Hope for the Next Generation (Psalm 78:6-7)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 78:6-7

Has God blessed you with children? Or are you privileged to impact the lives of young people that you encounter?

We who have years of wisdom are called to teach and equip the next generation. It is our responsibility to instill the truth of God’s word to children so that they, in turn, can instill that same truth to theirs.

It’s not an option.

It’s a commandment.

Think for a moment about the children around you.

They may be your own, or they may be those children in your neighborhood. They may be the children in your church.

You have the honor of helping the next generation to know the love of God.

You have the honor of helping the next generation to know that they can have hope in God.

You can have the honor of helping the next generation to see that keeping His commandments brings joy and peace beyond anything this world can offer.

Are you ready to influence the next generation?

Seize the opportunity and touch the life of a child.

Ask God to help you touch a child’s life, whether she’s your own or not. See how you can impact that next generation. 

Hope Through Adversity (Psalm 71:14)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 71:14

Many of the psalms are written as cries from the heart.

In the verses that precede today’s, the psalmist was crying out for help from God. His enemies were at his back, looking to hurt him.

But even in the midst of his fear, he could still hope in God.

And not only could he hope in God, but he could also praise Him.

It’s one thing to have hope in difficult times. Even when things seem at their worst, we can always have hope that God will get us through, that He will provide protection, that He will be the ultimate victor.

It’s an entirely different thing to praise God in the most difficult times.

Have you ever thought about praising God even when the enemies are chasing after you?

Have you ever raised your voice in praise when you’re hurting and tired and confused?

It’s not always easy, but it can make even the hardest times more bearable because when we’re praising God, when we’re worshipping Him for the awesome God that He is, sometimes the burdens are lighter, the pain is less severe, the struggles are easier to handle.

Have hope in God at all times, but more importantly, praise Him . . . at all times.

Are you hurting right now? Are you struggling? Praise Him. Lift your voice in praise right now. And live in hope.     

Hope in the One Who Helps (Psalm 42:5)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 42:5

I don’t know about you, but there are times when I feel down, times when I feel blue. I don’t know anyone, even the most optimistic, who doesn’t have a low day every once and a while.

Feeling down, sad or even depressed every once in a while isn’t uncommon. However, there was a time in my life when I felt more than just down. In fact, I was diagnosed with clinical depression. For me, fortunately, this was just a temporary season, and I was able to get through it with medication.

But again, while my situation may be a more extreme than others—and some more extreme than mine—feeling down is common.

So, what do we do when the dark clouds hover?

We seek the face of God.

We go to Him in prayer.

We read words of comfort from His word.

And above all, we praise Him, knowing that only in Him can we find true hope. We can be confident that even when our spirits are “disquieted,” our Father God, our Abba (Greek for “daddy”) is with us.

Are you feeling down today? A bit sad? Go to your Abba and thank Him for His presence. Thank Him for the hope that can only come through Him.

Hope in the One Who Hears (Psalm 38:15)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 38:15

"Do you know what’s a huge blessing? God actually listens to us! He’s not like some people—you know the kind I’m talking about—who just appear to be listening.

"He really, truly listens to us when we talk to Him. How do I know?

"Because His word promises that He does and because He’s answered my prayers. We’ve already looked at so many truths from the Bible, and we can trust that His words are true. And the Bible tells us that He really, truly listens.

"Are there days when you feel that no one is listening to you?

"Are there times when you’re longing to share your thoughts, your feelings, and it feels as though no one hears your heart?  

"Do you often wonder if there’s anyone out there?

"There is, my friend. You have the best listener in the universe . . . waiting to hear from you. And there’s nothing you can say that will shock Him or surprise Him. You can say anything, share anything, and He will listen to you . . . and will still love you."

(excerpted from The Best Laid Plans, © 2005 Sauni Rinehart)

Have you ever thought about God listening to you? Talk to Him today, and know that He’s listening to you. 

Hope in God's Mercy (Psalm 33:22)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 33:22

Mercy.

Have you ever really thought what that means?

Someone has said that grace is getting what we don’t deserve, and mercy is not getting what we do deserve.

And what do we deserve?

We deserve death and eternal separation from God. We really do. We are sinful people. We are willful people. And we are deserving of death. But God loves us so much that He chose to have mercy on us. To not give us what we deserve. 

Jesus came to earth to die to pay the penalty for our sins. He came to be God’s act of mercy for us.

And because we know that God’s mercy is upon us, we can have hope. We can hope in Him. We don’t have to fear eternal death, and God’s mercy promises us that we’ll spend eternity with Him in heaven.

And quite honestly, is there anything more to hope in?

God’s mercy is everlasting, and His love for us is more than we can imagine. Spend some time thanking Him for His mercy.

Hope in the Scriptures (Romans 15:4)

Today’s scripture: Romans 15:4

Communication is key in any relationship. Think of any successful relationship you’ve ever been in or observed. Don’t the people in this kind of relationship talk to one another, share their hearts with one another?

Our relationship with the Lord is similar. We need to communicate with Him.

We speak to Him when we pray; He speaks to us through His word.

God has given us the incredible privilege of being able to read the words that He inspired His servants to write. And we can learn about Him and His love for us as we read the Scriptures.

Even more, we can be comforted by His words and that comfort can give us hope.

God desires to speak with us. He wants to tell us how He loves us, and He wants to commune with us. We can read verses and chapters and books in the Bible and know, with all confidence, that God, our Heavenly Father, is speaking with us. And we can, just like with our relationships on earth, hear the words He wants to say.

Spend some time in God’s word today, and listen to what He has to say to you.

Our Hope Is in God (Psalm 39:7)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 39:7

Lila was waiting for her friend, Carrie . . . again.

It seemed that, no matter what time she told Carrie to arrive, Carrie was always fifteen or twenty minutes late.

And it was beginning to make Lila angry.

Another few minutes crept by, and Lila became even angrier.

How dare Carrie make her wait so long?

Have you ever waited for someone? It’s pretty frustrating, isn’t it? But waiting isn’t always a bad thing.

The Bible tells us that if we wait upon the Lord, He will renew our strength so that we can fly like eagles. We can walk and run, and still not be weary (Isaiah 40:31).

God’s timing isn’t always ours, but we can be assured that if we wait on His plan, He will work His perfect will in our lives. We can live in hope that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Waiting, when it’s waiting on God and His plan, isn’t a bad thing.

In fact, sometimes, waiting on Him can strengthen our faith and deepen our trust.

Have you been waiting on God for something, and it seems to be taking a long time? Go to Him and ask Him to give you the patience to wait upon Him.

Hope ... and Anchor of the Soul (Hebrews 6:18-19)

Today’s scripture: Hebrews 6:18-19

What is an anchor? What does it do?

An anchor keeps a boat steady in the water. It keeps it from drifting out to sea. It keeps the passengers safe, knowing that they will stay where they’re supposed to.

We, too, have an anchor, an anchor for our souls: God cannot lie.

God is truth. He cannot lie.

And if that’s true, and I believe it is, then we can have great hope in Him.

We can have hope that we won’t drift away from His perfect plan for us.

We can have hope that we will be kept safe.

We can have hope that we will remain “sure and steadfast” as we continue our journey in Him.

When the sea around us is stormy and the world spreads its lies, we can have hope that God is truth and that He cannot—He will not lie.

Have you been living in the storm of lies? Remember that God will never lie to you. Remember that He is your anchor.   

Hope in the One True God (Ephesians 4:4-6)

Today’s scripture: Ephesians 4:4-6

We live in one of the most “spiritual” times in history. Throughout the world, studies and statistics show that people consider themselves spiritual and people of faith.

