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Ministers of Comfort

When you hear about a calamity, how do you respond? As believers, we should approach such situations with a selfless and compassionate attitude. True compassion not only tries to understand the pain of others but also provides practical help.

In times of disaster, remember that you and I have the privilege of touching anybody anywhere through prayer. No matter how far away victims might be, they can be comforted by God as He responds to your heartfelt cries. So as soon as word of a tragedy reaches you, start praying. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in petitioning for protection, provision, comfort, and awareness of His presence (Rom. 8:26).

Next, remember that donations (whether money or goods) and hands-on assistance are usually high priority. It is wise to team up with dependable relief organizations and consult trusted sources about what’s needed. In local situations, you can also provide words of comfort, a warm embrace, or simply a listening ear.

We should take care to notice others’ needs and to reach out with Christ’s love. Through these actions, the world will recognize the light of Jesus, who was anointed to bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and comfort all who mourn (Isa. 61:1-2).

Keith

Our Dependence Upon God

Unlike King Hezekiah, you are probably not facing an invading army. But if you’re like most of us, your life is nonetheless full of obstacles, problems, and everyday needs that threaten your sense of peace and security. What do you do about that? Do you rely on your own strength and ingenuity to find a way through, or do you call out to God for help?

One of the purposes of prayer is to make us aware of our own dependence upon the Lord. No concern is too small to bring to Him, and nothing is too big for Him to handle. In fact, we are told to worry about nothing and to pray about everything (Phil. 4:6). The outcome of prayerful dependence is inexplicable peace, even in the midst of unchanged circumstances (Phil. 4:7).

Sometimes we forget that we are creatures who are completely dependent on the Creator for our next breath. Prayer is a privilege God has given His childrenβ€”it lets us humbly lay our cares before our Father, trusting Him to direct our path and provide for our needs. We have nothing to loseβ€”except our pride and self-sufficiency, along with the resultant fear and anxiety.

Keith

How can you know God?

It all starts with accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ provides a relationship with the Father and eternal life through His death on the cross and resurrection, see Romans. 5:10.

Romans. 10:9 promises, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." If you have not yet begun your personal relationship with God, understand that the One who created you loves you no matter who you are or what you’ve done. He wants you to experience the profound depth of His care.

Therefore, tell God that you are willing to trust Him for salvation. You can tell Him in your own words or use this simple prayer:

Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive my sins and save me from eternal separation from God. By faith, I accept Your work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins. Thank You for providing the way for me to know You and to have a relationship with my heavenly Father. Through faith in You, I have eternal life. Thank You also for hearing my prayers and loving me unconditionally. Please give me the strength, wisdom, and determination to walk in the center of Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you have just prayed this prayer, congratulations!

You have received Christ as your Savior and have made the best decision you will ever makeβ€”one that will change your life forever!

Keith

The Burden of Inadequacy

Because we’re human, at some point we will all experience inadequacy. So the real issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task but how we respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities. Oftentimes as an obstacle grows in our mind, we want to run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and toward safety. However, avoiding a task that God has given us will lead to bondage. The more we feed our fear, the more we’ll be controlled by feelings of inadequacy, which can impact decisions we make and, ultimately, our future.

Look at the Israelites in today’s passage. Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, they were overcome by fear. The size and strength of the enemy was overwhelming. As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move forward to conquer the local inhabitants, those Israelites never saw the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are often lost when we let fear overrule our faith.

When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, acknowledge your feelings of inadequacy and then choose to rely on Him and His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your fear, you will discover the Lord’s faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He assigns.

Keith

The Blessings of Inadequacy

Have you ever considered inadequacy a blessing? Life is filled with struggles that reveal our insufficiency, and it arouses uncomfortable emotions that make us feel useless, insignificant, and weak. No one likes the frustration and fear of facing challenges that are too big to handle, but God can use them for our good. Our job is to acknowledge our helplessness, depend on His strength, and step out with confidence in Him.

Inadequacy can be a blessing since it ...

β€’ Drives us to the Lord as we recognize our helplessness.
β€’ Relieves us of trying to do God’s will in our own strength.
β€’ Motivates us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
β€’ Provides opportunity for God to demonstrate His power.
β€’ Humbles our pride.
β€’ Allows Christ to receive all the glory.
β€’ Produces peace as we rely on Him.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers have the ability to endure difficulty and accomplish whatever the Lord calls them to do. By claiming the adequacy of Christ, we can face every circumstance with confidenceβ€”not in ourselves but in God, who is totally capable.

Keith

God Is at Work in You

There are many books promising a successful Christian life, but no humanly inspired technique can ever achieve the work of God. Any commitment or rededication that is based on our own effort will not last; true transformation comes from the Holy Spirit alone. That’s why the Lord wants our humble dependence on Him for strength, growth, and perseverance.

Today’s passage reminds us of these basic truths about the Christian life:

β€’ We participate in the working out of our salvation. This isn’t referring to our initial conversion through faith in Christ; rather, it’s the process of sanctification by which we grow into Christlikeness. An obedient, holy lifestyle is something we must choose and pursue.

