Promise for Today - Moving Against Your Fear

Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

Matthew 25:28-29 (NLT)

What keeps you from investing your life? What keeps you from moving toward financial freedom? I’ll tell you what it is: fear.

Many kinds of fear can hold you back. One type of fear is self-doubt, which says: “You’ve failed in the past, so you’re never going to try again.” But just because you fail doesn’t mean you should give up. Everybody fails; it’s the only way you learn what works! God uses ordinary people who choose to keep on going after failure instead of giving up.

Two disciples, Judas and Peter, denied Jesus before his crucifixion. They committed the same sin, but they reacted differently to their failure. Judas focused on his sin and not the forgiveness of God. His remorse overwhelmed him, and he ultimately took his own life. When Peter realized his sin, he repented and asked God for forgiveness. Not long after, Peter preached on Pentecost, and 3,000 people were saved the first day. 

Jesus chose to build the church on the biggest failure in the bunch. What a God! He didn’t choose the superstar. He chose the guy who had blown it the worst.

You may have really messed up financially or in other ways. But it doesn’t matter where you’ve been. What matters is the direction you are going right now.

In the parable of the talents we looked at yesterday in Matthew 25, a rich man entrusted his money to three servants before leaving on a long trip. When he returned, he asked for an account from the servants. Two of them had doubled the master’s money, but the third had been afraid and had hidden his portion instead of working and investing it. His fear disappointed and angered his master, who said, “Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver” (Matthew 25:28 NLT). The master took away everything the servant had been given.

When you try to do things God’s way, you may feel afraid. In fact, Satan will try to get you to ignore God’s principles for money management by making you afraid of failure or making you doubt your ability to be a good steward of God’s money. But if you’re going to be successful in life, you have to move against your fears. You have to do the very thing that you fear the most!

As Matthew 25:29 says, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away”. When you move forward in faith and follow God’s guidelines for financial peace, you will experience his blessing; like the servant, God may give you even more...

Talk It Over

What financial failure has kept you from moving forward with God’s financial principles for your life?

Do you pray for God to give you more financial responsibility as a steward of his money? Why or why not?

What is it about God’s way of handling money that makes you afraid to be obedient? Talk to God about those fears today.

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          Thank You for the many blessings You have poured into our lives. Help us to cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude, even when facing financial challenges or uncertainties. Guard our hearts from feelings of envy or dissatisfaction, and remind us daily of the abundance we have in You. 

        Give us wisdom to manage our finances responsibly and in ways that honor You. Teach us to resist impulsive spending and to embrace discipline in creating and following a budget. Help us prioritize You over material desires and to steward our resources for Your glory. May we be generous with what we have, sharing with others in need and trusting Your provision for our own needs. Inspire us to use our finances as a tool for good and to reflect Your love in all that we do. Thank You for Your unwavering guidance. Strengthen our faith as we trust in Your timing and direction. Help us to remain faithful, patient, and trusting in Your perfect timing. Remind us that Your plans are greater than our own, and that You are always working for our good. Help us remember that all we have and all we are comes from You and is meant to be used for Your glory. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - No Grapes

Guest Author - Christopher Glotzbach

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Thank God He doesn’t always say “Yes.”

This morning when I opened the refrigerator, the dogs came running and sat really nicely — they were expecting a treat.

We call this the cheese tax.

Every once in a while I’ll give them some cheese, and each time the door opens it’s like Pavlov's dogs.

This morning it got me thinking, though, about the biggest mistake I ever made with our pups.

One evening before dinner, I was washing grapes and Munsee, our Blue Merle, was sitting at my feet.

This is his way of asking for something.

"Look — I’m good — now give me a reward."

And being honest, it’s sometimes how we treat the Lord, right?

“God, look at me!”

“Look at how well I’m behaving” — “How well I am doing.”

“Where’s my reward!?”

And I’m so thankful God doesn’t work this way.

Because in my foolishness, because I love my dog and because he was behaving well — I tossed Munsee a grape.

I know (Well, I didn’t know then), but Brittany did.

Panic set in — we were convinced in the moment I had killed our dog.

Thankfully — He was okay.

But, as I’ve reflected on the moment, no matter how well Munsee behaves while I’m washing grapes — no matter how badly he wants it. The answer will always be, “No”

Because I love him.

And I’m so thankful that the Lord loves me infinitely more than I could ever love anyone or anything. And even though I’m begging the Lord for the thing I think will be best for me in the moment. The answer will always be, “No,” because God loves me. And God loves you.

It’s changed a lot for me.

That I’m so thankful looking back on all the things I so desperately wanted and asked the Lord for that he said “No.” Because he knew what I didn’t— that it wouldn’t be good for me.

How many grapes do we ask for? — when God has something so much better for us.

Here’s my prayer today:

God, help me trust this section of Scripture. Help me rest in this, knowing You are a Good Father who knows what I need better than I ever could.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭31‬-‭34‬

Your will be done in my life just as it is in Heaven. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Promise for Today - A Never-ending Story

We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again . . . we know that God raised the Lord Jesus to life. And just as God raised Jesus, he will also raise us to life. Then he will bring us into his presence together.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 14 (CEV)

When the future is uncertain and there is a lot of fear, it might seem like your story is coming to an end. When life seems uncertain, remember this truth: You can’t lose! You’ll win in the end, no matter what happens. Even when you lose your life, you’re going straight into the presence of God if you believe in Jesus Christ as Savior. 

And when you arrive in heaven, your story is only just beginning.

Have you ever watched a TV show where every single episode ended in a cliffhanger and left you thinking the hero might not survive? Even though it’s just a story, the tension can feel enormous. But when all the episodes from the entire series are available to stream, you don’t feel as much tension because you know the hero survives for another six seasons. When you know the series will continue, then you know each episode is not the end of the story. The hero will make it out of a tight spot and on to the next season.