But what does this really mean?

For many, it merely means that they admit to a higher power or a spiritual force beyond themselves—or sometimes within themselves.

People are seeking something, and the thing is, that Something is really easy to find. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the “Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Some would say that this is narrow-minded thinking, and in many ways, it is. But truth is truth.

I find great hope in knowing that we can know, with confidence, that we serve one Lord, that He is above all. And when I remember that He loves me so much that He gave His very life for me, I have even greater hope.

We are children of the one and only God. He is the God and Father of all. 

Do you believe in the one God and Father of all? Have you found hope in Him? Thank Him now.

God Is Our Hope (Psalm 71:5)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 71:5

I asked Jesus to come into my heart when I was six years old. I had an unwavering faith . . . until I was seven. My father’s leaving our family set into motion circumstances that I allowed to take me away from that faith, and I spent the next two decades walking along a rebellious path.

However, even though I had walked away from God, I learned later that He had never walked away from me. That faith that I had as a six-year-old girl eventually proved to be true and worthy of trust.

When I was twenty-nine, I recommitted my life to the Lord, and as I looked back over those 23+ years, I realized that God had protected me and provided for me and blessed me in spite of my turning from Him.

That “trust from my youth” had sustained me even when I was far from deserving it.

God was indeed my hope then—as a six-year-old and as a rebellious teen and young adult.

And God is my hope today.

Have you known Jesus since you were a child? Have you thanked Him lately for that childlike trust? Or did you meet Him as an adult? Ask Him to give you that childlike faith again.

The Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13)

Today’s scripture: Titus 2:13

Picture this:

You’re walking along a sun-kissed shore, the water lapping at your feet. The setting is painting the clouds deep oranges and pinks. Then, suddenly, rays of the sun burst through the clouds and rain down on the horizon. It’s almost as though the hand of God itself is coming through the clouds.

Well, guess what?

One day, it won’t be the rays of the sun coming through the clouds, it will be Jesus Himself.

Don’t you love that?

The Bible tells us that Jesus will “descend from heaven with a shout . . . Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together . . . to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Jesus will return someday. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not even in our lifetime. But He will someday return to make this world what God had originally created it to be.

Then, “we shall always be with the Lord.”

Thank God today that you can have the hope in Jesus Christ’s return, that one day, He will return and we will spend eternity with Him.

Grieving with Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13

It was a sunny June day.

In the cemetery, two graveside services were being held, both for young mothers.

At the first, the young widower sat, looking lost and alone. His three-year-old daughter sat next to him, and she cried as she tried to get her daddy’s attention and wondered where mommy was. The faces of those surrounding the casket were blank with grief. The older couple, clearly the young mother’s parents, clung to each other, hopelessness in their eyes.

At the second, the young widower sat, tears in his eyes, yet mixed with an unmistakable brightness. His three-year-old son sat next to him, and he looked up at his daddy and asked, “Where’s mommy?” “She’s in heaven with Jesus.” The little boy smiled as he remembered Mommy telling him how much Jesus loved him. The older couple, clearly the young mother’s parents, smiled through their tears. Yes, that little boy’s mommy was in heaven with Jesus.

Two funerals. One without hope; the other with the hope that comes from knowing that someone dearly loved was with Jesus.

We are to grieve our losses, but the Bible makes it clear that we who know Jesus can have hope that our loved ones who have departed this earth before us are with Him.

And we can have hope that, one day, we will be with Him too. 

Have you lost someone you loved? Have hope that they’re with Jesus. And If you have someone you love who doesn’t know Jesus, tell her about Him, so that, one day, you’ll be able to grieve with hope.

Courage Through Hope (Psalm 31:24)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 31:24

Do you feel discouraged?

Do you feel fearful?

Do you feel weak?

Do you sometimes wonder if you’re alone in this big, cruel world?

Most importantly, do you know Jesus?

If you answered yes to all of the above, I have some good news and some bad news for you.

The bad news? You will probably occasionally feel discouraged or fearful or weak. That’s that human side of you. Sometimes, in our frailty, we do feel all of these things.

But here’s the good news: If you know Jesus, you can be assured of that He will give you strength and courage if you ask Him. If you ask Him to walk alongside you, He will.

I often wake up in the morning in pain, and I often feel very weak. And when I feel that pain and that weakness, I often feel discouraged. But I know that when I ask, Jesus will give me the strength to make it through the day.

I can have hope that He will do what He promises to do, so I really can be of good courage—in His strength.

If you’re feeling discouraged or fearful, ask Jesus right this moment to strengthen your heart. Ask Him now for the hope that comes in knowing Him.

A Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Today’s scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-4

God is merciful to us. He chooses us to bless us and to give us hope in so many ways.

These verses speak to two very hopeful things. First and foremost: Jesus is alive! He is our resurrected Savior, and through Him, we can have a “living hope” that we too will live. We have an “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled” through Jesus.

The second hopeful thing: This inheritance “does not fade away.” We can live in this world, and we can live through difficult times. But we can live in the knowledge that our inheritance of eternity with Jesus will never, ever fade away. We can live with confidence in that hope.

But the bottom line?

We serve a living Savior, and that’s the greatest hope of all.

Thank God today that you have a living hope, that you have an inheritance that will never fade away. Thank Him for His mercy.

Hope in the Resurrection (Acts 24:15)

Today’s scripture: Acts 24:15

Eternal life is for everyone—both those who follow Jesus and those who don’t. And so two things come to mind:

Followers of Jesus can be confident of heaven.

Followers of Jesus need to be bold in sharing this hope with others.

Think of it this way: If someone told you that they had the cure for cancer, wouldn’t you share it with everyone? If someone told you that they’d found a way to help a paraplegic walk again, wouldn’t you run as fast as you could to help that friend in a wheelchair?

We have the greatest news for everyone, the hope that comes in knowing that we can one day be resurrected to live with Jesus forever.

Why wouldn’t we do everything we could to let people know about this great news? Why wouldn’t we share this hope with everyone?

Maybe it’s not a question of why wouldn’t we. Maybe it’s a question of why don’t we.

Again, if we would share a cure for cancer, we should even more share the hope of the resurrection.

Do you believe that the hope we can have in the resurrection is great news? Ask God to give you boldness to share this great news with others, so that they can have the same hope.

The Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:26-27)

Today’s scripture: Colossians 1:26-27

On Friday, I mentioned that, in the Old Testament, only the High Priest could enter into the presence of God, but that knowing Jesus gives us access to God and to experience His glory.

Without Jesus, this is a mystery, this glory of knowing God, Father, Son, and Spirit.

Knowing Jesus allows us to experience God’s glory, to experience His will, to experience His love, to experience His power.

It’s no longer a mystery.

It is, instead, a wonderful assurance of God’s desire to be available to us. It’s confidence in knowing that, because Christ is in us, we can truly know the glory of God.

We’re saints in the kingdom, and we are able to know God intimately, with all hope.

Is God still a mystery to you? Ask Him to reveal Himself fully to you. Seek to know Him; He promises you’ll find Him.

A Better Hope (Hebrews 7:19)

Today’s scripture: Hebrews 7:19

In the Old Testament, God’s children, the Israelites, knew to follow the law as it had been given to Moses. But even they knew that the law didn’t make them righteous in God’s eyes. There was still the need of atonement through sacrifice.

The New Testament gave both Jews—the Israelites—and Gentiles—non-Jews—a new hope, a better hope: the hope of salvation that comes through knowing Jesus.

