Life is tough, but it gets easier to understand when we allow God to lead. Let His Word be a light that guides your path.
Psalm 9
Why do some people work so hard, to tear down the good reputation of others? If those who plot evil against others would redirect all their efforts toward making themselves better, the world would be a more decent place to live. Wicked people fail to realize, their actions only work against themselves. With every trap set to hinder someone, the wicked will always ensnare themselves in the end.
Psalm 116
“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” (vs. 12). Is it possible, for a man or woman to repay God for all the good things He has done in their lives? Is there an amount of money, prayers, or vows we can present to God, in exchange for His bountiful dealings? There’s nothing man can do to pay God back for anything He does for them. The Bible mentions in 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.” God created man, in order to bless them. Unfortunately, sin threw a wrench in the perfect plan of God, causing men to lose faith, and eventually turn away from Him. But, in His everlasting grace and mercy, the Lord, God almighty, extends His love and blessings to all who turn back to Him, and commit themselves to doing His will.
2 Timothy 3
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
According to Dr Kent Hovind, the Bible can be defined as, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. A select few men, were chosen and inspired by the Spirit of God, to record specific events of history, so that man could learn the knowledge of God, and gain an understanding of His purposes. The purpose of reading scripture is to study, meditate on, understand, then apply biblical knowledge to our daily lives. The more we learn about God’s word, the better equipped we’ll be to handle the issues of life. Take time daily to read and study God’s word, and allow it to strengthen your faith in Him.
Isaiah 6:1-5
The world has reached an unprecedented level of spiritual immorality. The Bible records instances when God judged entire nations of people harshly, for going against His commands, and entertaining profane and blasphemous behaviors. God hates sin, and gives no place for it, but men today seem to have literally lost their moral compass, and given in to all manner of evil and wickedness. Even some who claim to be children of God, have been tossed about, and soiled by false doctrines, causing them to walk not after the Spirit, but after the flesh. In the midst of living in a world where holiness has seemingly lost its relevance, the body of Christ must not lose sight of the thrice holy God. God is holy, meaning He is pure, morally perfect, and righteous, and He expects the same behavior to be represented by those who have been redeemed, and set free from sin. In those moments when we begin to lose sight of how immensely powerful and perfect God is, take a second to graze through the Bible, and build your faith and hope on the eternal, and all-knowing Father. The world can be a scary sight to behold at times, but knowing who holds the world in their hand, should restore the confidence many who trust in Him may have lost.
Galatians 5
1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Christ died, so that we could be free from the penalty of sin, and live a better life after death. But, our freedom does not give us the right to live contrary to holiness. Just because our sin debt has been paid in full, we still must maintain a life of holy living, as children of God. There are many who abuse the privilege of being redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and find themselves fulfilling the lust of the flesh. While these individuals may still be a part of the body of Christ, they’ll indeed suffer the consequences of their ungodly behavior. As believers, we have a responsibility to love God, and keep His commandments, without hesitation. The world needs to see us living a righteous life, more than hearing us profess it.
Ecclesiastes 3:22, 5:18-20
3:22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
You have worked hard for your money. You’ve endured the ups and downs of following the orders of unfit bosses and supervisors. You’ve kept your peace, when lazy coworkers talked more than they worked, causing you to pull more weight. You’ve endured, and kept your chin up, while grinding throughout each work day. Now, it’s time for you to take a break. That’s right! Take time to enjoy the fruit of your consistent hard labor. While your superiors may not give you the recognition you deserve for your hard work, give yourself a pat on the back, and use a portion of your earnings for yourself. You definitely deserve it!
John 3:16
Is love real, when it’s not in God’s will?
Psalm 66
How do we find peace, in a world overrun with chaos and confusion? Where do we go, to escape the trials of life, if only for a moment. One thing I’ve learned, and truly belive is, pressure bursts pipes. When air or water fills a pipe, with no way for it to be released, eventually that pipe will break, and all the air and water trapped inside will burst out in multiple directions. This would indeed be a dangerous situation to deal with, but more importantly, many people have experienced this same “explosion” taking place in their own lives.