β€’ We need an attitude of fear and trembling. There should be no flippancy about how we live, because God is holy and we must one day give Him an account of our life.

β€’ God works in us. Jesus said we can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:5). He’s the one who equips and enables us to live in the way He desires.

God has not left us to do the best we can on our own. He is always at work in believers, to fulfill His desired goals for each of us.

Keith

Saved by Grace

Scripture can paint a grim picture of mankind. We’re spiritually dead in our sins, alienated from God, and objects of His wrath. Can you imagine a scarier situation to be in? But there’s hope for us through faith in Jesus. God opens our eyes to our hopeless condition so we can turn to His Son in repentance and receive the riches of His salvation.

By God’s grace, we’ve been reconciled to Him. On the cross, Jesus bore the Father’s wrath for our sins so we could be forgiven and declared righteous. Now instead of being His enemies, we’re His beloved children. He made us spiritually alive by giving us a new nature created in righteousness and holiness. And now His love has been poured out in our hearts, and we have the sure hope of the glory of heaven.

Knowing how amazing God’s grace is, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and wholehearted devotion. In addition, today’s passage tells us to rejoice not only in God and our hope of glory but also in our troubles. That’s because He graciously uses difficulties to make us like Christ and increase our confidence in His love.

Keith

Praying in Jesus’ Name

  • John 14:13-14

Do you know what it means to pray β€œin Jesus’ name”? This isn’t simply a phrase to be thoughtlessly tacked on to the end of our prayers. On the contrary, it’s an amazing privilege given to those who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. One way to think about it is that we’re praying something Jesus might pray. You must be His follower before you can do or say anything in His name.

Since God is holy and we are sinful, the only way to approach Him is through His Son, who paid the penalty for our sins and clothed us with His righteousness. That’s why we bring our requests in Jesus’ nameβ€”He’s the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

When we belong to Jesus, we approach God’s throne of grace not as beggars but as beloved children and co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16-17). Because the Son acts as our intermediary and high priest, we can draw near to God with confidence, knowing that we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need (Heb. 4:15-16).

The next time you’re about to end a prayer β€œin Jesus’ name,” remember what it means. Then ask yourself if your request is something Jesus would want for you.

Keith

Answered Prayer

After Jesus told His disciples to pray in His name, He promised they would receive their requests. Some Christians have taken this as an open-ended guarantee that every petition they make will be answered as long as they end the prayer β€œin Jesus’ name.” But such thinking only leads to dis- appointment and confusion when they don’t receive what they’ve requested.

Throughout His earthly ministry, the Son of God did only what His Father desired. Praying in Jesus’ name means following in His footsteps and asking according to His will, not our own. And how do we know what His will is? He tells us in His Word. Jesus said if we abide in Him and His Words abide in us, whatever we ask will be done for us. That means the more we pray according to Scripture, the more effective our prayer life will be.

Praying in Jesus’ name is also an act of dependence upon God. We don’t always know how to pray as we should. Though our knowledge is limited, God’s is infinite, and He knows every step He’s planned for our lives. When we come to Him in Jesus’ name, we’re trusting Him to answer according to His great wisdom.

Keith

The Danger of Ignoring the Word

Putting together a toy or a piece of furniture rarely goes as smoothly as expected. This is especially true if we don’t read the instructions. Perhaps they’re too long or difficult to understand, so we ignore them. Then we wonder why the project doesn’t turn out right.

This is how many believers live the Christian life. They try to figure it out without referring to God’s Word. The Bible is too long, they think, and it would take years to gain a basic understanding of the contents; there just isn’t enough time to read it. Furthermore, it strikes them as complicated and difficult to understand.

But ignoring the Word of God is dangerous. When we stop reading Scripture and applying its principles, we don’t just stand still; we actually start drifting away from God. Peter tells us to long for the Word so we may grow in respect to our salvation (1 Pet. 2:2). And don’t forget, the indwelling Holy Spirit will bring understanding.

If your desire is to glorify God and overcome worries, fears, and sin, then Scripture must be your priority. Reading, studying, and applying the Word may require sacrifices, but the reward of knowing your Savior better and living a life pleasing to God is worth it.

Keith

Getting By or Thriving?

In this age of technology, it’s difficult to keep up with the newest gadgets. For instance, some people learn the bare basics of how to operate a smart phone. But if they’d learn a bit more, they’d find the device more helpful. By limiting their knowledge, they miss the benefits the phone provides to make tasks easier.

Sometimes, we have this same problem in our Christian life. Scripture declares that when we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we are β€œnew creations” (2 Cor. 5:17). In His Word, God has provided everything we need to know how to live as new creations, but we must grow in our knowledge of this new life.

Are you trying to live on the mere basics of God’s Word without digging deeper to uncover richer truths and insights? If so, you are limiting your spiritual growth and missing out on the benefits that come with greater understanding of God, His ways, and His desires. You may be getting by, but you’re not thriving as the Lord desires. It’s never too late to learn more and begin enjoying the benefits of your new life in Christ.

