"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12
In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul includes this statement, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." It's a brief verse, yet it's packed with encouragement and instruction on how to live the Christian life of faith. It's as relevant to us today as it was to the Christians at the time it was written.
"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him." 1 John 4:9
We have just celebrated the resurrection of Christ. We proclaim, "He is risen!" And the answer resounds, "He is risen, indeed!" These words are so much more than just an Easter tradition, they are a testimony to the hope we have as Christians that we have eternal life because our Lord did not stay in the grave. He rose again, conquering sin and death for our sake.
And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they cast lots to divide His garments." Luke 23:34
Of today's scripture Charles Spurgeon comments:
"Our Lord was at that moment enduring the first pains of crucifixion; the executioners had just then driven the nails through His hands and feet. He must have been, moreover, greatly depressed, and brought into a condition of extreme weakness by the agony of the night in Gethsemane, and by the scourgings and cruel mockings which He had endured all through the morning, from Caiaphas, Pilate, Herod, and the Prætorian guards. Yet neither the weakness of the past, nor the pain of the present, could prevent Him from continuing in prayer."
"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands." Psalm 143:5
(Due to technical difficulties, today's post is a repeat of a previous devotion. Thanks for your patience!)
When we are in the midst of a trial and peace seems far from us, it's a perfect time to stop what we're doing and mediate on the goodness of our Heavenly Father.
"Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10
Yesterday out of the blue this verse from what we commonly refer to as "The Lord's Prayer," popped into my head. For a few minutes I stopped what I was doing and meditated on Christ's words:
"Your kingdom come.
Your will be done.
On earth as it is in heaven."
Imagine what it must be like in Heaven. No sin. No discourse.
"How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 36:7
Today's Bible verse is a much-needed reminder that when our world seems to be unraveling, our God is with us. His love is steadfast, and always will be. Just as baby chicks run to their mother when danger comes, and just as she shelters them with her wings, so God shelters us as we run to Him. His everlasting wings pull us close and assure us that we are loved, and He has not forgotten us.
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:18
In the Book of Isaiah God contends with the kingdom of Judah. The leaders and people are corrupt. They treat one another badly, while professing allegiance to God with their religious ceremonies. But God is not impressed with a show of worship while the heart of the so-called worshiper is unrepentant. Because of their sin God is about to bring judgement upon them; an invasion of Judah is coming.
"He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength." Isaiah 40:29
I often think we take for granted the inexhaustible power God possesses. He who created this world -- speaking it into existence -- is the One who not only sustains the earth through His mighty power, but at the same time sustains His beloved children. Each one of us is daily receiving from Him what we need to live the life He has set before us.
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"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11
Todays' Bible verse, taken from what we commonly refer to as "The Lord's Prayer," is well-known. It's so familiar to us that we may gloss over it without thinking about its implications. Here the Lord is instructing us to ask God for the provisions we need for this day. Not for today and tomorrow and the next day. But only for today.
"by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:14
Last spring I made my last car payment. When the title arrived in the mail, I felt relieved. My debt to the bank was paid in full; it was settled, and I was no longer under obligation to them. Now when I drive my automobile I have a sense of freedom that for years I didn't have. A canceled debt is something to celebrate.
"For it is You who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness." Psalm 18:28
When the day winds to an end and the sun sets, darkness naturally begins its descent. The rooms in our home that were bright with sunlight become dim, and so we turn on lamps to illuminate our surroundings. I doubt any of us would willingly sit in darkness when we have the ability to turn on a light.
After I purchased my mobile home a little over a year ago, my outdoor focus was the patio. Honestly, I didn't give much thought at all t...
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