LHM Daily Devotion - October 27, 2017 "Ruthless Love"

In January of 1978, Florida newspapers carried the story of...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Ruthless Love"

October 27, 2017

(Jesus said) "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you."

~ John 15:12-14 (ESV)

In January of 1978, Florida newspapers carried the story of James Michael Harper of Tampa.

Harper was playing with his puppy on a train trestle over the Hillsborough River. The puppy got loose and Harper saw a train coming. He was determined to save his dog. The dog was saved, but the train ran over Harper. No, he didn't die, but he lost both legs -- for a puppy.

What kind of love would motivate a boy to run the risk of dying so a puppy might live? Would you do it? Be honest. Would you do it? No, of course you wouldn't. If you had been there, you would have held Harper back. We know that no dog, no matter how well trained, no matter how pure his bloodlines, is worth the legs or life of a boy. But Harper didn't see it that way. That's because he loved with what I call a ruthless love.

Ruthless love may be a new concept to you.

We can understand motherly love that makes endless sacrifices. We can comprehend a soldier's willingness to sacrifice for his country. But to die for a dog? That's hard for us to grasp. That kind of love is ruthless.

Ruthless love sweeps to the side anything and everything that stands in the way of completion.

Ruthless love doesn't count cost, ask questions, or consider consequences.

Ruthless love is single-minded in its purpose and cannot be diverted in its direction.

Would you like to know more about ruthless love? Listen to the words Paul wrote to the church in Rome: "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us'"(Romans 5:8).

That's ruthless love. After the first six days of creation, our perfect God did a survey and saw everything He had made was, well, perfect. The trees were perfect. The fish were perfect. The birds were perfect. The reptiles were perfect. The people were perfect. There was no asthma, cancer, colds, coughs, plague, or malaria. There were no tears, sadness, loneliness, depression, or death. There were no oil spills, terrorists, child pornographers, drug dealers, floods, or flat tires. All was as it was supposed to be, and God's verdict: it was all very, "very good" (see Genesis 1:31).

And then we messed up everything and sinned. It was an act of supreme disobedience and should have been punished with a supreme punishment. Instead of destroying our race at that moment, the Lord decided to send His Son to pay the ransom price for our souls. That was ruthless love.

Read through the Gospels and you will see Jesus, on every page, showing ruthless love. He becomes friend to the lonely and healer to those who are sick. He is educator, miracle worker, and Savior.

The offering of His life on the cross is ruthless love, which offers the life of God's Son to procure forgiveness for the guilty. It is this ruthless love that saves our souls.

THE PRAYER: Lord, grant that I may be blessed with a love which, as much as I am able, reflects the ruthless love Jesus has shown to me. This I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin!  Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).

CPTLN Devocional de 27 de Octubre de 2017 - Crisis económica y fe

Alimento Diario

Crisis económica y fe

27 de Octubre 2017

Jesús tomó entonces los cinco panes y los dos pescados, y levantando los ojos al cielo los bendijo. Luego partió los panes y se los dio a sus discípulos para que los repartieran entre la gente, y también repartió entre todos los dos pescados.

~ Marcos 6:41 (RVC)

A todos nos preocupa la economía de nuestros países. Hoy es común que se hable de recesión y estancamiento, lo que puede traernos la pérdida de nuestro empleo o de nuestra vivienda. Estamos tan concentrados en estos problemas, que con frecuencia olvidamos que nuestro Señor Jesucristo prometió no darnos cargas más pesadas de las que podríamos llevar.

Él también nos dijo que le pidamos lo que necesitemos, y que él nos lo dará. Dios es tan bondadoso y amoroso, que nos brinda muchas oportunidades para que nos acerquemos a él. Pero nosotros, por causa de nuestra ceguera espiritual y nuestra falta de fe, muchas veces las dejamos pasar, aumentando aún más las preocupaciones diarias.

El Señor nos ha dicho que seamos como las aves que, aún cuando no se preocupan por el mañana, nunca dejan de comer ni de recibir abrigo. Aprendamos a confiar en que nuestro Señor siempre nos va a proveer todo lo que necesitamos. Él siempre va a estar entre nosotros como lo ha prometido y, si confiamos en él como nuestro Salvador, se va a hacer cargo de nuestras preocupaciones y nos va a dar la capacidad necesaria para enfrentar los problemas con sabiduría, pues para Dios nada es imposible.