In the Old Testament, only the High Priest had access to the presence of God.

In the New Testament, each of us who knows Jesus has direct access to God. We can draw near to Him through His word and through prayer.

We don’t have to go to anyone else. We don’t have to pray through anyone else. We can go directly into His presence.

It’s true! You—yes, you—can talk to God at any time. You can draw near to Him each and every day.

That’s the better hope!

Go to God now. Thank Him that you can enter into His presence. Thank Him for the better hope in knowing Jesus and drawing near to the Father.

Hope in the Salvation of the Lord (Lamentations 3:25-26)

Today’s scripture: Lamentations 3:25-26

We are ultimately saved by belief in and receipt of the gift of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Once we are forgiven and become a part of God’s family, we know that we are assured of spending eternity with Him in heaven.

So what does this mean, that we should “hope and wait patiently for the salvation of the Lord”? If we’re saved when we accept Jesus, what is this salvation for which we are told to hope? 

This salvation is the daily protection and deliverance we have as God's children. We can wait on Him and trust Him because of His faithfulness in the past. In a cross reference from Exodus, Moses tells the children of Israel that they don’t need to be afraid because they could “see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again nor more forever” (14:13). And then the next thing they knew, God closed the Red Sea over the Egyptian army, allowing the Israelites to move forward in safety.

It’s this promise of protection that is our daily salvation.

Do you sometimes get caught up in the trauma that life can be? Remember that God protects His children, in each and every circumstance. Remember that He provides daily salvation ... from whatever comes your way!

Hope of Eternal Life (Titus 1:2)

Today’s scripture: Titus 1:2

This is best reassurance of hope in the entire Bible. Well, at least I think so.

We can have hope in the fact that we’ll spend eternity with God.

So many times, the Bible assures of life after death, and for those of us who follow God, that life after death is one of joy in heaven.

I love the thought of spending eternity with the Lord. I love the thought that all the trials and tribulations of this world are temporary.

But, did you notice something else in this verse?

Yes, we definitely can and should have hope in eternal life, but this verse says something else.

God cannot lie! He is the God of absolute truth, so when He promises something, we can be absolutely certain that it’s the truth.

And we’re promised eternal life.

I don’t know about you, but that’s a pretty hopeful thought!

Take some time to thank God that He is the God of truth. Thank God that you can be assured of eternal life, eternity with Him.

The Hope of God's Calling (Ephesians 1:17-18)

Today’s scripture: Ephesians 1:17-18

God has a calling for each of His children.

Some are called to be preachers. Some are teachers. Some are encouragers.

Each of us has a place in His kingdom. Each and every one of us. No matter who you are, no matter what you can—or cannot do—God will use you.

It’s easy sometimes to think that, because we aren’t a preacher standing in front of a church, we’re just not that important. Or because we’re not a world-renowned evangelist leading hundreds and hundreds of people to know the Lord, we’re not impacting the kingdom.

But that’s not true; that’s not what the Bible tells us. The apostle Paul tells us that each gift is important—even critical—to the healthy function of the body of Christ:

But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism [division] in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (1 Corinthians 12:24b-26)

You can have hope in knowing that God will call you to use the gifts that He’s given you.

Do you believe that God has called you to serve Him? Do you know how He’s gifted you? If you do, use those gifts to serve and glorify Him. If you don’t, ask Him to reveal your gifts.

Rest in Hope (Psalm 16:8-9)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 16:8-9

It’s an amazing thing to think that God is right beside us, isn’t it? Right beside you. Right beside me.

I love the thought that I can reach out my hand, and He’s right there, through the good times and through the bad times. In fact, knowing that has helped me get through some pretty difficult times, those times that caused my soul to be restless.

My husband and I had been trying to have a baby for several years, and I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis, which ultimately caused infertility. In the darkest hour, when I realized that I would never be a mom, the only thing that gave me hope was the confidence that God was with me and that I could find rest in Him.

Because I know that God is at my right hand, I have hope that everything that happens will be according to His plan, including things that are painful.

And because I know that God is at my right hand, I can be glad. I can rejoice in God’s plan for my life. And my soul can find rest.

Is your soul restless? Do you sometimes wonder how you’re going to get through the dark times? Remember that God Himself is with you. He’s at your right hand. Ask God to give you rest . . . and hope.     

Hope in God's Word (Psalm 119:147

Today’s scripture: Psalm 119:147

Mornings can be tough for many of us. I know they can be tough for me sometimes.

A sleepless night.

Anticipation of a stressful day at work.

Do you often wake up, pause for a moment, and then just turn over and pull the covers over your head? Well, maybe not literally, but certainly figuratively?

What do you do when you wake up with fear, with worry, with concerns?

The Bible tells us. We can hope in God’s word.

But here’s the catch: You need to know His word.

When you know what God says about protecting you and providing for you, you can have hope. When you know verses that say that Jesus has overcome the world, you can have hope. When you know that the Bible says that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1), you can have hope.

The more you know God and His word, the more you can have confidence that, when you wake in need of help, you can have hope in God’s word.

Spend some time in God’s word today. Ask Him to show you those verses that speak of His care for you. 

Hope in Being Like Jesus ... One Day (1 John 3:2)

Today’s scripture: 1 John 3:2

Can you imagine?

You will be like Jesus some day!

When you asked Jesus into your heart, you became a child of God’s. And as you grew closer to Him, you became more and more like the person He created you to be, more like Christ.

It would have been enough for us to be saved, to know that we will one day spend eternity with our Lord in heaven, wouldn’t it?

Wouldn’t that be enough?

But God, our loving Father, didn’t stop there. While we’re on earth, we can’t fully see Jesus as He is, but one day we will see Him in all His glory. We will delight in Him and experience the glory of His presence. We will revel in the joy of just being with Him.

But that’s not all.

We will be just like Jesus.

Take a moment to meditate on the thought that you will one day be just like Jesus, that one day, you will see Jesus face-to-face. How does that make you feel?

Hope in the Glory of God (Romans 5:1-2)

Today’s scripture: Romans 5:1-2

God had a plan for our salvation from the beginning of time as we know it.

He knew that His created humans—Adam and Eve—would choose to follow their own path, but He loved them enough to have a plan of salvation.

It all comes down to faith.

Faith that Jesus came to earth, died for our sins, and rose from the dead.

Faith that justifies us in the eyes of the Father.

Faith that gives us peace.

Faith that brings us grace.

Faith that offers mercy.

And faith that lets us rejoice in the hope that we will see God’s glory.

We’ll see God’s glory one day, when we see Him face-to-face in heaven.

And I don’t know about you, but that gives me hope.

Have you thought about seeing God face-to-face some day? Doesn’t that give you hope? Thank Him now for the promise of eternity with Him.

Hope Does Not Disappoint (Romans 5:3-5)

Today’s scripture: Romans 5:3-5

We started this year looking at verses dealing with peace. Now we’re going to spend some time focusing on another favorite word of mine: Hope.

I’ve always loved these verses.

None of us can avoid having trials and tribulations in our lives. We live in a fallen world, and bad things—for some of us, really bad things—happen.

There are times when we wonder why we have to go through what we go through. Why the pain? Why the suffering?

It’s verses like these that answer those questions for me. I hope they do for you as well.

I’ve been through some tribulations: abuse, infertility, chronic pain. And I now know why I went through them. I’m a much stronger, compassionate person because of my pain.

I know beyond doubt that my difficult times made me more patient and understanding. Those times have made me—by God’s grace—a person of character. And I have hope because I know that God has worked His perfect will in my life.

