August 16, 2024 · 5:26 AM

The Greatest Reward

So many companies are offering rewards for downloading their app or being loyal to them. My grocery store give gas discounts, restaurants offer free food, credit card companies offer points and even the police offer money to help catch someone. We seem to be motivated by rewards. Maybe that’s why God offers us rewards as well for seeking Him and following His way of living. The reward He offers is greater than anything here on earth. He offers us the reward of finding the one thing we are all seeking. There’s a hole in everyone’s life that they spend a lifetime trying to fill. It can only be filled by Him. When we seek Him, we will find Him. When we find Him, we find our purpose. When we find our purpose, our life is fulfilled. What a reward that is! When we seek Him and draw near to Him, He draws near to us and we experience His presence moving and working in our life.

Here are some Bible verses that show God rewards us:

1. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

2. There’s a crown of righteousness waiting in heaven for me, and I know that my Lord will reward me on his day of righteous judgment. And this crown is not only waiting for me, but for all who love and long for his unveiling.

2 Timothy 4:8 TPT

3. Trouble follows sinners everywhere, but righteous people will be rewarded with good things.

Proverbs 13:21 GNT

4. The Lord rewards me because I do what is right; he blesses me because I am innocent.

Psalm 18:20 GNT

5. Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.

Revelation 22:12 NLT

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August 15, 2024 · 5:30 AM

God’s True Path For You

A recent news headline that caught my attention said, “Magnetic North Shifting By 30 Miles A Year”. As a person who grew up learning how to orienteer using a compass and maps, that’s a significant shift. It creates a greater difference between where compasses point and the North Pole (geographic north). It also creates significant problems for airplanes, your phone’s GPS navigation and migratory animals who use magnetic north to orient themselves. It has created such a problem that scientists are having to update the World Magnetic Model, the system that calibrates all GPS, a year early. If they hadn’t done that, the GPS in your phone, car and on airplanes could take you to a place that would be different by several miles depending on the length of the trip. In short, you would think you were on the right track, but miss your destination.

In today’s world, what the world considers “north” and what God considers “north” are separating at faster rate than ever. The world tells us that each of us have our own truth, but Jesus said He is the Truth. He is our geographic north if you will. The more we rely on our own truth or follow the truth of this world, the farther we will be from our destination when we arrive. This is not a new phenomenon. It’s been going on since the Garden of Eden when the serpent got Eve to switch from God’s north to her own. Today, he is still trying to get each one of us to make that shift and is blurring the lines between where each of us believe north in our lives is. We must be grounded in God’s infallible Word if we’re going to stay on the paths God has for us.

In Psalm 86:11, David realized the pull on his heart to switch from true north to a worldly magnetic north. He prayed, “Train me, GOD, to walk straight; then I’ll follow your true path” (MSG). That is a prayer that each one of us needs to pray daily along with reading and meditating on the Bible if we’re going to stay on God’s true path for our life. The great news is that if we have veered from His path, there’s time to make adjustments and get back onto His path. We simply need to recognize that we’ve made the shift, ask for forgiveness and then pray for guidance to get back on His path. He has given us to Holy Spirit to be our guide and to lead us into all truth (John 16:13). God has given us everything we need to follow His true path for our life. We just need to make sure we’re headed for His destination guided by His truth.

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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.

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August 14, 2024 · 5:35 AM

Outsourcing Our Worship

When we think of worship, we often associate it with singing in a church service. However, in the Bible it took on many forms, and it was always an act of humility in response to the presence and power of God. That act of humility showed up in different ways. For some, they bowed down to the ground in worship. Some, like David, raised their hands and sang of the greatness of God. Abel brought the best of his flock to the Lord and sacrificed it as an act of worship. Later, in Leviticus 1, God would ask for each person to do the very same thing as they came to the Temple. They were to bring the best and unblemished animals from their own flock to give to Him. This act of worship also provided margin in their lives for God to provide for them.

In Matthew 21:12-13, we read the famous story of Jesus entering the Temple and flipping over tables. It says, “Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, ‘The Scriptures declare, “My Temple will be called a house of prayer,” but you have turned it into a den of thieves!’” (NLT). Did you catch what they were selling? It was the animals to be used as an act of worship and it made Him angry because they were outsourcing their worship. Instead of bringing their best, the just bought something from someone else and offered it. Their act of worship became a ritual part of going to the Temple rather than something that came from their heart. He was about to offer Himself as a sacrifice in an act of worship and their actions were mocking true worship.

