Time Out! Devotions

(devotional by Neil Anderson from Christianity.com)

Philippians 4:11 (NIV)

¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Some of us tend to assume that it is God’s will if the circumstances are favorable and it isn’t God’s will if the circumstances are unfavorable. Next to the Bible, I would guess that more Christians are “guided” by this means than any other. Yet of all the possible means of guidance, this is the least authoritative and trustworthy.

I had the privilege of pastoring a church that purchased new property and went through a building program. Through most of the process the circumstances didn’t seem favorable. Twice I sat with the mayor, who was also a local real estate agent, and asked him if he thought our plans were feasible. He advised us not to make the land trade, and he didn’t think the city would allow us to build. He knew the real estate and the political climate better than anyone in the city. But the land swap increased our assets by millions and the city planning commission voted 7-0 in favor of our building plans.

You may have to set sail by the tide, but you’d better be guided by the stars or you’re going to end up on the wrong shore. Circumstances may have their effect on your plans, but you have a far greater accountability to God. Make sure you follow Him, not the tide of circumstances.

I heard a motivational speaker say, “I don’t like to recruit Christians because when the going gets tough they quit, concluding that it must not be God’s will.” Generally speaking, I believe that Christians should live above life’s circumstances and not be guided by them.

Also be careful about applying too much significance to unusual circumstances or coincidences. “It must be God’s will. Why else would that book by lying there!” It could be God’s will, but I would never take that kind of a sign on its own merit. I have helped many people in occultic bondage who have made bizarre associations or attached far too much significance to irrelevant events.

Prayer: Lord, I determine to test all guidance by Your Word and not to be swayed away from Your will by circumstances or popular opinion.

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Freedom in Christ

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(Life Principles by Dr. Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries)

When you seek an intimate relationship with God and commit to obey Him no matter what, you will undoubtedly experience seasons of difficulty and uncertainty. This is because your walk with Him is a journey of faith, and there will be situations when your trust in Him is tested so your love for Him can grow. What will you cling to when problems rain down on your life and everything you depend upon seems to be swept away by intense winds of adversity? What will you hold on to when the waves of doubt threaten to crash down on you?

The Father has given you His immovable, unfailing Word to keep you anchored in your relationship with Him during such times of trial and testing. Scripture reminds you that He is absolutely faithful to fulfill every promise He has given (Joshua 23:14) and will never leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8). So read the Bible and cling to the truth you find within its pages. God assures you, “My word…will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

Application Spend time in prayer asking God to speak to you through His Word and reveal promises He wants you to claim. Memorize the promises that the Lord gives you and recite them daily for the next week so you can cling to them whenever you experience times of trouble.

Life Examples Ezra Ezra is a great example of what commitment to applying God’s word can do for both an individual and a nation. Learn more. King Jehoiakim The story of King Jehoiakim reveals that God always keeps His promises, whether for blessing or judgment. Learn more.

Life Principles Resources

NASB Life Principles Bible Read the Scriptures in Dr. Stanley’s favorite teaching translation while learning the 30 Life Principles that have guided him for more than 50 years. Buy Now »

Talking with God Experience the joy of connecting with the Lord in two-way communication. This study covers a variety of fascinating topics such as effective intercession, the value of fasting, what to do when prayers seem to go unanswered, the power of aligning with God’s will, and more. Buy Now »

Life Principles to Live By - Vol. 1 In the Bible, God has given us the promises and precepts necessary to become mature followers of Jesus Christ. In this first volume of his Life Principles sermon series, Dr. Stanley offers in-depth teaching on five of 30 truths that will help you grow in love, knowledge, and service to the Lord. Buy Now »

Psalm 25:1-7 (NCV)

¹ Lord, I give myself to you; ² my God, I trust you. Do not let me be disgraced; do not let my enemies laugh at me. ³ No one who trusts you will be disgraced, but those who sin without excuse will be disgraced.

⁴ Lord, tell me your ways. Show me how to live. ⁵ Guide me in your truth, and teach me, my God, my Savior. I trust you all day long.⁶ Lord, remember your mercy and love that you have shown since long ago. ⁷ Do not remember the sins and wrong things I did when I was young. But remember to love me always because you are good, Lord.