And hope really doesn’t disappoint.

Have you questioned why God has allowed you to go through painful, difficult times? Let Him assure you that those times have strengthened you and have made you a person of character.

Righteousness and Peace (Isaiah 32:17)

Today’s scripture: Isaiah 32:17

When we give our lives to Jesus, those lives don’t immediately become perfect. We have work to do.

I believe that salvation comes from grace, not of works, and the apostle Paul supports me on this (Ephesians 2:8-9).

However, we’re to serve God through what we do—our works.

Works are those things we do to serve others and to serve God. It’s using the gifts He’s given us to glorify Him and help build His kingdom (1 Corinthians 12). It’s giving food to someone who is “destitute” (James 2:15-16). It’s helping the widow and the orphan (James 1:27).

When we do these things for God’s glory, we can know that we will have peace. We will have assurance that God will one day say to us: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord” (Matthew 25:21).

I don’t know about you, but peace on this earth and knowing that God will one day commend me like a proud parent—these make me want to serve Him more faithfully, to serve others gladly, and to live a life that brings a smile to His face.

Do you know the joy of serving God and serving others? Do you want to have the assurance that God will one day call you His good and faithful servant? Ask Him to help you now. Ask Him to reveal to you what you might do to serve Him more.

Go in Peace (1 Samuel 1:17)

Today’s scripture: 1 Samuel 1:17

One of the most wonderful things about being a Christian—and there are many—is that we can come to God with each and every need, big or small. And God promises to listen.

In 1 Samuel, a woman named Hannah hadn’t been able to have children (oh, can I relate), and she’d prayed and prayed and prayed for God to give her a child.

She prayed so desperately that one day, a prophet named Eli saw her and thought that she was drunk. When she bared her heart to him, he assured her that God would hear her prayer.

She could go in peace, knowing that God would give her that much longed-for child.

God will answer our prayers.

However, He doesn’t always answer them in the way we would like.

I too prayed and prayed and prayed for God to give me a child. I didn’t have an Eli to assure me that God listened to my prayer, but I know He did.

He just answered differently because there came a time in my journey when I was able to pray for that much longed-for child or for peace.

He gave me peace about remaining childless.

And like Hannah, I could go in peace knowing that God had granted my petition.

Is there something that you’ve been praying for, but you haven’t received an answer? If you’re willing to hear His answer, continue praying. Feel the hope that He will answer and that you can go in peace.

The Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)

Today’s scripture: Ephesians 6:15

The apostle Paul urged the church at Ephesus to “put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11) in order to combat the enemy. He wrote of putting on truth and righteousness, faith and the word of God.

In the middle of these pieces of “armor,” Paul wrote that we are to “shod [our] feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”

Shod our feet.

The other pieces of “armor” provide protection: a breastplate, a shield, a sword. What do shoes have to do with protection?

It’s what those shoes represent: the gospel of peace.

The gospel is the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. It’s the assurance that when we give our lives to Jesus, we are saved from our sins. We can look forward to eternity with Jesus.

When we walk in that knowledge, when our feet are shod with that gospel, then everywhere we go, we are grounded in that truth. It’s the very foundation upon which we walk.

A soldier wouldn’t get very far if his shoes weren’t sturdy and strong, able to keep out the elements, able to traverse rough ground.

We too wouldn’t get very far if we weren’t standing on God’s promises of salvation and of peace.

On what are you walking? Are your feet covered with the peace that comes from knowing Jesus? Do you walk every day with the assurance of salvation? Ask God to give you that assurance. Become grounded in Him and His Word.

Wisdom and Peace (Proverbs 3:13, 17)

Today’s scripture: Proverbs 3:13, 17

Ah, wisdom.

I’d like to think of myself as wise, but unfortunately, I have a history of making unwise choices. My twenty-year rebellion included many, many decisions that led me farther and farther from the Lord. And I didn’t have peace. None at all.

Even after I recommitted my life to the Lord, I still made some unwise choices because I was still trying to do things on my own, control my own destiny.

Several years ago, however, I finally “wised up” and realized that I really couldn’t handle things well on my own and that I needed to be willing to give everything—heart, soul, mind, and strength to the Lord, and in His wisdom, I could lead that life of “pleasantness” and “peace.”

Now, I’d like to say that I’ve become wise, but that just wouldn’t be true. My wisdom—if indeed I have any—comes from the Lord.

When I come to Him and seek His will, then He gives me the ability to make wise choices.

When I read His word and learn more of what He wants from me, then my ways really are pleasant.

When I pray to Him and listen to His voice, then my paths really are peace.

Do you want wisdom to make the right choices? True wisdom comes from God. And true peace can come as a result of making wise, God-directed decisions. Talk to God and ask Him for wisdom to guide your paths.

Counselors of Peace (Proverbs 12:20)

Today’s scripture: Proverbs 12:20

I’m blessed to have some wonderful friends in my life. They’re wonderful women of faith whom I genuinely love and cherish.

Beyond friendship, I look to many of them as counselors. I know I can go to them with the good, bad, and ugly, and they’ll counsel me and pray over me.

When I think of these women, I love the thought of them being “counselors of peace” because they do, indeed, pray for peace in my life.

And in those relationships, I believe each of us finds joy.

I’ve known others, however, that illustrate the first part of that verse.

Haven’t you had people in your life that seem, on the surface, to be seeking your good? But then you find out that they’ve deceived you? Those people don’t bring joy to you because they’re not counselors of peace.

When someone really loves you and seeks God’s best for you, she’s truly that counselor of peace.

Do you have a counselor of peace in your life? Thank God for her—and thank her for being that to you.

Law and Peace (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Today’s scripture: Proverbs 3:1-2

When we decide to follow Christ, we begin a wonderful journey in relationship with Him. We can delight in knowing that He’s with us, every moment of every day.

But we’re commanded to do something to keep that relationship strong and growing: We must know the law of the Lord. We must keep His commandments.

God’s Word, the Bible, contains all of God’s words to us as well as His commandments, both in the Old and New Testaments.

In order to keep this particular requirement to “not forget My law” and to “keep My commandments,” we need to spend time in God’s Word.

Note that next part of the verse: for the length of days and long life.

This means that this is a life-long requirement. We can’t just read God’s Word off and on or in one season of our lives. It’s a life-long endeavor as part of a life-long relationship.

There’s joy in knowing Jesus. It’s an amazing privilege to have a true relationship with Him. And getting to know Him more and more deeply through the study of His Word is another gift from Him to us.

Oh, and there’s that last part of the verse: our days and long life will add peace to us.

Do you spend time remembering God’s law, His Word? Do you strive to keep His commandments? If you do, thank Him for His Word and His promise of peace. If you don’t, ask God now to work in you so that you can draw ever closer to Him.

Future Peace for the Blameless (Psalm 37:37)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 37:37

Blameless? Hardly.

Upright? Uptight, maybe.

I look back on my life, and I’ve hardly been blameless and upright. Most of the time, I’ve been anything but these things. 

I’ve been sinful and rebellious and strong-willed.

I’ve been angry and bitter and unforgiving.

So, if I read this verse right, I shouldn’t be looking forward to a future of peace. And the opposite of peace is what? Despair? Worry? Sick-to-the-pit-of-my-stomach anxiety?

Is that what I have to look forward to?

No!

No, I’m not blameless or upright, at least not in and of myself.

When I believed in Jesus and received His gift of salvation, a miracle occurred: I suddenly became blameless. Jesus died on the cross to wash away my sin, and I am blameless. He took all my sin on Himself, and God no longer blames me for anything I’ve done.