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, te pido que me guíes en estos momentos difíciles. Pongo mis problemas en tus manos, y confío que las aflicciones del tiempo presente no son nada comparadas con la gloria que tú nos prometes. Quiero alabarte y glorificarte a través de tu amado Hijo, nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Amén.

Biografía del autor: Citia Karina es maestra de escuela primaria que colabora como voluntaria en las oficinas de Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones en Nicaragua, enseñando la Biblia a niños y jóvenes.

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. ¡Utilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL.

The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, October 26, 2017

God’s Chosen Servant

Daily Readings

Ezra 1:1-11

In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom, and also in a written edict declared: "Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of those among you who are of his people-- may their God be with them!-- are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel-- he is the God who is in Jerusalem; and let all survivors, in whatever place they reside, be assisted by the people of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides freewill offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem." The heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites-- everyone whose spirit God had stirred-- got ready to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. All their neighbors aided them with silver vessels, with gold, with goods, with animals, and with valuable gifts, besides all that was freely offered. King Cyrus himself brought out the vessels of the house of the LORD that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the house of his gods. King Cyrus of Persia had them released into the charge of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. And this was the inventory: gold basins, thirty; silver basins, one thousand; knives, twenty-nine; gold bowls, thirty; other silver bowls, four hundred ten; other vessels, one thousand; the total of the gold and silver vessels was five thousand four hundred. All these Sheshbazzar brought up, when the exiles were brought up from Babylonia to Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 16:1-9

Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. I will visit you after passing through Macedonia-- for I intend to pass through Macedonia-- and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way, wherever I go. I do not want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Matthew 12:15-21

When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 37: Part I Noli aemulari

1   Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; do not be jealous of those who do wrong.
2   For they shall soon wither like the grass, and like the green grass fade away.
3   Put your trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and feed on its riches.
4   Take delight in the LORD, and he shall give you your heart's desire.
5   Commit your way to the LORD and put your trust in him, and he will bring it to pass.
6   He will make your righteousness as clear as the light and your just dealing as the noonday.
7   Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.
8   Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, the one who succeeds in evil schemes.
9   Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.
10   For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait upon the LORD shall possess the land.
11   In a little while the wicked shall be no more; you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.
12   But the lowly shall possess the land; they will delight in abundance of peace.
13   The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash at them with their teeth.
14   The Lord laughs at the wicked, because he sees that their day will come.
15   The wicked draw their sword and bend their bow to strike down the poor and needy, to slaughter those who are upright in their ways.
16   Their sword shall go through their own heart, and their bow shall be broken.
17   The little that the righteous has is better than great riches of the wicked.
18   For the power of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 37: Part II Novit Dominus

19   The LORD cares for the lives of the godly, and their inheritance shall last for ever.
20   They shall not be ashamed in bad times, and in days of famine they shall have enough.
21   As for the wicked, they shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD, like the glory of the meadows, shall vanish; they shall vanish like smoke.
22   The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are generous in giving.
23   Those who are blessed by God shall possess the land, but those who are cursed by him shall be destroyed.
24   Our steps are directed by the LORD; he strengthens those in whose way he delights.
25   If they stumble, they shall not fall headlong, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
26   I have been young and now I am old, but never have I seen the righteous forsaken, or their children begging bread.
27   The righteous are always generous in their lending, and their children shall be a blessing.
28   Turn from evil, and do good, and dwell in the land for ever.
29   For the LORD loves justice; he does not forsake his faithful ones.
30   They shall be kept safe for ever, but the offspring of the wicked shall be destroyed.
31   The righteous shall possess the land and dwell in it for ever.
32   The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and their tongue speaks what is right.
33   The law of their God is in their heart, and their footsteps shall not falter.
34   The wicked spy on the righteous and seek occasion to kill them.
35   The LORD will not abandon them to their hand, nor let them be found guilty when brought to trial.
36   Wait upon the LORD and keep his way; he will raise you up to possess the land, and when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
37   I have seen the wicked in their arrogance, flourishing like a tree in full leaf.
38   I went by, and behold, they were not there; I searched for them, but they could not be found.
39   Mark those who are honest; observe the upright; for there is a future for the peaceable.
40   Transgressors shall be destroyed, one and all; the future of the wicked is cut off.
41   But the deliverance of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
42   The LORD will help them and rescue them; he will rescue them from the wicked and deliver them, because they seek refuge in him.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Prayer of the Day for THURSDAY, October 26, 2017

Heavenly Father, make me an instrument of your grace. Weave my life together with the lives of all who confess the name of your Son, Jesus, into a holy garment to cover the world; let us be as bricks in a great lighthouse to guide the entire world to you, to your love and your forgiveness. Help us to overcome differences that come from our sinful nature, so that we may be welded together in a holy priesthood, standing as a testimony to purity, goodness, and forgiveness. Bless me and those who pray with me now, that although we cannot see or hear one another, we may be bonded in your Holy Spirit.

