Tag: confidence

February 14th, 2024

February 14, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Kings 3-5

Highlight Verse:

“So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another.”
‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I was close to my Grandma Clarey.

So when I got word that she was close to dying, I had to get there.

Problem was, my car needed a new clutch and there were two mountain passes between me and her.

My then fiancé and I set out anyway.

When the clutch started slipping on the gentle hills on the way out of town, we prayed.

The clutch did not slip the rest of the way there and back. Two steep passes twice and not a single slip.

The next day the car would barely move.

If anyone tries to tell you that God doesn’t work miracles anymore, don’t believe them.

He provided for the widow in 2 Kings and for many others in the Bible and ever since.

While He doesn’t always do everything we ask since we can’t see the big picture, He’s still the Creator and can bend the rules of creation any time He likes.

I say, bring it on!

Have you seen God provide miraculously in your life? Please share it!
Is there any reason that you have a hard time believing that God can provide no matter what?
January 29, 2024

January 29th, 2024

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 5

Highlight Verse:

“In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Having an advanced case of leprosy 2000 years ago was a certain death sentence.

There was no hope.

Compounding this, people would have done everything possible to avoid that person. They wouldn’t want any chance of catching what he had.

Jesus turned those attitudes on their head. Through his preaching and healing others, Jesus brought enough hope for the man to plead for healing.

Instead of avoiding him, Jesus touched the man.

In that touch and in His words came complete healing.

As disciples of Jesus, we have the ability to bring that hope and healing to a hopeless and dying world.

We need to be willing to bring Jesus’ words of hope and healing and not be afraid to reach out and touch the hurting with God’s love.

Are you in need of a touch from Jesus? Reach out to him!
Are you willing to bring the words and touch of Jesus to the world around you? Be bold!
January 24, 2024

January 24th, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Kings 18-20

Highlight Verse:

“Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there.”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’ve always been amazed that Elijah could oversee the spectacle of fire from God consuming his completely drenched sacrifice, defeat all the prophets of Baal, and correctly predict the return of rain after a severe drought, and then run for his life because of the queen’s threat.

I mean, it doesn’t make sense.

I would say to myself, “I would never do that.”

And then I stop to think about it.

How many times do I do that?

How many times have I seen God provide from my family and turn around and worry about getting the bills paid?

How many times have I seen God protect me from evil, yet I worry about safety?

How many times have I seen God heal my sickness, yet I stress about a little cough?

I’m not saying I should ignore finances, safety, health, or the million other stresses of life.

But why would I face them with a defeatist attitude?

I’ve seen so many victories in my life and I’ve seen God carry me through the defeats.

No matter what comes my way, I can be confident that God will deliver me or see me through.

What amazing victories have you seen in your life?
Can you look back at those victories and be confident that God will bring you though anything that comes your way?

Please share your stories. Here’s one of mine:

I moved to Colorado in 2006 in an old minivan. I left the Philadelphia area after my last day of work on a Friday evening. By 10pm, I had made it 230 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with all my possessions in that van when the engine threw a rod.

I got towed to the closest town and made it to a motel by about midnight. At that point all I could do was pray, “God, I’ve got nothing. This is all in your hands.”

I truly believe it was God who provided a mechanic and an engine and the finances for me to get back on the road. On top of that, He gave me a much needed 4-day break in the beautiful town of Somerset.

I’ve been here in Colorado going on 18 years now and God has blessed me here more than I could have imagined.

Now I can look back at that and not have to get to the “I’ve got nothing” moment to trust God completely.
January 17, 2024

January 17th, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Kings 15-17

Highlight Verses:

“So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever wondered why God didn’t just provide a bunch of food for this widow?

She could have fed Elijah and her son for as long as they wanted without fear.

But he only gave her just enough for a very simple meal every day.

I don’t think God forbids wealth.

If that were true, he wouldn’t have blessed Solomon with so much. He also used wealthy people to provide for the needs of the early Apostles and for Paul.

