Everywhere we look in the world there seems to be food shortages, even here in the United States; this is sometimes called famine. There is a spiritual famine as well! The bible has been compared to food; as bread, milk, meat, nourishment. Twice in the bible God’s word is mentioned as tasting like honey (Ezekiel and John). The truth is: while many people are starving for spiritual truth, many others don’t even know that they are hungry. Amos 8:11 mentions this famine: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” As the days are closer to His return, let’s make sure we are well nourished with His word. God bless you!
Acceptance
Everyone wants to be accepted, it is a strong desire that we all have, but, at what cost? Because the desire to be accepted is so strong it could also be dangerous. If we disobey God to gain acceptance by others we need to watch out and remember that acceptance by God is eternal, acceptance by the world will lead to destruction. Jesus was not accepted by the world and He remained committed to His Father; we should follow His example. Because of God’s acceptance you will receive far more acceptance than anything you will ever need. God bless you today!
God Accepts You
Everyone wants to be accepted, it is a strong desire that we all have, but, at what cost? Because the desire to be accepted is so strong it could also be dangerous. If we disobey God to gain acceptance by others we need to watch out and remember that acceptance by God is eternal, acceptance by the world will lead to destruction. Jesus was not accepted by the world and He remained committed to His Father; we should follow His example. Because of God’s acceptance you will receive far more acceptance than anything you will ever need. God bless you today!
Jesus is Our Friend
Everyone needs a friend! In nature, animals run in packs, birds fly in flocks, and bees fly in swarms. Humans need people around them as well, friends who can help pick them up when they fall. Solomon said, “But woe to him is alone when he falls.” There is power in living in community, like the fellowship we have in church. God did not want us to live alone, it’s not His plan. Fortunately, even when we feel we are most alone, Jesus is with us because He promised us in Matthew 28:20b “And lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” The next time you feel isolated, call on the one friend we all have, Jesus Christ, and may He bless you today!
God’s Comfort is Sufficient
Some of life’s hardest moments occur when we’re mourning a recent loss. But the words of Jesus and the good news of the Bible offer comfort and bring a message of hope. This week, I lost my friend of over 30 years, and sometimes my grief overtakes me. But God’s word provides comfort. Lamentations 3:32 says: “But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.” I will be holding on to that in the weeks ahead. If you are hurting, lean on him. God bless you!
Asking God for Help
Have you ever noticed that when someone takes the oath of office, they end with “So help me God?” I believe that, when facing an overwhelming task or duty, they are admitting that it can’t be done without the Lord’s help. Psalm 17:6 says. “I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.” Whatever the task or burden before us, in our family, work, or church, we can trust that He is with us and will guide us when we ask for his help and put it into His hands. God bless you!
Second Chances
When you rate your own performance do you give yourself a perfect ten? I have never been able to do that. I always find some fault in the things I try to do. I acknowledge that I fail, sometimes even in my walk with God. If we were perfect and never sinned, we would have no need for the grace of God. If we’re honest, we’ll admit to seeking forgiveness from Him over and over again and at some point, we may wonder how much forgiveness God is willing to give us. Thankfully, there is no limit to the grace of God. 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Let’s thank Him today for being a God of second chances, amen? God bless you.
Prayers Help
Watching someone you know or love suffer from a serious or chronic illness hurts. Maybe we become scared, sad, or feel helpless. We can’t take away their illness, but we can be there for them, and we can pray. Jesus’ brother James said to pray for people when they are sick. James 5:16b says: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Let’s keep lifting each other up in prayer, amen? God bless you!
Escaping Discouragement
Discouragement is like being locked in a deep, dark dungeon. It’s natural for us to become discouraged, but it’s not healthy for us to stay that way. Discouragement is Satan’s tool to break down our faith and progress. Deuteronomy 1:21 says “The Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.” God has given us the key to escape discouragement; he gave us the bible, and it’s full of encouraging promises. Remember, God is a God of encouragement. Let’s open his word today and receive it. God bless you!
Unending Love
How many of us have watched a Hallmark romance movie? We all know when they start how predictable they are. Couples who were once in love but broke up meet after many years and start to fall in love again, only to break up again in the last 15 minutes and then realize at the end they are still in love. Aren’t you glad God’s love isn’t like that. He loves us from the beginning and eternally. Romans 8:39 says “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Aren’t you glad he will never break up with you? May He bless you richly today!
