Which Grace Do You Need Most Today?

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

The Bible speaks of the “manifold” grace of God. What does that mean? It means we can experience God’s grace in many ways. For instance, there is singing grace. When Paul and Silas were in prison, God gave them grace to sing (see Acts 16:25).

There is speaking grace. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” God will give you the ability to talk about your troubles with His grace.

God also gives us strengthening grace. Timothy was often sick with many infirmities. Paul told him to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).

Which do you need today? Singing grace? Speaking grace? Strengthening grace? All three? Spend time in the Word of God today and draw from the manifold grace of God.

From Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers

 

 

Today's Bible Verse...

 

By God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. —Romans 15:32

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our lives, our futures, and our plans are in God's hands. This inescapable reality is the basis of our existence. It is also the foundation of our joy and refreshment when we are with each other. Think about it a second: our meetings with each other, and our ministry to each other, are not chance happenings. They are acts of God's grace that gives us a chance to share in God's blessing and joy.

 

My Prayer...

Holy Father, thank you for your direct involvement in my life. Thank you for the leading of your Spirit, the guidance of your Word, and the wisdom of older Christians. These have all deepened the meaning of my life and empowered my service to your Kingdom. Please give me a more profound sense of grace and joy when I am able to be with Christians wherever that may be. I know these precious members of your family are not chance acquaintances I make along the way, but are the reminders of your desire to bless me and refresh your children with your presence. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Assimilation & Membership

Complicating the Doctrine by Doug Hall



Are You Trusting in the Mighty Hands of God?

by Debbie Przybylski

 
"As a child of God, you ought to expect God to answer your prayers. Do you ask God to do something without adjusting your life to what you are praying? If you are praying for revival, how are you preparing for its coming? If you are praying for forgiveness, are you still living with guilt? If you have asked God to provide for your needs, do you remain worried and anxious? Ask God to increase your faith, and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in him." - Henry Blackaby
  We all want God to answer our prayers. We believe in the power of prayer, but when it comes down to our own individual lives and problems, we often don’t have the faith to believe that God will answer. Unbelief and independence trap us. But God wants to enlarge our territory and bless us with increase, because His nature is to bless. Our lack of faith and our fear of stepping out in dependence on Him are what get in the way. The truth is that the things we do for God should be outside of our own abilities; they should be evidence that we are trusting in His supernatural ability.
  When we back away from dependence, we are not living by faith. We need to be willing to attempt things big enough that unless God steps in, we are sure to fail. Faith is like jumping out of an airplane at fifteen thousand feet. If God doesn’t catch you, you will fall and crash. But how do you know unless you jump? This is the kind of faith and dependence He is looking for in our lives. Remember the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10:
"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.”
Jabez cried out to God to enlarge his territory and bless him. He cried out for God’s hand to be with him. Jabez was greatly blessed by God because he didn’t let obstacles become larger than his faith. He knew the character of God and that He loved to bless. We, too, are made for destiny. We have a God-inspired desire to impact our world. Created for something bigger than ourselves, we are designed to touch a lost world. We long to make an impact on our land for eternity, whether it is where we work, live or minister.
  But in reality most of us are afraid to step out by faith.
  An African antelope called the impala can jump to over ten feet high and over a distance of thirty feet! But you can keep impalas from escaping with only a three-foot-high stone wall. They can’t see where they will land on the other side of the wall, so they won’t even try to jump it.
In the same way, we often won’t try anything we can’t see because we are locked in by our fears. Faith is the ability to trust God even when we cannot see. Faith frees us to trust Him who has all the resources of heaven. Why are we afraid to become dependent on a God who has all the resources in the world with limitless power? He wants to bless us, but we must have faith.
If we pray for God to enlarge our borders, we must depend on Him and prepare to believe for miracles that only He can do. God gives us the desires of our hearts, and He wants to answer extraordinary prayers combined with extraordinary faith. He wants us to live beyond our self-imposed limits. He wants to give us favor, but many of us don’t believe it. I encourage you to begin to pray "big" prayers, because God wants to bless you.

