Sunday, January 16

This week's promise:
God is just and merciful



". . . He made [Sodom and Gomorrah] an example of what will happen to ungodly people. But at the same time, God rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a good man . . . "

2 Peter 1:6-8 NLT

When others wrong us, we cry out for justice. When we wrong God, we cry out for mercy. Fortunately, God is merciful. But if we don't accept his merciful gift of salvation, we are subject to God's justice, the punishment of eternal death and separation from God. Until God sets up his eternal kingdom, where perfect justice prevails, justice will continue to be needed here on earth—both God's justice to urge us toward his kingdom, and the law and order to keep anarchy from ruling. While justice provides law and order, mercy provides hope and forgiveness—God's formula for restoration.

Monday, January 17
This week's promise:
God is just and merciful

Is God always just?

"O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage. Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. . . "

Psalm 6:1-2 NLT

We beg God, not for justice, lest he punish us, but for pity, so he will forgive us.

Tuesday, January 18

This week's promise:
God is just and merciful

Is God always fair?

"O LORD, God of Israel, you are just. We stand before you in our guilt . . . . "

Ezra 9:15 NLT

We beg God, not for fairness, lest that bring judgment, but for mercy, so it will not.

Wednesday, January 19

This week's promise:
God is just and merciful

Why should we strive for justice?

"Then at last everyone will say, "There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth." "

Psalm 58:11 NLT

God rewards those who seek after justice.

Thursday, January 20

This week's promise:
God is just and merciful

What should I do when justice is abused?

""Be just and fair to all," says the LORD. "Do what is right and good . . . " "

Isaiah 56:1 NLT

Continue to do what is right. Don't become unjust yourself.

Friday, January 21

This week's promise:
God is just and merciful

How do God's justice and mercy relate?

""This is a desperate situation," David replied to Gad. "But let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great. Do not let me fall into human hands." "

2 Samuel 24:14 NLT

God is merciful in that he offers a way for us to be spared the punishment we deserve for our sin.

Tuesday, January 25

This week's promise:
God alone is worthy of our highest praise

How are we to express our praise to God?

"Let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. "

Hebrews 13;15 NLT13:15

When we tell others of Christ's name we are offering him a sacrifice of praise.When we tell others of Christ's name, we are

Wednesday, January 26

This week's promise:
God alone is worthy of our highest praise

How are we to express our praise to God?

"I hate all your show and pretense . . . Away with your hymns of praise! . . . Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice . . . "

Amos 5:21-24 NLT

Our praise must be sincere and not hypocritical.

Thursday, January 27

This week's promise:
God alone is worthy of our highest praise

Why do we praise God?

"So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son . . . "

Ephesians 1:6-12 NLT

For providing his gracious salvation, God deserves our praise.

Friday, January 28

This week's promise:
God alone is worthy of our highest praise

Why do we praise God?

"Praise the LORD . . . He forgives all my sins . . . He ransoms me from death . . . "

Psalm 103:1-22 NLT

We praise God for his forgiveness, healing, and salvation.

Saturday, January 29

This week's promise:
God alone is worthy of our highest praise

Why do we praise God?

". . . If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers! "

Luke 19:36-40 NLT

If we don't lift our voices in praise of Jesus as our Lord and King, the very rocks and stones will cry out!

Sunday, January 30

This week's promise:
Wherever we go God is there



"I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. "

Joshua 1:9 NLT

Through his Holy Spirit, God promises to be with us always if we just ask him — a comforting message in such troubling times. When we accept him as Lord of our lives, he forgives us and purifies us on the inside so that he can then reside in us. The key to living in this life — and the next — is to daily experience the power of the presence of Almighty God.

Monday, January 31

This week's promise:
Wherever we go God is there

Sometimes it feels like God is far away

". . . I can never escape your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! . . . "

Psalm 138:1-12 NLT

There is no height nor depth to which God will not go to be with us.neither height nor

Tuesday, February 1

This week's promise:
Wherever we go God is there

How can I experience God's presence in my life?

". . . when you pray, I will listen . . you will find me when you seek me."

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

Seeking and finding God requires consistent and purposeful prayer.

Wednesday, February 2

This week's promise:
Wherever we go God is there

The Lord wants to be with us and will respond when we seek him.

"Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds! His name is the LORD—rejoice in his presence!"

Psalm 68:4 NLT

When we live in harmony with the Lord, it is joy and delight to linger in his presence.

Thursday, February 3

This week's promise:
Wherever we go God is there

When are we afraid of the presence of God?

"Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign LORD, for the awesome day of the LORD's judgments has come."

Zephaniah 1:7 NLT

To walk into God's presence with a heart bent toward sin is to invite the Lord's judgment.

Friday, February 4

This week's promise:
Wherever we go God is there

How can I experience God's presence in my life?

"Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds! His name is the LORD—rejoice in his presence!"

Psalm 68:4 NLT

When we live in harmony with the Lord, it is joy and delight to linger in his presence.

Saturday, February 5

This week's promise:
Wherever we go God is there

What is the evidence of being in God's presence?

"When Moses came down the mountain . . . He wasn't aware that his face glowed because he had spoken to the LORD face to face."

Exodus 34:29 NLT

When we walk close to the Lord, somehow people sense that we have been with him.

Sunday, February 6

This week's promise:
God has mercy on those who suffer

Why am I suffering? Doesn't God care about me?

"Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners, for there is yet hope! I promise this very day that I will repay you two mercies for each of your woes!"

Zechariah 9:12 NLT

Have you every thought you were suffering badly — from whatever cause — and then looked around and realized how much greater was the pain and grief and suffering of others? For those who have seen "The Passion of the Christ" you have seen the reality of his suffering in a powerful way. It makes our own suffering seem trivial in comparison. Yet, through it all, God was merciful and victorious. God's mercy gives us comfort . . . and perspective.

Monday, February 7

This week's promise:
God has mercy on those who suffer

Why am I suffering? Doesn't God care about me?

""Teacher," his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?" "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered."

John 9:1-3 NLT

Sometimes the suffering that comes to us is not our fault. It just happens. In this case, how we react to the suffering is the key.

Tuesday, February 8

This week's promise:
God has mercy on those who suffer

Why am I suffering? Doesn't God care about me?

"My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you . . . For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."

Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT

Sometimes God sends suffering as punishment for our sins. He disciplines us because he loves us and wants to correct us and restore us to him.

Wednesday, February 9

This week's promise:
God has mercy on those who suffer

Can any good come from suffering?

"For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow . . .for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

James 1:3-4 NLT

Suffering, while it is not welcome, can be a form of spiritual body-building, building our endurance and ability to handle even more difficult circumstances

Thursday, February 10

How do I stay close to God in times of suffering?

"Those who plant in tears will harvest in shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest."

Psalm 126:5-6 NLT

Recognize that suffering is not forever. In the dark hours of the night of suffering it is hard to think of a morning of joy and gladness. But the tears of suffering are like seeds of joy.

