I Belong to Him

"But now, this is what the LORD says-

He who created you, Jacob,

He who formed you, Israel:

'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'"

Isaiah 43:1

My family and I just arrived in a land to which God called us.  As a result of His calling on our lives, we sold all our furniture, packed up the rest of our belongings and moved 3200 miles away from the place we had called home for over eight years.  Now we sit in a motel room, waiting on the Lord's provision for housing for 6 people and as many pets.  For man this is impossible, but with God nothing is impossible. (Matthew 19:26)

As I waver on the edge of doubt, wondering what God has up His sleeve, I rest in the knowledge that I belong to Him.  What difference does this make in the uncertainty of my current situation?

It means that I have a heavenly Father who not only knows my needs, but faithfully supplies.  It means that despite the seemingly out-of-control nature of our situation, God is completely in control and has a plan of which I know nothing.  It means that if He went through the sacrifice of giving up His One and Only Son in order to buy me back from the grips of Death, there is nothing He won't do in order to take care of me.

What, then, do I have to fear?  Nothing.  Fear is a choice to stop trusting the God to whom I am eternally bound by the blood of Jesus.

Today, I choose to trust in the God who has called me by name.  I belong to Him!

Armor of Light

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Armor of Light

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.  The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  Love does no harm to a neighbor.  Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.   The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.  So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.   Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.  Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

(Romans 13:8-14)

In a women’s Bible study with which I am involved, a friend shared her frustration with a coworker who is turned off by the ungodly attitude and actions of many of the outspoken Christians in her workplace.  Consequently, she doesn’t want to have anything to do with the God they claim to follow.  It breaks my heart to hear stories like this, but unfortunately, it reveals a cold, hard truth.  Christians sometimes turn people away from Christ by their unloving, hypocritical actions.  Focusing on trying to do right naturally leads to a judgmental spirit such as this.  If we think we can “be a better Christian” in our own strength, then our pride puffs us up and we give ourselves permission to measure everyone else according to our own standards.  Then, we come across as being cold, unloving and harsh.

Author and minister William Barclay also noticed this pattern.  He said, “More people have been brought into the church by the kindness of real Christian love than by all the theological arguments in the world, and more people have been driven from the church by the hardness and ugliness of so-called Christianity than by all the doubts in the world.”  So how do we draw people and not drive them away?

Love is the fulfillment of the law.  Love is impossible in our inherently selfish spirits, but this passage gives two steps to take toward love; getting away from fleshly temptations, and getting into Christ’s Spirit.  Only through Christ can we put on the armor of light, giving God the freedom to love through us and keep us within His commandments.  Only by giving up our own desires and surrendering to the Spirit are we able to overlook others’ issues and love them right where they are. . . in much the same way Jesus does for us.  In this way, people are drawn to God’s love in us instead of being repulsed by our ugly, sinful nature.

So, how do we love one another?  We can’t.  Only God is able, so we must let Him love through us.

People need love, especially

when they don’t deserve it.

How do you tend to judge others based on your own standards?

Do you find yourself trying to be a “good Christian” instead of letting God transform you into the image of Christ?

Heavenly Father,

It is easy for me to get caught up in trying to become the woman You created me to be.  After much trial and error, I find this pursuit impossible.  Instead of putting forth my best effort to bring about a transformation, it is my desire that I instead submit my whole life into Your hands, so You can mold me as You see fit.

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

Amen

Alive in Me

"My old self has been crucified with Christ.

It is no longer I who live,

but Christ lives in me.

So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20 NLT

There are a lot of things I cannot do.  Let me clarify that.  There are a lot of things my flesh cannot do.  

• It is not natural for me to stand in front of a large group and deliver a message of hope.  Words do not flow easily from my lips but seem to get stuck in the fogginess of my mind.
• I cannot wait patiently for something I need or want.  I'd rather do anything to make it happen NOW!
• I am unable to love those who treat me like trash, giving them the courtesy, respect and forgiveness they refuse to grant me.
• There is no way on earth I can endure heartache, pain and suffering.  I avoid them like the plague.
• Thinking selflessly, putting others' needs before my own, is something foreign to my flesh.