Romans 12:1 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Jesus was our example of physically offering His body as an acceptable way to worship. Here, Paul is asking us to give our whole life to the cause of Christ, not just on Sundays. He wants our hearts to respond to the power of His presence in our lives by committing everything to Him as an act of worship. Many times we only offer Him a portion and not everything. When we hold back or only give Him a portion of our lives, we are outsourcing our worship, and that is not acceptable. He wants every part of your life. What parts and habits have you been holding back from Him? As an act of worship today, would you commit it to Him?

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August 13, 2024 · 5:08 AM

Comforting Others

I’ve lived through some very painful times in my life. Chances are that you have too. At one point, I couldn’t see a future for me. I struggled to live through the next minute. It took all my energy just to get through each minute, one by one, throughout the day. I didn’t understand why I was going through it. I cried out to God and He seemed distant and quiet. I felt alone, forsaken and that no one else could understand. It took time, but I made it through with God’s help. Now, when I see someone else going through something similar, my heart breaks with compassion for them. I reach out and offer comfort and strength to them. I also offer hope that they can come through on the other side with a full life ahead. I’ve learned God can use the darkest times in our lives so we can offer empathy and comfort to others in the future.

Very few people in the Bible lived through as painful life as Joseph. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, was falsely accused of rape, thrown in prison in a foreign land and forgotten about. We don’t get to read about his anguish though. We don’t get to hear him cry out to God. However, we do get to read his redemption. We get to see God fulfill a dream that for years felt beyond God’s ability to make happen. We get to see God restore his relationship with his brothers and father. After his father’s death, his siblings began to fear. As the story and book concludes, we read in Genesis 50:21, “‘So now, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and support you and your little ones.’ So he comforted them [giving them encouragement and hope] and spoke [with kindness] to their hearts” (AMP). God used the hardest time in his life to help him give comfort and encouragement to his brothers.

2 Corinthians 1:4 says, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (NLT). There is a biblical pattern of God allowing people to go through unspeakable pain without understanding why and then using them to comfort and encourage others down the road. Even at the end of Job’s suffering, God had him pray for his friends. If you’re going through the darkness now, I want to encourage you that there is hope and God will restore your life even though you can’t see it now. He will use this time for your good and the good of others. If you’ve just made it through, keep walking. Restoration and healing often take time, but God is faithful. If your period of pain is behind you, look for someone you can encourage and comfort. God uses what the enemy meant for evil in our lives to give strength and hope to others. You may be the only one who can truly empathize with them and the only one they will receive comfort from. Ask the Holy Spirit, our comforter, to partner with you in comforting others.

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August 12, 2024 · 5:34 AM

Guard Yourself

There’s a story that the writer of Proverbs shares with his son that we all should be aware of. In verse 6, he says he was looking out his window over the city and saw a naive man walking down the street. He crossed the street near an immoral woman’s house and began to linger a bit. He knew she was immoral and chose to walk by there anyway. She came out, approached him and threw her arms around him. She said something religious to throw him off. She then said she had been looking for him and spoke seductively to him wooing him inside. He followed her like a bird into a snare not knowing it would cost him his life. The writer is warning us how temptation works and is begging us to guard our hearts so we don’t follow in the same steps as this naive man.

In Ephesians 6, Paul reminds us that we must be strong in the Lord and in His might so we can stand up to the temptations of the devil who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. He reminds us to put on God’s armor to help protect us. Verse 14 says, “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness” (NLT). This body armor, or breastplate of righteousness, was meant to guard the heart which is the seat of our emotions and representative of our spiritual life. It is meant to shield us from the attacks and temptations from the enemy that would pierce us and lead us down the road the naive man went down. It’s accompanied by the belt of truth because we must know God’s truth in order to push back against the enemy’s lies the way Jesus did. Putting these on requires us to know the Word and to make choice’s consistent with our faith.

In Romans 13, Paul tells us we must live differently than the people of the world. We must live as people of the light rather than of darkness. In verse 14 he says, “Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” We must put on the righteousness provided by Jesus and make decisions in our thinking that reflect His way for our life. Otherwise we will be caught in the enemy’s web of deceit drawing us away from God’s righteousness. He causes us to think about sin and it’s pleasures rather than the end result. Instead of playing around with it and walking near the street of the thing that tempts you, guard your heart and stay away. Don’t be like the naive man who went near the temptation. Put on truth and righteousness. Don’t entertain thoughts of temptation. Just like the woman luring the man in, our enemy is trying to lure us away from living as people of the light. Guard yourself with the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness.