Keith

No Condemnation

We can all relate to Paul’s dilemma in today’s passage. These verses describe the internal struggle we have with sin, even after salvation. When we give in to temptation, we’re often plagued by feelings of condemnation and may wonder if God has abandoned us. That’s why Romans 8:1 is such a comforting β€œTherefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

When the Savior went to the cross on our behalf, He lifted the guilt and penalty for sin from our shoulders and made us righteous. Our sins are wiped clean, and we are chosen and loved by God. Condemnation is reserved for those who reject the Lord, not for those who have been reconciled to God by the Savior (John 3:36).

If you experience feelings of rebuke, they are not from the Lord but from the devil who accuses us. To realign our thinking with the Father’s, we need to fill our mind with the truth of Scripture and remember that He never condemns those who belong to Him. Satan whispers lies, but God’s Word always speaks truth. So rely on it and thank the Lord for loving and saving you.

Keith

The Nature of Conviction

No one enjoys sensing conviction about having done wrong, but that uncomfortable feeling is actually a demonstration of divine love. The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin, their lack of righteousness, and the reality of coming judgment so they’ll turn to Christ and be saved. If wrongdoers never feel the guilt of their sin, they won’t see the need for a Savior. Every prick of the heart is intended to draw them to Christ.

And we should also be grateful that the Spirit’s convicting work doesn’t end once a person is saved. He continues to instruct and shape us after salvation and convicts us of disobedience to our heavenly Father. In other words, He makes us aware of specific sins and God’s attitude about such behavior. He also prompts us to confess our wrongs, repent, and turn back to the path of righteousness.

In addition to protecting and leading us in these ways, the Spirit does much more for us. He guides us into truth, discloses the meaning of Scripture, transforms our character, and empowers us to live a holy, obedient life characterized by love. So listen to His conviction and promptings. They are for your good and God’s glory.

Keith

What Is the Church?

Most people think of the church as a building, but that’s not the biblical definition. It isn’t merely a meeting place for social interaction, scriptural instruction, and service projects. Rather, the church is composed of all those who have been redeemed by Christ. He is the head of church, and believers are called His body.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, β€œI will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” He was referring to the entire body of Christ, which is composed of all believers worldwide from every generation. The church began on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came and filled Jesus’ followers, and it will continue until the rapture of the church, when believers in Christ will be caught up to meet Him in the sky (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

Until then, our job as Christ’s body is to follow our Head. We’re not the ones in charge; He is. The Lord builds His church, but He uses us to make disciples, baptizing and teaching them to obey all His commands (Matt. 28:19-20). We don’t come up with our own plans; we simply follow His.

Keith

The Blessings of Inadequacy

Most of us assume that feelings of inadequacy are enemies to be subdued, but God uses our weaknesses to display His glory. Even though we love feeling confident and bold, this kind of self-reliance is the opposite of humility. Despite all his great knowledge and varied gifts, Paul knew he was not sufficient for the tasks the Lord had called him to accomplish. When he spoke of his ministry, the apostle said, β€œI also labor, striving according to [Christ’s] power which works mightily within me” (Col. 1:29).

Inadequacy reveals where we lack ability and drives us to dependence upon the Lord. He works in our weakness to accomplish His purposes in and through us. Therefore, we shouldn’t surrender to our failings by letting them hinder us from even trying to serve the Lord. Nor should we try to pump up our self-confidence with pep talks and self-affirmation. Instead, our inadequacies are designed to humble us so we’ll turn to the Lord for strength.

When we depend on Him in humility, β€œthe extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor. 4:7). Then all the praise and glory go to Him.

Keith

The Pathway of Faith

Scripture says that we are to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). That means we’re unable to know what’s ahead but can trust the God who does. Abraham is a prime example, and we should follow in his steps. When called to leave his country and family to go to a land God would show him, Abraham obeyed. Hebrews 11:8 adds, β€œHe left, not knowing where he was going.”

That’s basically a summation of the Christian life. Each day we face the unknown, but we trust the Lord to guide us. Since we don’t know the particulars, our walk with God can seem perplexing. That’s when we’re tempted to rely on our own feelings, perceptions, and reasoning. But sometimes He places us in situations to teach us to trust Him even when we don’t know where we’re going and cannot see the outcome.

The Lord wants us to lay down our own ways of figuring things out and instead to walk by faith. That may sound risky, but here’s why it’s absolutely reasonable: The One leading us has complete knowledge of the future and the power to orchestrate all events to achieve His good purposes in our life.

Keith

Trusting God’s Plan in Trouble

Does your faith shrivel when you encounter trouble? Perhaps you prayed about a situation and expected God to act according to your desires, but He didn’t. Though you were hoping for a smooth path, He gave you one with bumps, twists, and turns, which left you wondering where He was. He promised to care for you, but instead you felt deserted.