Despite my frailties and weaknesses, I have a treasure within that gives me supernatural ability to overcome everything that holds me back from living as God has called me to live.  I have a power dwelling within me that gives me what I do not have.  Because of what Christ did in dying on the cross, I can enjoy the benefit of internal guidance and discernment.  It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives within me.  And that makes all the difference in the world.

• Through Christ the words of life roll smoothly off my lips as I stand in front of needy souls.
• Through Christ waiting is where I draw the strength of God, transforming an excruciating process into one that builds my faith.  (Isaiah 40:31)
• Through Christ I can deliver love to a world devoid of such riches.
• Through Christ, my grief is turned to beauty, my agony produces Christlikeness, my distress does not disappoint.  (Isaiah 61:3, Romans 5:3-5)
• Through Christ I am empowered to think of others before myself.

The only question, then, is who will I follow this day?  Will it be my flesh, propelling me down a path that leads to death, or will it be the Spirit of Christ who lives within, empowering me to live in the new way that leads to life?  (Romans 8:12-14)

Jesus Christ is alive in me!  What kind of difference does He make in my life?

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can choose life over death, supernatural over natural.

When do I get discouraged by my inability to live the Christian life instead of surrendering to the power of Christ within?

How do I expect to receive the benefits of Christ but still want to live as I used to live before I knew Him? 

Knowing Jesus

"Look!

I stand at the door and knock.

If you hear my voice

and open the door,

I will come in,

and we will share a meal together as friends."

Revelation 3:20 NLT

I was made for relationship.  I was created to be intimately connected to my Creator.  It was God's intention that He be at the center of my consciousness.

Unfortunately, sin twists and contorts His perfect plan, creating something altogether different.  What I accomplish becomes more important than Who I know.  I learn to act a certain way in order to fit into the religious mold man has formed instead of following the Good Shepherd down surprising and mysterious paths.  My focus becomes more about what I can do for God instead of what He can do through me.  As a result, I lose touch with what He really wants the most from me:  Me. (Romans 12:1)

If God made me to be connected to Him, sharing my deepest fears, trusting Him to provide for all my needs, wanting to know more about Him each passing day, why do I waste time on religious pursuits?  Why do I spend so much time doing and so little time sitting at His feet?  (Luke 10:38-42)  Why am I so worried about what other people think yet so little concerned by God's perception of me? (Psalm 139)

Today it is my intention to discover more about Jesus.  I want to stop pretending I am something I'm not and simply be who He created me to be.  I want to drop all my notions of who He is and let Him show me His real character for Himself.  I want to invite Him into every part of my life, no matter how mundane or insignificant it may seem.

Today it is my goal to know Jesus more today than I did yesterday.    

Turned Away

"He (Solomon) had 700 wives of royal birth

and 300 concubines.

And in fact,

they did turn his heart away from the LORD."

1 Kings 11:3 NLT

What turns my heart away from my First Love? (Revelation 2:4)

• people I cherish
• pursuits I chase
• interests I follow
• beliefs I buy into

Jesus said that my heart will follow whatever I treasure in life.  (Matthew 6:19-21)  What do I value most?

If it is relationships then I will live to please others.

If it is a meaningful life then I will seek deep and significant experiences.

If it is success then work will be my god.

If it is popularity then I will be willing to do anything to keep the spotlight on me.

If it is my health then most of my time will be devoted to preserving my body which is here today and gone tomorrow.

If it is Jesus then I will seek Him out with all of my heart.

May I keep Jesus at the center of my radar, making it this day's aim to run full-throttle toward Him.  May I get rid of anything that distracts from Him, set aside all obstacles that threaten to block my forward progress toward Him, and purposefully remove sinful pursuits that tempt me to turn away from Him.  

