Devotions by Chris Hendrix

Have you ever wondered why people complain? Some people seem to complain all the time, but most of us start complaining when things go wrong. Psychologists say that we tend to complain when we feel we have a low status in a situation or that our status is shrinking. Complaint then becomes our way of expressing our discomfort and frustration In order to seek validation. We want sympathy as well as their agreement that things are unfair towards us. Sometimes, when we go through a tough season, we can develop a habit of complaining. It can affect every area of our life. It’s a tough habit to break, but it can be broken with an attitude of gratitude.

In Exodus 14, Egypt had enough of God’s plagues and decided to set the children of Israel free. They left in army formation with their heads held high as they followed the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day. After a few days, God led them to the Red Sea and had them camp there. Pharaoh had a change of heart and organized the army to go after them. When they saw him coming , they began to complain To Moses and God. They said they were better off slaves than dead men in the dessert. Moses replied and told them to take courage and stand their ground. The same God who freed them would save them again. In verse 14 he said, “The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm” (AMP). His advice is good for us too. Quit complaining, remain calm and trust God.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.” Complaining shows a lack of trust in God. When we trust in Him, we can stop being anxious and worried. No matter what your situation is, let it create prayers rather than complaints. Let it cause us to give thanks rather than blame. Remember, an attitude of gratitude is how we break the habit of complaining. When we pray and give thanks, our whole mindset shifts. We change our focus from what is happening to what God is doing. Like the children of Israel, we may feel, trapped with no way of escape. Complaining won’t change anything, but prayer will. Remember all that God has done for you. He didn’t bring you this far to let you be defeated in the wilderness. Keep silent, remain calm and begin to pray. That’s the way to knowing the peace of God that is beyond understanding in any circumstance.

Photo by Arina Krasnikova.

I was driving home late one night when something caught my eye. There was a small road just off the one I was traveling down with a broken down car on it. I saw a man standing beside it with the hood up. I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to help him. Immediately my mind told me it was late and unsafe, so I kept driving. I felt the Holy Spirit press me again as I looked in my rear view mirror knowing very few people if any were going to be coming down the road. I protested and said, “His hazards aren’t even on. It could be a trap.” Just then he turned on his hazard lights. I was coming to a light at my turn when I saw that. I decided to u-turn and go help. He was an hour from home and the car died. After I couldn’t get it started, I got him in contact with a local tow truck and got him home. He called the next day to thank me and asked why I helped. I told him God saw him there and sent me to help him. He started crying and said he wasn’t sure God had been hearing his prayers.

In Exodus 3, the Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for around 400 years. They had been calling out to God for help, but weren’t sure God heard their prayers. Moses had fled Egypt about forty years before and was living with his Midianite wife and her family. As he was tending the flocks he saw something strange. It was a bush that was on fire, but it wasn’t being consumed. Verses 3 – 4 say, “So Moses said, ‘I must turn away [from the flock] and see this great sight—why the bush is not burned up.’ When the Lord saw that he turned away [from the flock] to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am’” (AMP). Moses had to look away from what he was busy doing to see and hear God. He could have said he was busy, but he turned and went to see what God was directing him to. In that moment, God called him to deliver the Israelites from their bondage.

Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God, the Faithful One, is not unfair. How can he forget the beautiful work you have done for him? He remembers the love you demonstrate as you continually serve his beloved ones for the glory of his name” (TPT). I believe God is speaking to us daily and trying to draw our attention to people who need to know He loves them and hears their prayers. It takes us looking away from what we are trying to accomplish in order to accomplish what His will is. God is not afraid to disrupt our schedule and send us on a mission to be His hands and feet for others. It’s a matter of our willingness to step away and follow His leading. When we do, He will not forget the things we do in His name. It all starts with us turning away from our agendas and being open to listening to His voice.

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When you were in school,your parents wanted you to make good grades. If you did, your name would be on the honor roll. If you stop and think about it, making that list put you into a different category of students that brought recognition, respect and dignity. That’s really what it means to give or receive honor. In school, you had to study, apply yourself and make good grades to receive such honor. The Bible also speaks of ways that we can receive honor as adults. God knows there something in us that seeks to be honored. We like to be recognized, respected and treated with dignity. Honor also carries with it a certain weight that gives dignity and causes people to pay attention. God wants each of us to live in such a way that we are on His honor roll since we bear His name.

Here are some Bible verses on how to receive honor:

1. God says, “I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord. When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. I will reward them with long life; I will save them.”