How can I get daily inspirations from God's words, sent to my e-mail?

Friday, February 11

Is there ever a time I would welcome suffering?

"I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen."

2 Timothy 2:10 NLT

When something is for our good, Christ's glory, and the building of his church, we should be happy to accept it, even though it is suffering.

Saturday, February 12

This week's promise:
God has mercy on those who suffer

Suffering is shared in the body of Christ.

"If one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad."

1 Corinthians 12:26 NLT

When one Christian suffers, it should hurt us all, for we are all members of Christ's body — unified. If one part of our body hurts, it sets up sympathetic pain throughout our entire body. So it should be in the body of Christ.

Sunday, February 13

This week's promise:
God pursues us with his love

What is love?

"I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you."

Isaiah 46:4 NLT

A healthy definition of love is crucial to understanding the central message of the Bible. According to the Bible, love is not confined to sexuality, nor is it primarily a feeling at all. The Bible teaches that love is a commitment. Therefore, it is not dependent on good feelings, but on a consistent and courageous decision to extend oneself for the well-being of another. That commitment then produces good feelings, not the other way around.

Jesus became the perfect demonstration of God's unconditional love for us by laying down his life for our benefit.

Monday, February 14

This week's promise:
God pursues us with his love

What is love?

"And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends."

John 15:13 NLT

Love is willing to sacrifice for the good of others, even to death. (See also 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, the famous chapter that gives one of the most eloquent descriptions of love ever written).

Thank you so much for the verses. I needed them today! God Bless you!

Tuesday, February 15

This week's promise:
God pursues us with his love

Does God really love me? How can I know?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16 NLT

In a world that wants to make Jesus only one of many options, the Bible cannot be clearer. Jesus is THE way to heaven because God's love for us was so great.

Wednesday, February 16

This week's promise:
God pursues us with his love

How should we show our love to God?

"Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me."

John 14:21 NLT

By obeying him, showing our love to needy people whom God loves, guiding and helping Jesus' followers, by worshipping him and praising him for his love to us.

Thursday, February 17

This week's promise:
God pursues us with his love

Where can I get a true love for others?

"For God himself has taught you to love one another."

1 Thessalonians 4:9 NLT

What a better example could we have of how to love others than the example of God himself? What a privilege it is to be child of a loving Heavenly Father!

Friday, February 18

This week's promise:
God pursues us with his love

What kind of love does God expect husbands and wives to show to each other?

"As the church submits to Christ, so you wives must submit to your husbands in everything. And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her. . ."

Ephesians 5:24-25 NLT

After our love for God, nothing should take greater priority than the giving, sacrificial love we have for our mate. This love helps us learn more about how we are to love God, and it is an example to those who are learning about love.

Saturday, February 19

This week's promise:
God pursues us with his love

Must I love other people? What if I don't want to?

"Anyone who says, "I am in the light" but rejects another Christian is still in darkness."

1 John 2:9 NLT

Being a Christian comes with certain expectations, and one of them is that we will love others. Our Christian conduct is proof as to whether we love each other, and loving each other is proof that we belong to Christ.

Sunday, February 20

This week's promise:
God gives us new desires

So long as we do the right thing, what difference does our motive make?

"The Lord accepted Abel's offering, but he did not accept Cain's . . .did not accept Cain and his offering."

Genesis 4:3-5 NLT

It is quite likely that Cain's sacrifice was regarded as inappropriate because his motives were impure.

Monday, February 21

This week's promise:
So long as we do the right thing, what difference does our motive make?

So long as we do the right thing, what difference does our motive make?

"The Lord accepted Abel's offering, but he did not accept Cain's . . .did not accept Cain and his offering."

Genesis 4:3-5 NLT

It is quite likely that Cain's sacrifice was regarded as inappropriate because his motives were impure.

Tuesday, February 22

This week's promise:
God gives us new desires

So long as we do the right thing, what difference does our motive make?

"Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven . . ."

Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18 NLT

When we pursue spiritual life with self-serving motives, we rob ourselves of the joy God intends.

Wednesday, February 23

This week's promise:
God gives us new desires

So long as we do the right thing, what difference does our motive make?

"But whether or not their motives are pure, the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached, so I rejoice."

Philippians 1:18 NLT

Sometimes God chooses to use even those motivated by selfish ambition to accomplish his purposes.

Thursday, February 24

This week's promise:
God gives us new desires

How can I have purer motives?

". . . get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and with a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and understands and knows every plan and thought."

1 Chronicles 28:8-10 NLT

We must learn to serve the Lord with a pure heart and mind.

Friday, February 25

This week's promise:
God gives us new desires

How can I have purer motives?

"People may think they are doing what is right, but the LORD examines the heart."

Proverbs 21:2 NLT

We must recognize that God is as interested in motive as he is in deed.

Saturday, February 26

This week's promise:
God gives us new desires

How can I have purer motives?

". . . My conscience is clear, but that isn't what matters. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide ."

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NLT

Remember that God alone knows your heart. Ask him to reveal to you any area in which your motives are less than pure.

Sunday, February 27

This week's promise:
With Christ's help there is no end to the maturing process

How do we reach the maturity we desire in life?

"For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need."

Philippians 4:13 NLT

The New Testament word for maturity suggests reaching the finish line, completing the task. We should mature as individuals, growing to become the kind of people who are exemplary and productive. We should mature as Christians, striving for the goals we have set. Maturity is growing toward the "high marks," the goal lines of life, and giving that process all we have to make it happen.

Monday, February 28

This week's promise:
With Christ's help there is no end to the maturing process

How do we reach the maturity we desire in life?

". . . They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water . . ."

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

Spiritual maturity can only be built on a solid foundation of faith, with a genuine desire to learn and experience more . . . to set your roots ever deeper.

Tuesday, March 1

This week's promise:
With Christ's help there is no end to the maturing process

Who can mentor us along the way?

"If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you."

James 1:5 NLT

While human mentors are valuable, the Christian has the added benefit of access to the wisdom and guidance of God himself.

Wednesday, March 2

This week's promise:
With Christ's help there is no end to the maturing process

To grow to maturity, start with milk before you eat meat!

"I couldn't talk to you as I would mature Christians . . . I had to feed you with milk and not with solid food."

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT

Spiritual growth is like physical growth — we start small and move ahead one day at a time.

Thursday, March 3

This week's promise:
With Christ's help there is no end to the maturing process

To grow, get past the basics.

"Let us stop going over the basics of Christianity again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding."

Hebrews 6:13 NLT

You would never have learned more if you stayed in first grade all through school. Likewise, believers must move beyond the basics of the Christian faith to gain maturity.

Friday, March 4

This week's promise:
With Christ's help there is no end to the maturing process

To reach maturity, we must discipline ourselves like athletes.

"All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize."

