Thursday, August 9, 2018

We Need to Talk

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10 nlt)

In a survey of divorced couples, 83 percent said the failure of the marriage was because of deficient communication.
Communication is one of the keys to a successful marriage. It means you have to talk a lot with each other. You need to spend time together and take time off together from all the things you’re involved in and share what’s on your heart.
That’s why it’s so important for the words leave and cleave to be operative throughout a marriage. First you leave all other relationships and make your marital bond your most important. Then you constantly cleave... constantly grow... constantly love... constantly express your love to one another.

It is as simple as telling your spouse that you love him or her. When is the last time you said to your wife, “I love you,” or said to your husband, “I love you. I appreciate you”? Even a hug can go a long way.

I believe a breakdown in communication will lead to selfishness, which can ultimately lead to the breakdown of a marriage. Don’t marry someone if you think you will fix them. They probably will get worse. You need to accept them and love them as they are. If you are not willing to do that, then you have a problem. It’s called selfishness.

Rather than going into your marriage saying, “How are you going to fulfill me? How are you going to meet my needs? What are you going to do for me?” you should be asking, “How can I fulfill you? How can I meet your needs?”
Put the needs of your spouse before your own. Most importantly, put God first in all things. When you do this, everyone will be blessed as a result.
Copyright (c) 2018 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Today's Bible Verse...
How do we determine who we will follow? How can we tell the religious predators, shysters, and charlatans from those who truly speak for God? Jesus comes and shows us the ultimate test; will the Shepherd lay down his life for them?

My Prayer...
Thank you, Lord God, for sending Jesus to be my Shepherd. I praise you for his faith, his courage, and his conviction that led him to not only lay down his life for me, but for everyone in the world. I praise you, Lord Jesus, for your sacrificial love and perfect sacrifice. To "him who sits on the throne" and to "the lamb that was slain," I offer up my deepest appreciation and loving praise for your grace and mercy! In the name of the only Savior of the world, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...
Inspirational illustration of John 10:11 
 

Angry Husband Blows a Gasket by Jonny Hawkins


Angry Husband Blows a Gasket
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Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Headed Homeward

by Max Lucado

Aging is God’s idea. It’s one of the ways he keeps us headed homeward. We can’t change the process, but we can change our attitude. Here is a thought. What if we looked at the aging body as we look at the growth of a tulip?
Do you ever see anyone mourning over the passing of the tulip bulb? Do gardeners weep as the bulb begins to weaken? Of course not. We don’t purchase tulip girdles or petal wrinkle cream or consult plastic-leaf surgeons. We don’t mourn the passing of the bulb; we celebrate it. Tulip lovers rejoice the minute the bulb weakens. “Watch that one,” they say. “It’s about to blossom.”

Could it be heaven does the same? The angels point to our bodies. The more frail we become, the more excited they become. “Watch that lady in the hospital,” they say. “She’s about to blossom.” “Keep an eye on the fellow with the bad heart. He’ll be coming home soon.”

“We are waiting for God to finish making us his own children, which means our bodies will be made free” (Romans 8:23).
Are our bodies now free? No. Paul describes them as our “earthy bodies” (Phil. 3:21 MSG). Or as other translations state:

“our lowly body” (NKJV)

“the body of our humble state” (NASB)

“these weak mortal bodies” (NLT)

“our vile body” (KJV)

“our simple bodies” (NCV)

You could add your own adjective, couldn’t you? Which word describes your body? My cancerous body? 
My arthritic body? My deformed body? My crippled body? 
My addicted body? My ever-expanding body? The word may be different, but the message is the same: These bodies are weak. They began decaying the minute we began breathing.
And, according to God, that’s a part of the plan. Every wrinkle and every needle take us one step closer to the last step when Jesus will change our simple bodies into forever bodies. No pain. No depression. No sickness. No end.