Enemies are those who not only oppose us, but also oppose God’s way of living. Enemies can also be temptations – money, success, prestige, lust. And our greatest enemy is Satan. David asked God to keep his enemies from overcoming him because they opposed what God stood for. If his enemies succeeded, David feared that many would think that living for God was futile. David knew that God would triumph, but he didn’t want his enemies’ success to be an obstacle to the faith of others.

David expressed his desire for guidance. How do we receive God’s guidance? The first step is to want to be guided and to realize that God’s guidance is found mainly in His Word, the Bible. Psalm 119 tells of the endless knowledge found in God’s Word. By reading it and constantly learning from it, we will gain the wisdom to perceive God’s direction for our lives (Hebrews 5:14).

God is unlimited, all-conquering, and has unrestrained authority over all of creation and over each individual. Therefore, He is the only source of salvation, hope, and true peace through the forgiveness of sins.

Psalm 25:8-11 (NCV)

⁸ The Lord is good and right; He points sinners to the right way. ⁹ He shows those who are humble how to do right, and He teaches them His ways.¹⁰ All the Lord’s ways are loving and true for those who follow the demands of His agreement.¹¹ For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my many sins.

We are bombarded today with unlimited appeals to “go my way.” TV advertising alone places hundreds of options before us, in addition to appeals made by political parties, cults, false religions, and dozens of other groups. Numerous organizations including Christian organizations seek to motivate us to “support the cause.” Add to that the dozens of decisions we must make concerning our jobs, our families, our money, our society, and we become desperate for someone to show us the right way.

If you find yourself pulled in several directions, remember that the Lord “shows those who are humble how to do right, and He teaches them his ways.“

Psalm 25:15-20 (NCV)

¹⁵ My eyes are always looking to the Lord for help. He will keep me from any traps. ¹⁶ Turn to me and have mercy on me, because I am lonely and hurting. ¹⁷ My troubles have grown larger; free me from my problems. ¹⁸ Look at my suffering and troubles, and take away all my sins. ¹⁹ Look at how many enemies I have! See how much they hate me! ²⁰ Protect me and save me. I trust you, so do not let me be disgraced.

Life’s problems always seem to go from bad to worse. God is the only one who can reverse this downward spiral. He can take our problems and turn them into glorious victories. There is one necessary requirement – we, like the psalmist (David), must cry out, “Come, Lord, and show me your mercy.” When you are willing to do that, the worst can become something wonderful. But the next step is yours, for God has already made His offer.

Lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.

Solomon 2:11

I spent most of this wintry day shivering in discontent. The mailman delivered nothing more personal than advertisements. My neighbor never knocked on the door. Under my breath I repeated a complaint I used to hear from my mother: “The phone hasn’t rung all day.” Her grievance referred to something bigger than the black box wired to the wall. She felt forgotten. This evening, however, I discovered a long letter I’d tucked away in my journal. It was from Lois, a friend who had left town fifteen years ago. She’d come back to visit once or twice and sent me smiley wedding pictures, but then we’d lost touch. After several years of silence—on her end and mine—this past Christmas I’d sent her a card and letter. Tonight I reread her newsy January response to my holiday greeting, all the way to her closing: “Thanks for not forgetting me.” As I focused on that line, her warm gratitude melted my discontent. Energized, I made plans to connect with people who might have reason to feel they’ve been forgotten. Tomorrow morning I’ll mail a note to the unacclaimed author of a book I’m enjoying, I’ll e-mail a missionary friend in Europe, I’ll call a local widow just to say hello. Lord, when I start feeling sorry for myself, turn my attention outward, to others. (by Evelyn Bence from Daily Guideposts and OurPrayer.org)

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Psalm 48:14 (NIV)

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Proverbs 5:21 (NIV)

For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say  of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Isaiah 59:1 (NIV)

Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.

1 Chronicles 22:13 (NIV)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Isaiah 43:4-5 (NIV)

Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, … do not be afraid, for I am with you.

Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,  I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Psalm 32:7 (NIV)

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Revelation 2:10 (NIV)

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.