I realize that I must demonstrate my dependence on God even when I feel weak, by stepping out by faith in whatever way He leads. It is not easy, but I must say "no" to fear. Recently I've had to do that on several occasions, and it worked! I watched God perform a miracle as I stepped out by faith for Him. Our willingness and weakness offered to God’s will and supernatural power result in God’s unlimited opportunity to bless us.
God is trying to teach each one of us dependence in His strong hands and supernatural power.
  A small group of scientists were searching for an extremely rare flower in the Himalayan Mountains. After a long search, they found it, but it was growing on the side of a very steep cliff and they had no way to get it. They finally had an idea and asked a young boy if they could lower him over the cliff on a rope to get it. They offered him a bribe that was quite big in the eyes of that small boy. But the cliff was scary and extremely dangerous.
The boy thought for a minute and suddenly told the scientists to wait a minute, and he ran home. Finally he returned again with an older man. He told them that if they let his father hold on to the rope, he would allow them to lower him over the side of the cliff. He knew that his father would protect him. This example is similar to our relationship with God, our heavenly Father.
If God is holding the rope, then we can trust Him completely with our lives because we know He will not let go.
  When we surrender our weakness into the mighty hands of God, our needs and problems turn into His unlimited opportunity. Then God becomes great through us, and He can entrust us with an enlarged territory and the fulfillment of His plan for us. But we have to take steps of faith, even if they are small. God honors these steps and turns them into His unlimited opportunity, because at that very point we become dependent on Him. This is His plan for our lives. If we are willing to give Him our weakness and obey His Word by faith, then it opens the door for supernatural power and God’s opportunity to bless us.
  What step of faith is God asking you to take today? Will you put everything into His almighty hands, adjust your life to what you are praying for, and step out by faith in whatever way He leads? When you do this, you become dependent in His dependable hands. He is waiting for your invitation to enlarge your faith.
  It is time to evaluate our personal faith life. Answer the following personal questions carefully and prayerfully.

• How is God presently testing my faith?
• In what way does He want to enlarge my territory?
• What impossible assignment has He given me in prayer?
• In what way am I trusting Him for something bigger than myself?
• How am I stepping out of my comfort zone?
• How am I surrendering my weakness, needs, and problems into His mighty hands?
• In what way is God teaching me to depend on His strength and supernatural power?

If asking to do more for God is our utmost ambition, then asking for His hand upon us is our strategic choice to sustain and continue the great things that He has begun in our lives. That’s why you could call God’s hand on you,“The Touch of Greatness.” You do not become great; you become dependent on the strong hand of God. Your surrendered need turns into his unlimited opportunity to help you, and He becomes great through you.


Today's Bible Verse...

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.—Mark 10:13-14 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We humans are always trying to define our place in the "pecking order" of life. Jesus reminds his disciples that they have to throw away the everyday rules of the pecking order if they are to really be part of his Kingdom. In fact, he was quite angry with them because they denied toddlers' access to him, apparently because these disciples didn't deem the little ones worthy of their Master's time, energy, and attention. Jesus, as he so often did, turned their common worldly values upside down and reminded them they needed to pay more attention to the character of toddlers than their own sense of importance if they were ever going to understand God's Kingdom.

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for valuing me as your child. Re-awaken in me the wonder, humility, and awe as I seek to live for you and your Kingdom! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

No Parent Is Perfect  by Kevin A. Miller and Joseph Farris

 

The Waves Were None of His Business

from Streams in the Desert

So he said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:29-30)

Peter had a little faith in the midst of his doubts, says Bunyan; and so with crying and coming he was brought to Christ.

But here you see that sight was a hindrance; the waves were none of his business when once he had set out; all Peter had any concern with, was the pathway of light that came gleaming across the darkness from where Christ stood. If it was tenfold Egypt beyond that, Peter had no call to look and see.

When the Lord shall call to you over the waters, “Come,” step gladly forth. Look not for a moment away from Him.

Not by measuring the waves can you prevail; not by gauging the wind will you grow strong; to scan the danger may be to fall before it; to pause at the difficulties, is to have them break above your head. Lift up your eyes unto the hills, and go forward--there is no other way.

“Dost thou fear to launch away?
Faith lets go to swim!
Never will He let thee go;
’Tis by trusting thou shalt know
Fellowship with Him."

Today's Bible Verse...