These are situations that test our faith, and they are common to all believers. Abraham, a man with great faith followed God’s instructions to leave home and travel to Canaan. You’d expect the Lord to honor such bold obedience with blessings, but it wasn’t long before Abraham faced another faith challengeβ€”a famine. This time, his trust faltered. Instead of believing God would provide, he fled to Egypt and made more foolish and costly decisions.

The next time you’re tempted to think that God has let you down, remember that trouble is one of the means He uses to strengthen your belief in Him. When circumstances seem to indicate He doesn’t care, stand firmly on the truths of Scripture and fix your eyes on the Lord, who is always faithful.

Keith

God Is in Control of Our Salvation

God is the only One in control of our salvation, and He is all-powerful.

  • Ephesians 1:3-14

Because God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and omnipresent, everything in both the natural and spiritual realms is under His complete control. That includes our salvation. No matter how many times we’ve tried to turn away from the Lord, He continues to seek us in His complete sovereignty and grace.

The Lord has issued a universal call inviting everyone to come to Him. Scripture says it isn’t His will that anyone perish, nor does He take pleasure in the death of the wicked (2 Pet. 3:9; Ezek. 33:11). He desires that all come to a knowledge of the truth  €”namely, that there is one God, sin separates us from Him, and only faith in Jesus reconciles us to Him (1 Tim. 2:4-6).

We can take no credit for our salvation; Scripture says that none of us seek God (Rom. 3:11). Instead, the desire to know Him comes through the Spirit’s work of convicting hearts and providing the faith to believe in Jesus as Savior. Every step of salvation €”from first to last Β”is of God.

No plan of our heavenly Father’s can be stopped, so ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp the immensity of divine grace, love, and mercy.

Keith

The Privilege of Knowing God

The one true God allows us to know Him, and we experience blessings as we learn more about Him.

Philippians 3:7-11

Knowing about God is different from knowing God. Anyone can learn a few facts about Him, but a sincere believer invests the time and energy to be His friend.

One of the ways to learn about the Lord is through His Word. By reading the Bible, believers discover God’s character, principles, and ways of operating. Unfortunately, many men and women stop at this step, but it’s also important to meditate on Scripture, which involves thinking about God’s words and allowing the Holy Spirit to interpret them. This practice further deepens the believer’s knowledge. Finally, we apply what we learn, which is when we truly get to know God.

For example, suppose you read in Psalm 46:1 that God is a very present help in times of trouble, and when trouble shows up, you rely on Him for aid. When He answers €”and He will, although not always in the expected way €”you learn something: God responds to your trust and dependence with a perfect solution to your problem.

I frequently admonish believers to read the Bible, but I don’t mean skim its pages for facts. Scripture is a living document, and when you do what it says, you discover God is not some ancient, dictating deity but a vibrant friend who wants to connect with you.

Keith

Living Triumphantly

Peter’s life was a triumphant example of devoted service to the Lord.

Matthew 4:18-20

When studying Peter’s life, believers often focus on his mistakesβ€”the doubt that nearly drowned him when he walked on water, and his rebuke and denial of Jesus. But Peter is also an example of triumphant living.

An uneducated fisherman who likely had few other skills, Peter put down his nets and followed Jesus the instant he was asked. He was the first to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God (Matt. 16:16). And after the Lord’s resurrection, Peter leapt into the water and swam to shore when he noticed his Savior waiting there (John 21:7). The disciple’s devotion cannot be questioned.

Peter is both an inspiration and a comfort for believers today. God does not choose servants who are solid rocks with no cracks or crevices. He looks for believers who are teachable, willing to repent, and prepared to surrender to God’s greater willβ€”in spite of their weaknesses and failures. He looks for folks who are a lot like Peter.

Too many Christians have already decided how much the Lord can do with them, based on their education, personality, or talent. But God isn’t interested in qualifications. He seeks willing followers who echo Isaiah’s call: β€œHere am I. Send me!” (Isa. 6:8). That’s triumphant living.

Keith

Wisdom for the Trials of Life

James taught that trials are inevitable, but through Christ, we can be ready to handle them with rejoicing.

James 1:2-8

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, He’s so lucky or Her life is so easy? In reality, no one has a problem-free existence. Scripture describes life’s trials as universalβ€”we all face times of trouble.

James 1:2 is a small verse, but it contains tremendous insight about our trials. First, it is significant that James uses the word β€œwhen.” Undergoing trials is a matter of when rather than if.

Second, James says we’ll β€œencounter” misfortune, implying that difficulties will arise unexpectedly. There may be no time to prepare for these dilemmas.

Third, he uses the adjective β€œvarious” to denote the ever-changing, often surprising ways adversities appear. James has a specific message he wants to convey: β€œGet ready. Trouble is coming, so you must be prepared to handle it effectively.”

β€œEffective” may not be a word you’d use to describe your response to trials. Too often, we hope for hardship to pass us by quickly. However, that would rob us of the opportunity for growth that each trial contains.

Read today’s passage again slowly. Pray as you read, asking God to show you how to endureβ€”and how to actually rejoice in your trials. He has a plan for your moment of hardship. Ask Him today what it may be and then trust He will accomplish His purpose in it.

