JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Philippians 4:6-7)” Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
As I said yesterday, we are bombarded daily with so much bad news concerning the state of our society and the traumatic trials we all are facing, that it can be very overwhelming to even think about getting out of bed in the morning.
We all long for the security and the simple ease of life we once experienced when life was so different and so much easier before the worldwide Covid pandemic that changed our world.
Here are three more wonderful promises of hope to help you find comfort in the faithfulness of Gods promises as we walk thru this life waiting for His soon return.
#4) Shelter and Safety
“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge” (Psalm 16:1).
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
Whatever happens in the coming weeks and months, we as believers are assured that we have a hiding place in the Lord and are protected by Him.
We can call on Jesus to keep us safe and trust that His perfect will shall be done in our lives when we call upon Him.
We can turn to Him in every situation to find shelter and safety.
#5) God Will Deliver Us
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7)
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19).
God will deliver us!
This pandemic has a time limit, just like all of our troubles do.
At some point, though not known to us, this will end. And in time, we will have learned a great deal about ourselves, our world, and hopefully, have a deeper trust in the God who was with us, protected us, and delivered us.
#6) God Will Restore
Here’s a wonderful passage that reminds us about the lasting hope we have in God.
This Psalm tells of the promise made that He will see us through, and God will return our smiling, and laughter, and restore what has been lost.
(Psalm 126) “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
May God our Father be an ever present source of hope and peace for you during these troubling times.
Good Day
(Philippians 4:6-7)” Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
No doubt about it, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caught us all off guard.
It has shaken the stability and security we once felt in our world in many hard and difficult ways, and has put us all on an unfamiliar path, living one day at a time, week-to-week, and month-to-month.
Perhaps you’re battling anxiety, stress, or just trying to adjust to a new reality of how to live your life.
Know that God’s word is incredibly relevant and is an ever-present source of hope, encouragement and truth, that we can all turn to in the midst of this pandemic, and or any hardship we will ever face in this life.
Following are three promises of God from His Holy Word to give you hope as you walk thru these trials and insecure times in our society.
#1) God Is Our Strength
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3).
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
As long as we are able to breath air into these bodies of flesh, the reality is, that we will face trials/trouble in this life.
And whether we like it or not, we will have to endure or face trials and stress of various types, unexpected and difficult battles on a global level and in our personal lives.
God knows all of this and the details of what you face.
He promises to be with you as your help and source of strength to get through whatever you go through.
We can let go of our fears and let faith rise up and take over our biggest concerns.
Jesus overcame the world so that we could have peace, hope, and faith in Him and His ability to take care of us.
#2) Turn Your Thoughts
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:6-8).
We may have become overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and worry because of the onslaught of bad news that our media feels that should be the focus of the news today.
Our thoughts are constantly being hijacked and reminded about the latest Covid developments, or the war in the Ukraine, or the astronomical leap in the high cost of living.
May the instruction from God’s word give us new practices to direct our minds to God and His goodness, love, and mercy during the most difficult of times.
Whenever our minds wander to what causes us fear or anxiety, we can stop and instead, begin to pray and give our worries over to Jesus.
#3) God Is with Us
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
What a comfort that one of the last things Jesus wanted to tell His followers was that He would be with us to the very end of time.
However lonely or isolated we feel, we can meditate on God’s promise reminding ourselves that He is with us every step of the way.
God is our comforter, and He is with us no matter what we are going through.
I’ll be back tomorrow with 3 more wonderful promise of hope from the Word of God to help all of us refocus our minds our thoughts and our faith in the midst of these challenging days we live in.
Good Day!
(Psalm 37:7)“Be patient and trust the Lord.”
Patience is born of trust.
David said, “Trust the Lord and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire” (Psalm 37 3-4).
God has a plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
It includes things you can’t have today that you will be able to enjoy tomorrow.
When spring comes, the grass grows on its own.
So stop struggling to accomplish something now that will be easy when the time is right.
When you refuse to give a toddler something that’s not good for him or her, they will often stomp there feet and cry, “I want it now!”
So do you give in to them?
No, because they are not ready for it yet.
Paul wrote, “Patience […has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]” (Colossians 3:12).
Not only is God teaching you how to wait, but also how to have a good attitude while you’re doing it.
James wrote, “Don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let patience do its work so you become mature” (James 1:4).
God permits certain things to happen in life to teach us important principles like;
(1) maintaining our faith when times get tough,
(2) showing grace under pressure by controlling our responses, and
(3) developing new skills and better ways of thinking.
The truth is, God is developing qualities in you right now that can’t be developed any other way.
When He’s finished, you will have the maturity to handle what He has in mind for you.
So don’t let the enemy rattle you or the circumstances put you into overdrive.
“Be patient and trust the Lord.”
And instead of complaining start praising Him for His goodness and His unfailing love.
Good Day!
(Exodus 16:7) "The Lord...has heard your grumbling against him."
I find it amazing how quickly we can let our circumstances over rule our commitments, our emotions, and our faith.
Do you realize when you fall into a state of unrest and unhappiness and you start to complain about the situations that are testing you and "stressing you out", God takes it personally.
It shows a lack of faith in His Word that says, “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love [him]” (Romans 8:28).
The Bible says in (Exodus 13:17-18), “When Pharaoh finally let the people of Israel go”, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land.
He told them, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
So God led them in a roundabout way.
Its so important to remember that God has our best interest at heart, and God can see the end from the beginning, and He’s often leading you “in a roundabout way” to keep you from harm and more trouble!
Once you accept that, you can stop complaining and start praising Him.
The bible says, when Israel grumbled, “the Lord’s anger blazed…and…he destroyed some of the people” (Numbers 11:1).
Dr. Dale A. Robbins is the founder and president of "Victorious Christian Ministries", and has served as a pastor, teacher and evangelist for over thirty years.
He has written a variety of Christian books and articles, and is the author of the classic title, "What People Ask About The Church".
On this subject of whining and complaining he writes, “many believers today refuse to trust Him (Jesus) to provide, protect, and direct their lives”.
The whole premise of Christianity is that Jesus becomes the “boss” of our circumstances.
We’re in His hands.
When we as believers complain about our circumstances in life, it becomes an accusation "against the Lord", to whom we’ve entrusted our lives, and He hears all your complaints against him!
When you go through tough times, don’t resort to complaining.
Instead, start praising God in spite of what’s happening.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18) “Be thankful in all circumstances”.
Thanksgiving is the opposite of complaining.
It "expresses appreciation" for everything God has done and what He promises to do, and it shows confidence that you trust Him and that He is in charge.
The Psalmist said, “Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and…in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:14-15).
Gratitude—not grumbling—motivates God to work on your behalf.
Never forget God means what He says and said what He means.
Now take a moment and read Psalm 91 before you leave this place and let the promises of God encourage you today.
Good Day!
(Colossians 1:27) "The mystery in a nutshell is...Christ is in you."
The Apostle Paul writes, “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Did you realize that no other religion makes such a claim.
No other movement implies "the living presence" of its founder in his followers. No wonder Paul refers to it as “the mystery.”
We comprehend the idea of Christ for me or with me or ahead of me.
But Paul said it’s better than that—Christ is in me!
In his writings, Paul refers to this "union with Christ" 216 times.
John mentions it 26 times.
They describe a Christ who not only woos us to Himself, but actually “ones” us with Himself.
John writes, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God "abides" in him (Thats you, God abides in You, He lives in you) and he (Jesus) in God” (1 John 4:15).
Just as you own the home you live in, so the Christ who lives in you owns you.
And when you own a home, you rearrange it the way you want it.
Likewise, Jesus moves in and commandeers your hands and feet, your mind and your tongue.
Do you sense things being rearranged in your life today?
That’s “Christ in you”!
In the message bible, "Eugene Peterson" paraphrases Paul’s words this way: “He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son” (Romans 8:29).
Ever hear the old saying, “Making a silk purse out of a pig’s ear”?
That’s what Jesus does when He takes up residence in your heart.
He has a plan for your life, and He also provides the power to fulfill it.
And your part is to simply surrender and cooperate fully with Him.
I think the biggest reason that people struggle with their faith and relationship with God is that they have not learned to “just surrender” to His plans, and His direction.
As human beings we want to control, and run our lives according to our human understanding.
But God says "my ways are higher than your ways, my thoughts are higher than your thoughts"
(Isaiah 55:9)
Today stop and listen to that "inner voice" inside you that is trying to direct you.
Let the Holy Spirit do His job in your life by being a guide and a comforter in all things.
Stop using your "head knowledge" of this worlds system and start letting God fill your heart with
Today stop and listen to that "inner voice" inside you that is trying to direct you.
Let the Holy Spirit do His job in your life by being a guide and a comforter in all things.
Stop using your "head knowledge" of this worlds system and start letting God fill your heart with
a new operating system.
There is a phrase that many use to share their activities or thought processing.
That phrase is "I think".
That’s where we get into trouble!
We need to rephrase that and ask our selves what does God think!
Good day!
There is a phrase that many use to share their activities or thought processing.
That phrase is "I think".
That’s where we get into trouble!
We need to rephrase that and ask our selves what does God think!
Good day!
(Acts 10:34) "God shows no partiality."
Tolerance is not just about agreeing to "embrace our differences".
It’s about accepting the other person’s "right to believe" as they wish and to behave according to those beliefs.
One of the great tests of spiritual maturity is our willingness to love and pray for those whose beliefs and behaviors are unacceptable to us.
Instead of condemning people who err, we should see them the same way we see a blind man walking toward a cliff’s edge.
Our reaction should not be to condemn him but to have compassion and try to show him a safer route.
However, let’s be clear—compassion is not compromise.
Like our heavenly Father we are called to love the sinner but hate the sin.
God does not compromise His values and neither should we.
But we need to have an intense and passionate love for lost people.
We each need to emulate our heavenly Father?
In Bible days, Jews looked down on Gentiles and referred to them as “dogs”
But Jesus came and redeemed those “dogs” and turned them into disciples.
When Cornelius the Gentile summoned Peter the Jew to his home, Peter was reluctant to go.
He explained, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company or go to one of another nation".
Unfortunately many Christians think the same way today.
But listen to what Peter then states.
"But God", has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean” (Acts 10:28).
God was uprooting embedded traditions and opening up new opportunities for the gospel.
Peter continued, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34-35).
Could it be that God wants to expand the borders of your mind for His glory?
If you’re open to it, today could be the beginning of new ministry and or new opportunities!
Good day!
(Philippians 4:6) "Pray and ask God for everything you need."
Recently, I’ve been challenged by the Spirit of God with this question, "When was the last time you stopped and asked me “specifically”, for answers to your prayers"?
You see I am guilty (as we all are) of being on the move constantly, and staying busy doing "stuff".
I recognize that I am of a type A personality where I must be doing and busy or I get bored and lethargic.
Maybe that’s just an excuse I am not sure, but the fact of the matter is that there are seasons and times in my life where I forget or put off my "prayer routine" and prayer becomes more of a thought and or a “wish”.
What is a prayer routine you ask?
Well for me a "prayer routine" is taking a fixed or specific time or times when I stop doing anything and pointedly discipline myself to talk to God.
It’s at those times where I specifically pray for the needs in my life and ask God pointedly to meet those needs.
Can you imagine walking into a restaurant and asking if your order is ready?
The waitress or waiter asks “When did you call it in"? “Oh, I didn’t,” you reply. “I just thought perhaps you might have something with my name on it.”
That’s as ridiculous as expecting God to answer prayer requests you haven’t made—or haven’t made in faith.
Too many times in our lives we speed thru the day with “prayer thoughts", or wishes.
That’s where we think of something we should pray or talk to God about but it never goes any further than that.
Or we breath our “headache” prayers over our meals.
That’s where we bow our heads when we are in public rubbing our temples like as if we have a headache while we say our ritual blessing over our food.
Or we whisper quick little diddies like "O God let there be a parking spot for me"!
The Bible says, “The reason you don’t have what you want is…you don’t ask God and when you do ask, you often ask amiss” (James 4:2).
That’s the crux of our problems right there.
When was the last time you specifically went to God in the conversation of prayer and submissively and honestly talked to Him about your needs.
Will God give you everything you ask for?
Maybe not because, “Even when you do ask you don’t get it because…you want only what will give you pleasure” (James 4:3).
Jeremiah said, “The Lord is good to those who wait…expectantly for Him” (Lamentations 3:25).
"Expectant" prayer demonstrates confidence in God’s goodness.
So instead of fretting or talking about your problems or needs to everybody but God, go to Him in specific prayer and humbly tell Him, “Lord, I’m going to trust You with this regardless of the outcome".
He will honor your faith, if your intent is to bring Him glory, and to see His will accomplished in your life.
Paul writes, “Pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.”
Do you need a job, help overcoming a problem, the salvation of a loved one, a deeper spiritual walk, physical or emotional healing, guidance?
Jesus said, “It gives your Father great happiness to give you the “benefits of His Kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
God wants to be good to you, so tell Him the “desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Then begin to thank Him and believe the answer will come—in His time!
“If you believe, you will receive” whatever you ask in prayer. (Matthew 21:24)
The key to answered prayer is "relationship” with the one whom has the power to answer your prayers".
Do you have that relationship with Him today?
Take time to pray, today and everyday forward.
Good day!