That’s how your life is. Even when you’re in a difficult circumstance, you know that the tough spot isn’t the end of your story. You can live with hope in the middle of a crisis because you have an eternal perspective.

One day, when you meet Jesus in heaven, all your pain, sickness, sorrow, sadness, stress, and grief will end. Here's what you can look forward to in heaven: "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" (Revelation 21:4 NIV).

This life is not the end of the story. We don't know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future.

Talk It Over

In what specific areas of your life do you need to change your focus from fear to hope?

What tools do you have to remind you of the hope of Jesus when you feel discouraged or fearful?

Why is it important for the world to see that Christians have hope and confidence, even in the midst of a crisis?

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Are you certain of where you will go when you die?
One day your life on earth will end—but your story won’t end. If Jesus is your Savior, you’ll spend eternity with him in heaven. How can you have confidence that your story will continue after you die?

The Bible says that every one of us sins and that the penalty of sin is death. But God loves you so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty of your sins, to bring you into the family of God, and to save you from the fear of death.

PRAYER:

If you’re ready to enter God’s family, here’s a prayer you can pray: “Dear God, I know that when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you directly. I confess I have ignored you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I ask you to save me. Please save me from my sins and from my fear of death. I believe in you, Jesus, and your promise to save me instantly and bring me to heaven one day to continue my story with you in eternity. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at Rick@PastorRick.com. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.

Promise for Today - Gentle Persuasion

Gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses. 

Proverbs 25:15 (MSG)

Gentleness is persuasive.

If you have a successful career in sales, you may know that truth already! There was a time when the hard sell—the loudest advertisement or the strongest sales pitch—might have closed a deal. But today, gentleness works. Most people today buy something because someone they trust recommended it. A trusted friend or salesperson’s gentle recommendation is far more persuasive than a loud sales pitch.

And that’s not just true in sales; it’s true in just about every area of life.

The Bible says this over and over again. The Message paraphrase of Proverbs 25:15 says, “Gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.” Are you trying to convince a family member or coworker to do something that they’re feeling defensive about? Gentle words, not pushy tactics, will get through their defenses.

In my own ministry, I want to persuade everyone who hears me to live for Jesus, but I have to do that in a gentle way. If I stood in front of people yelling at them, they’d eventually stop listening. But gentleness is persuasive.

A different translation of Proverbs 25:15 says it this way: “A gentle word can get through to the hard-headed” (NCV). What does this mean for you? If you’re a parent or teacher, screaming at a child never works. Anger and frustration only create fear, resentment, and defensiveness. What does work? Gently disciplining in love.

Here’s yet another translation of the same verse: “Patience and gentle talk can convince a ruler and overcome any problem” (Proverbs 25:15 CEV). Many of us don’t live in cultures with a “ruler,” but we all have some kind of boss, supervisor, or authority in our lives. This translation reminds us that, with gentleness, we can persuade even those in authority over us.

The Bible says in Proverbs 16:21, “A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is” (GNT).

In that verse, there’s a connection between the words “pleasant” and “persuasive.” If you want to be persuasive, you must first be pleasant.

Being pleasant is a mark of maturity. Fools are rude and unpleasant. The wiser and more mature you are, the more pleasant and positive your speech becomes.

Remember this: You’re never persuasive when you’re abrasive. Gentleness is persuasive.

Talk It Over

When have you been abrasive rather than gentle with someone? What was the result?

How has someone’s gentleness persuaded you to do something?

Who do you know who is gentle? What would you like to imitate from their life?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          We come before You seeking a gentle heart, one that embodies compassion, kindness, and understanding. Help us to soften our words and actions, reflecting Your love in all we do. May we embrace humility and patience, fostering peace in our relationships. Guide us to be instruments of Your grace, spreading warmth and comfort to those around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - Secure Supply

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

Putting your trust in your bank account, your job, or your investments is a recipe for heartache. Why? Because you can lose all of those things. Where do you find your security?

You need to find security in something that cannot be taken from you: God! If you want God’s blessing on your life, you need to learn to trust in God’s wealth and not your own.

Here’s what the Bible says about God’s wealth: “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 ESV).

Your job may be where you get your income, but it shouldn’t be your security. Your job is a channel, but God is your source. If you understand this, you’ll have so much less stress in your life. Let me say it again: Your job is a channel, but God is the source of your supply.

If you turned on the faucet in your kitchen and no water came out, what would you do? Would you say, “Oh, the world has run out of water! There’s no water coming out of the faucet, so there must not be any left in the whole world”?

Of course not. You’d know the problem is not with the source. There’s plenty of water in the world. The problem is the channel; it’s gotten blocked one way or another.

It’s the same way in your life. If one channel gets blocked in your life and the “faucet” stops working, it doesn’t mean the whole supply has dried up. God can easily turn on another faucet.

God is not limited by your ability and capacity. You may be limited by your own capacity in the work you do. But your job is not what ultimately supplies your needs. Your job is just a channel for God to supply your needs.

If you think that your job is what keeps you financially secure, then you’re going to feel insecure your entire life. You need to understand that God is the source of your supply. You can depend on him to know exactly what you need and how to give it to you.

Jobs may come and go. Bank accounts rise and fall. Economies go up and down. Stock markets can go bull or bear. It doesn’t matter!

No matter what happens, you can trust in God’s wealth for your security.

Talk It Over

What have you been waiting for God to do in your life? How have you responded to the season of waiting?

Think of a time when you had to trust God’s timing. How did he work in your life during that time?

It’s easy to hurry—but God’s blessing often comes through waiting. How can you slow yourself down so that you learn patience and trust?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,
          Strengthen us to endure this season with faith and joy, trusting that You are working all things for our good, even when we cannot see the outcome. Strengthen our hearts to remain steadfast and hopeful. Let us find courage in Your promises and joy in Your presence while we wait for Your guidance and blessings. As we face uncertainty by the world's standards, fill our hearts with peace as we stand on the rock-solid foundation of Your Word. Keep us ever mindful that You are always with us, guiding our steps and providing for our needs, and we are so grateful. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - What On Earth Did You Do?