This day may I run the race God has prepared for me to run, and may I run it wholeheartedly.  (Hebrews 12:1-3)

God's Favor

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God’s Favor

“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.   But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.  He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” 

(Romans 3:20-26)

Recently, I have become friends with a lovely Muslim woman in my neighborhood.  As we share with each other about cooking, gardening, mothering and our faith, I am struck by the Muslim belief that Allah will judge her on judgment day according to her good and bad works.  She says only Allah knows whether one will go to heaven or hell, and she won’t find out until that day.  Consequently, Muslims put a lot of emphasis on following their laws.   They must use their own judgment to decide what is important to Allah and do those things in order to win his favor.  It seems like a hopeless and discouraging way to live.

In contrast, we are not bound by these same restrictions.   Followers of Christ are not made righteous by our deeds, but through faith in Jesus Christ.  It is impossible for us to be made righteous through works, because we all fall short of God’s standard.  Unfortunately, it is human nature for us to use God’s Word as a litmus test, or a ruler by which we measure our life or the lives of other believers.  When we do this, we are reverting to the old covenant by which the blood of sacrificed animals partially, but not fully, atoned for our sins.  Thankfully, under the new covenant, the blood of Jesus provides complete atonement for all who believe.  God’s justice has already been demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ, The Lamb of God.  There is no need for us to put our trust in the law to save us, as the Muslims do.

Writer Mark Twain humorously explains God’s gift of salvation this way.  “Heaven goes by favor.  If it went by merit, you would stay out, and your dog would go in.”  Dogs are much better natured than humans in many ways, but we are made in God’s image and have been given the gift of salvation through the faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Let us not fall into the trap of judging ourselves or others by works, as those who follow other gods do.  Instead, let us rest in the assurance of our Savior’s redemptive work on the cross.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

When do you attempt to judge yourself based on the standard you think God holds for you?

How do you minimize the redemptive work of Christ on the cross in the way you try to be saved by your actions and behavior?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending Jesus to take the punishment meant for my sins.  Since I am judged solely based on what Jesus has already done, I can rest assured that my salvation is secured.  Help me to live my life in the freedom found in the blood of Jesus.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

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King of my Heart

"I will praise you, Lord, will all my heart;

before the 'gods' I will sing your praise."

Psalm 138:1

They wanted a king.  For years, God had been the rightful Ruler of Israel, sending Judges to help turn the hearts of the people back to Him, but leading them as their ultimate King.  Now, however, these wayward people decided they wanted a king of flesh.  It was more important to them that they look like the rest of the world than it was for them to live life the way God had designed them to live.  Therefore, they demanded a king.

Upon their request, the Lord instructed Samuel to warn them of the pitfalls of their demands.  The human king would take, take, take; claim their sons for war, their daughters for royal service, their servants and prime livestock for his own use, and a tithe to benefit his own larder.  Most alarming was the prediction that the people would become like slaves to the king.  Still, they wanted their earthly king.  (1 Samuel 8)

In the same way the people of Israel rejected God as their king, I often do the same.  How can Jesus be the King of my heart?

Respect.  One of the most amusing scenes in the classic movie, "The King and I," is when the main character, Anna, is confronted with the custom that every man or woman in the king of Siam's presence prostrate themselves before him.  She watched his subjects, wives and children put themselves in ridiculous contortions in an attempt to show respect for their king by keeping themselves lower than he.  In the end, Anna refused to go through such ridiculous practices and agreed to simply bow when coming into his presence.

The position of a king demands respect, and Jesus is no different.  If I am to make Him king of my heart, it is important that I revere Him as worthy of all glory, giving up my own desire to take credit for anything good in my life.  This means I'll also treat Him the way He should be regarded, guarding His name as precious and considering His commands as important.

While it is not necessary for me to bow to Jesus, my heart must always be inclined to Him if I am to make Him King of my heart.

