Tuesday's Journey - 4/27/2010

God's insight for me:

Tuesday was a busy day for me for I had (2) programs to present, so I had less time to spend on my devotionals.

Charles Stanley spoke of our daily battles. We definitely have a lot of them. In the Bible, John 16:33 it states just that. People sometimes do not finish reading the complete verse for it also states, "fear not for Jesus has overcome the world". So there is the answer. Many Goliaths will come our way but Jesus is always with us. Mr. Stanley writes in this devotional how David, because of his strong relationship with God, that he knew he was a child of God and had access to the Father's storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. My friends as children of God we have access to the same storehouses as David had.

Allison Gillaspie's writing spoke of listening. I must admit I have to work at that one. Not only because of some hearing loss but also paying attention to those speaking. I am always trying to listen to what Jesus is saying. Either through His Word or His Spirit in my heart. Also through individuals that He brings into my life.

"He does the work" devotional speaks volumes of the God's Love Outreach Ministry. Though I am the on standing there, singing, speaking and reaching out to the residents, it is Christ in me that is touching their lives. My friends, if you truly love the Lord and yield your life to Him, it is then Him working in you. The last sentence in Dr. Bright's devotional says it all!

This last devotional by Vonette Bright touched me deeply. Here is this man who was watching the woman he loved, slip away to cancer. When he stated,“The thought that she might enjoy sitting at Jesus’ feet in heaven was, frankly, of little delight to either of us. I deeply and dearly loved her.”, my heart twinged. For me that is where I long to be. But I did understand the strength of his love for his wife. The message for sure is in the "living for the joy of today". Yes, there is still joy even in the midst of heartbreak and uncertainty. Find it, embrace it and praise God for it.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott


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April 27
Defeating Our Goliaths by Charles Stanley
1 Samuel 17:45-47

Life's Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem. Like Him, we can gain victory through God's power, though we may "suffer and bleed" on the battlefield.

Notice that David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (1 Sam. 17:46). The shepherd's confidence was rooted in his past experiences. David credited God with protecting and strengthening him when he killed the lion and bear that had threatened his flock.

Furthermore, David believed he would triumph because he was God's servant. The boy had spent hours alone in the wilderness listening to God's quiet voice. Even a giant's discouraging shout could not shake his convictions about who the Lord was and what He could do through His servant.

David had practical faith habits. He spent time with God, which yielded a strong relationship. In turn, he responded to a problem with the certainty that he was a beloved child of God with full access to his Father's storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If David had a moment of doubt, he could recall his own poetic words about the Lord's great faithfulness in past troubles.

I often encourage you to practice David's faith habits. Spend time alone with the Lord, and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that God is sufficient, no matter how big a problem looms. He gives victory to those who stand in faith and confront their Goliaths.

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From 365.org daily devotional

A baby is soothed by its mom’s voice from the day it is born. For nine months the baby has had a front row seat to that voice, and known it as a comfort. So that voice is the one they want to hear when they are tired, when they are hungry, or need to be cuddled. They have heard other voices too, like the father’s voice or a sibling, but none is more comforting than Momma’s voice. Babies learn other things from listening to a mom’s voice; they also learn about joy, danger, excitement, and sadness.

As Christians, we are told to listen to another voice for instruction. Jesus says, "My sheep listen to my voice..." Just like babies hear their mothers, sheep always listen for their shepherd’s voice because they know it will guide them to food, water, and other things they need. With Jesus as our Shepherd, we will always be on the right path if we listen to what He is saying. He will never lead us astray.

Find comfort and peace in following his voice. I know you will find the path is much easier when you listen.

Allison Gillaspie

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He Does the Work
April 27th, 2010 by Dr. Bill Bright

"And I am sure the God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns" Philippians 1:6

Howard was adamant in his conviction. "I would never lead anyone to Christ that I could not personally follow up to be sure he matures and grows and becomes all that God wants him to be."

"Since when did you assume the responsibility of the Holy Spirit?" I asked.

Obviously, we are to do everything we can to help a new believer grow to maturity in Christ - by teaching him to trust God, study His word, pray, live a holy life, and share his faith with others. But no matter how much we do, it is the Holy Spirit who helps the new believer come to Christ, and who illumines his heart with the Word. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray and empowers us to witness. In fact, there would be no supernatural life apart from the Holy Spirit.

Paradoxically, you and I can be confident, yet humble, when we think of all that we are, and all that we have in Christ, and realize that we are not responsible for any of it, but it is something which God has given us according to His grace. My only boast is in God, His Son Jesus Christ and His indwelling Holy Spirit. How can I boast of my abilities and achievements, when it is the Giver alone who is worthy of all honor and praise? The apostle Paul had the strong conviction that the work God had begun in the believer would be permanent. All events that transpire in our lives, all influences, heartaches, testings and sorrows, as well as all of the blessings, are designed to conform us to the image of Christ.

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Joy in the Journey
April 27th, 2010 By Vonette Bright

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5

Author James O’Donnell knew sadness. His wife Lizzie was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and then heart failure. She also was the mother of their three boys.

He said, “The thought that she might enjoy sitting at Jesus’ feet in heaven was, frankly, of little delight to either of us. I deeply and dearly loved her.”

So what was it like during the daily battle to try to save her life? Every day they were filled with joy! Nothing taught them as much about the value of life as the reality that they might not have another tomorrow here on earth. But holding onto life, amidst devastation, requires courage, love and a huge dose of God’s grace.

Friend, God promises to never leave you or forsake you, no matter where your journey takes you.

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