1 Corinthians 9:25

Athletes excel as they exercise and push the boundaries of their physical capabilities. Should we not give as much emphasis to spiritual maturity?

Saturday, March 5


This week's promise:
With Christ's help there is no end to the maturing process

Mature Christians should pass their faith on to others.

". . . Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them to others."

2 Timothy 2:1-2

The purpose of striving for maturity is to use it so that others might also mature.

Sunday, March 6

This week's promise:
All who believe will one day praise God in heaven

Why should I have faith in God?

". . . And you will be among those praising him on that day, for you believed what we testified about him."

1 Thessalonians 1:10 NLT

Faith is more than just believing; it is trusting our very lives to what we believe. For example, we can believe that someone can walk across a deep gorge on a tightrope. But are we willing to trust that person to carry us across? Faith says yes. Faith in God says we are willing to trust him with our very lives. We are willing to follow his guidelines for living as outlined in the Bible because we have the conviction that this will be best for us.

Monday, March 7

This week's promise:
All who believe will one day praise God in heaven

Why should I have faith in God?

". . . This is the LORD in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!"

Isaiah 25:9 NLT

Faith is the only way to get to heaven. It is the only doorway to eternal life. If God created eternity, then only through God can we get there.

Tuesday, March 8

This week's promise:
All who believe will one day praise God in heaven

How does faith in God affect my relationship with him?

"And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD declared him righteous because of his faith."

Genesis 15:6 NLT

Sin breaks our relationship with God because it is rebellion against God. A holy God cannot live with unholy people. But, when we accept Jesus as Savior and ask him to forgive our sins, this simple act of faith makes us righteous in God's sight.

Wednesday, March 9

This week's promise:
All who believe will one day praise God in heaven

How does faith in God change the way we live?

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you. . ."

Isaiah 26:3 NLT

Faith in God brings peace of mind and heart because we know that we belong to him, and we know that one day all pain and suffering will end.

Thursday, March 10

This week's promise:
All who believe will one day praise God in heaven

When I struggle and have doubts, does that mean I have less faith?

"But Abram replied, "O Sovereign LORD, how can I be sure that you will give it to me?""

Genesis 15:8 NLT

Many people in the Bible we consider to be "pillars of the faith" had moments of doubt. The key is to never give up on our faith and to always ask if, over time, our lives have been moving closer to or further[change to 'farther'] away from God.

Friday, March 11

This week's promise:
When I struggle and have doubts, does that mean I have less faith?

John the Baptist . . . Sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you really the Messiah we've been waiting for . . . ?

"Matthew 11:2-3 NLT"

Matthew 11:2-3 NLT

Even during moments of doubt, you must invest the effort and discipline to allow your faith to grow.

Saturday, March 12

This week's promise:
All who believe will one day praise God in heaven

How can we pass faith from generation to generation?

"After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel."

Judges 2:10-11 NLT

One generation's devotion to God does not secure that of the next generation. But one generation can leave a legacy of godliness. We must involve ourselves for a lifetime with that generation.

Sunday, March 13


This week's promise:
All of our infirmities will be healed

How can we pass faith from generation to generation?

"Health is a treasured gift from God."

Psalm 103:1-3 NLT

Health is well-being — physical, mental, emotional, moral, spiritual. We can be physically sick while mentally, emotionally, morally, socially, and spiritually well. Or we can have health and sickness in any other combination. Tragedy strikes when several of these gang up on us, as they often do. At the headwaters of all health is spiritual health, being fit spiritually, in tune with the Lord God himself.

Monday, March 14

This week's promise:
All of our infirmities will be healed

Sin is a terminal illness, but God is the Great Physician

"The wages of sin is death, but the great gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 6:23 NLT

Sin is incurable. It is a terminal disease, leading not merely to death, but eternal death. But God can heal and restore spiritual health through the gift of salvatio

Tuesday, March 15

This week's promise:
All of our infirmities will be healed

When afflicted with a health problem, let God show his strength

". . . I was given a thorn in the flesh . . Three different times I begged the lord to take it away. Each time he said, ". . . My power works best in your weakness.""

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NLT

When we are weak, God's power and strength can be more easily seen in us. When we think we are self-sufficient, God will not exercise his greatest strength in us.

Wednesday, March 16

This week's promise:
All of our infirmities will be healed

We should not reject a friend who is sick

". . . Even though my sickness was revolting to you, you did not reject me and turn me away."

Galatians 4:13-14 NLT

Sickness in a friend or loved one may be unpleasant, but that is no reason to reject anyone. We should treat others, even when they are sick, as though they were angels from God.

Thursday, March 17

This week's promise:
All of our infirmities will be healed

Exercise is good for us physically and spiritually

"Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next."

1 Timothy 4:8 NLT

As our body needs exercise to keep physically fit, so our soul needs exercise, practicing being a better Christian, to keep fit spiritually.

Friday, March 18

This week's promise:
All of our infirmities will be healed

How does God heal?

". . . he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped and we were healed!"

Isaiah 53:5 NLT

By death Christ brought us life. Through woundedness he brought us healing. By accepting our punishment he set us free.

Saturday, March 19

This week's promise:
All of our infirmities will be healed

Why do we get sick?

"Our bodies now disappoint us, but when they are raised, they will be full of glory. They are weak now, but when they are raised, they will be full of power."

1 Corinthians 15:43 NLT

Our physical bodies are victim to physical ailments. But our souls are also victim to spiritual ailments. God can heal either or both.

Sunday, March 20

This week's promise:
Jesus is our sacrifice

Why did God require sacrifices in the Old Testament?

"Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

John 1:29 NLT

Today is Palm Sunday. As we enter Holy Week, we look forward to the joy of Easter. But, before the resurrection, Christ suffered tremendous humiliation, rejection, and a cruel death. He did this as a sacrifice. In our common use, the term sacrifice is a kind of substitute. In the Old Testament a sacrifice was an act of worship by which the blood of an animal was shed to obtain forgiveness of sin — which is of greater value. All the sacrifices of the Old Testament anticipated God's ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the sins of the world.

Monday, March 21

This week's promise:
Jesus is our sacrifice

Why did God require sacrifices in the Old Testament?

"Lay your hand on its head so the LORD will accept it as your substitute, thus making atonement for you. . "

Leviticus 1:1-13 NLT

The sacrificial system reminded Israel of the seriousness of sin before their Holy God. The sacrifice symbolized the person's desire to be forgiven for sin and thus restored to God and receive new life.

Tuesday, March 22

This week's promise:
Jesus is our sacrifice

Why were sacrifices so bloody?

". . . It is the blood, representing life, that brings you atonement."

Leviticus 17:11 NLT

A life had to be given up (the animal's) so that a life could be spared (the person's). The blood of the sacrifice represented one life being poured out in substitution for another.

Wednesday, March 23

This week's promise:
Jesus is our sacrifice

What does it mean to say, "Jesus is the Lamb of God"?

"He took his own blood, and with it secured our salvation forever . . ."