Surrender.  A kingdom is all about the king and fulfilling his desires.  This is why the Magna Carta, the groundbreaking document signed in 1215 between the barons of medieval England and King John, was such a big deal.  This forerunner to the U.S. Constitution secured liberty for the people, lawfully protecting them from a king's tendency to abuse his power at the cost of his subjects and giving rights to the people for the first time in world history.

As a resident of the kingdom of God, everything is about Him.  Instead of abusing His position like an earthly king does, bullishly taking the helm, however, God is a king who waits for His own to willingly bow to His plans and purposes.  When I make Jesus the king of my heart, then, it is up to me to place Him in that position as Lord, allowing Him to have full access to my heart. (Romans 10:9)  When I do so, I will no longer demand to get my way but over time I will find myself desiring His plan above my own, trusting that His way is better than my own.        

Residing in the kingdom of God means willingly surrendering to God and His good plans and purposes that go way beyond my own.

Loyalty.  My dog looks lovingly into my eyes, wanting nothing more in life than to please me.  He tries so hard to do my bidding and greets me with great enthusiasm every time I walk through the door.  In contrast, my cat can take me or leave me.  If he's in the mood, he'll greet me with an upright tail and friendly rub against my ankles.  If he's comfortable where he is, however, he'll stay put until he's good and ready to move.

A dog is known for loyalty because his heart is set on pleasing his master while a cat is more of a connoisseur of comfort, looking mostly to fulfilling his own desires.  When it comes to my relationship with the Lord, I would like to be more like my fully committed dog than my flaky cat.  When my heart is devoted to pleasing my King, I will set my own agenda aside and instead go after God's.  I will delight in His Word, knowing it is the very source of joy.  (Psalm 1:2)  I will be all in, wanting to live life His way even if it means sacrificing my comfort, my security or my rights.  The treasure of knowing Jesus Christ will surpass anything known to man.  (Philippians 3:8)

As a loyal subject in God's kingdom, I am committed to His agenda, not my own.

If I want to make Jesus King of my heart, I will need to respect Him, surrender my rights to Him, and remain loyal to Him.  In these ways, I will reside in the Kingdom of God and enjoy Him forever.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to put myself completely in His hands.

When do I rule my own life instead of letting Jesus take that position?

How am I guilty of disloyalty in my heart, valuing other pursuits and beliefs as more important than Jesus?         

God is Greater

"God said to Moses:

'I am the eternal God.

So tell them that the LORD,

whose name is "I am," has sent you.

This is my name forever,

and it is the name that people must use from now on.'"

Exodus 3:14-15 CEV

Cancer threatens to snuff out her life.

Fear rises like a dark tide, drowning out his faith.

The unknown of tomorrow keeps her awake at night.

Pain wracks her body, overshadowing all other interests.

His broken marriage weighs heavily upon his heart.

There is much in this life that is overwhelming, marking my life with the suffering it brings.  Nothing, however, is so great that God is not greater still!  Therefore, I can keep my attention on the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth who holds all things in the palm of His hand.  Nothing is too hard for Him! (Jeremiah 32:27)

As I face this day, then, I can boldly approach the throne of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, receiving the grace and mercy I need for this day.  (Hebrews 4:16)  It is then that I will be able to calmly receive the grave medical news, choosing to believe that the One who knit my body together is also able to heal and will use this ugly disease for His glory.  (Mark 5:25-29, John 5:1-9)

My faith returns as I turn away from what strikes terror in my heart, instead keeping my eyes on the Lord and His mighty power.  (Psalm 27:1)

Even though I have no idea what will happen tomorrow, I can rest assured that God has gone before me.  Wherever I am headed, He is already there, making the way smooth for me.  (Judges 4:14)

As unbearable as the physical pain can be, I have never known the compassion of my Father until I experienced the comfort only He can bring in my darkest hour.  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

While it seems my beloved will never change, God is in the business of softening the hardest of hearts.  Therefore, I can walk forward in confidence, trusting that one day my marital relationship will be healed.  (Ezekiel 36:26)

Whatever I am facing this day, I can be assured that God is greater still.  When I choose to focus my attention on His amazing character, matchless power, and his unfailing love, my troubles will become less while my God will grow in importance.  Then I will be able to face whatever challenge today brings.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can begin to comprehend God's greatness.