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 

Luke 16:10-11 (NLT)

If you think you’re going to be bored in heaven, think again.

You’re not going to sit around on a cloud doing nothing in heaven. God wired you and knows what you’re interested in. All your hobbies, skills, and talents come from him. He shaped you with your spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences. God didn’t make you extraordinarily unique just for Earth. He’s going to use your shape in eternity.

You will have work in heaven. But here’s the difference between work in heaven and work on earth: In heaven, you’re guaranteed to enjoy your work. You won’t experience any heartache or stress over your work. It will be meaningful, enjoyable, and fulfilling all the time. You’ll have your dream job forever!

I don’t know what your specific roles or responsibilities will be in heaven. But I do know that they will be based on how faithful you are with the roles and responsibilities God has given you on Earth.

God is watching you, and he’s testing you. Life is a temporary assignment, and God wants to see how responsible, faithful, and trustworthy you are with the responsibilities you have now.

What are you doing with what you’ve been given? If you make the most of what you’ve been given, then God is going to give you more in heaven. You’ll make it into heaven because of God’s grace, but your rewards and responsibilities once you get there will be based on how faithfully you served God on Earth.

God is watching to see how you manage your time, your relationships, your health, your opportunities, and your finances

The way you manage your money is a test of your faithfulness, and it’s going to help determine what you do in heaven. If God can’t trust you with worldly wealth—you’re always in debt, you can’t afford to tithe, and you’re not generous—then what do you think he’s going to trust you with in eternity?

God is watching how you handle your responsibilities, too—not because he wants to make you feel guilty but because he wants you to enjoy all the wonderful things heaven has to offer.

When you choose faithfulness in everything God has entrusted to you on Earth, then you will be entrusted with much more in heaven.

Talk It Over

What difference does it make when you see your work as a test of faithfulness?

What do you think God wants you to do with a job that does not feel fulfilling or meaningful?

How can you choose faithfulness in your work today?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          Thank You for helping us to see that living here on Earth is not just something we have to put up with till we get to Heaven. Help us fully understand the importance of being faithful with all You have entrusted to us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The Certainty of Forever

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 

1 John 5:13 (NLT)

You probably have a picture that comes to mind when you think about what hell must be like. Your image likely has some red and black tones in it, a lot of fire, and maybe the devil looming over everything.

Hell is described in the Bible as a place of torment. Matthew 13:42 says it is a “blazing furnace, where the people will cry and grind their teeth with pain” (NCV). That description sounds terrible, but do you know what the worst part of hell is? Hell is total separation from God, which means hell is the exact opposite of everything God is.

The Bible says in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (NIV). The opposite of love is fear. Living without love means you’re scared to death all the time. God is love, so there is no love in hell. God is light, so hell is complete darkness. God is good, so there is absolutely nothing good in hell. God is life, so that means hell is eternal death. God is gracious, so that means there’s no grace in hell.

Just think what eternity would be like without the joy of knowing God and being loved by him—an eternity without any joy at all.

It would be terrible—unthinkable, really. But that is the reality for anyone who does not choose to love and follow Jesus in this life. The Bible says, “If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be separated from God—lost forever!” (1 Corinthians 16:22 NCV).

If you go through your entire life saying, “I don’t want God in my life,” then that means you will also spend eternity without God. Whatever you choose on earth is your forever choice.

But there is good news! There is a way for you to be absolutely certain you’re going to heaven and not hell. The Bible tells you how to settle your destiny: “I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13 NLT).

You don’t have to guess or wonder about something that is inevitable and could happen at any moment. You can know for certain today that when you die, you will spend eternity in God’s presence. Don’t put it off any longer.  Settle your future today.

Talk It Over

Why do you think so many people put off deciding something so important when they know death could come at any moment?

What would you say to someone who thinks they have been good enough to get into heaven?

How do you live differently because you are certain about where you will spend eternity?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

           Open our eyes to see Your Truth. Open our hearts to receive it. Open our minds to understand the importance of how we live to be certain of spending eternity with You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The "Uns" of Worry

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

Work doesn’t keep you up at night. Worry does. In the Bible, God gives clear direction about the role of worry.

Why do you need to let go of your worry?

Worry is unreasonable. Here are a couple of reasons why that’s true. First, worry exaggerates the problem. Have you noticed that, if somebody says something bad about you, the more you think about it, the bigger it gets? Second, worry doesn’t work. To worry about something you can’t change is useless. And to worry about something you can change is a waste of time. Just go change it!

Worry is UNnatural. No one is a born worrier. You might think you are, but you’re not. Worry is something you learned. Since worry is unnatural, it’s also UNhealthy. Your body wasn’t designed to handle worry. When people say, “I’m worried sick,” they’re telling the truth. Doctors say that a lot of people could leave the hospital today if they knew how to get rid of guilt, resentment, and worry. And Proverbs 14:30 says, “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body” (NLT).

Worry is UNhelpful. Worry cannot change the past, and worry cannot control the future. All it does is mess up today. The only thing that worry changes is you. It makes you miserable! It’s never solved a problem.

Worry is UNnecessary. God made you, he created you, he saved you, and he put his Spirit in you. Don’t you think he’s going to take care of your needs? So then, there’s no need to worry.

Do you want to learn to better manage stress? A great first step is to refuse to worry about anything. Why? Because worry is unreasonable, unnatural, unhelpful, and unnecessary.

The Bible tells us to “Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 GNT).

God personally cares about you and for your needs. So what should you do with all those things you’re stressed, anxious, and worried about? Let them go. Give them to God.

Talk It Over

What does your current state of worry say about how much you trust God?

What are you worried about right now? What can you do to change the situation or to let the worry go?