Hebrews 9:11-15 NLT

The sacrifice of Christ's shed blood replaced once and for all the blood of lambs and bulls.

Thursday, March 24

What does it mean to say, "Jesus is the Lamb of God"

". . . He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God."

1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT

The death of Christ, confirmed by his shed blood, was the precious price paid for our salvation.

Friday, March 25

This week's promise:
Jesus is our sacrifice

What kinds of sacrifice are we called to make?

"I will go wherever you go, and live wherever you live . . ."

Ruth 1:16 NLT

Ruth was willing to leave her homeland in order to care for Naomi. Such a sacrifice showed her understanding of what is truly important.

Saturday, March 26

This week's promise:
Jesus is our sacrifice

What kinds of sacrifice are we called to make?

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life."

Matthew 19:29 NLT

Following Jesus involves personal sacrifice

Sunday, March 27

This week's promise:
Jesus is our salvation

What does it mean to be "saved"?

"He isn't here. He has risen from the dead!"

Luke 24:6 NLT

Today is Easter Sunday, a day of great joy as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. In many parts of the country it is spring and there are signs of rebirth as nature awakens from winter. For all the beauty of spring, it is but a faded picture compared to the new life available to us through Christ's death and resurrection.

Monday, March 28

This week's promise:
Jesus is our salvation

What does it mean to be "saved"?

"He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west."

Psalm 103:11-12 NLT

Being saved means our sins have been completely removed.

Tuesday, March 29

This week's promise:
Jesus is our salvation

What does it mean to be "saved"?

"He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins."

Romans 3:21-24 NLT

Being saved means we are forgiven in Christ

Wednesday, March 30

This week's promise:
Jesus is our salvation

How can I be saved?

"Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 10:13 NLT

God's Word promises salvation to anyone who calls on Jesus' name.

Thursday, March 31

This week's promise:
Jesus is our salvation

Is salvation available to anyone?

". . . And the dead were judged according to the things written in the books. . ."

Revelation 20:11-21:3 NLT

Salvation is available to all, but a time will come when it will be too late to receive it.

Friday, April 1

This week's promise:
Jesus is our salvation

How can I be sure of my salvation?

". . . For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God . . ."

Romans 8:12-17 NLT

The Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts and assures us we are God's children.

Saturday, April 2

This week's promise:
Jesus is our salvation

Why is salvation so central to Christianity?

"For the wages of sin is death . . "

Romans 6:23 NLT

Salvation is necessary because sin against a holy God separates us from him, bringing judgment and spiritual death.

Sunday, April 3

This week's promise:
Those committed to God find renewed strength

What does it mean to be committed to Christ?

"But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

The achievement of any goal or purpose requires commitment—whether for good or for evil. The Bible speaks of commitment in both negative and positive ways: "committing" a sin (Deut. 22:22) and "committing your way to the Lord" (Psalm 37:5).

Each alternative involves making a decision, turning oneself to something or someone, a focused and sometimes costly perseverance, and then reaping the consequences or rewards of our commitment.

Understanding commitment and learning to commit out hearts, minds, and bodies is central to a life of faith. In fact, faith devoid of commitment is dead.

Monday, April 4

This week's promise:
Those committed to God find renewed strength

What does it mean to be committed to Christ?

"Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and went with him."

Matthew 4:19-20 NLT

Commitment to follow Christ requires a decision of the mind followed by an act of the will.

Tuesday, April 5

This week's promise:
Those committed to God find renewed strength

Why is commitment so hard?

"I devoted myself to working on the wall . ."

Nehemiah 5:16 NLT

Commitment is never easy; it requires courageous perseverance.

Wednesday, April 6

This week's promise:
Those committed to God find renewed strength

What can I do if I have broken a commitment?

"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong."

1 John 1:9 NLT

If we break a commitment we have made to another, we have broken a trust. The only thing to do is to admit the wrong, and ask the other person—and God—to forgive us.

Thursday, April 7

This week's promise:
Those committed to God find renewed strength

Does commitment have any results?

"Seek [God's] will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Commitment to the Lord manifests itself in obedient trust.

Friday, April 8

This week's promise:
Those committed to God find renewed strength

What does it cost to commit to Christ?

". . . you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. But don't begin until you count the cost. . . ."

Luke 14:26-28 NLT

Commitment to Christ is costly because to follow him is to leave lesser, but very attractive, things behind.

Saturday, April 9

This week's promise:
Those committed to God find renewed strength

Does commitment protect us from harm?

". . . . If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us . . . .But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods . . ."

Daniel 3:14-18 NLT

Daniel's example shows that commitment is being willing to suffer the consequences of obedience.

Sunday, April 10

This week's promise:
True life is found in serving God

What does it mean to be a servant?

"If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give your life for me, you will find true life."

Matthew 16:25

A popular notion of success in personal life is being able to afford the luxury of hiring others to keep your lawn, wash your car, clean your house—in other words, to have servants. Jesus turns this thinking on its head by teaching that the highest goal in life is not having servants but being a servant. Could it be that the reason he places such a high value on serving is that it is others-centered rather than self-centered? Isn't that the essence of effective Christian living? Serving is therefore the opposite of selfishness.

Monday, April 11

This week's promise:
True life is found in serving God

What does it mean to be a servant?

"Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God . . . in human form he obediently humbled himself. . ."

Philippians 2:5-9

In a most striking picture of servanthood, Jesus humbled himself through obedience.

Tuesday, April 12

This week's promise:
True life is found in serving God

What does it mean to be a servant?

"Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant . . ."



Jesus revolutionized our understanding of leadership by teaching "downward mobility."

Wednesday, April 13

This week's promise:
True life is found in serving God

What does it mean to be a servant?

"Instead, give yourselves completely to God . . . use your whole body as a tool to do what is right . . ."

Romans 6:12-14

The Spirit of God transforms our motives for serving

Thursday, April 14

This week's promise:
True life is found in serving God

How can I serve God today?

"There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving . . ."

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

We serve the Lord by recognizing our spiritual gifts and enthusiastically investing them in the ministry of the church.

Friday, April 15

This week's promise:
True life is found in serving God

How can I serve God today?

"You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities . . "

Matthew 25:14-30

Regardless of the level of our gifts and abilities, God expects us to invest ourselves boldly for his glory.

Saturday, April 16

This week's promise:
God will help you understand his Word

Reading the Bible is a delightful experience.

". . . I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them . . ."

Hebrews 8:10 NLT

How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world to which we relate through our five senses. God is a spiritual being. So how can he communicate with us? Through the Bible.

Over several centuries, God inspired a select number of people to write down what he felt we needed to know about him and how he expects us to live.

Sunday, April 17

This week's promise:
God will help you understand his Word

Reading the Bible is a delightful experience.

"I have not departed from his commands but have treasured his word in my heart."

Job 23:12 NLT

In spite of his woes, Job's faith in God's Word never wavered.

