Category: Bible

Overcoming Evil

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I think this Bible verse is a difficult one to follow.  When evil happens (and it happens a lot), it is too easy to feel overcome.  However, God not only gives the first command, but also tells us to overcome evil with good.  I think both aspects of that command are difficult.  We are more likely to want to repay evil with evil.  I’m not convinced that we believe it is possible to overcome evil with good.  I do know that God would not tell us to do something without providing the means to do it.  Since God gives us this command, I simply need to follow it.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to follow this command regarding evil.  We struggle feeling overcome by evil and we don’t want to do good in the face of evil.  Please give us the goodness that can only come from You.  Thank You that with Your help we can overcome evil with good.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Being Renewed While Wasting Away

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Today was the funeral of my uncle who passed away about a week ago.  His life was one of physical difficulty.  I heard from his pastor that my uncle had recently shared Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”  My uncle suffered from the physical problems.  However, he rejoiced that God taught him Biblical truth.  He passed that truth on to his children.  I am watching my cousins working on passing on that truth to their children. What a beautiful legacy.

I do not want to diminish the harsh reality of physical suffering.  I can assure you; I struggle counting my own trials joy.  However, I have seen God use various difficulties to help His people grow.  Growing spiritually is a worthwhile pursuit.

Dear Heavenly Father, please comfort my family as they grieve.  I ask that You wrap Your loving arms around them to remind how much You love them.  Thank You for the spiritual growth You send through trials. Please help us to cling to You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Payback

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This verse can be challenging to obey.  We usually want to retaliate or at least see the person held accountable.  However, God’s Word commands us to seek to do good.  This doesn’t mean to reward evil – this just gives us a guideline for our actions when we face evil.  God will hold the wicked accountable (Romans 12:19).  This is His job. 

As we struggle watching the wicked seem to get away with their evil, we need to remember that every knee will bow to God (Romans 14:11).  We should desire that people bow the knee now while they have the chance to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Pray and share the gospel while there is time.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us as we struggle watching the wicked seem to succeed.  Give us the courage and strength to share the gospel so the wicked can change their ways.  Thank You for Your plan to hold the wicked accountable.  I praise Your name.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Freedom in Truth

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The information age has so much information, but I’m not convinced we have enough truth.  We are strong willed and opinionated and think we are wise in discerning what we read and hear.  We cannot discern the truth without the help of God.  The Bible is filled with God’s truth (the only truth) and the way to wisdom.  We cannot access the truth of God unless we have placed our trust in His Son, Jesus Christ (read the book of Romans). 

Sadly, even those who claim to know Jesus Christ fall into the trap of misunderstanding and misinformation.  We need to daily ask God to give us wisdom and discernment to know how to process what we have seen and heard.  Daily, hourly, minute by minute – not just every once in a while.  We need frequent resets to make sure our hearts and minds are in the right place.  God can then lead us down the path to truth and understanding. 

If we don’t take this path, we are bound by the fear that comes from lies.  That is no life to live.  The remedy for fear is the truth that will set you free.

Dear Heavenly Father, we have been bombarded with mixed information about what is happening in our world.  We need Your truth.  Please help us to seek it.  Please help us to find it.  Thank You for the freedom You provide through truth.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Running to God in Faith

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I grieve that so many in the world do not know about God or have a twisted view of who He really is.  Having the opportunity to please God through drawing near Him in faith is a great reward.  I have battled a difficult year.  Surgery in April and a year of supply chain issues {big effect on my job) is not something I would choose.  However, God has a plan for my life that includes drawing me closer to Him.  I can fight His plan or run to Him.  I can assure you, running to God is so much better than fighting against His way.

Dear Heavenly Father, when life is tough my first response is to run away.  I struggle when things are hard, but I know Your grace is strong enough to bring me through tough times.  Thank You for providing a way for me to draw near to You.  Thank You that You want me to draw close to You.  I am in awe of Your love.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Praise for Daily Help

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I survived another week working smack dab in the middle of supply chain.  Things are still crazy due to the upheaval over the last year and a half.  And no, supply chain professionals aren’t going to fix it all.  When you look at many of the reasons behind the issues, we don’t have control over those things.  But I digress.

The reality, no matter the reasons, is that life is still tough.  I am so thankful that God is willing and able to hold me up throughout the challenges I face.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me through another challenging week.  I praise You for the salvation You have so freely given.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

A Good Word

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We have seen so many forms of anxiety in the last year and a half.  Life has been challenging.  However, there are many forms of help available.  I have been amazed at how powerful positive words can be.  Unfortunately, negative words can have a strong affect also.

I think if we were to give a “good word” more often, we would be amazed at the affects.  I received several “good words” after I shared my health diagnosis earlier this year.  I still have cards posted on my living room wall.  The sentiments in them are so encouraging.  I recently did some digging to find similar cards.  I want to be an encourager.  I know firsthand how beneficial it can be.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many encouraging words that I have received.  I pray that You would help all of us to find ways to share good words to each other.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Being Prepared for the Storms

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Getting a negative health diagnosis can send just about anyone into a tailspin.  However, when we spend the “good” times getting prepared (building a house on a proper foundation), we will be much better prepared when something goes wrong.  Today’s verse talks about those who hear the words that Jesus spoke (or in our case read the words) will be like the wise man who was prepared.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing preparation for life’s storms through Your word. Please help us to keep going to You whether life is good or bad.  Your foundation is the only one that is solid.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

When I Feel Alone

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Last week I wrote about never being alone.  It is true – when a person places their trust in Christ, they will never be alone.  However, there are tough times when we feel alone.  We need to remember that we should be seeking God on a daily basis.  God holds on to us, but also asks us to seek Him.

The next time you are feeling alone, think about how much you have been seeking Christ.  If you have – keep seeking Him.  If you have not – start seeking Him today.  He will allow you to find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us to seek You.  Thank You that it is possible to find You.  Please help me to continually seek You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

I Am Not Alone

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As I faced doctors’ appointments and surgery earlier this year, I heard comments of people worried that I was alone.  Being single, I don’t have a spouse to go with me or support me through a health journey.  While the support of a spouse is comforting, God sent me comfort other ways.  I had a friend who drove me to 3 appointments and spoke up during some overwhelming times.  I had friends praying for me, sending me cards and text messages, giving me hugs at church.  I had the help of my parents at surgery time.

While I went to my second opinion appointments without another person, I know God was with me.  He has been with me for many years through both good times and bad. God doesn’t leave just because I hear a diagnosis that I don’t like.  God’s faithfulness becomes more precious through health issues. 

God promises so many times in His word that He will never leave us.  He is close, so I am never alone.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being close no matter what is going on in my life.  Thank You that I don’t ever have to be alone, no matter who in this life is beside me.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.