Keith

Why Does God Allow Trials?

God allows us to go through trials so our faith will grow; then we can help others while glorifying Him.

1 Peter 1:6-9

Let’s delve deeper into trials today. What purpose could God have in allowing us to face hard times?

1. God allows trials to test our faith. However, He doesn’t do so with the expectation that we will fail. Rather, He wants us to learn greater dependence on Him. Unproven, untried faith can’t grow without a challenge; if it has not been tested, how do we know what we can endure in life?

2. He uses trials to display His sustaining power. As we learned yesterday, everyone faces painful periods in life. By drawing on God’s strength during these times, we can live out a powerful testimony in front of those who do not know Christ.

3. Our trials equip us to help others. When we go through a hardship, we become specifically equipped to sympathize with and encourage others who may later face a similar ordeal. This principle was an important part of the apostle Paul’s ministry (2 Cor. 1:4-8).

4. God allows trials in our life to purify us. Hardships put pressure on us, especially in areas where we try to hide sin. The Lord knows these things must be brought to the surface and faced openly and honestly if we’re to become mature believers.

God has a purpose for every trial He allows to come your way. Stand firm and let Him accomplish His will in your lifeβ€”by whatever means He deems necessary.

Keith

Our Growth as Christians

Christians should reflect Jesus to the world so that all can share in the joy of salvation.

Galatians 2:20

What is the goal of the Christian life? Romans 8:29 expresses it this way: β€œFor those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (emphasis added). This is called sanctification, and it has several stages.

First comes salvationβ€”our redemption from sinfulness through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. What results is forgiveness of sin, which lets us have a relationship with God.

Next, God gives us opportunity to serve. We were created to do good works in Jesus’ name (Eph. 2:10).

Then comes frustrated inadequacy. This is a necessary part of the journey and can last varying amounts of time. Though difficult, this phase is beautiful because it leads us into total dependence on Jesus, which is the best part of our spiritual life. And it is what brings us closer to our ultimate goal: becoming a reflection of Christ.

Sadly, many Christians don’t reach a point of complete reliance on the Lord. The apostle Paul reminds us to fix our eyes on the goal of maturity in Christ (Phil. 3:14). Learning to die to self is painful, but ironically, it’s the only true way to life.

Keith

A Yielded Life

True freedom requires giving God control of our life.

James 4:7-10

One of the hardest things for us to bear is not having control over our own circumstances. But as Christians, this is exactly how we are called to live. Jesus made this very clear when He said we must deny ourselves and lose our life for His sake (Luke 9:23-24). He is now our Lord and Master, and we no longer have the right to rule over ourselves.

However, we have no cause for fear because God is an infinitely good, wise, and loving ruler. Furthermore, left to ourselves, we will make foolish mistakes and unwise decisions. That’s why we should delight in submitting to the Lord, trusting Him to control every aspect of our life.

Yielding ourselves to the Lord is a two-part process. Submission to Him necessitates resisting the devil. And drawing near to God requires turning from sin, purifying our hearts, and cleansing our behavior. If any of these factors are lacking, then we haven’t truly submitted to the Lord as He desires but are trying to control certain aspects of our life.

Instead of seeing submission as a loss, we must recognize it as eternal gain. If we humble ourselves before God, He promises to exalt us.

Keith

Changing Our Focus

Like Paul in prison, we may go through very difficult times, but if our focus is on God, we will be content and even joyful.

Philippians 4:10-13

Even though Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written during a long and unjust imprisonment, it was filled with joy. The apostle never complained, blamed others, or felt sorry for himselfβ€”instead, he rejoiced in the midst of suffering because he knew and trusted God. By keeping his eyes fixed on the Lord instead of the problems, Paul was able to look beyond his chains to see how the situation was being used to teach him contentment.

I know it’s difficult to shift our focus in times of overwhelming difficulty and intense suffering. The pain screams for our attention, and the troubles bombard our mind and emotions with anxiety. But that’s when we most need to sit down with Scripture and pour out our heart to God. He invites us to cast all our concerns upon Him because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).

Do you believe that God cares for you? Every trial you experience is an opportunity to believe what the Bible says about God and to look beyond your circumstances to His loving wisdom and good purpose. And the more you learn to know your heavenly Father, the more content you will be.

Keith

Living Above Your Circumstances

God is in complete control over every circumstance; even in our trials, He’s working all things to accomplish His good purpose in our life.

Philippians 1:12-20

When we’re going through hard times, it’s comforting to know that nothing can touch a believer’s life unless the Lord allows it. He has complete control even in our most difficult and painful circumstances. Through it all, we’re being held firmly in our Father’s loving hand, and His good purpose is being worked out in our life.

We may desperately wish for our circumstances to change. But to achieve His purposes, God allows us to go through trials that are designed to make us more like Christ. We’ll reap the spiritual benefits if, instead of trying to extricate ourselves, we let the Lord finish the work.