Psalm 91:14-16 GNT

2. Old age with wisdom will crown you with dignity and honor, for it takes a lifetime of righteousness to acquire it.

Proverbs 16:31 TPT

3. Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.

Proverbs 18:12 NLT

4. He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Proverbs 21:21 NKJV

5. A gracious and good woman attains honor, And ruthless men attain riches [but not respect].

Proverbs 11:16 AMP

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Where I live, there are lots of trees. Two of the most common ones are pine trees and oak trees. Pine trees are evergreens and oaks are deciduous. When it comes to burning wood, lines are considered a soft wood and oaks are hard. Another important fact is that the roots of pine trees go down deep while the roots of the oak stay near the surface. It’s a common sight to see a large, strong oak tumbled on its side after a storm. It doesn’t matter how healthy it is, if it’s roots aren’t very deep, it can’t stand during a strong windstorm. Christians are a lot like these two trees.

There are a lot of believers who stay true to their profession of faith in all areas of life, while there are others who are good at it on Sundays, but change around non-believers. They haven’t yet reconciled their private faith with their public life. There are some believers that no matter what they go through, their hearts remain soft before God. Others go through difficult seasons and their hearts harden towards God blaming Him for their struggles. Some believers realize that Jesus is their source of righteousness. They learn to depend on Him for everything. Others feel like it’s their works that create righteousness. They spend more time focused on doing rather than learning and growing. This mentality creates a shallow root system.

In Colossians 2:7, Paul reminds us, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (NLT). We need to be like that first person who builds their life on Christ letting out roots dig deeper into Him. Our lives should be aiming for maturity in faith and a deeper relationship with Him. When that happens, our hearts will remain soft and no matter what storms come, we won’t be blown over. The depth of your roots in Him matters. Focus on building your faith and trust in Him and His grace will be sufficient for whatever you face.

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Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.

I’m the typical guy when it comes to being on guard when we go places. I like to sit facing the door so I can keep an eye on who’s coming and going. I’m looking for exits in any location. I’m making eye contact with anyone that may seem suspicious to let them know they’re seen. If I feel like we’re being followed or that someone is too close, I will put my hind just under my shirt behind my back to let them know if they try something, I’m not going down without a fight. When were some place new, I’m on high alert. I’m praying nothing happens, but I want to be ready just in case. Meanwhile there are people walking around not paying any attention to their surroundings.

If I’m that vigilant when I walk around, how much more vigilant and on guard should I be spiritually? 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour” (AMP). Sometimes we forget that we are in a spiritual battle as we walk around in the physical. We fail to be on guard when we get up each day. God told Cain that since was crouching at his door waiting waiting to rule him. I believe it’s waiting at each of our doors too. It’s why we must be on high alert each day. Our enemy wants to devour us and to trip us up. Meanwhile there are so many people walking around not paying attention to it and fall into sin.

In Ephesians 6, God gave us the tools we need in order to be prepared for an attack of the enemy. Verse 11 says, “Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” He gave us the Helmet of Salvation to protect our mind and thoughts. The Breastplate of Righteousness to protect our heart. The Belt of Truth to guard against the lies of the enemy. The Shoes of Peace to protect us from the chaos the enemy brings into our lives. God had also given us the Shield of Faith to protect us from the fiery darts of the enemy. Finally, He’s given us the Sword of the Spirit to fight back and take ground. It’s time you and I were on guard each and every day so we can walk in victory.

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One of my favorite shows to watch is called “Alone.” It’s a survivalist reality show where they drop off contestants in remote areas with ten items and some GoPro cameras. The last person standing wins. On season 11, there was a contestant named Timber. He had killed a moose and had been using the meat sparingly in order to survive longer. He continued to fish and hunt throughout in order to add to his food cache. At one point in the show, he talked about how he had been praying. He realized he was trusting in his food cache more than God’s provision. It was an important moment for him and he changed how he approached the game when he was confronted with that reality.

In Matthew 19, we read the story of the rich, young ruler who approached Jesus. He asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responded by telling him to obey the commandments and listed a few. The man was thrilled because he had been following them since he was a kid. Culturally, people associated his wealth with his obedience to the Law. They felt God had blessed his obedience with riches, but inside he knew there must be more, so he pressed Jesus again by asking what else did he need to do. Jesus responded that he needed to give away his wealth, sell everything and give it to the poor. Verse 22 says, “But when the young man heard this, he left grieving and distressed, for he owned much property and had many possessions [which he treasured more than his relationship with God]” (AMP). That last line should catch our attention. He valued something else more than his relationship with God.