This is not our forever house. It will serve for the time being. But there is nothing like the moment we enter his door.
                                                             From Traveling Light


Today's Bible Verse...
What are you spending the biggest bulk of your life working for? Is it a boss, a promotion, a sense of importance, a secure lifestyle ...? If it can be taken from you, or you can be removed from it, then it's not very permanent is it! Only what Jesus gives us is truly lasting, and it comes from God's grace. So how can you more fully invest yourself in work that "endures to eternal life"?

My Prayer...
Un-cloud my thinking, dear God, so that I may more clearly see what it is that I'm working for in my life. Help me find ways to invest myself, "my" time, and "my" money in those things that are eternal. But, dear Father, I must confess that I will need your help to find my significance in my relationship with you and not in what I do, produce, and accomplish. Please forgive and strengthen me as I commit to seek you above all other things. In the name of Jesus, your Son and my Savior, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 Inspirational illustration of John 6:27



Prayer and Gossip Chain 

by David L. McAllister and Dan Pegoda

Prayer and Gossip Chain

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Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Can You Really Count on God?

By Rick Warren

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NCV).

For most of us, the reason we don’t trust God fully with our lives is because we really don’t know him. We usually don’t trust people we don’t know.

The same is true with God. That’s why God wants you to know the real him -- not a fake version you’ve learned from popular culture. There are many popular myths about who God is that simply aren’t true.

For example, some believe he’s like:

A cosmic cop: He’s the big, bad policeman in the sky looking to catch us doing something wrong.

The celestial Santa Claus: He’s just there to give gifts. He smiles, nods, and never really pays attention to the naughty list.

The grand, old man: He’s the old, old god who isn’t that different from you. He has his own failures and faults. But he doesn’t have any of the answers.

The Force: Like in the popular science-fiction series “Star Wars,” God is an impersonal force that we can bend to our own will.

If I thought God was like any of those popular misconceptions, I wouldn’t trust him either. But he’s not. The Bible paints an entirely different picture of the character of God.

The truth is, God is infinitely worthy of your trust because no being in the universe is as capable to influence the world around you as he is. The Bible says, “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” (Psalm 54:4 NIV).
God has the power (and the desire) to sustain and help you through whatever you’re going through. He wants to give you his best for your life -- and he is uniquely able to help you get there. He is the creator of the universe. He literally has all the resources in the universe that he can mobilize on your behalf as you seek to follow him.

But the key is, you must trust him.

The Bible says, “Trust the Lordwith all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lordin all you do, and he will give you success” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NCV). You can trust God with everything you are because he is able to help you succeed if you do. That doesn’t mean that God will give you all the money, fame, or power you want. But if you trust him, God will help you succeed in what he has called you to do and be.


Today's Bible Verse...
Refreshed! Boy that's often hard in any time, but it's especially hard in August, isn't it? It's either the dead of summer or the dead of winter depending on which side of the equator you find yourself. Either way, we need to hear God's desire for all of us to be refreshed and to allow those around us to be refreshed in his presence, his grace, and his rest.

My Prayer...
Forgive me, God, for being so busy being busy that I don't intentionally take time to be refreshed in your rest. Teach me gently, Father, that I need this weekly rest in your presence and with my family to be all that you want me to be, and all that I can be. Restore my soul, O God, and fill me with your restful joy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...
Inspirational illustration of Exodus 23:12

Whining Prayer Requests by Doug Hall

Whining Prayer Requests
 
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Monday, August 6, 2018

A Godly Response to Criticism

by Dr. Charles Stanley
 
31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. 32 He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility. Proverbs 15:31-33 NAS

No one likes criticism, but encountering some is inevitable, so we need to learn how to respond in a godly way. Although you might be tempted to become defensive or angry, remain calm and listen. The words may hurt, but great benefits come to those who carefully consider what is said.

If we refuse to accept reproof, we'll limit our potential for Christlike character development and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come through difficult experiences. If God allowed the situation, you can be sure that He wants to use it in transforming you into His Son's image. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered with kindness or harshness, your goal should always be to respond in a way that glorifies the Lord. Remember that you are responsible only for how you handle yourself, not for how the other person is acting.