Monday, April 18

This week's promise:
God will help you understand his Word

How often should we read the Bible?

"He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives."

Deuteronomy 17:19 NLT

Deuteronomy 17:19 NLT

Tuesday, April 19

This week's promise:
God will help you understand his Word

How often should we read the Bible?

"He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives. "

Deuteronomy 17:19 NLT

The Bible is for daily reading and daily meditation. Continually (as in Joshua 1:8) doesn't mean reading the Bible just when we get around to it.

Wednesday, April 20

This week's promise:
God will help you understand his Word

Why is it so important to read the Bible every day?

"Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart's delight . . . "

Jeremiah 15:16 NLT

Life itself is sustained by God's Word.

Thursday, April 21

This week's promise:
God will help you understand his Word

Why is it so important to read the Bible every day?

"And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. "

John 8:32 NLT

Reading the Bible tells us how to be set free from sin

Friday, April 22

This week's promise:
God will help you understand his Word

Why is it so important to read the Bible every day?

"They searched the Scriptures day by day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really telling the truth. "

Acts 17:11 NLT

Reading the Bible helps us recognize true and false teaching.

Saturday, April 23

This week's promise:
God will help you understand his Word

God wants us to pass his Word on to others.

". . . Take to heart all the words I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children . . . "

Deuteronomy 32:46 NLT

As the Word is life-changing to us, so we pass it on to others that it might change their lives also.

Sunday, April 24

This week's promise:
When you become a Christian, you are a new person

With all the change in my life, how can the Bible help me keep it all together?

"What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same, anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! "

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

The Bible teaches two great truths about change. The first is that despite the changing world around us, God is changeless and dependable. The second is that God calls for an inner change of heart, called repentance, that produces an outer change of lifestyle, called obedience.

Monday, April 25

This week's promise:
When you become a Christian, you are a new person

With all the change in my life, how can the Bible help me keep it all together?

". . . in his unfailing love, my God will come and help me . . . "

Psalm 59:9-10 NLT

We can trust the character of God to be unchanging and reliable.

Tuesday, April 26

This week's promise:
When you become a Christian, you are a new person

With all the change in my life, how can the Bible help me keep it all together?

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. "

Hebrews 13:8 NLT

We can place our faith in Jesus Christ, whose love and grace are eternal.

Wednesday, April 27

This week's promise:
When you become a Christian, you are a new person

With all the change in my life, how can the Bible help me keep it all together?

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. "

Romans 8:28 NLT

God can work his will even through traumatic, unpredictable, and unfair change.

Thursday, April 28

This week's promise:
When you become a Christian, you are a new person

I know there are things in my life I should change, but how?

"He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" "Who are you, sir?" Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus . . . " "

Acts 9:1-22 NLT

Change comes as result of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Friday, April 29

This week's promise:
When you become a Christian, you are a new person

I know there are things in my life I should change, but how?

". . . the good soil represents those who hear and accept God's message and produce a huge harvest . . . "

Mark 4:1-20 NLT

The truth of God's Word produces change only when it is allowed to penetrate deep into our hearts.

Saturday, April 30

This week's promise:
When you become a Christian, you are a new person

I know there are things in my life I should change, but how?

". . . Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins. "

Acts 3:12-19

Change begins with honest repentance.

Sunday, May 1

This week's promise:
Those committed to God find renewed strength

What does it mean to be committed to Christ?

"Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and went with him. "

Matthew 4:19-20 NLT

Commitment to follow Christ requires a decision of the mind followed by an act of the will.

Monday, May 2

This week's promise:
Those committed to God find renewed strength

Why is commitment so hard?

"I devoted myself to working on the wall . . "

Nehemiah 5:16 NLT

Commitment is never easy; it requires courageous perseverance.

Tuesday, May 3

This week's promise:
God will help you to be truly successful

What is true success in God's eyes?

"But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. "

Matthew 20:26 NLT

Serving and helping others. The model of servant leadership, promoted by some business leaders, comes from Jesus himself.

Wednesday, May 4

This week's promise:
Seeking God's will first brings perspective

How do I set priorities?

". . .choose today whom you will serve . .as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. "

Joshua 24:15

There is no greater priority than loving and obeying God. Nothing affects our eternal future so significantly.

Thursday, May 5

This week's promise:
Seeking God's will first brings perspective

How do I set priorities?

". . .and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. "

Matthew 6:33

Be intentional about priorities. Set them and tend to them first. Only then will your life have its fullest meaning.

Friday, May 6

This week's promise:
God alone is worthy of our highest praise

Why do we praise God?

"Praise the LORD . . . He forgives all my sins . . . He ransoms me from death . . . "

Psalm 103:1-22 NLT

We praise God for his forgiveness, healing, and salvation.

Saturday, May 7

This week's promise:
God alone is worthy of our highest praise

Why do we praise God?

". . . If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers! "

Luke 19:36-40 NLT

If we don't lift our voices in praise of Jesus as our Lord and King, the very rocks and stones will cry out!

Sunday, May 8

This week's promise:
God celebrates family

How does the Bible define family?

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. "

1 Peter 3:8 NLT

Families were Gods' unique idea from the beginning. There is no greater institution, no better group of people to affect positive change in the world than the family. Nowhere can the truth of God's Word be more effectively taught and modeled. Conversely, there is no institution, no group of people with more power and ability to destroy a person than the family. The failure of parents to teach spiritual truths to their children directly impacts their relationship with God and how they treat others.

Monday, May 9

This week's promise:
God celebrates family

How does the Bible define family?

"This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. "

Genesis 2:24 NLT

The Bible talks about both an earthly family, made up of husband and wife and usually children, and the family of God (Eph. 2:19), which is all believers united together by the bond of faith.

Tuesday, May 10

This week's promise:
God will heal us and restore us

From what do we need to be healed?

"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing . . . "

Psalm 30:11 NLT

We need healing from sorrow.

Wednesday, May 11

This week's promise:
God will heal us and restore us

How does God heal?

". . . Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them . . "

James 5:13-16 NLT

God responds to prayer.

Thursday, May 12

This week's promise:
God will heal us and restore us

Why doesn't God always heal people?

"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." "

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NLT

God's power is magnified through our weaknesses and infirmities, if we allow him to work within us.

Friday, May 13

This week's promise:
God will heal us and restore us

How do I deal with it when I'm not healed?

"Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses . . . "

2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT

When God works through the weak, it is obvious that what occurred could happen because of him, thus showing the world his love and power.

Saturday, May 14

This week's promise:
God will heal us and restore us

Laughter can bring health and healing

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength. "

Proverbs 17:22 NLT

You can choose how to view the world, with optimism and faith, or pessimism and doubt.

Sunday, May 15

This week's promise:
God celebrates family

How does the Bible define family?