While the reason is never explicitly given to us,

I believe God used this time to build Elijah’s faith.

There are some scenes coming up in which Elijah needs an incredible amount of faith.

So, if my faith is already amazingly strong, is God going to bless me with a ton of wealth?

My faith, and, I dare say, yours pales in comparison to Elijah’s. And don’t forget that God sees a much bigger picture than we do.

If He thinks you can handle it, He might just send you that big deal that makes a fortune, or that winning ticket.

Or not.

Accept it, trust God, and Go about His business.

Have you ever had a “why me” attitude while God was trying to build your faith?
Conversely, have you ever had your faith built up during a lean time? Tell us about it.
January 14, 2024

January 14th, 2024

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Proverbs 7

Highlight Verse:

”Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family.“
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭7‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is step one in protecting yourself from seduction.

First, let me make it clear that seduction comes in many forms.

This chapter focuses on a seductress tempting a young man. If you are a young man, that is a very tough temptation to fight off.

Your temptation may be very different.

Maybe those snack cakes are calling your name.

Or that one drink too many (which for me would be one drink) could be whispering to you how good it would feel.

Whatever your temptation, the key expressed in this verse is getting very familiar with wisdom long before the temptation arises.

That way, when that temptation arises, wisdom steps right up and blocks its path.

I’ve know several people who wanted to know wisdom so much that they read a chapter from Proverbs every day. That took them through the Book of Proverbs every month.

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Have you experienced the protection of wisdom against temptation? Can you share about it?
What has worked for you to make wisdom more and more familiar to you?
January 6, 2024

January 6th, 2024

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Psalm 41

Highlight Verse:

”The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.“
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hmm, I wonder what inspired the choice of this verse? That’s sarcasm in case you didn’t know.

It’s been a relaxing but rough week of Covid. My symptoms are almost gone but I still tested positive yesterday.

I have known people who would have told me, “If you had enough faith, you could have been healed the first day.”

To them I would say, God’s not a genie and I am certainly not the master.

I believe in healing.

If God had chosen to, he could have healed me of Covid before the first symptom began.

God knows what’s best for me and He chose not to bring immediate healing.

So, I’ll just enjoy this time of healing.

I’ve had a week of very little responsibility, even around the house, since I don’t want to get others sick by cooking.

I appreciate the help that my wife, and kids, and future son-in-law have been to me this past week. I appreciate every prayer brought to God on my behalf.

And I appreciate the peace and healing of God’s presence as I recover.

I’ll continue to pray for healing and trust God’s greater insight into what I truly need.

Oh, and I’m thankful I’m not in David’s shoes when he wrote this Psalm at a time when his enemies where wishing for his illness to be fatal!

What is your view on healing?
Does it change when you are the one in need of healing?
December 19, 2023

December 19th, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 32

Highlight Verse:

“Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the Lord!””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭32‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and then brought in Aaron to be the mouthpiece of Moses, who couldn’t speak well, you might have wondered, “Why didn’t God just have Aaron lead the people out of Egypt?”

This verse makes the answer to that question quite clear.

Moses was committed to pleasing God.

Aaron was committed to pleasing people.

It makes sense that God was far more interested in using the person who was dedicated to Him, even if that person lacked all the talent needed for the job.

If you are truly interested in pleasing God, I wouldn’t worry about your talent (or lack thereof). If you are willing to serve, God will provide the talent, whether in yourself or someone else to help you.

Have you witnessed God use you or someone around you in a way that went beyond your/their talents? Share it!
Are you willing to step out in faith and follow God’s leading, even in areas that are not your strong suit?
December 4, 2023

December 4th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 24

Highlight Verses:

““Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As I was praying for guidance as to what verse(s) to pick for today’s study, the idea popped into my head that I should choose the verse that causes me the most pain.

Don’t worry, that won’t be my main criteria going forward.

But today, verse 24 stood out immediately.

The idea that even faithful followers of Jesus could be deceived is not just alarming, but saddening.