And because I know this, because I know of the price that Jesus paid to save me, to make me blameless, I choose to live an upright life.

I can look forward to that future of hope because—not by anything I’ve done—I am blameless and upright.

Do you still see yourself as facing blame? Do you still see yourself as not worthy of a future of peace? Remember that if you know Jesus, if you’ve asked Him to save you, you are blameless and you can live an upright life. Ask God for assurance of your blamelessness.

The Abundance of Peace (Psalm 27:11)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 37:11

What do you picture when you think of the word “meek”?

Are you picturing a kind of geeky, skinny person, maybe even with braces? Someone with slightly hunched shoulders who won’t look you in the eye?

And when you read a verse like this, do you think, What’s so good about inheriting the earth if I have to be a pushover?

I’d like to propose an argument about this word. I don’t picture that geek when I think of meek. I picture someone—myself, I hope—who is kneeling at the foot of the Lord’s throne, seeking His will and His desire for my life.

When I think of meek, I think of someone—again, I truly hope it’s me—who is so desiring to live for God that all pride and self-promotion is gone.

And when I read a verse like this one, it’s not the part about inheriting the earth that gets me excited.

It’s that second part: I “shall delight . . . in the abundance of peace.”

The abundance of peace.

It’s not just a little bit of peace.

It’s not just a relatively good-sized portion of peace.

It’s an abundance of peace, more than I could ever need on this earth.

When I think about having that abundance of peace, it doesn’t seem to be such a bad thing to be meek for God.

Do you struggle with being meek for God? Do you see meek as being equal with weak? Come to the foot of the throne right now, and ask God to help you to be meek for Him. And experience an abundance of peace.

Jehovah-Shalom ... The Lord is Peace

Today’s scripture: Judges 6:24

Thank you for the feedback from yesterday's request ... We're continuing with topical devotions for a while!

I love that the Lord calls Himself by different names throughout the Bible. No matter what I’m going through, I can call God by a special name. He’s Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider. He’s Jehovah-rapha, my healer. He’s Jehovah-raah, my Shepherd.

And He’s Jehovah-Shalom, my Peace.

Gideon had asked for and received three signs from God that He would give Gideon victory over his enemies. When God brought peace to the land, Gideon built an altar.

Gideon called that altar, The-Lord-Shalom—God is peace.

Peace has not always been something that I’ve enjoyed. Oftentimes, I’ve felt anything but peace. In my many-years rebellion from God, I would try to find peace my own way—relationships, stuff, jobs—but nothing I did brought me peace.

Since I recommitted myself to the Lord over a dozen years ago, there still have been times when I haven’t felt peace. The storms have still come. The trials are just as difficult.

The difference? Now I can call on my Jehovah-Shalom. Even when I can’t get any other words out, I can cry, “Jehovah-Shalom! Be my Peace.”

And my Peace, my Lord, my God brings me the peace my heart desires.

Do you need peace? Even if you can speak no other words, cry out now to your Lord of Peace. From the deepest part of your heart, cry out, “Jehovah-Shalom! Be my Peace.”   

Just Wondering ...

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know I made a change this year by focusing on a theme rather than books of the Bible. I just thought it was time for a change.

It’s now been a month, and I have to ask: What do you think? Do you like focusing on peace, for example? Or is your preference going through the book of James as we just did?

I started this blog because I wanted to share God’s words with whomever took the time to read, and I will continue doing so until I have no readers … or God makes it clear it’s time to stop.

So … please do me a favor and either comment here, or send me an email at speakersauni@gmail.com. Since this blog is for you, I want to make certain you are blessed by what you read.

And know that I'm grateful for each of you!

Be a Peacemaker (Matthew 5:9)

Today’s scripture: Matthew 5:9

Some people are just naturally peaceful people. They just seem to take everything in stride, like water off a duck’s back. Nothing seems to faze them.

That’s not me.

I’m not naturally a peacemaker. I tend to get a little “het up” (a good Southern term) when things don’t go the way I expect. I get frustrated with the nuts on the street. I get annoyed when my computer decides to freeze up. I get miffed when my husband doesn’t pick up after himself (which he does more and more lately—praise God!).

But in recent years, I’ve been called to be the peacemaker on more than one occasion. I’ve had to be the mediator in situations that would otherwise be volatile or hurtful or even destructive.

It’s not always easy because it really does go against my natural self.

However, I now know that being a person of peace can be learned. Well, it can be learned by asking God to help.

I’m sorry to tell you, but you can’t get away with saying, “I’m just not that way.”

God can help you.

Be a peacemaker, so that you can be called a son or daughter of God.

Do you find it hard to be a peacemaker? Would you rather just knock heads together? God calls us to be makers of peace. If this is a struggle for you, ask Him now to help you. Be a maker of peace to those around you.   

Righteousness In Peace (James 3:18)

Today’s scripture: James 3:18

Read this verse again: Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

We know that we serve a holy God and that we need to be righteous as well. When we confess our sins to Him, we are holy in His eyes.

Now look at the last part of this verse again: peace is sown by those who make peace.

This says something pretty incredible: We can be sowers of peace. We can not only choose to be peaceful ourselves, but we can also sow peace in the lives of others.

Think about this.

You’re a parent; you can sow peace in the lives of your children and help them to live lives of peace themselves.

You’re a worker; you can sow peace in the lives or your coworkers and help them to complete their tasks in peace.

You’re a friend; you can sow peace in the lives of your dearest companions and help them to find peace in the storm.

You can do that. By being righteous, by seeking God’s peace, by living a life that glorifies the Lord, you can be a sower of peace.

In whose life can you be a sower of peace? Ask God to reveal to you someone to whom you can share God’s peace. And then share it.   

Pursue Peace (2 Timothy 2:22)

Today’s scripture: 2 Timothy 2:22

We live in a crazy, mixed-up, upside-down world. We watch television, read the latest People™ magazine or read the newest Internet headline, and we’re told that riches and beauty will bring us happiness and peace.

Movie stars and rock musicians and sports heroes buy their homes and jewels and Jaguars and tell us that life is just one big party. Drinking and drugs and sex. That’s what’s going to bring us satisfaction and fulfillment.

And tragically, many of us buy into that—even people who calls themselves followers of Christ.

Let me tell you something: None of that will bring happiness. Or satisfaction. Or fulfillment. And none of it will certainly bring any peace.

Peace, true peace, only comes from God.

And how do we pull our gaze from the things this world throws at us? We “flee” from them. We run just as hard and as fast as we can in the opposite direction.

And where do we run?

We run to the God of peace, and we “pursue” those things that are gifts from God. We confess our sins and failings to Him, and we receive righteousness, faith, love . . . and yes, peace.

Have you been caught up with the world’s party? Join the best party in the universe. Seek God, and receive the peace that will fill your heart to overflowing.   

Peace Among Yourselves (1 Thessalonians 5:12)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:13

Imagine: You wake up on a Monday morning with your entire week laid out in front of you. You spent a restful weekend: productive times of cleaning and shopping; fun times of play with the kids. Even a date night with your husband. You actually felt peace.

Your workweek plays itself out, and gradually, the peace you felt over the weekend begins to disappear. So many things demand your attention. Your job and its many challenges. Your kids and their endless activities. Your spouse and his needs.

You wonder if you’re ever going to be able to do everything you need to do . . . and that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach gets larger and larger as the week goes on.

Imagine weeks and weeks of this same cycle. What happens to your overall sense of peace?

So many demands. So many people stealing your peace—maybe not deliberately, but stealing it all the same.