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.—Matthew 7:12

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Ah! The "Golden Rule" is so straightforward, isn't it? Sometimes we make things, especially religious things, far too complicated and complex. I love the Bible because it is so often practical and plain when God deals with our behavior. You want to know how to treat someone? Then do for them what would be a blessing if it was done to you! If it wouldn't bless, encourage, build up, support, comfort, or help you, then don't do it to them. If it would hurt, wound, depress, spite, or discourage you, then don't do it to them. Treat others with the same dignity, kindness, love, respect, and tenderness with which you would like to be treated. Simple to understand; revolutionary to do!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, thank you for making some things so simple to understand. Please fill my heart with your love as I try to live the "Golden Rule" in my relationships. 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...

 

Hooked on Phonics by Jonny Hawkins

 

 

Up Against the Wall

⁶ We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. ⁷ Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. ⁸ Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. ⁹ He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. ¹⁰ And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. ¹¹ And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. ¹² Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. Psalms 106:6-12 KJV

When there is a clear, safe path in front of me, I trust the Lord and sing his praise. When my back is against the wall, my enemies are gaining ground and it looks like there is no way ahead, I easily slip into doubt, fear, and murmuring against the Lord.

The writer of Psalm 106 has faced the Babylonian Captivity, one of Israel’s most devastating calamities. He realizes the soon the Lord will allow his people to return from Babylon, and he wants to be sure that he doesn’t miss the celebration. So he reminds himself and his readers about the lessons they should have learned from Israel’s past. He begins with the most powerful deliverance in the Old Testament –the Exodus and the dry path through the Sea. We can read the story in Exodus 12-15.

After the Passover and their expulsion from Egypt, God didn’t allow His people to take the direct route along the coast to Canaan. Instead He made them turn right out into the desert, led them to the water’s edge, and then stiffened Pharaoh’s heart so that he harnessed his chariots and pursued his former slaves. He believed they were trapped. He would quickly gather them up and bring them back to Egypt in chains. The irony of the story is that the Israelites agreed with him.  Terrified, they let Moses have it, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” (Exodus 14:11) The Psalmist reminds us of this act of rebellion in Psalm 106:7.

“When our fathers were in Egypt, they did not consider your powerful acts (the plagues that set them free). They did not remember your faithful love. Instead they contentiously rebelled against you by the sea, the Red Sea.”

The Lord didn’t answer their request to return to Egypt. Instead His mighty wind parted the waters, dried up the moisture, and from 2:00-6:00 AM allowed his people to escape to safety. Then he drowned those who hated them under tons of water. The Israelites then believed him and danced his praise.

Lord, when I’m standing safe on the other side, it’s easy to trust and praise. It’s much tougher when I can’t see the way ahead. As I begin this week, help me not to doubt, fear, and rebel. Help me to believe and confidently anticipate the paths you will open up.

For more from Dave Wyrtzen please visit TruthEncounter.com!

Today's Bible Verse...

He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.—Psalm 23:2-3

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we are exhausted, depleted, and on the edge of burn out, we need to have our souls restored! But who can restore our souls? Only the One who will lead us beside still waters! The Lord is our Shepherd. He alone can fully bring the nourishment and replenishment that we need. Yet why do we sometimes find it so hard to set aside time to be with him? Could it be that we keep our lives so busy that we miss out on the one thing that matters most?

My Prayer...

As you have shown me time and time again, dear Father, I know that being with you restores me in a place within my heart that no one else can reach. Forgive me for seeking nourishment and refreshment from places that are unholy and unhelpful. Reinvigorate me with your presence and power so that I can serve you more victoriously. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Aerobics in the Office by Mary Chambers

 

 

We Need to Talk

Greg Laurie Daily Devotion

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...

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.—John 10:11

 

Thoughts on Today's 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...

 

 

Angry Husband Blows a Gasket by Jonny Hawkins

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...

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.—John 6:27 

 

Thoughts on Today's 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...

 

Prayer and Gossip Chain 

by David L. McAllister and Dan Pegoda

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...

Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.—Exodus 23:12

 

Thoughts on Today's 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...

Whining Prayer Requests by Doug Hall

 

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...

A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"—Matthew 17:5

 

Thoughts on Today's 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...

 

Faith in the Face of Danger by Joseph Farris

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...

But when they [the disciples] saw him [Jesus] walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."  —Mark 6:49-50

Thoughts on Today's 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

Hearing and Practicing Patience

by Dave Veerman and Larry Thomas