In what practical way can you leave all your worries with God (1 Peter 5:7)?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

        When our minds start going down the road of worry, guide us back to Your path of peace. Remind us that You are not bound by time. You have been in our past, You are in our present, and You’re already in our future. Whatever we have to walk through, You’re already there. You know it. You are sovereign over it. We have nothing to worry about.
         Help us to cast all our cares on You, because we know that You care about us. When our finances are tight, You provide our daily bread. When our hearts are heavy, You are our consolation. When our health is precarious, You are the strength of our hearts and our portion forever.
         Your Word is full of promises about how you sustain us, You lift us up, You provide. Help us to take You at Your Word. Your Word is Truth.
         Thank You for being a good Father. When we ask for bread, You do not give us a stone. You give us exactly what we need. When we turn to worry, remind us of Your faithfulness. Your steadfast love endures forever. We lay all our worries into Your capable hands. Help us not to reclaim them. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The Power of Prayer

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

Paul didn’t just pray for the people in his life. He prayed for them with joy!

There are probably things in other people’s lives you’d like to change. You don’t want to change yourself; you want them to change. You can’t make them change—but you can, however, pray and let God do his work in other people.

Positive praying is more effective than positive thinking. All the positive thinking in the world isn’t going to change your spouse, child, friend, or situation. Positive thinking might change you, but it won’t change somebody else. But positive prayer can make a difference in both you and others.

What’s the quickest way to change a bad relationship into a good one? Start praying! It will change you, and it may change them, too.

From our text for today, we can learn to pray for the people in our lives in four ways:

Pray that they will grow in love: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight ...”

Pray that they will make wise choices: “...so that you may be able to discern what is best ...”

Pray that they will live with integrity: “...and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ ...”

Pray that they will become like Jesus: “...filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

Pray this for yourself and for other people in your life. Then watch how God turns around even those relationships that have seemed hopeless.

Talk It Over

Think of a strained relationship in your life. Take time now to pray that the other person will grow in love, make wise choices, live with integrity, and become like Jesus.

How does positive prayer change you, and not just the person you are praying for?

Take a moment and read Galatians 5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

How are you seeing more of this “fruit” in your life as you follow Jesus?

 - by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

           We pray as Paul prayed, that our love will abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we will be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of You, O God! Give us clean hands and pure hearts, we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen

2026 Lenten Season - Day 39 - Unwilling

We continue the tradition of 40 days of Lent-related devotionals (46 counting the Sundays).
Sharing "Journey to the Cross" by Paul David Tripp.
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We have hope because Jesus was willing.

It is sad but unavoidably true: one of the marked characteristics of sin is unwillingness.
Sin causes us to be:
unwilling to forgive
unwilling to obey
unwilling to serve
unwilling to trust
unwilling to give
unwilling to make peace
unwilling to be gentle
unwilling to persevere
unwilling to suffer
unwilling to submit
unwilling to sacrifice
unwilling to surrender

And the list could go on and on. We are often unwilling because of the selfishness of sin. Our “me-ism” puts us in the center. It makes life all about us: our wants, our dreams, our needs, and our feelings. Our struggle with the self-ism of sin will not be fully defeated until the sin inside us is no more. So, we face a world of difficulty. A marriage can’t work if a husband and wife are unwilling to live in self-sacrificing, forgiving love. A parent-child relationship falls apart when the parent is unwilling to be patient and kind or the child is unwilling to honor and obey. Friendships don’t work when the friends are unwilling to give and to serve. The workplace is hard and inefficient if the employer is unwilling to love his workers as he loves himself. Unwillingness to be temperate with food and drink will destroy your health. When we begin to examine our daily lives, it becomes clear that so many of the problems we live with are the fruit of our collective unwillingness to live as our wise and loving Creator has designed us to live.

God, in his vast wisdom, knew that the only way to rescue us from our unwillingness and its bitter fruit was to send his Son to be willing to be what we would never choose to be, to do what we would be unwilling to do, and he would willingly die in our place. This is why the following stop on Christ’s journey to the cross is so striking, convicting, and hope-giving:

Luke 22:39– 46
[And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”]

This passage is a clear window into the willingness of Jesus. We find him in the garden of Gethsemane, facing what would crush any of us. Because he is God, he knows the redemptive plan. He knows he is facing injustice, torture, public ridicule, the cruelest death possible, and the rejection of his Father, all because he is going to load our sin onto his own shoulders and pay our penalty. In his humanity, he is quaking at the thought of it all, and he asks if there is any possibility that there is another way. Will you stop for a moment and imagine what would be going through your heart and mind if you knew you were facing such horror? 

You and I get upset at a flat tire, a sassy child, a mean boss, an unexpected bill, or a bad day. We go through a tough patch, and we begin to question the goodness of God.

But Jesus did not end his prayer by asking to be released from the sacrificial suffering awaiting him. Instead, he said to his Father, “Not my will, but yours, be done.” That final sentence of Jesus’s prayer in the garden gives hope to every sinner who has ever lived. Jesus did not think of himself first. He was not propelled by his own comfort. He did not protect his rights. He did not demand to be accepted and respected. He willingly forsook all the things that we think are our just due. He forsook those things willingly and without coercion. He was willing because he knew what was at stake, and he knew what the result of his self-sacrifice would be.

In that garden, there was angst and fear, but there was not a shred of selfishness or rebellion. Jesus knew what he had been appointed to do. He knew what the culmination of his earthly work would be. In his humanity, it was a fearful thing to consider, but he had a submissive, loving, and willing heart. This moment of willingness is a moment of hope for all of us, who, in our sin, have lives that are marked by unwillingness. Our hope in this life and the one to come is never to be found in our willingness to believe in and follow him, but in his willingness to endure suffering and death for us. His willingness unleashes the grace we need to be forgiven and to become more and more willing to lay down our lives for his kingdom and his glory.