Living today, as in times passed, we endure seasons of suffering. Whether our suffering is related to physical, mental, or even monetary issues, all men will face situations that will push them to the brink of breakdown. So, how do we find a piece of peace, when it seems so far away? Some result to habits (drinking, smoking, gambling, fishing, etc.) in order to find peace, but the peace that surpasses all human understanding only comes from God.
Rather than look for natural ways to find peace in your life, try following king David’s example in our text. Although the “man after God’s own heart” was far from perfect, he knew the only way to experience real peace was to shift his focus from his problems and past mistakes, and invest most of his time giving glory, honor, and praise to the name of his Lord. This may seem unconventional to those who are babes in biblical learning, but consider all king David experienced, and take note of how he maintained a righteous lifestyle with God, despite his shortcomings. Rather than make his problems bigger than God, He placed God above all his life’s experiences.
Oftentimes, we find ourselves worrying and complaining about our struggles, and this causes us to stress and wallow in misery. But, if we change our perspective, as David did, and make God bigger than our worries, He’ll give us peace to endure, and overcome those things that seemed to weigh us down. Be encouraged, and don’t allow your past, present, or potential future to cause you to fear. Instead, seek God, make His name glorious, then allow Him to pour out His peace into your heart, as you grow from your struggle, and move on to the next chapter on your journey.
(Excerpts from TC3 Church)
Those who marry will have troubles. That’s what Paul told the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 7:28). Even the best couples can struggle to protect their marriage vows. But what happens when marriage troubles become unbearable? Is there a point at which couples should end a bad marriage? Or is there hope for something better? Walk through the following steps as you prayerfully evaluate your situation.
Unfortunately, many marriages end today over troubles that could have been overcome. University of Texas researcher Norval Glenn has found that divorces today are often blamed on problems such as “lack of commitment,” “too much conflict and arguing,” “unrealistic expectations” and “lack of preparation.” These are problems that both husband and wife can and should work to overcome. Despite what friends, family or popular culture might say, these issues are no reason to end a marriage – especially in light of the serious long-term impact of divorce on your children.
Major trouble occurs when someone either abuses or abandons their role in a marriage – when they break faith with their spouse and violate their vows. While God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), He permits it for marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:1-8). In God’s grace, He allows, but does not command, men and women whose spouses have been unfaithful to start over. However, God is in the business of helping couples redeem what many would see as a hopeless situation. “Even marriages that have faced one or more of the big ‘A’s – abuse, affairs or addictions – can be saved.” If your relationship is marked by physical or severe emotional abuse, you may find yourself confused, frightened and unsure about what to do. The most important thing you can do right now is take steps to protect yourself and your children from harm.
Even if you want to save your marriage, you should not risk the safety of your children or yourself. A period of structured and therapeutic separation may be needed and can make it possible for you to get the help your marriage needs while making your family less vulnerable.
Whatever situation you’re in, don’t struggle through a difficult marriage alone. You need the Lord like never before. He is eager to hear your prayers and walk this journey with you. Whether you are praying together or praying for your marriage alone, the power of prayer can make all the difference. You also need the church body like never before – for perspective and advice, counseling and encouragement, and hope for God’s redemption.
https://real-life.tc3.church/felt-needs/difficult-marriage/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8-f2vYyQ9wIVV-TICh3yWAN5EAAYBCAAEgKxhPD_BwE
Psalm 101
Close relationships have great potential for conflict. Our homes can be difficult places in which to “behave wisely.” Our families usually see us at our worst because we relax and let down our mask of good behavior. Often we do not treat our family members with the same respect and kindness we show to friends and business associates. David must have understood this as he promised to walk within his house “with a perfect heart.” Because we want to treat those who are close to us well, let us pray that God will remind us to follow him at home, and that our lives will be Christian examples.
(Excerpt from Life Application Bible pg. 1036)
Ell's Daily Inspirations 