Amen

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, October 26, 2017

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Read all of 2 Timothy 3

Listen to 2 Timothy 3

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - A Modern Day Miracle

A Modern Day Miracle

Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.

~ Psalms 30:2 (ESV)

Mr. and Mrs. Henson were told news, which no new parents want to hear. “I’m sorry to inform you that your baby has a condition called hydrocephalus, where she has a buildup of fluid on her brain,” the doctor grimly said. “There is obstruction, which prevents fluid drainage. If it is left untreated, it can cause brain damage and even death. We will monitor it, and if needed we will do surgery to insert a shunt to release the pressure.”

Little Rachel, just a beautiful tiny infant girl, was in trouble, but unknown to the parents, God had a plan for her life. Each month, Rachel had to go for testing, to measure the amount of fluid and pressure on her little brain. For 18 months this continued, until the fluid started causing pressure buildup. It was at this point, the doctor told them that the time for surgery had arrived.

Once inserting a shunt, patients with this condition usually need to have a shunt system in place for the rest of their lives, and it needs to be monitored for possible infections and complications. Because Rachel was so young, her parents were told that additional surgeries may be needed to insert longer tubing as she grew. This was not going to be an easy road.

Both the parents, and the grandparents, had been praying for their sweet little girl. She had also been put on several church prayer lists. They were all hoping for a healing, but not necessarily expecting one. Eighteen months had gone by, with no change in her condition, except for this additional pressure that needed to be addressed.

Just before she went into surgery, the doctor showed them the x-rays, pointing out the areas with fluid. For some strange reason the doctor said, “Do you want me to do another x-ray before we operate?” Both the parents and grandparents thought this was a strange request. The doctor admitted that it was just something they offered, but the x-rays would not show anything new. Little did he know that the Great Physician was at work. After deliberation, they agreed to one more x-ray.

When the doctor emerged to give them updated news, he spoke words that left them dumbfounded, “There is nothing wrong with this little girl.” They could not believe what they were hearing. Putting the x-rays side by side, the doctor displayed meaning to his words. The first one showed fluid. The second one, the fluid was completely gone.

Instead of surgery that day, baby Rachel went home, healed from hydrocephalus. God did indeed perform a miracle that day. Rachel’s granddad, still chokes up with tears when he tells the story. Rachel is now 22 years old. She is smart, and just earned her degree from college. She brings great joy to those who know her.

Sometimes, we think the days of miracles are gone, but this is a story to show God’s modern day miracle of healing power, still alive and well. Rachel, her parents, and her grandparents, can attest to that. Rachel does not like being in the spotlight, but a church newsletter refers to her as, “The Henson Baby Miracle.”

Dear Lord of Miracles, We thank thee for thy goodness, and mercy, which follows us, all the days of our lives. Amen

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


Seeking God?
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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Devotion shared by Jenny Calvert.
Sometimes, we think the days of miracles are gone...

Un Dia a la Vez - Jesús y el adulterio

Jesús y el adulterio

Oísteis que fue dicho: No cometerás adulterio. Pero yo os digo que cualquiera que mira a una mujer para codiciarla, ya adulteró con ella en su corazón.

~ Mateo 5:27-28 (RV-60)

Dios es bien radical con el problema del «adulterio». Desea y ordena que seamos hombres y mujeres de una sola pareja. No acepta bajo ninguna razón tener otras relaciones aparte del cónyuge. Sabemos que este es un veneno que mata los matrimonios y que cada vez más se filtra en las iglesias.

Por lo tanto, nosotros tenemos el llamado a cuidar los hogares, a huir de la tentación, pasar tiempo de calidad con nuestra pareja y tener muchísima comunicación. La clave de todo esto es tener a Jesús en el hogar como base. Además, la oración individual y en pareja es una bendición y es la manera de cubrir nuestro hogar.

Recuerda que no vale la pena que por un momento de placer o por una aventura se arroje por la ventana el matrimonio y los hijos. Sobre todo, que tengamos que vivir las consecuencias por nuestros actos donde el juez supremo es Dios.

Aunque tanto el hombre como la mujer tienen la responsabilidad del matrimonio, Dios le va a pedir cuentas al hombre que es la cabeza del hogar. Si tiene la autoridad, tiene mayor responsabilidad ante Él.