That’s especially true when I think of those I know who have walked away from faith in Jesus.

Some have followed other religions.

Some have followed their own pride.

Some have just let their own sins drag them to a place of unbelief.

I’ve seen it far too often.

In my case, I protect my faith by daily getting into God’s Word and by staying in connection with fellow believers in a strong local church.

Have you ever been tempted to believe the lies of false religion?
How have you maintained the strength of your faith?
November 26, 2023

November 26th, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 147-150

Highlight Verses:

“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We wrap up Psalms as we enter the Advent Season.

For some, this can be a tough season.

Some have lost loved ones during this time of year. Others are affected by loneliness. Some, like me, are affected by the lack of light and the cold days.

When I saw these two verses side by side, I realized that was no accident.

First, God provides healing for our hearts. He binds the wounds of loss with His love, He comforts the lonely with His presence, and He brings hope to those who struggle with darkness.

Then there’s the stars.

Keep in mind that the writer of this Psalm would have seen the stars as just tiny specks in the sky. If God knows each and every one of those billions of tiny specks, how much more would he notice each of us.

He knows each of us. He heals, he comforts, and He strengthens each of us according to our needs and our callings.

Are there things you struggle with through this time of year?
Have you turned to God for His healing, comfort, and hope?
November 25, 2023

November 25th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Esther 4

Highlight Verses:

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.””
‭‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The holidays are upon us. For many that means pressure.

Year-end deadlines at work are fast approaching.

There’s a house full of family to buy gifts for.

Many get last minute surgeries done to beat the deductible and out of pocket limits for insurance.

Then there’s the parties and that uncle that drank too much last Christmas.

And on and on.

All that was nothing compared to the pressure Esther faced.

Her people needed her to confront King Xerxes. That was a big deal. One did not approach the king unbidden.

But she must.

The pressure was on.

And then she showed us the right way to handle that pressure.

Pray.

In fact, flood it with prayer.

That’s what she did.

Not only did she do that, but she got everyone she trusted praying too.

She was still stressed under a ridiculous amount of pressure. But she did what she had to do.

Oh, and just in case you aren’t familiar with the story, in doing what she had to do, she saved the nation of Israel.

What kind of pressures are you facing this season?
Are you flooding those situations with prayer?
Can we help with that prayer?

Tag: confidence

Problem was, my car needed a new clutch and there were two mountain passes between me and her.

When the clutch started slipping on the gentle hills on the way out of town, we prayed.

The clutch did not slip the rest of the way there and back. Two steep passes twice and not a single slip.

I say, bring it on!

There was no hope.

Instead of avoiding him, Jesus touched the man.

We need to be willing to bring Jesus’ words of hope and healing and not be afraid to reach out and touch the hurting with God’s love.

And then I stop to think about it.

But why would I face them with a defeatist attitude?

No matter what comes my way, I can be confident that God will deliver me or see me through.

Please share your stories. Here’s one of mine:

Have you ever wondered why God didn’t just provide a bunch of food for this widow?

I don’t think God forbids wealth.

I believe God used this time to build Elijah’s faith.

Accept it, trust God, and Go about His business.

This is step one in protecting yourself from seduction.

Your temptation may be very different.

Whatever your temptation, the key expressed in this verse is getting very familiar with wisdom long before the temptation arises.

I have known people who would have told me, “If you had enough faith, you could have been healed the first day.”

So, I’ll just enjoy this time of healing.

I’ll continue to pray for healing and trust God’s greater insight into what I truly need.

Moses was committed to pleasing God.

Aaron was committed to pleasing people.

The idea that even faithful followers of Jesus could be deceived is not just alarming, but saddening.

In my case, I protect my faith by daily getting into God’s Word and by staying in connection with fellow believers in a strong local church.

For some, this can be a tough season.

He knows each of us. He heals, he comforts, and He strengthens each of us according to our needs and our callings.

The holidays are upon us. For many that means pressure.

All that was nothing compared to the pressure Esther faced.

In fact, flood it with prayer.