The Bible tells us that we are to “be at peace among yourselves.”  Is this possible?

I think it is. You see, you have a choice to find the peace in the moment or to allow the worries and demands of the day take your joy away.

Make a choice to be at peace—with yourself and with others.

Do you sometimes lose the God-given peace to which you’re entitled? Make a choice today to experience God’s peace. Ask Him today to help you find the peace in every moment. 

Peace Through the Blood of the Cross (Colossians 1:19-20)

Today’s scripture: Colossians 1:19-20

God the Father was pleased to bring His children, His created children, back to Himself through God the Son, Jesus Christ.

From the beginning of time as we know it, God had a plan, a plan of salvation. Even as Adam and Eve sinned, God had a plan.

And His plan was for peace.

Now, it seems like a huge contradiction that peace would come through pain and suffering, but that was God’s plan. Peace came “through the blood of the cross.” Blood, Christ’s blood, brought us peace.

We created children of God can have peace as we’re reconciled to God through faith in Jesus.

It may not be a plan that makes sense to our human minds, but it’s a plan that makes perfect sense to God. And if we trust God, trust that He loves us as much as He says He does (John 3:16), then we can trust that, through each and every situation, we can and will find peace.

Do you find it hard to reconcile that peace comes through death, Christ’s death? Does that seem to be a bit drastic to you? Share your thoughts with God. Let Him help you through your confusion.   

Peace that Breaks Down Walls (Ephesians 2:14)

Today’s scripture: Ephesians 2:14

I remember the day that the Berlin wall came down.

I’ve never been much of a history buff, and I don’t know a lot of names and dates, but I know enough about history to know that the wall was built in 1961 to divide east and west Berlin, and to cross over the wall from one side to the other was to take one’s life in his hands.

There are walls dividing people every where—some are literal, like the fences we often have to keep our neighbors out of our yards; some are figurative, like the wall between two people who have hurt each other one too many times.

Jesus came to give peace and to break down the walls between us. We can be one in Christ, without division, if we only seek reconciliation through the love of Christ.

It’s not easy, though. Sometimes our walls feel protective. If no one can get past the wall in my heart, we think, then no one can hurt me. But if we never let anyone in, then we can never experience the joy that can come from a relationship based on trust and love.

Walls can be appropriate, but those that divide our hearts must come down.

Do you have any walls that are keeping people out of your heart? Do you have any walls that are dividing you from someone you love? Talk to God now, and ask Him to give you the peace that can come from breaking that wall down.

The Fruit of Peace (Galatians 5:22-23)

Today’s scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Karen sat in the morning service and just about got up and walked out. Pastor Reed was talking about the fruit of the Spirit, and Karen just couldn’t take it anymore.

She’d known Jesus since childhood, and she’d asked Him to come into her heart when she was in junior high school. She knew all about His love and peace and forgiveness. She knew that she was to be Christ-like in everything she did.

But today, she didn’t feel at all Christ-like.

This morning, she’d had another fight with her husband, Jeff. He’d stopped going to church a while ago, saying he didn’t see the need to go to a place that was full of hypocrites. He said that he still had a relationship with Jesus, and that his faith was just as strong as it had ever been. He didn’t stop her from going or from taking the kids. He just wouldn’t be going himself.

And now, she was hearing about love and joy . . . and peace.

She still loved Jeff—no question about that. But she wasn’t feeling a whole lot of peace. Wasn’t he supposed to be the spiritual head of their home? How could he be that if he wouldn’t even go to church.

Where’s that peace I’m supposed to feel? she silently asked.

Just then, a voice spoke to her heart:

The fruit is available to you, my child. Ask, and I’ll help you.

So she did. And He did.

Do you also struggle with this one “fruit of the Spirit”? You too can have this peace, if only you ask.   

Live in Peace (2 Corinthians 13:11)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11

The Bible tells us that we as Christians are part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Each of us has a role to play, and all of us need to work together. Together, we can “be complete” and of “one mind.” We are to “live in peace.”

It’s not always easy, though, is it?

There always seem to be that committee member or small group leader that you just can’t seem to get along with. Living in peace seems to be a pipe dream.

The key in this verse may be that second sentence: “Be of good comfort.” If we’re focusing on providing comfort for others, on seeking to help them with their needs, then our eyes come off of us and onto them.

We can choose to live at peace with others, even if they’re difficult or different. We can choose to set our minds upon things of the Lord, and when we do, we can have confidence that God is with us, that His peace is with us.

Think about someone you have difficulty getting along with. Is it possible for you focus on him and his needs? Can you look at her through the eyes of Jesus? Pray that the Lord will give you compassion for that person, knowing that He will give you peace.

Peace Through Justification (Romans 5:1)

Today’s scripture: Romans 5:1

Jerry thought he had it made. He’d investigated religions and belief systems from every part of the world. He’d found his “inner self” and that self was strong, or so he thought.

He moved up the corporate ladder. He lived in a plush penthouse apartment. He was surrounded by friends. But still something seemed to be missing.

Something . . . crucial was missing.

As he sat on the balcony of that penthouse apartment, he heard a vacuum running in the apartment just below his. A normal, everyday sound. The sound of the vacuum stopped, and in its place, he heard another sound. This time, a voice, singing words he’d never heard before:

When peace like a riverAttendeth my wayWhen sorrow like sea-billow roll.Whatever my lot,
Thou hast caused me to say,It is well, it is well with my soul. (Horatio Spafford, 1873)

Peace like a river? Jerry thought. It is well with my soul? I’ve never felt peace like any river.

Suddenly, from the back of his mind, he remembered something he’d read from the Bible during his time of investigation. Something about Jesus’ dying for him. Then he remembered reading about being forgiven. And still another about peace that surpasses understanding.

He remembered that he had to have faith in Jesus. And that faith would bring him peace.

Peace like a river.

Do you long to be able to sing that it truly is well with your soul? When was the last time that you remembered that because you are justified through faith in Jesus, you can have peace? Remember now.   

Courageous Peace (John 16:33)

Today’s scripture: John 16:33

There was a time when I really thought the enemy was winning the war—not just the battle, but the war.

Nothing was going right. My husband and I were trying to have a baby, and nothing. We’d gone to a fertility specialist, and we’d been told that nothing was clinically wrong with either of us. We just had to keep trying. And try we did.

But still nothing.

During this several-year journey, I’d recommitted my life to Jesus, and I knew He was on my side of the battle. I believed that our side would win.

But still nothing.

I was finally diagnosed with likely infertility (that so-called specialist hadn’t dug deeply enough), and the battle changed: I wasn’t fighting to get pregnant, I was fighting for peace.

And that’s when I really felt Jesus on my side. I knew that He promised peace in the midst of tribulation. And I finally remembered that last part of John 16:33. I could be of good cheer because Jesus really has overcome the world. Already overcome.

What battles are you fighting? Are you fighting them alone? Or have you asked Jesus to join you in the battle? More importantly, have you asked Him to give you peace no matter what the outcome? Talk to Him now. Ask Him to reassure you that He really is the victor. 

Unworldly Peace (John 14:27)

Today’s scripture: John 14:27

The world offers peace—on its terms.

Watch television or read the latest magazine or peruse the internet. The world would tell you that peace comes from driving the best car or wearing the trendiest clothes. Peace comes from having a great sex life or a lucrative career. Peace comes from fame or fortune.

That’s what the world would tell you.

But the world would be wrong.

I tried for years to find the world’s peace. I was college-educated, happily married, well-employed. We owned our home, our cars, our stuff. We enjoyed our vacations and partied with friends.