GOING DEEPER
Reflection Questions

1. Think of your difficult or challenging relationships. Where has “unwillingness” of sin crept in? What could happen if you chose to be willing in those areas instead?

2. Imagine yourself in the garden watching Jesus pray—what are you thinking? Feeling? Wondering about?

3. What specific things was Jesus willing to do for you? List them out, meditate on them, and thank him!

Read Matthew 26:36–46, and praise Jesus for withstanding every temptation toward selfishness and his own comfort.

Matthew 26:36-46  New Living Translation
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.
44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

2026 Lenten Season - Day 20 - To Silence Complaint

We continue the tradition of 40 days of Lent-related devotionals (46 counting the Sundays).
Sharing "Journey to the Cross" by Paul David Tripp.
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It is good to silence complaint in your life by sitting down and taking the time to count your blessings.

So many blessings, so many graces, so many gifts, so much love. There is no rational explanation; there is no human reason; there is no scientific formula; no evolutionary theory; no political machinations; no cultural privilege; no chance; no fate; nothing earned; nothing achieved; nothing deserved; no right; no entitlement; no family inheritance; no right of passage; no reward for work done; no prize for achievement; no deserved recognition.

There is a miracle operating here; there is amazing favor; there is unprecedented mercy; there is boundless love; there is only one explanation; there is but one rationale. Blood was shed outside the city walls, a perfect man with the criminal element nailed to a torture tree, hung there by those he made. No words of defense, no actions of resistance. Favored Son, now willing Sufferer, carrying the sin of multitudes. Mocked by onlookers, forsaken by the Father, willing Lamb, acceptable sacrifice, planned from eternity, accomplished in time, so we would know so many blessings, so many graces, so many gifts, so much love.

During this season when you are thinking about the hold that the world still has on you, when you’re confessing your struggle with sin, and when you’re focusing on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus that secured your hope in this life and the one to come, take time to count the many right-here, right-now blessings that the work of Jesus has delivered to you. You probably don’t need me to tell you this, but I will: it is more natural for sinners to complain than to give thanks. If you listen to yourself, you'll find that this is true. Our tendency to complain is one of the results of the selfishness of sin. Complaint reminds us that we keep sticking ourselves in the center of our worlds and making life all about us.

Gratitude is a powerful weapon against complaint. It is impossible to give thanks and complain at the same time. The more you spend time counting your blessings, the less time you’ll have to number your complaints. Complaint is a distorted and inaccurate way of looking at your life. For the child of God, a life of grumbling is the result of a factually inaccurate way of assessing life. It is factually inaccurate because it misses the ultimate facts of your existence: the intervention, operation, and generous blessings of God’s amazing grace. It focuses on what you don’t have and forgets the marvelous blessings that are yours that you could have never earned, achieved, or deserved in your own strength or based on your own performance. God’s grace unleashes into your life blessings that are too many to number. No matter what difficulties you are facing, they are outweighed by the storehouse of blessings that are yours in Christ Jesus.

So take time out of each day, if only for a few moments, to count your blessings. Buy a journal or open a Google Doc, and each day catalog the blessings in your life, from the smallest and most mundane to those that are huge and life-changing. Fight the battle with complaint by developing a day-by-day habit of gratitude. Begin counting your blessings, and watch how the practice begins to alter the way you look at your life. No one is more worthy of your praise than your generous, loving, faithful, wise, and gracious Savior.

Gratitude silences complaint.

GOING DEEPER
Reflection Questions

1. Looking at a typical day, what percentage of your time is spent grumbling and what percentage is spent giving thanks?

2. Why do you think it is so difficult for us to remember to give thanks? What practical things can you do to draw your heart away from complaining and toward praise?

3. Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? What benefits did this have—or could it have if you haven’t tried it yet—for you?

Read Psalm 103, and thank the Lord for his many blessings.

A psalm of David.

1 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things.My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

6 The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. 14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. 15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. 16 The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. 17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children 18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.

20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. 21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! 22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom.

Let all that I am praise the Lord.

2026 Lenten Season - Day 12 - Issues of the Heart

We continue the tradition of 40 days of Lent-related devotionals (46 counting the Sundays).
Sharing "Journey to the Cross" by Paul David Tripp.
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Your emotional life is a window into what is truly important to you and what you are really living for. 

It bothered me more than I was willing to admit. It made me angry. It made me fearful. It discouraged me again and again. As much as I tried to ignore it, it would hook me again. I could argue that it didn’t make any difference at all, but it was important to me and I could not escape my struggle. It would  sneak up on me and grab me unexpectedly, and it would distract and divert me. It hurt, and the hurt would not go away. One man’s approval had become my god.

I was a young pastor who was learning his way. Of course, there were moments when my leadership was awkward. I’m sure at times I thought I knew more and was capable of more than I actually was. I’m sure at that time I was not a very good preacher. If this particular person was intent on criticizing me, I gave him plenty of material to work with. But change began to take place when I began to understand that he was not my problem; I was. It was a bit mortifying to confess that I had put this man in a position in my life that only God should be in. I had allowed him to do for me what only God could do. This man had the power to wreck not just a day for me but an entire week as I hashed over and over in my mind another situation of his dismissal. My heart had wandered away from trusting in God and the rest of the heart that is found in hooking your identity and security to him.

What alerted me to the fact that the problem was me? The answer is not mysterious or complicated: it was my emotions. I had every reason to be joyful. I had been chosen and gifted to be a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I had a wonderful wife and the beginnings of a beautiful family. Our little church was becoming a close-knit gospel community that felt more like a family than an institution. The Lord was meeting our physical needs. In many ways, these were some of the best years of our lives, but I was discouraged, fearful, anxious, doubtful, and ill at ease. I had lost the confidence that I once had in the gifts God had given me and his calling to this particular place of ministry. In my discouragement, I spent way too much time contemplating what it would be like to not be a pastor anymore. The thought of continuing made my stomach churn, while the thought of leaving gave me hope. I was a mess.

