BELIEVE HIS PROMISES

The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldn’t believe his promise to care for them. Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord. [Psalm 106:24-25 (NLT)]

When the Israelites scouted out Canaan, they saw a rich and fertile country. Rather than believing God’s promise that the land would be theirs, however, they focused on their fears of the land’s inhabitants. Not only did they forget all of God’s previous miracles that led them out of slavery and through the wilderness, but the Israelites also doubted His promise to safely deliver them into Canaan. In fear, they refused to enter it. Because they were unwilling to take a simple step of faith, these people never lived to set foot in the Promised Land and it was forty more years of wandering in the wilderness before their offspring eventually did.

O Lord, what gifts of yours are we missing simply because we don’t trust you? What steps of faith do we need to take in order to enjoy your many blessings? Don’t let us forget your past miracles when faced with present challenges.

 

PEACE OF MIND

I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. [John 14:27 (NT)]

Thank you Lord for your assurance that there is no need to fear what today has to offer or what tomorrow will bring.

RIVERS OF DIFFICULTY


5-19-13 RIVERS DIFFICULTYscenery-Yellowstone-Grand Canyon-WEB2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. [Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

When going through troubled waters, we can either sink or swim. Thank you, God, for being with us to keep us afloat and for the assurance that our hard trials cannot damage us.

Can you walk on water?

He [Jesus] said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” [Matthew 14:29-31 (MSG)]

Instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus, Peter looked down at the turbulent waves surrounding him. Once he focused on his problems, fear overtook Peter; instead of walking on water, he began to sink. If we always keep our thoughts centered on Jesus, however, there will be no room for fear in our hearts!

Thank you, Lord, for reminding us that as long as we keep our eyes on you, all things are possible, even walking on water!

MORNING GREETING

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Give your worries to the Lord, and he will care for you. He will never let those who are good be defeated. [Psalm 55:22 (ERV)]

 

Good morning! This is God.
I will be handling all of your problems today.
I will not need your help.
Relax, and have a great day!
By the way, don’t let worry keep you from sleeping tonight.
I’ve got you covered.
I’m up all night anyway!

SLAY THE GIANT

Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to him for help. [1 Chronicles 16:11 (ERV)]

Can you imagine how David must have felt when facing Goliath? He was just small shepherd boy, armed only with a slingshot and a few stones. We face our “Goliaths” every day, but they’re not seven-foot giants; they are the daunting problems and obstacles that make us feel small, weak and inexperienced. Like David, however, we don’t have to be intimidated. We have a secret weapon: the Lord! He will give us the strength to slay all of the giants in our lives.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. [Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)]