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. "

1 Peter 3:8 NLT

Families were Gods' unique idea from the beginning. There is no greater institution, no better group of people to affect positive change in the world than the family. Nowhere can the truth of God's Word be more effectively taught and modeled. Conversely, there is no institution, no group of people with more power and ability to destroy a person than the family. The failure of parents to teach spiritual truths to their children directly impacts their relationship with God and how they treat others.

Monday, May 16

This week's promise:
God celebrates family

How does the Bible define family?

"This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. "

Genesis 2:24 NLT

The Bible talks about both an earthly family, made up of husband and wife and usually children, and the family of God (Eph. 2:19), which is all believers united together by the bond of faith.

Tuesday, May 17

This week's promise:
God is merciful to us

To whom does God show mercy?

". . . He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. "

Psalm 103:8-10 NLT

To those who don't deserve it.

Wednesday, May 18

This week's promise:
God is merciful to us

Why does God show us mercy?

"I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love . . . "

Psalm 31:7 NLT

To give us joy.

Thursday, May 19

This week's promise:
God is merciful to us

Why does God show us mercy?

". . . He forgives all my sins . . . He ransoms me from death . . . He fills my life with good things . . . "

Psalm 103:2-18 NLT

This Psalm lists numerous acts of mercy God showers on us each day.

Friday, May 20

This week's promise:
God is merciful to us

Does God expect us to be merciful?

"Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you? "

Matthew 18:33 NLT

We should be so grateful for God's mercy that we want to follow his example.

Saturday, May 21

This week's promise:
God is merciful to us

How long will God's mercy last?

"Your unfailing love will last forever . . "

Psalm 89:2 NLT

There is no end to God's mercy.

Sunday, May 22

This week's promise:
Waiting for God's timing brings great rewards





But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision well be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3 NLT



The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.
Lamentations 3:25 NLT



Reflecting on Today's Passage
If you've ever spent two hours stuck in rush-hour traffic or held a crying baby at 2 a.m., you know something about patience. According to the Bible, patience is a form of perseverance and forbearance that allows us to respond to frustrating circumstances with grace and self-control. Contrary to popular opinion, patience is not merely a personality trait but is a by-product of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of the believer.

The key to growing in patience is to develop an eternal perspective. Just as the hoped-for goal of graduation or making the dean's list motivated the student to endure long hours of study, so also we can be patient when we focus, not on our present circumstances, but on God's promised salvation. God may seem to slow us—but he is never late!

Monday, May 23

This week's promise: Waiting for God's timing brings great rewards
How can I grow in patience?



"So Moses went back to the Lord and protested, 'Why have you mistreated your own people like this, Lord?' Why did you send me? Since I gave Pharaoh your message, he has been even more brutal to your people. You have not even begun to rescue them!" Exodus 5:22-23 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage
Impatience usually has its roots in our personal agenda. We have plans. Delays and obstacles, while common, are not seen as something we should have to cope with, but can put us into an emotional tailspin, unable to rebound and move forward. We are running late, so every red light seems longer, every slow driver even slower than had we planned better and left early enough to anticipate delays. We are in a hurry, so we become irritable, impatient, perhaps brushing by someone who needs a word of encouragement. We want something and we want it now. The idea of taking a long time to achieve a desired status or level of living, common among previous generations, may even be considered failure by some today. Having to wait frustrates us.

Moses had reluctantly accepted the assignment to deliver God's message to the pharaoh: "Let my people go!" From his reaction to Pharaoh's rebuff, we can assume that Moses had expected a more cooperative response. His impatient outburst directed at God reflects our tendency to obey only so long as things go the way we expect. The beginning of patience is surrendering our agenda to God's will and committing ourselves to obedience over the long haul.

Well Said

"The hardest thing is that most of us are called to exercise patience, not in the sick bed, but in the street."
George Matheson

Tuesday, May 24

This week's promise: Waiting for God's timing brings great rewards

How can I grow in patience?





I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3 NLT






Reflecting on Today's Passage
Have you ever had to work in mud? Your boots quickly feel twice their weight, your footing becomes unsure, mud begins to cling to everything. Worse, if the mud is deep, you may get stuck and need help to pull yourself out.

Despair and depression can feel like being thrown into a pit from which you cannot climb out. You need something to grab onto, a ladder to climb, or someone reaching down to help pull you out.

Panic can make things worse. We need to learn, as David did, to wait patiently for the Lord's help. It may not be immediate, but it does come. And with it comes a new sense of steadiness, of joy and thankfulness.

Notice how often in the Bible these situations affect more than the person waiting for help. Others will see God at work and "be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord." So, part of our prayer for rescue should also be the witness that God's response can make.

Take it with You

Prayer infuses patience into our lives. When we admit a need in prayer, the Lord begins to meet that need.

Wednesday, May 25

This week's promise: Waiting for God's timing brings great rewards
How can I grow in patience?



When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

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. Galatians 5:19-23 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage
The list of the "fruits of the Spirit" is well known. We often forget, however, the bigger picture that Paul is painting, the contrast between a life filled with sinful desire and a life filled with the Holy Spirit. The pressures of worldly living are all around us and much more accessible in the privacy of our homes than ever before. The need to increase in the fruits of the Spirit, including patience, can be impossible if we are still drawn to sinful desire.

We develop patience as we learn to live from an eternal perspective and rely on the Holy Spirit to fill us and shape our lives.

adapted from the TouchPoint series of Bibles, New Living Translation
(Tyndale House Publishers)

Sing Praise

My sin—not in part but the whole;
is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is Well with My Soul, lyrics by Horatio G Spafford
Source: Hymns for the Living Church (Hope)

May 25, 2005

When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left.
Matthew 25:31-33

Thursday, May 26

This week's promise: Waiting for God's timing brings great rewards
How can I grow in patience?



"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. 1 Kings 19:11-13 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

In many of the Bible's accounts, God's voice is loud and dramatic. A voice booms like thunder from the smoke-enshrouded mountain, fire falls from heaven; rocks and trees are shattered, and the people know God himself has spoken. Even today we hear dramatic testimonies from those who have heard his voice, and we long for the same kind of experience. But note than when Elijah finally heard God, it was in a gentle whisper. We must never forget that God speaks, and that he speaks in the way we most need to hear. Sometimes we can hear God only when we are quiet and listening intently. He may be speaking to you even now. Could you be drowning out his voice with loud demands, despairing cries, or muttered anxiety?

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Digging Deeper

For more on patience, check these Tyndale titles:


The One Year Book of Devotions for Women on the Go (javascript:dl('http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?path%3dASIN/0842357572%26link_code%3das2%26camp%3d1789%26tag%3 dagoramedia-20%26creative%3d9325',1);)
by Stephen Arterburn and Pam Farrel Where Women Walked (javascript:dl('http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?path%3dASIN/1589971655%26link_code%3das2%26camp%3d1789%26tag%3 dagoramedia-20%26creative%3d9325',1);)
by Jean Blackmer and Laura Greiner

Friday, May 27

This week's promise: Waiting for God's timing brings great rewards
How can I grow in patience?



Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. Psalm 37:7-9 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

How's your envy quotient? What do you feel when you see a shiny new luxury car in your neighbor's driveway? Or you hear that your best friend, who has had a job paying about what you earn, has been hired for a key position that pays twice as much? The level of envy can get particularly bad if you face negative circumstances—a layoff, salary reduction, or hitting a severe downturn in your own business. Those are times when if becomes even harder to celebrate with those who experience good fortune.

David tells us not to worry about evil people who prosper, because the wicked will eventually be destroyed. But there are plenty of righteous people whose material or personal success we may also envy. And envy can fan the flames of anger into a blazing, destructive rage. The call for patience here is not just in waiting for God's provision, but in adopting a lifestyle in tune with the level of provision God sees fit to provide to each of us.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Take it with You

The Holy Spirit produces patience in our lives. As we relax and trust in him, we release our need to control life's circumstances.
Source: The Promise Bible

Saturday, May 28

This week's promise: Waiting for God's timing brings great rewards
How can I grow in patience?



All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. . . . And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently. Romans 8:21-25 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

Patience is produced by the hope a believer has in God's eternal glory. This can be a hard lesson for those of us living at a time and in a culture of considerable wealth and freedom. Unlike slaves who sang spirituals contrasting the suffering of this world to the glory of heaven (similar to Paul's comments in today's passage from Romans), when earth is good, heaven may not be much on our minds.

Perhaps we should question the kind of patience we seek. Is it patience with others, patience for God's direction on our life journey, or do we think we need patience because God is not providing the things of this world that we desire? When we live in the hope of eternity, it helps put everything in perspective.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Prayer for Today

Holy God, you work on behalf of those who wait for you. But you, too, may be waiting on me . . .
Source: One Year Book of Bible Prayers (expanded)

Sunday, May 29

This week's promise: God is merciful to us
Where does mercy come from?



Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins, and heals my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust. Psalm 103:2-14 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

Mercy is compassion, poured out on needy people. But the mercy of God, which he expects us to model, goes one step further.

God's mercy is undeserved favor. Even when we don't deserve mercy, God still extends it to us. Our sin and rebellion against God deserve his punishment; but instead he offers us forgiveness and eternal life.

If God was merciful toward us despite our sin, how merciful should we be toward those who have wronged us?

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Digging Deeper

For more on God's mercy, check these Tyndale titles:
The One Year Book of Devotions for Couples by David and Teresa Ferguson
Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul by Angela Guffey

Monday, May 30

This week's promise: God is merciful to us
Where does mercy come from?



All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

Mercy originates with God. Since we are created in his image, when we show mercy we reveal godliness. Not only is God the source of mercy, but he has enabled (and expects) us as his creation to reflect his attributes.

As Paul reminds us, mercy is not just something for our own benefit. In fact, since sin is essentially self-centeredness, righteousness is the opposite, focusing our lives outwardly, toward God and the needs of others. Like a cup filled to overflowing, when God is merciful to us, that mercy should spill over onto other people.

We are also reminded that God doesn't promise an easy life for believers. We will continue to have troubles and we will stumble, but we can be confident that a merciful God is always there.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Links of Interest

Thousands of prisoners are finding out about God's mercy through hundreds of prison ministries represented by the International Network of Prison Ministries (javascript:dl('http://prisonministry.net/',1);).
Source: web search

Tuesday, May 31

This week's promise: God is merciful to us
To whom does God show mercy?



The Lord is merciful and glorious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. Psalm 103:8-10 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

It's amazing, isn't it? God shows mercy on those who don't deserve it! And that doesn't mean the other guy, it means you as well—no matter how good you try to be.

How do you react when people wrong you? Do you immediately get angry? Do you keep "long accounts," never forgetting, holding grudges? Notice how David describes God. He is motivated by his love toward us—slow to anger, but when finally driven to anger it does not last forever. We can falsely accuse and wrongly direct our anger because we don't know all the facts or we simply don't care about the person who wronged us, It's easy in today's impersonal society to get upset with other people because we don't know them, But God' s mercy is available to everyone and we are to be salt and light, The salt we are meant to be is not for rubbing into wounds to cause pain, but to season, to bring out the best.

God knows exactly how we have wronged him and what punishment we deserve, yet he is patient and merciful. That is the model he presents for us.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Sing Praise

There's a wideness in God's mercy like the wideness of the sea;
There's a kindness in His justice which is more than liberty.

lyrics by Frederick W. Faber
Source: Hymns for the Living Church (Hope)

Wednesday, June 1

This week's promise: God is merciful to us
Why does God show us mercy?



I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemy but have set me in a safe place.

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. My sight is blurred because of my tears. My body and soul are withering away. . . .

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying ""You are my God!"" . . .

So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord! Psalm 31:7-24 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

David was no stranger to trouble, desperately fleeing from his enemies, struggling to deal with his own sin. He could have become bitter toward God. Yet, he was known as a man after God's heart.

This passage includes a long catalog of woes about the terrible condition in which David finds himself (v. 11-13). He was scorned and despised by his enemies. Then, in one of the most striking words in the Bible, David says "but" (v. 14). Despite his humiliating and agonizing situation, David does not let go of the promise of God's mercy—"But I am trusting you, O Lord." He found joy in God's mercy, knowing that it showed God's care for him, despite his troubles.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Digging Deeper

For more on God's mercy, check these Tyndale titles:
Why Sin Matters by Mark McMinn
Measures of Grace by Lawana Blackwell (Historical fiction)

Thursday, June 2

This week's promise: God is merciful to us
How does God show us mercy?



But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved). For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms—all because we are one with Christ Jesus. And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

A judge can show mercy toward a defendant, giving probation instead of jail time, or otherwise reducing the penalty that could be assessed.. But, at the end of the day, the judge goes home. It's just a job.

How different from God, the ultimate judge. His mercy is more complete—he can forgive our sins as though they never occurred. Even more astounding, God is deeply invested in his mercy. It required the death of his son, Jesus Christ, to purchase our salvation. We have life because of Christ's death and resurrection. That's mercy!

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Well Said

If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Driftwood

Friday, June 3

This week's promise: God is merciful to us
Does God expect us to be merciful?



Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?""

""No, Jesus replied, ""seventy times seven.""

[Jesus then tells the story of the king who forgave the debt of a servant, who then went and showed no mercy to someone who owed him money.] "". . . the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you? Then the angry king sent the man to prison until he had paid every penny.

""That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters in your heart." Matthew 18:21-35 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

Some people, like the unforgiving debtor in Jesus' story, accept mercy for themselves then turn around and treat others as if nothing happened to them. Such people, said Jesus, cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

We should be so grateful for God's mercy that we want to follow his example by being merciful ourselves. Not only does it please God that we accept his mercy with gratitude, but we show our gratitude to God and let others see God through us as we are merciful to others.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Prayer for Today

Dear Lord, though I am ashamed of my sin, I know that you will not abandon me as I confess my sins to you . . .
Source: One Year Book of Bible Prayers

Saturday, June 4

This week's promise: God is merciful to us
How long will God's mercy last?