Paul’s time in prison proved to be a benefit for the gospel. Logically, incarceration should have hindered his ministry, but it had the opposite effect. During that time Paul was guarded by many Roman soldiers, and each new shift gave him the opportunity to explain the gospel to another β€œcaptive audience.”  

We’re not promised an easy life, but God uses our trials to accomplish His will. Difficult experiences are given to us for our good, for the benefit of others, and for God’s glory.

Keith

The Promises of God

God is the only one in the universe who keeps all His promises.

Hebrews 10:19-23

Many people in the world today place little value on commitments. We see politicians retract campaign promises once they take office, and some friends are quick to reschedule when a better opportunity comes up. Certain people even take marriage vows lightly.

Thankfully, God always keeps His word and never changes. That means we can confidently count on Him to do what He says in Scripture. The Bible is filled with His promises, which give us stability in an uncertain world.

The Lord’s promises reveal His character. Every time we see Him keep His word, we learn a little more about His greatness, faithfulness, love, power, and sovereignty. As a result, our confidence in Him grows. What’s more, His promises bring tremendous comfort in times of distress. And when we struggle with doubts about our salvation, Scripture gives assurance for our eternal future.

In a changing world where vows are often broken, it’s reassuring to know we serve a God who always does what He says. Think about the hope His promises provide. Then praise Him for the way they reveal His character and bring Him glory.

Keith

Trusting God’s Promises

Since God always keeps His word, misunderstanding is the only explanation for a divine promise that seemed to fail.

2 Peter 1:2-4

Have you ever become discouraged because the Lord didn’t keep a promise the way you expected? If so, the problem was not God’s faithfulness to His Word but your understanding of Scripture.

First, not all promises in the Bible apply to us. Some of them are limited to a certain situation, person, or time. For instance, when God told Abraham and Sarah they would have a son (Gen. 17:15-16), this was His commitment specifically to them, not to anyone else.

Second, it’s important to realize some promises are conditional. Consider the Bible verse that says, β€œDelight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). This isn’t an open-ended guarantee that God will give you whatever you want. There’s a qualification: delighting in the Lord and desiring what He wants.

Even though some of God’s promises have restrictions, there are many in the New Testament that apply to all believers: God promises to work all things together for our good (Rom. 8:28), to be with us forever (Heb. 13:5), and to give us an eternal inheritance in heaven (1 Pet. 1:3-5). We can claim these with full assurance because Scripture explicitly tells us they’re God’s will.

Keith

Who Is Jesus?

On Earth, Jesus Christ was fully man and also the Son of God, our Savior, and God Himselfβ€”so He is worthy of praise.

John 1:1-18

While most people are familiar with the name β€œJesus,” few truly know who He is. Yet knowing Jesus’ identity and mission are important because the ramifications are eternal. And the best source of information about Him is the Bible.  

Scripture tells us Jesus is God. This means that He’s eternal: He existed before His physical birth and even before time began. Jesus, the Creator of everything that exists (Col. 1:15-17), is the perfect reflection of the invisible God. Our Savior had the power to forgive sins and was worshipped by His followersβ€”both of which are appropriate only for divinity (Matt. 9:2-8; Matt. 14:33).

Think about the omnipotent, eternal Son of God coming to Earth as an infant. Imagine Him lying in a manger made from trees He created and under the stars He Himself had strewn across the sky! Scripture makes it clear that this was no ordinary baby. The Word also says there is only one way to eternal life, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (Acts 4:12). God has provided ample validation of His Son’s identity. Weigh the evidence, and then turn to Christ for salvation.

Keith

The Purpose of Trials

God uses trials to condition our heart for holiness and to increase our spiritual maturity.

James 1:2-12

When difficulties come into your life, do you grumble, complain, and resist? Or do you respond the way God desiresβ€”with a joyful attitude, a humble and submissive heart, and an understanding of what He wants to accomplish in your life?

Sometimes people mistakenly think that after their salvation, God is going to make life comfortable and stress-free, but that’s not what Scripture promises. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). Peter told us not to be surprised at the fiery ordeals that come upon us for our testing (1 Pet. 4:12). And the writer of Hebrews wrote that our heavenly Father disciplines and trains us as His beloved children so we may share in His holiness (Heb. 12:4-11).

James’ command to consider trials as β€œall joy” (James 1:2) makes no sense unless we see them as opportunities for spiritual growth. Trials are designed by the Lord to test our faith, humility, submission, and values. We can either waste our difficulties by defiantly resisting God or benefit by trusting in and depending on Him. The first way leads only to suffering, but the second option results in spiritual maturity and eternal rewards.

Keith

Is It a Need or a Desire?

God promises to meet the needs of faithful believers, and He even fulfills some desires that align with His willβ€”but we must not confuse the two.

1 Timothy 6

There are many passages in the Bible that speak about God meeting the needs of His people, but we must be careful to interpret them correctly. It’s important to understand the difference between needs and desires. A need is something essential, according to God’s will for our life. But a desire is something we want for ourselves or others, and it’s often based on the expectation of enjoyment, ease, or comfort.

