Sunday, May 20, 2012

Devotional Tidbits from May 15-20, 2012



 The Word For You Today

1.  “Doing the Right Thing”
  • Be it known…that we will not…”  (Dan 3:18)
  • Doing the right thing sets you free from those who want to control your life
  • It frees you to say no to manipulators
  • God will either deliver you from the fiery furnace, or develop you, or both
  • God is the source of our significance and security
  • Others are watching and will be influenced by the stand we take

2.  “Made Perfect through Suffering”
  • God…made Jesus perfect by suffering.  (Heb 2:10)
  • If it is possible, let this cup...be taken away from me.  (Matt 26:39)
  • In the life of Jesus, He did not escape suffering
  • God took the ugliest, most cruel thing that happened to Jesus…His execution on the cross…and made it the final victory over death
  • By the crucifixion of Jesus, His wounds, we are healed…God gave us a way to escape eternal death

Sparkling Gems

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.  (Eph 6:18)
  • Prayer is a close, intimate contact with God, bringing us face to face with Him
  • Prayer is a means of surrendering ourselves to God so He can change us
  • Prayer should always involve a heart of gratitude for what God is doing in our lives, how He is answering our prayers, even before they are answered…a position of faith

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.  (Heb 10:32)
  • Reflect on the past when God answered your prayers, or when you felt Him working in your life…recall the joy…for He is still there, still working

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Eph 6:10)
  • Power refers to a demonstrated manifestation that can be seen…the kind of power God used to raise Jesus from the dead
  • This same power is available to us…the Holy Spirit can make us strong when we are weak.


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