I will sing of the tender mercies of the Lord forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

All heaven will praise your miracles, Lord; myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness. For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord? What mightiest angel is anything like the Lord? The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than those who surround his throne. O Lord God almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, Lord?

Faithfulness is your very character. Psalm 89:1-2; 5-8 NLT




Reflecting on Today's Passage

The image of a loving heavenly father is difficult to grasp for those whose own fathers are abusive, negligent, absent. Sadly, because of the brokenness of so many relationships today, some would suggest that fatherhood cannot be a model for God. Well, it's not! God is the model and how far humanity has fallen from it only shows how broken and sinful is the world in which we live.

Fortunately, there is no end to God's mercy. Unlike some people whose mercy may be sporadic and miserly, God's mercy is constant and unlimited. So great is it that we should be eager to tell everyone about it!

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Take it with You

God understands our weaknesses and struggles without condemning us. We can be certain that God will continually shower us with his mercy and guard us in his love.
Source: The Promise Bible

Sunday, June 5

This week's promise: God will give you courage when you are afraid
Where do I get the courage to go on when life seems too hard or obstacles seem too big?



I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NLT

You will have courage because you will have hope. You will be protected and will rest in safety.
Job 11:18-19 NLT

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?
The Lord protects me from danger—so why should I tremble?
Psalm 27:1 NLT

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT




About This Week's Promise

Courage is the ability to act on what we know is right and good, to dare to do what we should or must. Fear paralyzes; courage is what helps us move ahead. Courage does not conquer fear, it simply renders fear ineffective. It gives us a confident assurance that we can succeed. The Bible speaks of courage to stand firm against evil, to remain strong in our faith, to resist temptation, to do the right thing. The more we learn to rely on God, the more courageous we will become.

We are quite naturally afraid when we walk alone in frightening places and circumstances. But we have more courage when we walk with a friend who is strong. In walking with the Lord God, who holds the universe in his hands, we should feel free to be courageous!

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Well Said

Courage is reistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.
Mark Twain
Source: Great Thoughts & Funny Sayings p78

Monday, June 6

This week's promise: God will give you courage when you are afraid
Where do I get the courage to go on when life seems too hard or obstacles seem too big?



I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27 NLT

Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up.
Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT




More Than Ourselves

God is greater than the most severe threats in life. We will not be surprised or overcome by trouble if we continually turn to the Lord.

Courage comes from following Christ. While God's presence is our greatest encouragement, we also have the courageous examples of those who have gone before us (see Hebrews 11). Above all, we gain strength when we meditate on Jesus' courage. He showed that looking to our eternal reward gets us through the worst temporal trials.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Well Said

Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.
George S. Patton
Source: Great Thoughts & Funny Sayings p78

Tuesday, June 7

This week's promise: God will give you courage when you are afraid
How can I be courageous when others are afraid?



Even when I walk through the valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
Psalm 23:4-5 NLT

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the Lord means safety.
Proverbs 29:25 NLT

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and ashamed. Anyone who opposes you will die. You will look for them in vain. They will all be gone! I am holding you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, "Do not be afraid. I am here to help you."
Isaiah 41:10-13 NLT




From Fear to Courage

Franklin Roosevelt assured people that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." The Bible makes an even bolder promise: We have nothing to fear, period.

Fear can be contagious. It can dampen your courage—until you remember that true courage comes by trusting in God's promise, "Do not be afraid, I am here to help you." Remembering that, you can help others move from fear to courage.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Digging Deeper

Atonement Child by Francine Rivers (Tyndale House Publishers) is a novel about Dynah and her family as they come to terms with God's provision and goodness as

Wednesday, June 8

This week's promise: God will give you courage when you are afraid
How can I go on when I am afraid for my life?



God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2 NLT

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger—so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.
Psalm 27:1-3NLT






Courage Under Fire

Lupercio Taba was a fearless pastor in Columbia. One Sunday he was preaching from his pulpit when a man appeared at a side window of the church, aimed a pistol at Lupercio and ordered him to stop preaching. The congregation, seeing the danger, dove to the floor and hid under the pews. Lupercio, however, never flinched. He went right on preaching the gospel. The man fired four shots at him. Two shots went past his head, one on one side, one on the other, and lodged in the wall behind him. Two shots went past his body, one under his arm, one under the other, and also lodged in the wall. The would-be assassin then dropped his gun and fled. Lupercio, still unmoved, continued his sermon.

Dave Howard, quoted by Kent Hughes in
1000 Great Stories and Quotes (Tyndale House Publishers) p 85


Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Prayer for Today

Dear Lord, grant me great boldness in my witness for you …

Thursday, June 9

This week's promise: God will give you courage when you are afraid
How do I find the courage to face change?



[Upon hearing that Joseph was still alive] Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions. . . . During the night God spoke to him in a vision. . . . "I am God," the voice said, "the God of your father. Do not be afraid to do down to Egypt, for I will see to it that you become a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt, and I will bring your descendants back again. But you will die in Egypt with Joseph at your side."
Genesis 46:1-7 NLT

But Moses again pleaded, "Lord, please send someone else."

Exodus 4:13 NLT

When Ishbosheth heard about Abner's death at Hebron, he lost all courage, and his people were paralyzed with fear.
2 Samuel 4:1 NLT




Turns in the Road

Change may be part of God's plan for you. If so, what you are headed into will give you joy and satisfaction beyond your expectations.

Fear in the face of change is normal. To be paralyzed by fear, however, can be an indication that you doubt God's ability to care for you in the face of change. If, like Ishbosheth, you take all your courage from another person, you will eventually be left with nothing when that person is gone. If you trust in God, you will have strength to go on even when circumstances collapse around you.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Digging Deeper

For Kids: A Journey of Choices, Volume 20 of the Odyssey audio series (Tyndale House Publishers) contains action-packed adventures around themes, including fear and courage. (more (javascript:dl('http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?path%3dASIN/1561793124%26link_code%3das2%26camp%3d1789%26tag%3 dagoramedia-20%26creative%3d9325',1);))

Friday, June 10

This week's promise: God will give you courage when you are afraid
How do I find the courage to admit mistakes?



Then Nathan said to David . . . "The Lord, the God of Israel, says, 'I have anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. I gave you his house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And it that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more. Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah and stolen his wife. From this time on, the sword will be a constant threat to your family, because you have despised me by taking Uriah's wife to be your own." . . .

Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord."

Nathan replied, "Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. But you have given the enemies of the Lord great opportunity to despise and blaspheme him, so your child will die."
2 Samuel 12:7-14 NLT




Truth and Consequences

God forgives sin, when we muster the courage to repent, and helps us move on, but as in David's case, he does not usually cancel