I had it all, or so the world would say.

But I had nothing, really. I was miserable. Borderline suicidal miserable.

It wasn’t until I recommitted my life to the Lord that I realized that Jesus was right: He gives a peace that the world can’t begin to compete with. His peace is all-encompassing, and it saturates down to your very soul. It’s a peace that illuminates the peace of the world for what it really is: shallow, empty, sad.

Have you bought into the world’s definition of peace? And do you feel a hole in your heart and soul? Talk to Jesus now about His peace. Have confidence that you don’t have to be troubled; He will give you peace.

Perfect Peace (Isaiah 26:3)

Today’s scripture: Isaiah 26:3

Did you notice as you read this verse that the order is reversed?

If we turn it around, this verse gives us instruction on how we too can have God’s perfect peace.

First, our minds must be “stayed” on God.

Stayed on God? What do these old-fashioned words mean? A synonym for “stay” is “reside,” meaning inhabit, dwell, live in.

To have our minds stayed on God, we must reside in Him. And to reside in Him, we must know Him intimately. And to know Him intimately, we must spend time in His Word, learning about Him. We must spend time in prayer, listening to His voice.

Second, we must trust Him.

Whom do we trust? We trust those who have proved to be trustworthy, those who have earned our trust. We can trust God because He has proven Himself worthy of our trust as He has provided for us, as He has protected us, as He has answered our

prayers.

Third, God will keep us in perfect peace. This doesn’t mean we’ll never experience difficulty or suffering. It does mean that we will be able to feel His supernatural peace in the midst of the storm.

Is your mind “stayed” on God? If you don’t reside in Him, ask Him to help you do that. Do you trust Him with everything and everyone? If you find it hard to trust anyone, even God, share your heart with Him now. Ask Him to show you how worthy of your trust He is.

A Time for Peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8)

Today’s scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8

We live in a time of more war than peace, it seems. Every time you turn on the news or read a paper, you read of war—not only “official” war in the middle east, but war on the very streets where we live.

Murder. Shootings. Rape. Fights on the playground.

War everywhere.

The Bible says that there’s a purpose for everything, including war. How can that be? And when will the time come for peace?

We will never have world-wide peace until Jesus returns and sets up the New Heaven and the New Earth as described in Revelation 21:1-4. But we who trust in God can have peace in the midst of the war. We can trust Him to bring us peace and calm now, here on this earth.

And we can trust Him for that world-wide peace that we’ll someday experience as we spend eternity with Him.

Do you find it hard to find the peace within the war? Have you lost someone to the literal war that takes place, whether across the seas or in your own neighborhood? Talk to God right now. Share with Him your heart and ask Him to show you that there really is a time of peace.

Seek ... and Pursue Peace (Psalm 36:14)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 34:14

When we give our lives to Jesus and ask Him to forgive us of our sins, we are clean in the eyes of the Father. Jesus is the bridge that spans sin and brings us back to God’s arms.

But just because we’re forgiven and we have confidence that we’ll spend eternity with Jesus in heaven, we still have to be diligent here on earth.

We know we’re in a war with the enemy (Ephesians 6:12), and this world offers temptations that sometimes entice us to do evil. We must stand firm and turn away from those temptations. We must recognize where we’re weak and literally walk away from those things that might bring us down.

Then we need to seek peace, really seek it. The Bible says we’re to pursue it, chase after it. We shouldn’t wait for it to fall into our laps; rather, as we “do good,” we should be pursuing those things that are holy and righteous. We should practice the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), which includes, by the way, peace.

Do you find yourself sometimes looking at something that you know you shouldn’t? Do you allow yourself to get caught up in those things that you know will pull you down? Commit to God now that you will “depart from evil,” from those things you know attack your weaknesses.

The Lord Gives Peace (Numbers 6:24-26)

Today’s scripture: Numbers 6:24-26

The people of Israel, God’s chosen people, were the most fickle folks around. The entire book of Exodus tells of God’s provision for them: He took them out of slavery in Egypt; He provided food in the form of quail and later manna; He guided them both night and day; and He promised them that He would lead them to the land of milk and honey that He’d promised.

You would think that they would be grateful, but time and time again, they complained and rebelled and outright sinned.

But God continued to love them and bless them and provide for them. In the book of Numbers, God gave Moses a blessing to give to the people. God’s words are written in today’s scripture.

No matter what His people did, God still wanted to bless them and keep them. He wanted to shine His glory upon them. He wanted to be gracious to them. And He wanted to give them peace.

And you know something? He wants the same for you. He wants to bless you and give you grace. And He wants to give you peace.

Do you sometimes think that you’re so far gone that peace just isn’t yours for the asking? Guess what? You can never be so far away from God that you can’t find His blessing, His grace, or His peace. You just have to ask. 

The Lord of Peace (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:16

The Lord just doesn’t give peace, He is peace. Peace is defined as a state of tranquility and serenity. As you think of that definition of peace, do you picture God? Do you think of Him as tranquil or serene? Or do you think of Him as the great disciplinarian, standing somewhere in heaven ready to rain down wrath and judgment?

The Bible makes it clear that God will judge, and like a loving Father, He does correct us when we’re wrong.

But He also is peace itself.

What does that mean? It means that when we’re in His presence, when we sit at the feet of the throne of our Lord, we can experience His peace washing over us like a warm summer rain.

All we have to do is ask.

Ask Him now. Ask Him to fill you with His peace. Ask Him to fill you with Himself.

Think about God being peace itself. What does that mean to you? How might that change how you picture God? How might that change how you spend time with Him?

Great Peace (Psalm 119:165)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 119:165

The Psalmist writes that those who love the law of the Lord will have great peace. Love the law of the Lord. What does that mean?

In the Old Testament, the law of the Lord was what is called the Pentateuch, the five books written by Moses. Anyone who wanted to know God would know those books intimately.

Today, we have the entire Bible available to us to know God. The more we know His word, the more we know Him. We’ve been given a tremendous gift. Loving the law of the Lord, the Bible, means that we want to spend time in it, reading it, studying it, internalizing it. Loving the law of the Lord means we want to “meditate on it day and night” (Psalm 1:2).

But what about the second part of Psalm 119:165? What does it mean that those who love the law of the Lord won’t stumble?

I believe that it means that when we know the law of the Lord, when we know His words, we have a way to combat the lies of the enemy. We know we’re in a battle with Satan (Ephesians 6:12), and the only way to really respond to his lies is to know the words of the Lord. When he attacks, we can use God’s own words to catch him in his lies. Jesus Himself was able to counter the lies of the enemy when He was being tempted in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11).

If we know and love the law of the Lord, we can have peace in a growing relationship with God, and we can have confidence that our knowing God’s word will keep us from stumbling.

How much do you love the law of the Lord? Do you meditate on it day and night? Do you desire to spend time with the Lord, getting to know Him through His word? Make a commitment with God right now to learn to love His law.

Peace and Strength (Psalm 29:11)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 29:11

Often, I feel very, very weak—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The world seems to be closing in, and I can’t seem to dodge the boulders being tossed at me, right and left.

Often, I try to take on the world and its challenges on my own, and I feel the weight crushing me, pushing me down until I lie prostrate on the ground.

I can’t do this, I think.

And I’m right. I can’t do this—on my own, that is.

We humans are fleshly, fallen, frail creatures, and we don’t have the strength to combat what this world throws at us. We truly are incapable.

But we do have Someone who can give us all the strength we need: our heavenly Father. He promises strength to us. In fact, as the apostle Paul wrote, we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Philippians 4:13). 