Our emotions are a window into what our hearts really love. The rise and fall of your feelings function as a barometer to what you truly value and want out of life. Your joy, sadness, fear, anger, happiness, despondency, contentment, discouragement, rejoicing, and inner grumbling can point you to what is ruling your heart at street level. When the Bible commands you to rejoice, it is calling you to surrender the control of your heart to the one who always gives you reason to rejoice, no matter what is going on in your life. Circumstantial, relational, and experiential joy is always temporary because the “good” moments those things give us are temporary. Lack of peace may indicate that where you have looked for peace will never deliver the peace you crave. Fleeting happiness may indicate that you’ve hooked your happiness to something that wasn’t created to give you lasting happiness. Fear may indicate you have trusted something that is fallen and broken and will never faithfully deliver what you are looking for. Discouragement may point you to the fact that you keep hoping in something in your world, and that thing keeps failing you because it was not meant to supply you with unbroken hope.

Here’s the bottom line. Your emotions can be a helpful indicator of where you have replaced God with something else or where you have asked him to deliver to you something he’s never promised. Often, we make the mistake of thinking we have a heart for the Lord, when, in reality, we’re just thankful for him because at that moment he seems to be delivering to us what we have truly set our hearts on. Often, we reduce God to just the deliverer of good gifts, rather than recognizing him as the ultimate heart-satisfying gift.

In this fallen world, we all face a catalog of potential God replacements. The list is endless because anything in creation can capture our hearts and live there as only God should. As a young pastor, the respect of one man was that God-replacement for me. I was a pastor; I was studying the Bible or teaching, preaching, or counseling the Bible all the time. I spent much of my life thinking about God and his word. I talked all the time about the liberating joy of following him and the dangers of sin. I thought I was, on the inside, a God-fearer and a willing servant. But there was evidence that something was amiss. I had none of the peace and rest of heart that communion with the Lord should produce. I had just the opposite, because although I thought of myself as serving God, I was in active service of a false god, and my emotional life was the evidence that began to help me see what was going on beneath the surface of my seemingly Godward life.

In this season of reflection, confession, and willing sacrifice, how about scanning the evidence in your own life? How about taking stock of what your emotions tell you about what you’re truly serving? How about being willing to confess to having a fickle and wandering heart? How about not assuming that the habits of religion mean that your heart is ruled by the Lord at street level? How about offering to  God the one sacrifice he will never reject - the sacrifice of humble, honest, heartfelt confession?  Remember David’s words of assurance to all who would come to God and confess a wandering heart: Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise”. You are never in a safer, more blessed place than when your heart is broken in this way.

GOING DEEPER

Reflection Questions

1. What is your current emotional state? Is there a negative emotion that is present in your life more often than it should be?

2. If “our emotions are a window into what our hearts really love,” what do your emotions say about what you love?

3. Think about the spiritual habits you engage in, perhaps even your devotional times—are you covering up sins or idols with religious practice?

Read Colossians 3:1–10. Ask yourself if your focus is on things above, or if the negative actions and attitudes listed are present in your life, revealing a focus on the things of earth.

Colossians 3:1-10 New Living Translation

Living the New Life

3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Promise for Today - Keep the Flame Burning Brightly

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
Isaiah 42:3 NLT

Candles are still very popular, and they continue to gain in popularity. Did you know you can purchase a candle that smells like dirt? Truly! And if you like food-scented candles, how about trying the pizza, popcorn, bacon, nachos, coffee, or cotton candy candles? And those who are into the great outdoors but can't get there through work or weather, these will carry you through - lawn mower clippings scent, campfire candle, pigskin candle, or s'mores. And how about this? A Hippie-scented candle - I can't even imagine what would go into that, and I'm not sure I want to know! 

Whatever the scent, no matter if it's 2 for a dollar or $40 a candle, none of them burn without a wick. And the wick has to be properly maintained for the candle to do all it's supposed to do and for the time it's supposed to do it. FYI - Wicks should be trimmed to 1/4 inch before each time the candle is lit. The reason is that carbon accumulates on the end of a wick and can weigh the wick to one side so that the candle burns unevenly. That nobby of carbon on the end of the wick can also prevent oxygen from getting to the flame, or if the wick gets too long, it cannot draw wax all the way up to the top. Both can cause the flame to go out because the wick itself will then start to burn, which also produces the black soot. It gets ugly rather quickly.

I know you don't need a lesson in candle care, and you might be asking what all this has to do with anything in the eternal weight of things. Well, I can't seem to get away from today's Scripture. I keep seeing the smoldering wick of someone who is overwhelmed by life, the person who sees no way out, the smoldering wick of a life that has borne much pain, and wants to believe someone cares - that they matter. They want to believe... and we glance over and think, "They're okay, I still see some light..."

You know who they are - they're burning themselves out and spewing soot all over everything around them, where once they burned brightly, cleanly. Now, there's that faint red glow on the wick that's burning itself out, no light left, just a little smoke because it's drowning. However, if they could just get a little breath of life blown their way to feed the flame... or get a little help to get rid of the weighty carbon nobs of accumulated sin so they can once again draw from the wellspring of life to keep the light burning.

Does that make any sense? Have you seen them? Is it you?

Wicks have to be tended for the candle to maintain a clean flame. Each candle is created to burn for a certain length of time, and that time is NOT accomplished if the wick is not tended properly. And if they don't burn for the length of time for which they were created, how many will not see the Light? Let us care for each other and keep the flame burning.

Prayer:

Father,
         Please, trim what needs to be trimmed in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Breathe Your breath of Life on us to fan the flame of Your Light to the world. As this world becomes darker, Father, cause our flame of fervor for Your Truth to burn ever more brightly so that all are drawn to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The Way to Your Happy Place

My child, do not forget what I teach you. Always think carefully about my commands. If you obey them, you will live a long life. You will have peace in your mind. And you will enjoy your life.
Keep hold of faithful love. That will be like a beautiful necklace that you always wear. Think about what it means to love other people. If you do that, you will make God happy. People will also be pleased and they will respect you.