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August 9, 2024 · 5:28 AM

The Paths Of God

Life is about movement and growth. There are always several paths we can take. Some of us go with our feelings to decide which to take. Some think logically while others pray about it. Knowing which path to take is important. That’s why Proverbs 3:5-6 says that when we trust in and acknowledge the Lord He will direct our paths. Psalm 119:105 says that God’s Word is lamp for our feet and a light to our path. God wants us to take us down the paths He has for us. His paths are right and good, but not always easy. We can continue to trust Him when the path has ups and downs because He has our best interest at heart. He’s concerned about our destination more than our comfort. As you look at the path ahead of you, seek His will and wisdom to guide you along the way.

Here are some Bible verses on the paths God has for you.

1. All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

Psalms 25:10 AMP

2. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 ESV

3. This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.

Isaiah 48:17 NLT

4. He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly and tread safely on paths of testing and trouble]; He sets me [securely] upon my high places.

Psalms 18:33 AMP

5. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Psalms 23:3 NLT

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August 8, 2024 · 5:30 AM

Combating Internal Lies

When you’re going through a difficult season or through a hard time, you start seeking out sympathy. One of the things you’re going to hear in your mind is, “You don’t deserve this. Why is God mad at you?” Another thing you will hear is, “No one has it as badly as you do. No one will understand what you’re going through.” I know because I’ve heard them. These are lies to get you to be upset at God, to get mad at others and to isolate you. If you’re mad at God, you won’t pray and a root of bitterness can spring up. If you’re mad at others, you won’t accept help from them. If you’re isolated, you’re easy prey for your enemy who roams like a lion seeking to devour you.

To combat the first lie, I use Romans 8:28 as a promise to hold onto. I believe that no matter how bad things get, God can always work it out for my good. To combat the second lie, I look for people who had it worse than I did. There is always someone else who is having a more difficult time than you. I’ve also come to realize that while my circumstance are unique, it doesn’t disqualify anyone from understanding and offering empathy. The pain and stages of grief are where others can connect to help me from getting isolated. I also keep at least one friend nearby who knows that during difficult seasons I may push people away, but really I want and need them close by. They know I need encouragement and to be refocused during those times.

Hebrews 12:3 is a great Scripture to help refocus in difficult times. It says, “So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls, so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures” (TPT). Jesus, who is our intercessor, has been through worse things and attacks than anyone. The verse before this one reminds us that He endured all that for the joy set before Him knowing what good was going to come from it. Now He is able to be empathetic and to pray specifically for you to the Father. You are never alone in your struggles. You are never left without an intercessor who is praying for you. Don’t believe the lies you hear in your mind. Read the Word of God and stand on His promises. It may not feel like it, and you may not be able to see it, but He is working things out for your good.

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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.

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August 7, 2024 · 5:39 AM

Choose Wise Words

Have you ever said the first thing that came to your mind and then later regretted it? Once words leave our mouth, we can never get them back. I’ve had other times where I’ve thought long and hard about what to say and how to say it only to still have them take it the wrong way. It’s even worse with texts because there’s no tone. The reader can insert their own tone or put the emphasis on whichever word they want. As a communications trainer, I’ve shown people how changing what word you put the emphasis on can change the whole meaning of a sentence. I’ve learned though that you can control what and how you say something, but you can’t control how they receive it. Even knowing that, it’s still important to find the right words, the right tone and the right body language because how and what you say has the power to heal relationships and people as well.

In Joshua 22, we read the story of where the land was conquered and Joshua released the three tribes who wanted land east of the Jordan from their obligation. Before they crossed the Jordan, they built a large altar that was similar to what the other tribes used to worship God. When someone saw it, they spread word and got all the other tribes up in arms and they showed up to fight the three tribes. They assumed they knew what was in their hearts and assumed it was evil so they confronted them with an army threatening to destroy them. Thankfully they spoke to them first and they explained they were looking generations ahead and wanted to make sure future generations knew they were part of the family. It wasn’t to defy God or even to burn sacrifices on. It was simply a reminder. The other tribes listened to their words and were satisfied. They made a covenant there and allowed the altar to stand. It’s a reminder to us how things can be interpreted and how important our words can be.