And along with that strength, He promises peace. He will bless us with peace.

Yes, we may be incapable, but He is more than capable. We can trust in His strength; we can trust in His peace.

When was the last time you tried to handle the world’s challenges on your own? How did it go? Maybe you’re trying to dodge those boulders right now. Ask God to give you His strength to help you through.

Lie Down in Peace (Psalm 4:8)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 4:8

The night can bring fear and anxiety. Too often we lie in bed, tense and frantic as we rehash the events of today and worry about what's coming tomorrow.

We fret about the stock market, our jobs, our spouses, or our kids. Or all of the above. We worry about distant wars and too-close-for-comfort crime.

We watch the news or peruse the Internet just before we turn out the lights.

And then we lie in the dark ... and sleep won't come.

Worst-case scenarios overflow. What-if's run rampant.

We wonder how we'll survive the night.

I can only speak for myself, but the only way I've found to combat fear in the night is to pray. Seriously. I know I'm not in control of anything, so when I go to the One who is in control, the One I truly trust, then more often than not, I feel peace as I let go of worry, anxiety, and fear.

Do you sometimes feel anxious at night, thinking about all the troubles of the day? Reflect on what it means to be able to sleep in peace, trusting in God’s safe-keeping.

Peace That Surpasses Understanding (Philippians 4:6-7)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

The email was shocking: A friend of mine from high school had brain cancer. Brain cancer! And the prognosis wasn’t good.

What must he and his wife be feeling? I thought. How can they handle this? What pain they must be enduring.

I wondered if they would find the peace that God promised through His servant Paul.

Then I received another email from this friend’s wife, and I was greatly encouraged. She wrote of the confidence they had that the Lord was in control and that everything would happen according to His plan.

How do we get through the deepest valleys? How do we make our way to the top of the mountain? We do it by trusting that God is who He says He is. We do it by having confidence that we can come to Him with all our questions, our pains, our doubts. And He will give us a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Are you hurting right now? Are you feeling rejected or frightened or confused? Reflect on the promise of the Lord, the promise that you can receive peace. His peace.

The Lord Speaks Peace (Psalm 85:8)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 85:8

For quite a while now, these weekday devotionals have focused on books of the Bible, taking them verse by verse. This year, I’m going to shift a bit. Instead of entire books, I’m going to look at themes. The first? Peace.

For the next few weeks, I’m going to include entries from a devotional I wrote a few years ago on that very topic:

I was driving into work, minding my own business, when a pick-up truck decided to pass me on a winding road. Just as he passed me, a car from the opposite way sped around the corner. The truck swerved in front of me, and I slammed on my brakes.

My heart beating out of my chest, I cried out as I watched the car behind me come ever closer. Praise God, no one hit anyone else, but it took the rest of the drive for my heart to calm . . . and even longer for my spirit to calm.

I’d started the day feeling nothing close to peace. I had to ask the Lord to restore my peace, and He did exactly what the psalmist said He would; He spoke peace to my heart, reminding me that He is in loving control of everything.

How often do we allow circumstances or other people to take the peace that God has promised us? Just take it from our hearts? If we can stop and listen to God, and seek His peace, He will shower us with that peace. He will whisper words of comfort. He promises.

Think of a time when someone or something stole the peace from your heart. How did you feel? Did you stop to hear God’s voice? Ask God to speak peace to your heart right now.

Back to His Arms (James 5:19-20)

Today’s scripture: James 5:19-20

As I wrote yesterday, I don’t usually post on weekends, but I wanted to finish James before the new year begins. (I’m going to try something new, so I hope you continue visiting!)

We’re told, “Do not judge and you will not be judged” (Luke 6:37). We’re told to “esteem others better than ourselves” (Phil. 2:3).

And indeed we should not judge others. It is God’s place and His right to judge the actions of us human beings.

However, we who follow Christ should be willing and able to help guide fellow believers back to faith. While we shouldn’t judge them and the choices they’ve made, we can help them to see where they’ve strayed and share truth with them.

And we can remind them of God’s love for them. We can share verses like 1 John 1:9 that assure them of forgiveness.

Over a decade ago, I wrote my testimony in book form. Toward its end, I included these words:

God loves each of us, and He dearly loves prodigals—and welcomes them back with open arms. I know this from experience. I spent a very long time as a prodigal daughter, but praise God, I finally made my way back to Him. As I wrote in Crooked Paths: For the first time, I could picture that father standing in the road, just waiting for his son to return. It didn’t matter where the son had gone or what he’d done, the father loved him still. It didn’t matter that the son had squandered his inheritance or that he’d lived an immoral lifestyle, the father waited with unconditionally opened arms. That’s the picture I had that evening and the picture I have now: my heavenly Father standing in the road with His arms open wide, just waiting for me to come home, waiting to embrace me with all the love He has for me. (Crooked Paths © 2005 Sauni Rinehart)

If you know someone who’s strayed from the truth, someone who’s a prodigal, walk alongside her. Help her find her way back to the arms of the Father.

The Mystery of Prayer (James 5:16-18)

Today’s scripture: James 5:16-18

I have to be honest. I don’t really understand how prayer works. God knows everything. There is nothing that is outside of His sight. He could do anything without our intercession.

So why do we pray? Why does James insist that the “effective prayer of a righteous man [or woman] can accomplish much”?

Because, somehow in God’s plan, prayer does change things.

Paul wrote on more than one occasion that prayer isn’t an option. We are to “pray without ceasing … for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:17-18). And he told Timothy, “I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands …” (1 Tim. 2:8).

As I’ve mentioned before, for reasons beyond my comprehension, God loves to hear our voices raised to Him in prayer. In fact, as I wrote yesterday, He delights in hearing our voices (Prov. 15:8).

When we pray with sincere and open hearts, God listens. And He answers. Every time. We just have to remember that His answers aren’t always what we’re hoping for. You’ve heard this before, I’m sure, but sometimes He answers, “Yes.” But sometimes His answer is “no.” And then there’s the answer I don’t really love … “wait.”

So pray. Pray without ceasing. Pray for your needs and for the needs of others—within His will. Be ready to accept His answer, not matter what that answer might be.

Because your effective prayer can accomplish much.

NOTE: Although I don’t usually post on the weekends, come back tomorrow to finish up the book of James.

Pray and Praise! (James 5:13-15)

Today’s scripture: James 5:13-15

I think most of us would agree with the first part of today’s verses. We can pray when we’re suffering. We can praise when we’re cheerful. As I wrote in The Best Laid Plans:

We have an amazing privilege as children of God. We can talk to Him. Doesn’t that amaze you? The Sovereign Creator, the Lord of all, our heavenly Father, wants to hear our voices. That just astounds me. Who in the world am I that God would want to hear my words? I don’t understand it, but I’m grateful beyond words. Just listen to your Father: "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3). (© 2005 Sauni Rinehart)

Yes, we can speak to God when we’re hurting, when we’re confused, when we’re celebrating. And He listens.

Not only does He listen, but He delights in hearing our voices. Proverbs 15:8 tells us that “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.”

But then James also tells us that when we’re sick, we can call on the elders to pray over us and anoint us with oil, and we’ll be restored. And indeed that sometimes happens ... but sometimes it doesn't. God's healing often comes in ways we would not choose. Sometimes, He heals here on earth; sometimes, He heals in heaven. And sometimes, He heals a heart rather than a body. 

Yes, we can pray for healing, but we have to remember that all prayer must be said with the sincere request for God’s will. Just as Jesus prayed in the garden (Luke 22:42).