When a criticism comes your way, be quiet and listen until the other person has finished. Make direct eye contact to show attentiveness and respect. When your critic finishes, thank him for bringing his concerns to your attention, and tell him that you will consider what he's said. Ask the Lord if the accusation is valid. Let Him search your heart and either affirm your innocence or convict you.


Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. It's a chance to let your Christian character shine by showing love to your critic. If he is angrily attacking you, your respect and kindness become a powerful testimony. Criticism is also an occasion to humble yourself and accept the Lord's correction.

Today's Bible Verse...
Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus on the "Mount of Transfiguration" before Jesus' closest disciples. This was the ultimate honor for them as faithful Jews. God, however, wanted them to know that as important as Moses and Elijah are, only Jesus is his Son. His Son's words are the ultimate authority and the bottom-line truth of God's will. If we are to be refreshed, renewed, and restored, we must begin by listening to and obeying God's Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

My Prayer...
Righteous Father, please give me a holy hunger for the words of Jesus. Help me as I seek to not only understand them, but also live them. I want to make honoring you my life's work just as it was his. Please give me wisdom today, as I seek to make decisions and face difficult circumstances with integrity, grace, and obedience. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 17:5 

Faith in the Face of Danger by Joseph Farris

Faith in the Face of Danger

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Sunday, August 5, 2018

The Cure for Restlessness

by Gwen Smith
 
Today’s Truth
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:21 NIV)

Friend to Friend
It’s recorded in the book of Genesis that at the dawn of creation God made the heavens and the earth, separated light from darkness, and that everything was good. Then He held the sky away from the water, established day and night, and it was good. Next, He spoke the land, seas, sun, moon and stars into existence, and again all good. He went on to fill the earth with fish, birds, and animals, and fashion man in His own image ... and it was good, good, good and good. Then He rested - which we ALL know is awesome. Amen? Amen.

Peace covered the earth like a warm blanket.
God had a perfect relationship with all that He created. Adam and Eve got to know Him intimately. They walked and talked with Him in the Garden of Eden in a way so pure and sacred I can scarcely imagine.

Then Adam and Eve wrecked the good with greed.
They rejected what was meant to be respected, took what was not theirs to take, ate what was not theirs to eat, and sent perfection into a downward spiral of impossibility.
After good was spoken and perfection broken God sent Adam and Eve out of Eden. And it was there in their freshly fallen, imperfect reality that they conceived their first son, Cain, and eventually their second, Abel.

These brothers were very different. Able was an animal guy, Cain a farmer. Both brought offerings to God, but they were not received the same. The offering Abel presented pleased God. Cain’s did not. We aren’t told why, but can safely conclude that it was a matter of motive. God always looks at the heart.

Cain did NOT appreciate God calling him out on his heart situation by rejecting his offering. “So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.” (Genesis 4:5) God asked him why he was miffed and followed up with a strong question. “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” Then God warned Cain, “If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7)

Jealousy, hate, bitterness, and anger filled and fueled Cain when he invited his brother Abel to go hang out in a field and then attacked and killed him.
God punished Cain for the murder by placing him under a curse. “When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” (Genesis 4:12)

Cain became a restless wanderer because he refused to heed the discipline and redirection of God. Instead, of turning his heart to the Lord in repentance and asking God to teach him the ways that are right, he allowed the crouching-at-his-door sin to master him. He let feelings of jealousy and anger lead his responses, and in doing so, brought destruction and restlessness upon himself and others.

Proverbs 3:11-12 instructs us this way, “Do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
Apologist Ravi Zacha
rias said, “God disciplines us for our good that we may share in His holiness.” Imagine that! You and I are invited to share in His holiness. Incredible.
But you and I can become restless wanderers who ignore correcting just as easily as Cain. Can’t we? Sin crouches at the doors of our hearts each day too. It looks like comparison and smells like envy. It sneaks like arrogance and creeps like gossip and promiscuity. Satan longs to control and master us so that our relationships with both God and man suffer.
Jesus said that our enemy is a thief that comes to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10) This sobering, slithering reality stirs me to take a fresh stand today.
I resolve that I will not allow the lying tempter to lead me away from the good God that has for me. I will consider the matter of my motives by asking God to search my heart and show me any ways that are offensive (Psalm 139:23-24). I will stop pretending that God turns a blind eye to any sin in my life. (That’s not who He is. God is holy and just.) I resolve that restlessness will not overcome me because I stand in the same power that resurrected Christ from the grave. I have decided to follow Jesus and there will be no turning back.