Proverbs 3:1-4 EASY

Trust in the Lord completely. Do not think that you understand things well enough for yourself. Whatever you are doing, remember that the Lord is with you. Then he will show you the right way to go.

Do not think that you are already wise enough. Obey the Lord and refuse to do evil things. If you do that, it will make you healthy and strong.

Show that you respect the Lord in the way that you use your money. Offer the first part of the harvest from your farm to him. If you do that, you will store more food than you need for yourself. You will have more wine than you can drink.

My child, if the Lord warns you that you have done something wrong, accept it. Do not be upset if he warns you. He is doing it because he loves you. When a father loves his son very much, he warns him when he does something wrong.

Anyone who finds wisdom is in a happy place! So is the person who has learned to understand things.

Wisdom helps people better than silver or gold will ever help them.

Wisdom is more valuable than the most expensive jewels. Nothing that you might want for yourself is as good as wisdom.

Wisdom is ready to give you a long life. She will also give you riches and honour.

Wisdom will be your guide through a happy life. She will lead you in ways that keep you safe. Wisdom is like a tree with fruits that give life to the people who pick them. The Lord blesses everyone who keeps hold of wisdom.

The Lord used wisdom to create the earth. He understood the right way to create the heavens. He used his knowledge to pour water from under the earth into the rivers and seas. He caused the clouds to send down rain.

My child, always keep hold of wisdom and a good mind. Make sure that you keep them safe. They will give you strength in life. You will enjoy life, like a beautiful necklace that you wear.

You will be safe as you travel through life. There will be no danger to make you fall down. When you lie down to sleep, you will not be afraid. You will sleep well with peace in your mind. You will not be frightened of any trouble that might surprise you. Trouble may destroy wicked people, but you will know that you are safe. The Lord is the one who will take care of you. He will protect you, so that no danger can hurt you. 

Do not refuse to help those people who need help. If you are able to help them, do it! If you can give your neighbour the help that he needs, do not say to him, ‘Go away! Come back tomorrow, and then I will help you.’

Do not think of ways to hurt your neighbour. You should help him to trust you.

Do not quarrel with other people if they have done nothing to hurt you. You have no reason to accuse them of anything wrong.

Do not be jealous of cruel people. Do not try to copy the things that they do. The Lord hates wicked people. But he makes righteous people his friends.

The Lord curses the homes of wicked people, but he blesses the homes of righteous people. The Lord laughs at proud people who laugh at other people. But he is kind to humble people.

Wise people will receive honour. But fools will only have shame.  

Verses 5-35

Prayer:

Father, 

         Help us to keep our eyes open and focused on You. To walk only where You lead us. To bless and help those who need help. Keep our hearts softened to Your will and way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Promise for Today - It Ain't Easy

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32

Forgiveness. It ain't easy. Whether real or perceived, offenses happen. What we do with them determines how we live from that moment on... unless we choose - yes, choose! - to forgive. Unforgiveness casts a shadow and colors everything we do. Matthew 6:14 NLT tells us, "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you." That sounds easy. However, verse 15 explains, "But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." We tend to want to hold on to the offenses so we can still be angry. The Word tells us that he who angers you controls you. We cannot walk in freedom unless we choose to forgive. It ain't easy. It takes a lot of practice.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to grouse, gripe and grumble? Carp, complain and criticize? Sometimes it's so stinking easy that you catch yourself in the middle of doing it before you even realize you started. I hate it when that happens. Wouldn't it be just as easy to look for the good in something rather than the bad? Wouldn't it be just as easy to smile as smirk? Wouldn't it be easier to love our neighbors as ourselves if we looked for their gifts rather than focusing on their guilt? If we made a practice of giving instead of goading? Oh, I know, I know... that's HARD! It doesn't happen easily unless we practice...

We practice a lot of things in an effort to improve how we look and how we are perceived by those around us. Many people are motivated by not wanting to be judged. These thoughts determine even what we wear. God's Word gives us great instruction for what to wear. Colossians 3:12-14 The Message, "So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."

Wear love. There cannot be love without forgiveness. It ain't easy, but through Christ, all things are possible.

Prayer:

Father,
           According to Your Word, Since we have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, help us to throw off our old, sinful nature and our former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. Help us to put on our new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. And to walk in forgiveness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - He Answered

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
Psalm 3:3-4 ESV

King David was on the run to hide from his son, Absalom. And in verses 1 and 2, his focus is on how many are his foes and their taunts, declaring that his God will never help him. Then there's a shift. David's spirit rises up within him, and he remembers who and what God is. No matter how many enemies! No matter the situation! No matter how overwhelming the circumstances seem!

It's so hard when we find ourselves in situations that are overwhelming, when the enemy of our souls reminds us of our past sins and mistakes, and keeps piling on the guilt and shame. satan wants us to think that no one can see or hear the trouble we're in. There's no help for us. We'll have to go it alone. LIES!! That's why it's SO important to read and know God's Word so we can know God and all that He is to us, for us, and in us.

"But You, O Lord, are a Shield about me, my Glory, and the Lifter of my head." Protection and salvation from the enemy, lifting our heads above what's trying to drown us. Lifting up our heads so we can see His glory and call out to Him for help.

I know it can be hard to ask for help. Not everyone hears the cry. And some who hear don't or won't answer. But our Promise for Today? "I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill."

Yes! The Lord hears and answers. Selah (pause and think about that!)