Busca a tu pareja, reconcíliate con ella y arregla tus cuentas con Dios.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THOUGH NONE GO WITH ME

THOUGH NONE GO WITH ME

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'

~ Matthew 10:34-36 (NIV)

In the early morning of July 20, 1992 handicapped Pakistani Christian, Tahir Iqbal, died a martyr’s death at age thirty-two in prison. He was charged with slander of the prophet Mohammed and desecration of the Koran. His death occurred under mysterious circumstances. According to fellow-prisoners Tahir vomited blood before he died which could point to poisoning or another form of violence. His stepmother declared, “Allah never forgives those who blaspheme against his holy prophet. Tahir received what he deserved.”

When Tahir Iqbal, a direct descendant of the prophet Mohammad, became ill and paralyzed from his waist down as a young adult, his family abandoned him. It would be a foretaste of things to come. Christians befriended him and he gave his heart and life to Jesus.

Tahir was quite bold about his new found faith and this stirred up the anger of the imam at the mosque. The imam started a slander campaign against Tahir, which resulted in a Police rescue on December 7, 1990 when a crowd of Muslim extremists were out to murder him.

In order to protect Tahir he was transferred to the prison. He would never leave it. Tahir was under continuous pressure to return to Islam. “They want me to say that I was forced to change my beliefs, that it was because of money, or for a good job, or to get a wife. They must know that I only changed my faith because I did find the Truth.”

His most famous statement when threatened with death was, “I’ll kiss that rope but I’ll never deny my faith.”

When his pastor was notified of his death, he went to the prison. It turned out that Tahir’s stepmother had already arrived to claim the body. Members of the church inquired the next day and to their shock they were informed that Tahir had been buried already. His stepmother had received and taken the body without a post-mortem. In less than 36 hours after his death Tahir received an Islamic burial ceremony performed by the same Muslim cleric who had demanded the death penalty.

Now he praises his Savior in heavenly glory, where all tears have been wiped away.

RESPONSE: Today I reaffirm my commitment to follow Jesus even if none go with me.

PRAYER: Lord, be with my brothers and sisters suffering unjustly in Pakistan today under the blasphemy law.

NIV Devotions for Men - TV Dinner or Pot Pie?

TV Dinner or Pot Pie? 

Psalm 96:1–13
Recommended Reading: 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 37:5; Jeremiah 2:12–13; Matthew 22:37–40

When was the last time you ate a frozen TV dinner? If you’re old enough, you may remember those early meals that were sold in an aluminum tray and marketed by the Swanson® company in the mid-1950s. If you’ve had one lately, you’re probably well aware that this idea has been adapted for the microwave. Separate compartments house different components of the entrée, and after a few minutes these “nuked” delicacies are ready to savor—from corn to chicken to a brownie for dessert. Delicious! Or so some folks say.

The frozen dinner is an appropriate image for guys—and not just because it keeps us from having to cook. Men often try to compartmentalize their lives—much like a frozen dinner. As most men are wired to think in a linear fashion, this kind of separation usually works nicely: The job goes in one compartment of the tray. Put the family in another. Friends and extended family in another. And sometimes God is relegated to the dessert compartment—the smallest one in the tray that gets attention only for an hour or so on Sunday.

But another idea surfaced around the same time as the TV dinner, one that we could look at as a new representation for our lives as men. The “pot pie” is a more realistic image for life. Inside the flaky crust is a (typically scalding) combination of food groups—it’s nearly impossible to separate the different parts of the pie from each other.

Consider the point to this culinary conversation: Life doesn’t fit into neat compartments. The psalmist illustrates this in his writing when he charges the sum of God’s creation to praise God. The earth, sea, land, stars, trees, forests, fields—everything! All of creation rejoices because of God’s deeds, his splendor and majesty, his strength and glory.

Now, let’s flip that around. Consider your life—every aspect of it. Does it all belong to God? Does it all praise God?

Chances are you’re going to say no. That’s okay, because today is a new day! Maybe you struggle to believe that God cares about your finances, the challenges you face at work or your struggles with sin. But he does! Life works best when you stop making God an add-on to your days—something to consider once a week before moving on. He longs to be brought into the discussion, to permeate every aspect of your life. Like sauce in a pot pie, once you allow him to cover every aspect of your life you’ll discover a richer and more satisfying daily experience.