Will you take a fresh stand today as well?

Fair warning: the enemy will still crouch low trying to trip us up, but the Spirit of God within will help us to master and reject sin. The challenge is daily and the struggle is real, but the supply of God’s power is endless. The cure for restlessness is found when we turn from temptations toward Jesus. And as we call out God in prayer, His grace will meet us with strength for every trial.

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Please forgive me for the times I allow sin to master me. Convict my heart of any thoughts, beliefs or actions that are not right in Your eyes. Root out all stubbornness, jealousy, pride and rebellion from my heart so that I will no longer be restlessness, but can rest in Your grace.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Today's Bible Verse...
In the middle of our storms and terror, Jesus passes close by, just waiting for us to acknowledge our fear and need, so that he can join us in our worst nightmares and help us through. Incredibly, Jesus' words here are literally, "Take courage! I Am." God revealed himself to Moses in Exodus 3 as I Am, reminding Moses that he heard the cry of the Israelites and had seen their hardship and was now coming down to help them. Jesus does the same for us! 

My Prayer...
Thank you, O God, for not only being there, but being close by — always waiting to respond to my cry of distress and fear. Forgive me for not inviting you and the Lord Jesus daily into a more active role in my life. I know you are near, so I ask that you not only make your presence known, but that you will gently confront me when I push you to the periphery of my daily life. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. 

Today's Verse Illustrated
Inspirational illustration of Mark 6:49-50


Hearing and Practicing Patience


Hearing and Practicing Patience 
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Saturday, August 4, 2018

Will you finish your course?

Pastor Adrian Rogers
 
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, that I might finish my course” Acts 20:24

Do you pay a price--some extra time in the morning--to get into the Word of God?  Do you pay the price of being ridiculed because you keep your Bible on your desk in the office or bow your head and thank God for His gracious goodness to you when He gives you a meal? Are you willing to be different? Will you finish your course?

When you’re running this race, you’re going to find out that you’re running right against the grain. Don’t get the idea that there’s the broad road and the narrow road, and the narrow road runs alongside the broad road, and over there a bunch of people are going this way, and over here you’re going in the same direction.

No, there’s the broad way, and here you are, right in the middle of it, going the other way. Against the grain. What we believe:
  • starts at a different source
  • follows a different course
  • ends at a different conclusion
...and there is a price to pay.

Frankly, today we don’t like that idea of a “price to pay.” We say, “Well, I’m saved by grace, and so I’m just going to float on into heaven on flowery beds of ease.” No. A disciple is one who follows his master, obeys his master, and there is a price to pay.


Today's Bible Verse...
"Come away." We do need to withdraw — not once-in-a-while, but often, daily! What is incredible is that Jesus invites his disciples (today that's us!) to withdraw with him to a quiet place and rest with him. The little childhood prayer is appropriate here: "Now I lay me down to sleep and pray the Lord my soul to keep." Only this isn't just about a good night's sleep; it's about taking time in the middle of our wild and crazy days to join him for a few moments of grace, rest, and refreshment. Let's make these daily stops in God's Word more than quick e-mail viewing; let's let it be a time to withdraw with the Savior and take a few minutes of rest!

My Prayer...
Holy and gentle Shepherd of my soul, thank you for your constant care and loving faithfulness. Please touch my heart as I try to be more disciplined in my rest times with you. Please keep my soul, but even more, please restore my soul as I withdraw to spend time with your Son and my Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated

Inspirational illustration of Mark 6:31

Missing Breastplate of Righteousness

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Friday, August 3, 2018

Wait on the Lord (for He Waits for You)

And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you... blessed are all they that wait for him (Isaiah 30:18).

