My Journey 6/11 - 6/15/2010

God's insight to me:

As I was reading Adrian Roger's devotional I thought of the saying, "God will not give us more than we can handle". When people say that maybe they are thinking of Psalm 103:14? I know God is a loving and faithful God. He knows me better than anyone else. Adrian Rogers states that God knows the load we are carrying. Then why do so many people carry such a heavy load? Faith. Trust. To have a relationship with God you must have those two items. We think we know what we can handle but it is the Creator that knows our breaking point. "If God brings us to it, He will get us through it!"

Dr. Stanley's devotional "hits the nail on the head", as the saying goes. He states that in this earthly life both the believers and the non-believers receive blessings from God. Isn't it amazing that even someone who doesn't know God or chooses not to have a relationship with Him is still blessed as those that do. The "hitting the nail on the head" part is that it is not about this life. It is and always will be about the next one. Also if man is accountable for non-belief how much more accountable are those that know the Gospel and do not tell others about it?

Charles Spurgeon is a wonderful way of expressing how God is taking care of us and protecting us. The way we can thank Him for this is by being what He created to be. Like His Son, Jesus. Being fruitful for the Kingdom.

In the permission to be honest devotional I was thinking of my own life and how so many times rather than being honest I would lie my way through. Of course the more I lied the worse the situation became. Now with my walk for Christ I do not want to lie. I don't have to lie for I find I am not in those times where I have to. And the more and more you develop this character of honesty, people see it in you. Being Christ-like!

The Prayer for changing times should also be a daily prayer. Sometimes when we rest for the night the day brings us new trials to be faced. Life's trials. These are also opportunities that God gives us to grow closer to Him. Today He blessed me with this poem that speaks about "Life's Rivers". So many times we come to the edge wanting to cross over, away from the anguish that we may be going through.

Life’s Rivers

I came to one of life’s rivers,
looking for a place to cross.
I had to get to the other side
for I felt where I was all was lost.

I looked over to the other side,
and saw Jesus waving to me.
I cried out, “Here I am Lord,
please come and help me!”

I heard Him speak in a very loud voice,
“Do not be afraid and don’t lose heart.
There is a time and place for you to cross,
and we will never be apart.

Life’s rivers are many,
trials that will come your way.
Just have faith and trust in Me
and we will cross them together each day!

E. P. Shagott
6/16/2010

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

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June 11

Tempted, But Not Beyond What We Can Bear
by Adrian Rogers

"For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." Psalm 103:14

A factory mechanic builds a truck. He knows the chassis of that truck and knows the load it can carry. In the same way, God knows your frame and He knows the load that you can carry.

God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able. Nothing comes to you but that which comes through God. Even what Satan does, he can only do as God allows it. And so you can say the temptation was so strong that you could not overcome it, but it won't be true. God will provide a way of escape.

When you are tempted today (notice I didn't say "if" but "when"), ask God to provide a way of escape. Then, trust His way and obey.

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June 12-13
The Privilege of Knowing God
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Psalm 19:1-6

There is no greater privilege than knowing God—and no greater tragedy than failing to develop a relationship with Him. Yet many people live their whole life apart from Jesus, and, therefore, when they die, they are separated from Him eternally.

While on earth, both the righteous and unrighteous enjoy benefits of divine blessing (Matt. 5:45), so those who choose to live without Christ probably have no clue how dreadful a godless eternity will be. Some people seem to ignore the Bible's warnings about "outer darkness," "weeping," and "gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; Luke 13:28). Or is it possible they've simply never heard the good news of salvation?

Romans 1:18-20 answers that: Creation offers so much evidence of God that man is held accountable for unbelief. Consider nature's design, beauty, and order—these things don't just evolve.

What's more, God reveals Himself in the human conscience (2:14-15). Even societies with no access to Scripture forbid ungodly behaviors like rape, murder, and theft.

In addition, we have God's revelation of Himself through both His Word and the incarnation of Jesus (John 14:7-9). Christ, who was fully God, became fully man. And His life perfectly demonstrates the heavenly Father's character and heart.

Can you recognize evidence of the Almighty in creation and in the "law" written on your conscience? Do you seek to know Him better through His Word and the example of Christ? The Lord desires a relationship with you and is calling. Answer with a seeking heart, and watch for God to "show up."

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June 13

Divine Cultivation
by Charles Spurgeon

"I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: Lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day" (Isaiah 27:3).

When the LORD Himself speaks in His own proper person rather than through a prophet, the word has a peculiar weight to believing minds. It is Jehovah Himself who is the keeper of His own vineyard; He does not trust it to any other, but He makes it His own personal care. Are they not well kept whom God Himself keeps?

We are to receive gracious watering, not only every day and every hour "but every moment." How we ought to grow! How fresh and fruitful every plant should be! What rich clusters the vines should bear!

But disturbers come; little foxes and the boar. Therefore, the LORD Himself is our Guardian, and that at all hours, both "night and day." What, then, can harm us? Why are we afraid! He tends, He waters, He guards; what more do we need?

Twice in this verse the LORD says, "I will." What truth, what power, what love, what immutability we find in the great "I will" of Jehovah! Who can resist His will? If He says "I will," what room is there for doubt? With an "I will" of God we can face all the hosts of sin, death, and hell. O LORD, since Thou sayest, "I will keep thee," I reply, "I will praise Thee!"


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Permission to be Honest
June 14th, 2010 By Vonette Bright

"He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart." Psalm 15:2

I read some time ago about a soldier who was being “drilled” by her sergeant.
Question after question!
She wanted to answer… and respond directly, but felt she’d be even in bigger trouble.
So finally, the private asked, “Permission to be honest, Sir?”
Imagine… permission to be honest!

The fact is… if you are a Christian, you are commanded to be honest.
And that’s true in all your relationships: family, friends, work… even with God Himself.
So let me ask you.
Do you believe you can be completely honest and open in your communication with God?
You need never fear coming before your heavenly Father and being totally truthful with Him.
He already knows your heart!

Being honest with God is good practice for being honest with others when you tell them about Jesus.

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Prayer for our Changing Times
June 15th, 2010 by Holley Gerth

Lord,
There is so much happening in our world right now.
In the midst of it all, it’s so good know
You’re in control,
Your love is never ending,
And You provide for us.
As the trees turn colors and nights get cooler,
May we be reminded
That every season of our lives
Is a part of Your loving plan.
Amen