There is nothing wrong with a desire, as long as it is within the will of God. After all, our heavenly Father β€œrichly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17). But He never promises to grant all our desires. Therefore, not receiving what we want is no indicator that God is unfaithful! He does, however, promise to meet all our needs.

At the end of the day, two things are required to navigate times of needβ€”contentment in every circumstance and dependence on Jesus Christ for strength (Phil. 4:12-13). Begin each day by asking the Lord to provide whatever He deems necessary; then ask for your desires. Let the Lord determine what is best in both categories, and be content with His choices for you.

Keith

Salt of the Earth

In this fallen world, believers are to be a preserving, flavoring, healing salt for those who live in darkness.

Matthew 5:13-16

When Jesus spoke to His followers, He called them β€œthe salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). In those days, salt was the only way to preserve food. As Christians, we too have a preserving effect on the earth because we have the only message that can deliver people from the corruption of sin and give them eternal life.

This means we are to be a spiritual influence in the lives of people around us. Just as salt enhances the flavor of food, so a Christlike character and godly lifestyle can be an example that draws others to the Savior. They’ll notice our joy and contentment and may desire to have those qualities, which are available only through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Salt also has unique healing properties, as does the gospel. If we take a moment to listen to people’s hurts, we’ll have an opportunity to offer the truth that brings spiritual healing to those trapped in the darkness and despair of sin.  

But remember that Jesus also warned us not to lose our saltiness. If we tolerate sin in our life, we’ll be just like the world. To be a positive influence for Christ, we must guard against falling prey to temptation.

Keith

Praying Effectively

God answers the prayers of a transformed heart that seeks His will.

1 Kings 18:17-39

God has given us the privilege of coming to Him with all our requests and concerns. And His Word tells us the prayers of a righteous person can accomplish much (James 5:16). Isn’t that what we all desire?

Elijah is a good example of someone who prayed effectively. He entered into a spiritual conflict with Baal worshippers to prove to Israel that the Lord is the one true God. Elijah’s petition was based on his knowledge of the Lord’s supremacy and an understanding of His will. When the prophet prayed, God responded by powerfully answering the request.

To have an effective prayer life, we must first be righteous through saving faith in Jesus Christ. Before redemption, we were sinners under God’s condemnation (Eph. 2:1-3). But in Christ, we are made new and declared righteous in His sight (Eph. 2:4-6).

For our petitions to be effectual, they must be in agreement with God’s will (1 John 5:14-15). Getting to know our heavenly Father’s character and priorities is the key to a powerful prayer life. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, our requests will increasingly align with His plans.

Keith

The Power of Prayer

Focusing on God’s endless power puts our problems into perspective.

2 Chronicles 20:1-17

In Scripture, we find examples of people who prayed with spiritual authority, and King Jehoshaphat is one of them. When he heard that a great army was coming against Judah, he immediately turned to the Lord for help. His example teaches us important lessons about praying powerfully. For instance, he ...

  • Sought the Lord. Instead of relying on his own ability to conquer Israel’s enemies, Jehoshaphat took a different approach and immediately looked to God.
  • Focused on God, not the problem. The king acknowledged that the Lord was ruler over all the kingdoms and no one could stand against Him.  
  • Remembered God’s past faithfulness. Jehoshaphat’s prayer recalled ways that the Lord had protected Israel in the past.
  • Depended on God. He acknowledged that the Israelites were powerless and didn’t know what to do. The Lord was their only hope.

If your prayers seem to be having little impact, ask yourself if you’ve been focusing on God or the problem. Have you remembered His past faithfulness, or do you doubt His care for you? And finally, is God your only hope, or are you trying to fix the situation yourself?

Keith

The Love of God

1 John 4:7-21

Christians often hear that God loves them. This truth is repeated in church, and believers often recite Bible verses on the topic. Yet do we really grasp what it means to be cared for in this way by the Creator of the universe? Let’s explore two aspects of His love.

First, God’s love isn’t influenced by anything within or around us, because it is one of God’s unchanging attributes. We know that even while we were still living in sin, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). We didn’t do anything to earn His love, and we can’t do anything to hinder it.  

Second, divine love is eternal. Believers will never be separated from it. In fact, Ephesians 1:4 tells us that the Father chose us before the foundation of the world. We know, therefore, that His care for us has always been a factβ€”and always will be.

We can trust the One who loves us completely. Jesus proved His love by dying in our place to rescue us from sin and its consequences. He promises to stay with us always and redirects us when we stray. Whether or not we feel His presence, His love surrounds and protects us forever.

Keith

A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

The best way to begin cultivating a thankful heart is by using words.

Psalm 50

At first glance, the words sacrifice and thanksgiving seem unrelated, but today’s reading combines them in one phrase. Sacrifice brings to mind images of costly service, whereas thanksgiving conveys a joyous celebration of overflowing abundance and blessings.