We must not only think of our waiting upon God, but also of what is more wonderful still, of God's waiting upon us. The vision of Him waiting on us will give new impulse and inspiration to our waiting upon Him. It will give us unspeakable confidence that our waiting cannot be in vain. Let us seek even now, at this moment, in the spirit of waiting on God, to find out something of what it means.

He has inconceivably glorious purposes concerning every one of His children. And you ask, "How is it, if He waits to be gracious, that even after I come and wait upon Him, He does not give the help I seek, but waits on longer and longer?" God is a wise husbandman, "who waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it." He cannot gather the fruit till it is ripe. He knows when we are spiritually ready to receive the blessing to our profit and His glory. Waiting in the sunshine of His love is what will ripen the soul for His blessing. Waiting under the cloud of trial, that breaks in showers of blessings, is as needful.

Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious. God waited four thousand years, till the fullness of time, ere He sent His Son. Our times are in His hands; He will avenge His elect speedily; He will make haste for our help, and not delay one hour too long. --Andrew Murray

Today's Bible Verse...
Streams of water — living water for dying hopes, cool water for parched hearts, refreshing water for those tired and weary. This is, of course, much more than a liquid we can drink with our lips. This is the ultimate water of the soul that God longs to give to us, his children. Let's spend the month of August, refreshing ourselves with the promises of Jesus and trusting that, as we draw close to him, the Spirit will restore our soul.

My Prayer...
Loving Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me and the Holy Spirit to sustain and renew me. Please bless me, especially this month, as I seek to draw closer to my Savior and restore my soul with the refreshing living water of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated

Inspirational illustration of John 7:37-38 

Favoritism in the Church


Favoritism in the Church
 
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Thursday, August 2, 2018

A Prayer for Victory

by Debbie Przybylski
 
“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” - Deuteronomy 20:4

Do not look at your prayer life as a small ministry of no importance. The enemy knows full well how mighty you are in pulling down his strongholds, and he will try to intimidate, discourage, divide, or defeat you. Don't accept his lies.
"Doubt. Deception. Discouragement. Division. It's time for the church to stop accepting these enemy strikes as natural. Spiritual warfare is a reality that the church must face. It won't go away on its own - but it can be dealt with through prayer."

Love God with all your heart, and abide in Him - Loving and abiding in God is so important in order to see answered prayer. I am personally, by nature, a warrior but my relationship with God is the best antidote against the enemy’s flaming missiles. We must know God intimately, and abide in that intimacy daily.

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" - (John 15:7).
Speak out the attributes of God, and praise him daily in prayer - Worship is a powerful form of warfare. Praying and singing out loud about the greatness of God during moments when you are emotionally down makes a huge difference. Your heart begins to rise up, your feelings change, and you see the sovereignty and greatness of God.

Here is a prayer you can pray for victory over the enemy’s schemes:

Lord, thank you for your greatness. Thank you that when I am weak, you are strong. Lord, the Devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with you. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honor you in all my ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Today's Bible Verse...
Dryness, whether spiritual or physical, is sapping to the spirit and wilting to all living things. Let's join our hearts together today, ten of thousands strong, praying that God will do two things: (1) that he bring rain and refreshment on those lands that are parched and where times are hard; and (2) that he will refresh all of his servants who are discouraged and close to giving up in their difficulties, challenges, temptations, discouragements, and failures. Let's pray for today to be a day of refreshment and the beginning of revival in our world and among God's people! 

My Prayer...
Lord God Almighty, the one able to do more than all we ask or imagine, today, we join our voices and our hearts in asking you for refreshment for every land and every heart parched and wilted. Send your rains on the drought laden parts of our world. And dear Father, please bring revival throughout our world in our churches and the hearts of those who serve you. We ask this together in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated

Inspirational illustration of Psalm 68:9

An Unusual Spiritual Gift

An Unusual Spiritual Gift

 

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Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Hope: The Antidote to the Quitter Instinct

by CAREY SCOTT
“I pray that God, the source of all hope, will infuse your lives with an abundance of joy and peace in the midst of your faith so that your hope will overflow through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (VOICE)

We recently learned that I’m not the best driving instructor in the family. That award goes to my husband, who doesn’t scream when our 15-year-old takes the corner too fast. I may or may not have said a choice word or two while holding on to the dashboard for dear life. Sweet mother, I think I need therapy.

