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)]

I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. [Psalm 16:8 (NLT)]

Help me, Oh God, to let go of my fears and reach out to you at all times, secure in the knowledge that you will steady me when I tremble and catch me when I fall. Thank you for always being at my side.

 

DO YOU BELIEVE?

 “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” [Mark 9:22-24 (NLT)]

Oh Lord, it’s not enough to just believe in you; many people do that. We must do more; we actually have to believe you! Help us overcome our unbelief so that we really do rely on your presence, trust in the power of your promises, and expect you to do the impossible.