When do I let the troubles of this day overpower the greatness of God?

How am I guilty of creating a wimpy God who is unable to help me in my time of need?

Self-Fulfillment?

Today's reading comes from my new book, 52 Days of Grace, available now on Amazon.

Self-Fulfillment?

“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike.  Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.  Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.  Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.   For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.   If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.  So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.  For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister?  Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.   It is written:

‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”  (Romans 14:5-12)

“My life is not my own.”  I can’t count the number of times I disgustingly uttered this phrase under my breath as a mother of triplet daughters and their older sister.  Raising four girls who are within two years of each other was never dull.  In fact, during the early years I had few precious moments to myself, prompting me to utter the above phrase.  As difficult yet rewarding as those years were, God was teaching me through it the truth that we find in today’s passage.  Our life does not belong to us to do with as we please.   In fact, the moment we can let go of the notion of self-fulfillment, the more content and filled with peace we will become.   When we live to fulfill God’s plan for our life, we will feel satisfied and be less inclined to judge the choices others make.  Each of us will stand before God’s judgment seat and answer for our own life; it is not our place to assume to know the choices our brother or sister is making are wrong.  We do not know God’s plan for their lives, only God knows (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Author and lecturer James Hitchcock hit the nail on the head concerning this issue.  He said, “The search for self-fulfillment is endless, and endlessly frustrating.”  If the goal for our life is to never feel a sense of purpose, then we need look no further than our heart’s desire.  But, if our goal is to know that there is a reason for our being, we need to look to God and obediently do His bidding.  “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  (Ephesians 2:10)    What is stopping us from doing what God has planned for us?  Fear?  Greed?  Selfishness?  Comfort?  Whatever it is, surrender it to Jesus and begin to live for Him.  We will never feel more fulfilled as when we do what He has prepared for us to do!

Instead of shooting for self-fulfillment,

 aim for God-fulfillment.

How are your life choices based on what will bring you the most contentment or pleasure?

Which areas of your life do you most struggle with submitting to God?

Heavenly Father,

I am often led by my fleshly desires.  Therefore, it is my intention that I let go of my own will and let You have Your way in my life.  I know that once I begin this process, I will experience much peace as I walk in tandem with your Spirit.  I ask for the grace and mercy I need to let go of my own ways and let You rule in my heart.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, 

Amen

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Spur One Another On

"Let us hold tightly without wavering

to the hope we affirm,

for God can be trusted to keep his promises.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another

to acts of love and good works.

And let us not neglect our meeting together,

as some people do,

but encourage one another,

especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

Hebrews 10:23-24 NLT

The daily treatment was grueling, sapping her of all her strength and resolve.  

Maintaining a constant state of readiness while waiting for the resolution sent him into a state of exhaustion.

Loving her unsaved husband day after day while she prayed for his salvation seemed like an exercise in futility.

There are many times in life when my faith wavers, my resolve weakens and I wonder if I can carry on.  Everything I believe to be true begins to fade away, as if it were part of some distant dream.  What used to spur me on now sounds like empty words and false promises.  Will God renew my strength?  (Isaiah 40:31)  Is the Lord the God of planning and provision?  (Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 6:31-33)  Can God truly change a heart?  (Daniel 3:16-20)

When I'm filled with doubt and fear, forgetting who God is and how He is able to save, I need a reminder.  (Zepheniah 3:17)  Other times, those around me are the ones who could stand to hear a word of truth spoken in love as they struggle in their faith.  We all have moments of weakness.  Thankfully, God has designed His family in such a way that we can hold each other up, urge one another on toward the truth, and fill in the gaps my weaknesses leave behind. (1 Corinthians 12:21-26)