Truth is, my son isn’t a bad driver. He’s actually quite good. And while he may take a corner a little faster than feels comfortable, we’re not in jeopardy. He might be in learning mode, but the kid is doing a bang-up job (in a good way) of learning to navigate the road and a vehicle. Of course, all credit goes to my husband, who never seems to get his feathers ruffled while in the passenger seat.

For me, these drives are full of all kinds of hopes.  ... I hope Sam will stay on the road.  ... I hope he’ll remember his turn signal.  ... I hope I don’t die.
And I’m sure Sam has one prevailing hope: I hope my mom will keep her mouth shut.

Hope is a powerful motivator. It’s what drives us to try again. It’s what keeps us from sinking under the weight of adversity. Hope keeps us positive, fuels our joy and helps us reach for our dreams with gusto. Hope matters. And while many think hope is nothing more than wishful thinking, Christian hope means confident expectation. It’s believing in the possibility.
It takes hard-won grit and grace to hold on to hope in this world. Grit, because sometimes we’d rather give up than white-knuckle it. Aren’t there moments it would just be easier to throw in the towel? And we need grace for ourselves, because sometimes we don’t walk it out as well as we’d like. Holding on to hope is just plain hard -- no matter how you slice it.

But listen in ... if we’re going to live authentic lives -- lives true to who we were made to be -- then we need to remember hope is already part of our DNA. Because we’re created in God’s image, hope is already part of our blueprint. So while it can be challenging to grab onto hope and hold on, especially when life feels overwhelming, we can absolutely do it. We must do it. Friend, holding on to hope is part of what makes you, well, you. And it’s a beautiful benefit of being a Jesus-girl.

When I’m sitting in the passenger seat, hope comes alive in me. It’s why I’ll hand the keys over to my son. It helps me believe we’ll survive the drive and return home uninjured, so I’ll be able to have my coffee. Hope helps me have faith in his abilities.

Romans 15:13 shows us hope is a powerful force: “I pray that God, the source of all hope, will infuse your lives with an abundance of joy and peace in the midst of your faith so that your hope will overflow through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
God created hope to intertwine with every part of life, which is why holding on to it makes all the difference. Letting go of hope is why we walk out of a hard marriage. It’s why we give up on a wayward child. Hopelessness is what makes us reject challenging friendships and step out of frustrating community groups. Losing hope is why we turn our backs on difficult family members, quit frustrating positions of leadership and let go of a dream that feels too far off. But God didn’t create us to be quitters.

We may feel the weight of the battle as we face discouragements in life. Breakdown moments will come because we are humans with emotions. But God created you to be a carrier of hope. And that means you can find the grit and grace to hold onto hope when the diagnosis comes, the relationship struggles, the finances dry up or you slide into the passenger seat with your teenager.

Let’s be warriors of hope to the world. Don’t worry. It’s already in you.

Dear God, sometimes holding on to hope feels too hard. While I know You gave me the ability to hope, it’s a difficult choice to make when I’m staring at overwhelming situations. Please ignite hope within me, and strengthen my bones with faith. I know that with Your help, I can hold on to hope in the darkest of times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY: Psalm 39:7, “And so, Lord, my only hope is in you.” (TLB)


Today's Bible Verse...
Almighty God, loving Father, and tender Shepherd, please forgive me. I confess that sometimes I allow myself to flirt with what is not wholesome, right, and holy. Thank you for delivering me so often from my stupidities in this area and bless me with strength and renewed conviction as I seek to offer myself fully and completely to you and as I seek to flee what is dangerous and sinful. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated

Inspirational illustration of Proverbs 6:28

 

Aerobic Preaching by Joe McKeever

Aerobic Preaching


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