In Matthew 6, Jesus was again dealing with this mentality. In verse 24 He said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].” What are you valuing or trusting in more than God? It’s easy to say nothing, but we need to have moments in life like Timber did where we reflect to see if there’s anything we’re trusting in more than God. What gives you a sense of security, status or control? What if God asked you to give that up? How hard would it be? We like to think of ourselves as better than the rich, young ruler, but the truth is we’re a lot like him. We must be willing to let go of earthly blessings in order to trust the blessing giver. He is our source. Being a disciple of Jesus is to value that relationship more than anything else.

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Have you stopped to think about the things you’re pursuing? We’re all pursuing different things. Some are in the pursuit of money, fame recognition and validation. The desire to have certain things are what drives us, sometimes blindly. We all get to choose what we pursue and how long we pursue it. Will the things you’re pursuing matter in eternity? I’ve found a lot of what we pursue is really only for this world. The Bible names several things we should pursue as believers. That means we must change our focus and actively go after them. God wants us to start thinking beyond this world. When our thinking changes, so will the things we pursue.

Here are some Bible verses on what we should pursue:

1. Pursue [this] love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people].

1 Corinthians 14:1 AMP

2. So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth].

Romans 14:19 AMP

3. Even the strong and the wealthy grow weak and hungry, but those who passionately pursue the Lord will never lack any good thing.

Psalms 34:10 TPT

4. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

I Timothy 6:11 NKJV

5. Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the impulses of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue spiritual realities.

Romans 8:5 TPT

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What do you do when you’re stressed, under attack or when everything seems to be going wrong? We all have a fight or flight switch in our brain. When it’s switched to flight, where do you go? What do you normally do? I tend to close up, get quiet and go to bed early. My body and brain run through every scenario of how to get out of it or to resolve the conflict. I expend lots of energy and brain power thinking about it to the point that it consumes me. I know some people whose response is to complain about it looking for sympathy. Others will try to express it in art to help them process everything. We all go to something to help us cope with the situation. Sometimes that thing we run to is a bad habit or an old sin that we just can’t seem to beat.

When David was under attack, he went on the run to other cities and caves. I’ve been to the area in Israel where he would run to. It’s hot there and there’s not much in that area to sustain life. Every time we go through that area, I look up into the mountains looking for caves wondering, “Is that one that David stayed in? Why would he come here?” However, God used his time on the run to refocus his attention back to where it belonged. A mighty warrior like him could easily think his own might was good enough to save himself, but God reminded him that He was his rock, fortress and sure salvation. David’s faith and trust in God grew while he was on the run because he learned to trust in God’s character during those times.

Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe” (NLT). The word “name” here actually translates to “the character of God.” Instead of blaming God for our situation, we need to be trusting in His character. To do that, I think about Lamentations 3:22-23. It says, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” I draw comfort from those words knowing that God is not the source of my problems. He’s the source of my refuge and strength from them. He is faithful to grow me through them and to deliver me when the time is right. When troubles come your way, don’t run away from God. Instead run to Him remembering His character that has always sustained you.

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Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.

In Genesis 45, Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers. He must have seen panic on their faces because he kept telling them not to be upset or blame each other. He said that it was God, and not them, who sent him to Egypt in order to preserve their family. Then he wanted to know about his father. He then sent them back with wagons and supplies to get Jacob and bring him to Egypt. At that moment, Joseph had been second in command for nearly a decade. He could have sent for his father years before this moment, but he didn’t. You know he wanted too, but he waited on God’s timing. He put God’s will above his own, and when the time was right, God brought his family to him.

In 1 Samuel 16, young David was a shepherd boy out in the field while his father had his brothers before the prophet. It wasn’t long before they called him and anointed him to be the next king. A few years later he was on the run from King Saul. In 1 Samuel 24,David was hiding in a cave when Saul,came in alone to use the restroom. David’s men encouraged him to kill Saul and take the throne, but David didn’t. Another opportunity presented itself in 1 Samuel 26. Even though he was told by God he would be king after Saul, he spared his life. It would be 15 years between the time he was anointed and the time he became king. Even though he was told by God it was his destiny, he waited on God’s timing.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (NKJV). I don’t know how long you’ve been waiting for God to position you to fulfill your calling, but keep waiting on God. Ask for wisdom to know when the time is right. God will renew your strength in the waiting. Don’t try to preemptively move before God’s timing. At just the right time, He will do it. Your calling is still valid. You may feel forgotten like Joseph or on the run like David. Keep running and walking towards what God called you to. He will sustain you. His timing is perfect and He who began this work in you will be faithful to complete it in His time.

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