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for Your written Word - the perfect reference manual to learn about You and to know who You are and who You want to be in our lives. Give us a clear understanding of it and write it on our hearts, Father, lest we forget. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Part Two - Powerful Way to Live Free

NOTE: For the rest of November, I will share Thanksgiving moments written by other authors.
Today's devotional was written by Debbie McDaniel.
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The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” 

Psalm 28:7

We have so much to be grateful for in this life, every single day. But reality is that sometimes constant life demands, battles, and worries give more room to defeat than to a heart of thanks. Or we forget, in the midst of busyness and pressures, just to pause and give thanks for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives.

Sometimes it really is a sacrifice to offer praise and thanks. We may not feel like it. We’re struggling. We’re weary. Or maybe, we feel like He let us down. We think God seems distant, like He’s far away, or doesn’t really care about what’s troubling us. Painful life blows and losses might have recently sent us spiraling.

But here’s what can make a lasting difference. We have a choice, every day, to give Him thanks. And with a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He does more. He changes our hearts. Through our hearts of gratitude and focused minds on Him, His power releases the grip our struggles have over us. We’re strengthened by His peace, refueled by His joy.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Maybe you’re in a hard place right now. Maybe you feel like God has left you on your own to fend for yourself, or the battle seems too hard. Maybe there’s never enough money left at the end of the month, and you can’t figure out how to make things work. No matter what, in it all, be assured that God is with you and He cares. Choose a heart of gratefulness today. Make a list of all that God has blessed and filled your life with, that it’s been easy to take for granted at times. Trust He knows what concerns you and is at work even now, to bring you through this uncertain season. This Thanksgiving, thank God for providing all you need.

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Prayer:

Father, 

          We are humbled and so grateful for all You have done, all You are doing, and all You will do as we follow You. We choose to build and strengthen a heart of gratitude; to speak Your Word over every situation rather than to nurse and rehearse the challenges we face daily. Thank You for being the only Firm Foundation that helps us to withstand all the storms of life. We give You all glory and praise, in Jesus' Name. Amen

Promise for Today - Being Thankful is a Powerful Way to Live Free

NOTE: For the rest of November, I will share Thanksgiving moments written by other authors.
Today's devotional was written by Debbie McDaniel.
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The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

Psalm 28:7

No matter what our current situation or the struggles we may be facing, here’s what choosing to be thankful does:

• It gets our eyes off ourselves and helps us to focus back on God.
• It reminds us we’re not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is. It keeps us in a place of humility and dependency on Him, as we recognize how much we need Him.
• It helps us to recognize we have so much to be thankful for, even all the little things, which often we may forget to thank Him for. It takes our attention off our problems and helps us instead to reflect on the goodness of His many blessings.
• It reminds us that God is the Giver of all good gifts. We were never intended to be fully self-sufficient in this life. A grateful heart reminds us that ultimately God is our Provider, that all blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by His hand.
• A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.
• It makes the enemy flee. The forces of darkness can’t stand to be around hearts that give thanks and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee.
• It opens the door for continued blessings. It invites His presence. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to Him.

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Prayer:

Father, 

          With glad hearts, we give You praise. With sad hearts, we give You praise. With our whole heart, we give You praise and thanksgiving, for You alone are worthy of it all. Keep us ever mindful that every good and perfect gift comes from You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Not-So-Simply Love

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is afraid has not been made perfect in love. We love because God first loved us.
1 John 4:18-19 CEB

Do you remember your first love? Do you remember how that felt? You could talk for hours. You were content just to sit and bask in the presence of your beloved. Just to be near was enough. You wanted to be better - to be more - to be everything that person "deserved" so you would be loved in return. Ahhhhh...first love... Oh, you just knew that person was perfect... or at least, perfect for you.

What if there really was such a thing as a perfect love? A perfect mate? A perfect relationship? Someone who was perfect for real, but at the same time would overlook your imperfections? Someone who could see past any physical flaws or your neediness or your inabilities. Someone who would love you no matter what you did, no matter what you said, no matter what you looked like. Someone who spoke the love language of your heart. Someone who knew exactly what it would take to love you and make you feel that love all the way inside. Someone who never leaves, is always there. Someone whose whole goal is a relationship with you. Someone who wants what is best for your life - to promote you and the abilities you have, and who will do and has done everything necessary to make that happen. Someone who has proven to be steadfast and true through the test of time and for all eternity.

Let me arrange the introduction. His Name is Adonai. God the Lord. God doesn't just love. He IS love and He commands us to love. Your ultimate perfection is guaranteed through His perfect love gift - His Son, Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Father,
           We pray the words of the old hymn by Thomas Chisholm and William Kirkpatrick. ♪♫ O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer, this is my constant longing and prayer. Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear. O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art. Come in Thy sweetness. Come in Thy fullness. Plant Thine own image deep on my heart. ♪♫ In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - On Fire

In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
James 3:5-6 NLT

Recently, I heard a sermon about judging others. I thought I'd been doing pretty well about not judging people; that is until I heard the sermon in its entirety. I was going along just fine with it, doing a mental checklist - Check - no longer do that. Check - no longer do that.  Check - no longer do that... Then he asked. "So you think you're doing pretty well - not judging people? How about when you're at work and you no sooner hang up the phone and you say, 'Idiot.' You just passed judgment on that person..."

As much as I'd like to try to justify that particular action by claiming that I was just stating fact, Ephesians 4:29 instructs me, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Declaring someone an idiot is definitely NOT ministering grace... And even though I wasn't actively pursuing the act of pronouncing judgment, that's exactly what I'd done.

Yes, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is interesting to note that in common law, arson is defined as 'the malicious burning of another's dwelling'. For purposes of common law arson, malicious is defined as 'an action creating a GREAT RISK of a burning'. It is not required that the defendant acted intentionally or willfully for the purpose of burning a dwelling. Creating the RISK is enough to be charged with the crime (sin).

So, here I am, yet again, walking out James 5:16, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Please, God, keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth. 

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for Your Word that always leads us back to You and redemption. Restore a right spirit within us, O Lord. Give us clean hands and pure hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen