Month: October 2022

DAILY VERSE

Then he went on alone into the desert, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.”

1 Kings 19:4

DEVOTION

Everyone has a breaking point. At some point, under the right circumstances, a person will say, “I’ve had enough.” Often when it comes, it is something of a surprise, and the sudden feelings of discouragement can be crushing, even to the point of wanting to die.

But in these times, in our weakness, God shows us that He can take that situation and turn it around. Through our trials, we find our faith. God shows us how our earthly problems are no match for His might.

If you are facing a season where “had enough”, continue to push forward! Rely on God and He will make a way.

DAILY VERSE

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

DEVOTION

Many people have been affected by the wrath of a bully. Most have come face to face with someone whose insecurities spill over into bad behavior toward others.

Jesus said we should turn the other cheek to our attackers. Nothing shortcircuits an angry exchange quicker than kindness. The bully is expecting to be confronted either with timidity or anger. Kindness is the last thing they would expect.

Be wise, and respond with kindness.

DAILY VERSE

No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

John 16:27

DEVOTION

While worshiping in church yesterday, one verse of a song came up that said, “I don’t have much to give, but my heart is yours.”

It really hammered my heart. I’ve always thought that in comparison to the love He lavishes on me, what do I have to give. As I sang those words, a clear voice spoke to my heart, “It is enough.”

Even writing these words the weight is not lost on me. The tears come.

We tend to put so much regard on our possessions. God simply wants our hearts.

You may have little to no means. Simply giving God your heart, that is enough.

DAILY VERSE

So David asked the LORD, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The LORD replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly give you the victory.”

2 Samuel 5:19

DEVOTION

David does something that doesn’t seem remarkable given the context. He regularly asked God for guidance.

During your day, how many times do you ask God for His help or direction? Do you rely on Him, or do you mostly go about your day relying on your own abilities? What would it look like if you actually asked Him for direction and guidance throughout your day?

One thing is certain, the Bible gives us a clear illustration of success. Those who attained it tethered themselves to God and His counsel.

DAILY VERSE

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”

Deuteronomy 30:19

DEVOTION

If we’re honest, I think we can all see the signs. We’re certainly closer to the illustrations John penned in Revelation. That being said, we should have the level of concern Moses does here for those who have not yet encountered Christ.

If you drive up on a bridge that has washed away overnight, wouldn’t you try to stop approaching traffic?

A time is coming when it will be too late. Like the parable of the ten virgins, we should want that no one is caught without oil in their lamps when Christ returns!

DAILY VERSE

Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

Proverbs 19:8

DEVOTION

Negative thoughts. We’ve all had them. Sometimes they completely remove our self-confidence. They tear us down and lead us to believe we are unredeemable. But do thoughts like this come from God?

The same God who descended from Heaven to take human form to forgive you of your sins and offer you salvation. No, God’s thoughts toward you relate only to love and to prosper.

The next time your mind is filled with negative thoughts, remember that God loves you dearly. These thoughts come from the enemy and are meant to tear you down. God loves you!

DAILY VERSE

To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.

Proverbs 19:8

DEVOTION

It’s been said that many intelligent people lack common sense. Wisdom encapsulates all of that and more.

Wisdom is defined as; The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight. Common sense; good judgment. The sum of learning through the ages; knowledge.

As believers, we are offered “ears to hear and eyes to see.” As we take this journey with Christ, reading God’s Word, we naturally become more attuned to the will of God. It’s why we seem to see things more clearly when others do not.

Embrace the wisdom God allows you to attain.

DAILY VERSE

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

James 1:5

DEVOTION

You’ve certainly heard the phrase, “He’d give you the shirt off of his back.” This phrase describes someone who is selfless and always eager to help.

God could be described as such, but you would also have to add, “. . . and a listening ear, a source of hope, incredible joy, and anything else you may need.” The list goes on because God is so generous.

We must seek to be more like Christ in our interactions with others if we are to draw people to Him.

DAILY VERSE

Know, therefore, that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people.

Deuteronomy 9:6

DEVOTION

From the original sin forward, we as a species have demonstrated that corrupt hearts are capable of the evilest of actions. We’re stubborn, we’re selfish, we lack patience, and we’re lucky if God would say we had the faith of a mustard seed.

We do not deserve the love God lavishes on us.

It is by His grace alone that we can count ourselves as saved. He chose to offer us this olive branch and bring us back into a relationship with Him.

Paul is the perfect example of someone who has been overcome with thanksgiving and affected the world around Him with such gratitude toward our Savior. Let us all strive to be more like him!

DAILY VERSE

“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live!”

Deuteronomy 4:9

DEVOTION

Most people are forgetful. We tend to hold onto things for a time when the sting is fresh, but once we’ve healed and moved onto a new season, we tend to forget.

When we are in the midst of a difficult season, it’s easy to rely on God. But when times are good, we rely on our own strength and forget that God is the source of our strength.

Once we latch onto the robe of Jesus Christ, we would do well to hold on for dear life. We can’t do this alone. We should hold tight and lavish Him with thanksgiving!