Therefore, let us be committed to one another, looking for ways to embolden each other's faith.  When I see my brother or sister waver in their faith, instead of chastising or shaming them, may I make it my mission to encourage them, using the Word of God to spur them on as I remind them of the truth that has grown dim in their heart.  Likewise, when I enter into a period of drought, feeling the strength of my own faith slipping away, may I make the effort to seek out the company of other believers where my hope can be renewed through prayer and support.  We need each other.

It reminds me of a stand of timber that withstood a sudden storm.  The trees that grew in close proximity to one another were better able to survive the onslaught as they leaned on each other and helped to shield each other from the wind and elements.  Those that stood alone, however, sustained much damage.  

In a world where I am encouraged to go it alone, to bear my own burdens and to suck it up and carry on, God reminds me of the contradictory message found in His word.  He created His family with intention, making each member like a piece of a puzzle that fits perfectly together.  He means for us live in community with one another, spurring each other on to live the life God has called us to live, no matter our circumstances.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can think of ways to give confidence to those who are struggling.

When do I need a boost of confidence?  Do I seek others out or do I keep it to myself?

How am I guilty of trying to go it alone?  

Standing on the Promises

"And because of his glory and excellence,

he has given us great and precious promises.

These are the promises that enable you to share

his divine nature

and escape the world's corruption 

caused by human desires. . .

Therefore, I will always remind you about these things--

even though you already know them

and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught."

1 Peter 2:4,12 NLT

It's easy to forget.  This life is filled with troubles that tend to draw my attention away from the foundational truths upon which my faith is built.  My days are packed with activities, most of them beneficial; nonetheless they act as a distraction from what God has taught me.    Once I wake up in the morning, I'm off and running, working down my list of things-to-do with nary a thought of the great promises of God.

Therefore, I easily fall victim to fear.  Satan finds no resistance as He plants seeds of doubt or nuggets of lies into my defenseless mind.  Anxiety is my constant companion.

James exhorts me to yield to the Lord, placing myself under His leadership.  This means I must purposefully choose to let Him be in control of my life instead of wrestling the helm away from Him.  Secondly, it is necessary that I am on guard against the Devil's schemes, recognizing those destructive thoughts, hampering mindsets, and negative notions as having their origin with my enemy.  Once I realize the attack I am under, I can stand firm against his ploys, holding up my shield of faith against his flaming arrows. (James 4:7, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 5:8)

As I resist the attacks of the Evil One, I can stand firm on the great promises of God.  When I remind myself that nothing can separate me from the love of God that is mine through Christ Jesus, the fear of abandonment subsides. (Romans 8:38-39) 

When I remember that God uses everything for my good, to grow my character and mold me into the image of His Son, difficulties will be transformed from something I avoid into a useful tool in the hands of a loving God.  (Romans 8:28-30)

When I recall that God will never leave me or turn His back on me, a new-found confidence grows despite my circumstances as I thrive in the eternal presence of my Father who loves me perfectly. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

When times of poverty come, as they always will, I can lean on the fact that my God will provide everything I need and will never let me go hungry. (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:32-33) Instead of feeling sorry for myself, then, I will rejoice in the opportunity God has given me to see His mighty hand at work in my life.

The promises of God are numerous and can be counted on; I can trust God to do as He has said He would do.  Therefore, I would be wise to build my life on the certainty of His Word, constantly reminding myself of what He has said He is doing.  As I do, I will find the cares of this world to be of no consequence and the schemes of the devil will lose their power while my vision of God will grow larger and larger until He takes up my whole field of vision.  It is then that I can say I am standing on the promises of God!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can focus more on God and His goodness than on this world and it's troubles.

When do I let the cares of this world choke out God's amazing promises?

How do I trust only in what I can sense?