Most of us wouldn’t consider our words a sacrifice, since they don’t cost much to say. But it matters to God when we offer prayers and songs of praise to acknowledge His blessings. What He sees as especially valuable is a godly life given wholly to Himβ€”this is not about perfection but about a heart surrendered to His will and purpose.

Tithing is another expression of thankfulness that is costly. Since the Lord is the source of all provision and wealth, our grateful response should be to give Him a portion of what He has given us. Generosity is a good barometer of the authenticity of our gratitude.

Offering thanks to God begins with words, but like children who grow in appreciation as they mature, we should be growing in expressions of gratitude to the Lord. Give Him your whole life as a sacrifice of thanksgivingβ€”you’ll experience amazing benefits because you can never out give God.

Keith

Trading Weakness for Strength

God always meets our needs, even if in different ways than we expect.

Ephesians 3:13-21

Many years ago my son Andy and I hiked in the Grand Canyon. After a restless night on hard ground, we reached the bottom, only to discover that we couldn’t camp there without signing up in advance. So we headed for a lodge several miles away. Weary from the hike and lost sleep, we finally caught sight of the lodge and broke into a run as if we were well rested and had recently enjoyed plenty of food and water!

Sometimes our spiritual life seems like an exhausting hike through the Grand Canyon. Daily life, suffering, and difficulties can sap our strength. But the Spirit of God supplies supernatural energy in our inner being so we won’t grow weary and lose hope (Isa. 40:29-31).

The Holy Spirit is charged with many tasks. He illuminates God’s Word, helps believers in prayer, and points out sin. But one of His primary responsibilities is enabling us to become the people God wants us to be. He does this by strengthening us in our weakness, comforting us in our pain, and empowering us to persevere through hardship and suffering.

If you are growing weary, call out to your heavenly Father and rely on His strength. His power is sufficient for every weakness and need.

Keith

You Belong to God

Rescued from the bondage of sin, believers glorify God with mind, body, and spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:17-20

In an age that emphasizes personal rights, it may be startling to realize that as believers in Jesus, we belongβ€”body, soul, and spiritβ€”to Him, not to ourselves. This means we aren’t free to do whatever we please but are called to live in obedience to the One who redeemed us with His precious blood (1 Pet. 1:18-19). The New Testament uses a lot of language that speaks of Christ’s ownership. In fact, Paul called himself a β€œbond-servant of Christ,” which literally means the Lord’s slave (Gal. 1:10).

We may be quick to believe this intellectually because belonging to Christ is a comforting thought. But how does it work out practically? Our bodies are wonderful gifts from God that enable us to interact with our world and one another, but they are also temples of His Holy Spirit. This means our mind, will, desires, affections, relationships, and possessions are all means by which we either honor or dishonor our Savior.

To please the Lord, we need to change how we think. Our natural tendency is to simply do what we want in any given situation. But the best response is to consider how we can glorify God.

Keith

The Thrill of Obedience

Obeying God's will in our lives should not be a burden but a thrilling adventure that we walk through with Him each day.

Psalm 40:6-8

Some Christians view obeying God only as a way to avoid the negative consequences of disobedience. But if this is our thinking, then obedience becomes a heavy burden rather than an exciting adventure motivated by love for Jesus Christ and a desire to please Him.  

The reason some of us see following the Lord as a burden is because we tend to think of His will in terms of big and potentially costly decisions. But doing God’s will isn’t just about large issues; it’s also daily obedience in small matters of life. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious about anything but to pray about everything. In bringing even fairly mundane concerns to the Lord, we’re being trained to trust and obey Him in more critical matters.

The Christian life is a walk of faithβ€”one step of obedience after another. Though we may think the situations we face are unrelated, the Lord moves us through a variety of circumstances toward His ultimate purpose. If, for the sake of safety, we back off from obeying, we’ll miss the opportunity to experience His awesome power working in and through us. Small choices may seem insignificant, but they lead to a thrilling lifelong journey with God.

Keith

A Small Matter of Obedience

If we obey God's commands, we never know what may come of it, so we shouldn't treat some sins as lesser than others.

Luke 5:1-11

Do you consider some of God’s commands more important than others? For instance, most people would never commit murder, but many think it’s okay to harbor anger towards someone. Yet Jesus said that both actions are wrong because they flow from the same sinful attitude (Matt. 5:21-22). Nothing the Lord tells us to do is insignificantβ€”though we may not always recognize the importance of obedience in what we consider small matters.

Consider today’s passage about Jesus asking to use Peter’s boat as a speaking platform. After a long night of unproductive fishing, the future apostle could have seen the request as inconsequential and hardly worth the inconvenience. But he obeyed in this small matter, not realizing the impact that simple act of obedience would have on his lifeβ€”it was the first step to becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.

As God’s children, we should seek His direction in daily situations. That’s why it is so important for us fill to our mind with His Wordβ€”then we can more easily discern what He desires for us. As we stay attuned to Scripture and heed the Holy Spirit’s promptings, we’ll be able to faithfully obey Him throughout each day.

Keith

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