Proverbs 12:18 says, “Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal” (GNT). Sometimes we say things purposely to hurt someone, but other times, it’s the thoughtless ones that really sting. You can probably think of a time you’ve been wounded by someone’s words. When you’re offended or are looking for offense, you tend to think that what someone else said was meant to hurt you. You add tone, emphasis and intent where it wasn’t intended. Did you know that Scripturally it’s your responsibility to go to them and let them know they’ve offended you privately (Matthew 18:15)? You can either use your words to tear them down back or bring healing to the relationship. I’ve seen this done Scripturally where someone came to me and said, “When you said this, I took it as that and it hurt me.” In those moments, I’ve thought back to the situation and most times they were thoughtless words that didn’t mean to harm, but they did. Choose your words wisely and choose to speak healing.

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August 6, 2024 · 5:24 AM

Life’s Seasons

Seasons change. We seem to always be looking for the next season. Whatever season we’re in, we seem to complain about it. We complain about the heat of summer, the cold of winter, the rain in spring and the shorter days of fall. We’re always wanting out of the season we’re in. However, it’s the different seasons that create the lifecycle of growth and production. Without winter the ground couldn’t rest. Without spring seeds wouldn’t spout. Without summer, plants wouldn’t grow. Without Fall we wouldn’t see a harvest. Our lives experience these same cycles and seasons. Just like the regular seasons, we complain and look for the next one.

The people in the Bible were in different seasons and they taught us what to do in each one. In a season of temptation, Jesus quoted scriptures. In a season of being on the run from Saul, David found strength in the word of God. In a season of battles Joshua trusted the word of the Lord. In a season of lamenting Jeremiah found hope in the faithfulness of God. In a season of barrenness Abraham trusted the promise. In a season of persecution, the Early Church counted it joy to suffer as they looked forward to the return of Jesus. Each season passed for these men and women of old, but while they were in them, they held onto God’s Word.

Isaiah 40:8 reminds us, “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever” (NLT). I don’t know what season you’re in right now. It may look like everything in your life is fading away. It’s in these moments, you must trust in God’s Word. Everything will change except it. His Word is our solid ground in a world of shifting sand. It is the stability we need, the shelter we can hide in, the water we can drink from and the firm foundation to build our life on. Though the storms come, our life can be anchored to hope knowing it will last forever. Instead of complaining about the season you’re in, seek out what God is trying to do in your life during it. Hold fast to the promises you find knowing He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. What He’s done in His Word, He can do today, and will do forever no matter what season you’re in.

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August 5, 2024 · 5:34 AM

Becoming Resilient

Resilience is a person’s ability to withstand difficulties or to be able to bounce back from them. We all have different levels of resilience. In 1956, Jim Elliot had been a missionary to Ecuador for three years. He had been wanting to reach a tribe who was known for their hostility towards outsiders. He felt in his heart that God had called him to reach this tribe so he and some others flew over to meet them. When he didn’t radio back that evening, his wife Elisabeth had another friend fly over the area. Her worst fear was confirmed. The men were killed. However, Elisabeth didn’t return home. She stayed and continued to try to reach this tribe. Within two years the whole tribe accepted Jesus and Jim’s family was living in the village.

In Genesis 39: we’re introduced to Joseph. He was Jacob’s favorite son out of twelve. He had a couple dreams where his brothers and his parents bowed down to him. It wasn’t long after that his brothers beat him up, threw him in a cistern and sold him as a slave. He worked in an Egyptian’s house until he was falsely accused and thrown in prison. After years of being down there, two men who served Pharaoh joined him. They had dreams as well. He interpreted them and they came true, but he was soon forgotten. In over a decade of being in slavery and prison, we don’t hear Joseph complain. Instead, we see his resilience knowing his dream was from God. It wasn’t long after that when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and saved his family while seeing his dream come to pass.

Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (NLT). It goes on to say that we don’t have to fear calamities, earthquakes, floods and other disasters. We can be resilient through terrible times knowing that God is in control. To be resilient is to surrender what control you think you have to him. Ultimately His way will prevail. Elisabeth and Joseph trusted God’s voice and plan when their expectations of it didn’t happen. Their resilience helped them to stay the course, believe in their dream and trust God no matter what their circumstances showed. He was their refuge and strength when they needed Him in times of trouble. Because they surrendered their expectations of what things should look like, they were rewarded with the fulfillment of the dreams God placed in them. What do you need to surrender to God so you can find refuge and withstand things not appearing to go your way?

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