To Take Away

• In what areas of life are you experiencing specific problems right now?
• Are you struggling with any areas that you’re hiding from God right now? Why?
• What would it look like for God to help you with these issues? Take the time to talk to God and ask him for his help.

Girlfriends in God - Believing God in the Storm

Believing God in the Storm

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.

~ 2 Timothy 1:7 (NCV)

Friend to Friend

We all battle fear. Fear constantly tries to elbow faith aside, hoping to derail God's plan and purpose in our lives. Fear keeps many of us from dreaming God-sized dreams, persuading us to settle for safety and comfort instead of riding the waves of possibilities. When faith yanks our hideous fears out of the darkness and into the light, we can see them for what they really are – powerless.

Faith is a three-letter word.

Faith says "yes" to peace and “no” to fear.

It may be one tiny step or one puny choice.

It may be a whispered prayer or a desperate cry.

But God always honors the choice to walk straight ahead through fear. Fear trains us to anticipate the worst while faith teaches us to expect the best – even when that “best” looks a lot different than we thought it would.

I have always hated wearing glasses. They get lost, slide down my nose, are always dirty, constantly have to be adjusted, and are a major nuisance. During a routine eye exam, I informed the doctor that I needed contacts instead of glasses. He did not look hopeful.

“Mary, you have a couple of problems that might make contacts difficult for you to wear.” Since I didn’t hear the word “impossible,” I still wanted those contacts.

The doctor continued, “You not only have astigmatism, but your vision needs to be corrected for both distance and close vision.” I am a little slow, I guess. So … why would contacts be a problem?

Seeing the confusion on my face, he explained that I would have to wear a contact in my left eye that allowed me to see up close and a different strength contact in the right eye for distance.

“We would essentially be tricking the brain and going against the way it was created,” he said. “Your brain will be confused for several months. You will step off curbs that are not there, or reach for something only to knock it over. At first, you will only be able to read for short periods because your eyes will be at war over which one gets to do the job. When your brain is finally retrained, the confusion will fade, and your vision will improve greatly.” I assured the doctor that both my brain and I were up for the task.

I got my contacts. The first few months were just as frustrating as the doctor said they would be. But the confusion did fade … and I was eventually thrilled with my improved vision and retrained brain.

The apostle Paul understood that training the mind is not only a physical possibility, but also a vital spiritual principle when fear attacks.

We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy's strong places. We destroy people's arguments and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, ICB).

In their darkest hour, waves crashing around them, trapped on a small fishing boat, the disciples were terrified. In fact, their fear blinded them to the reality of Jesus coming to them in the midst of that storm. I love the simple but powerful response of Jesus to their fearful cries when He said, "Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."

The message was stunning in its simplicity. When He is with us, we do not have to be afraid. We usually get that part. But what Jesus also said was that His very presence brought courage into the mix – an audacious choice to discount the fearful circumstances simply because He was there.

Jesus did not rebuke His disciples in their fear.

He didn’t turn away from them because their faith was weak.

I probably would have. After all, they had seen Jesus perform miracles.

Water turned into wine.

Thousands fed with five loaves of bread and two small fish.

Men, women, and children healed.

And still they were afraid. Still they doubted. I can relate, can’t you?

Jesus “quickly” assured them of His comforting presence and His available power. Evidently, Peter was the only one who really believed Jesus. How do I know? True faith generates action. Peter was the only one willing to get out of the boat and walk through his fear. I am fairly certain Peter was just as terrified as the other disciples – but Peter chose to take Jesus at His word. When he took that first step, Peter’s fear was swallowed up in faith.

What kind of storm are you facing? Don’t wait until you understand the storm. Don’t rely on your own strength. Choose right now to believe and see what God does.

Let’s Pray

Father, please forgive me when I give in to fear and worry instead of stepping out in faith and believing You. Help me learn how to capture my thoughts and train them to focus on You. I want to become a woman who trusts You – no matter what. My faith is small, but I now choose to place it in You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

What trial are you facing today?

What step do you need to take to face that trial with faith instead of fear?

What is keeping you from taking that step?

Let it go … step through your fear, and trust God.

I would love to hear about that step of faith! Email me your story or post it on my Facebook page.

More from the Girlfriends

Mary’s E-Book, 10-Day Trust Adventure, is now available! What does it mean to trust God? What would your life look like if you were walking by faith and trusting God with your whole heart? The 10-Day Trust Adventure addresses every decision you make in every area of your life - including your past and future, your family and friendships, your finances and work - and how to make those decisions as you step out in faith and really trust God. Check it out! And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com