Tag Archives: confidence

So just believe (Luke 17:6) December 13, 2016

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Bible reading plan:

Read it in a year – Nehemiah 10-13

see the whole year’s plan [here](http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf)

Today’s Devotional

Luke 17:6
Jesus (pointing to a nearby mulberry tree): It’s not like you need a huge amount of faith. If you just had faith the size of a single, tiny mustard seed, you could say to this huge tree, “Pull up your roots and replant yourself in the sea,” and it would fly through the sky and do what you said. So even a little faith can accomplish the seemingly impossible.

What do Jesus’ words mean for us today?

Jesus talks about faith a lot. And He talks about how little faith it takes to have incredible miracles take place around you. So what is it about us that keeps us from exercising that kind of faith and seeing miracles happen today? Have we become so sophisticated in our understanding of science that we no longer believe in miracles? Do we not believe that God is still God and can twist and turn the laws of science to do what He wants the way He wants?

When you think about it, that’s really what miracles are all about. Miracles are things that seem to break the natural laws of chemistry and physics that we think govern the physical realm in which we live. God heals when doctors say there is no hope or heals faster than the medical profession says is possible. God creates assets or puts them in place in ways that seem to defy all the rules bankers and economists use in their profession.

At the beginning of creation, God put all those laws of science in place. Can’t He bend them if He wants? Can’t He set aside a rule He made or bend it to His will? He is God and existed before any of those rules came to be. He’s the One who put them in place. So if He put them in place, surely He can change them if He wants. He can use them to fit His needs. He can suspend them to make miracles happen for us. And what does it take? A little faith. Jesus says it takes faith the size of a mustard seed.

Some people tell me they just don’t have enough faith, but everyone has faith. We just don’t put it in the right thing. We have faith the sun will come up. We have faith the earth will still be spinning tomorrow. We have faith our car will start (usually). We have faith the lights will work when we flip the switch. We have faith we will get a paycheck from our employer. We have faith the government will still be in place tomorrow. We have a lot of faith.

Except for the first two about the sun coming up and the earth spinning, a lot of people around the world may not have much faith in those things. But in the United States we do. Why? Because we have experience that has shown us these things are true. But quite frankly, it’s not our experience, but the experience of thousands of others that stand together to help us have faith that these things will be true for us tomorrow.

The same is true for our faith in God. Countless have gone before us and experienced God’s goodness. They have watched Him perform miracles for His children. They have seen His faithfulness and know that He cares for us. Thousands can testify to His love and His hand at work in their lives in so many ways that can only be explained as the hand of God. That empiracle knowledge should give us confidence that translates into faith. We can believe that God will work on our behalf when we exercise faith in Him.

Faith is really that simple. It’s just a question of what we put our faith in. I’d rather put my faith in God than my car. He is certainly more reliable than my car. And my lights go out every once in a while in a storm. God never does. He’s always there in the storms of life. He never quits. He never rests. He listens to our prayers and cares for us as His dear children because we are.

Faith in Him is what He requires. Just believe. That’s all. From the deepest part of your heart believe He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. Believe He is God. Creator. Savior. Redeemer. Believe He came and lived with us for a time in an earthly body and died on a cross for your sins and mine. Believe He rose from the dead to demonstrate His power over death and the grave. Believe Jesus, God’s Son, lives forever, one with the Father and Spirit, interceding for us. Believe. Trust Him with your life. Thousands and thousands have gone before you trusting Him and believing in Him. Their testimonies join together and give us confidence that God will not fail us either. So just believe. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Learn from Job and his trust in God (Acts 19), October 28, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Job 19

Set – Job 19; Mark 1

Go! – Job 19; Mark 1-2

Job 19
1 Job answered his friends in frustration.
2 Job: O how long! How long will you torture me and pound me with your chatter?
3 What is it now? Eight times? Nine times?
No, surely it’s ten times you have insulted me.
Ten times you’ve shamelessly acted to harm me.
4 Even if I have erred, my faults lie with me alone.
5 However, if you must exalt yourselves at my expense,
if you must proffer my own disgrace as evidence against me,
6 Then you ought at least to know that I have been wronged by God.
Yes, His net is closed about me.
7 Look! I cry out, “Violence!” but no response comes.
I shout for help, but justice eludes me.
8 He is a roadblock. He will not let me pass;
He has covered my roads in darkness.
9 He has stripped me of my honor,
torn the crown off my head.
10 He comes at me from all sides, but I attempt to leave;
He rips out my hope as if it were a tree in dry ground.
11 His anger burns white-hot against me,
and He considers me His enemy.
12 His militia arrives to raise a siege ramp against me
and to surround my dwelling.
13 He has driven my relatives far from me;
I am cut off from my friends.
14 My entire family has failed me;
my best friends have forgotten me.
15 Everyone in my house, including my maidservants,
treats me like an outsider;
I am a stranger to them now.
16 When I send for my servant, he does not come.
I even plead with him with my own voice.
17 My breath is strange; even my wife avoids me;
I’m loathsome to my relatives; they can’t stand to be around me.
18 Even young children taunt me,
and when I seek to rise, they mock me.
19 My closest friends can no longer bear me,
and anyone I have ever loved has turned against me.
20 I am reduced to skin and bones;
I have barely escaped by the skin of my teeth.
21 Show me your pity, my friends, show me your pity!
For truly, I have been struck by the hand of God.
22 Why do you pursue me as God has done?
Is my emaciated body not satisfying enough for you?
23 What I would give to have my words taken down,
to have them inscribed for posterity on a scroll.
24 No! More than that!
To have them chiseled with iron filled with lead—
carved in stone for all eternity.
25 Besides, I know my Redeemer lives,
and in the end He will rise and take His stand on the earth.
26 And though my skin has been stripped off,
still, in my flesh, I will see God.
27 I, myself, will see Him:
not some stranger, but actually me, with these eyes.
Toward this end, my deepest longings pine away within my chest.
28 If you ask, “How will we pursue him
since the root cause of his suffering lies in him?”
29 You ought to fear the sword yourselves;
for the sword bears fury’s punishment
in order that you might realize there is, in fact, a judgment.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Job laments his condition. No wonder! His friends mock him, the children run away from him or make fun of his condition. He is covered in boils and is reduced to skin and bones. His wife and family will have nothing to do with him. He’s lost everything and those who used to serve him won’t even talk to him. Job is alone on an ash heap surrounded by three men who only ask him to tell them about his unrepentant sins…of which he has none to confess.

What I like about his lament, though, is his confidence that he will have a unique revelation at the end of it. Did you hear what he said? “And though my skin has been stripped off, still, in my flesh, I will see God. I, myself will see Him: not some stranger, but actually me, with these eyes. Toward this end, my deepest longings pine away within my chest.”

Job is starting to tire, as anyone would, but he still looks toward Me as his redeemer. He still hopes to see Me with his own eyes. He still expects rescue from the suffering he faces. And Job looks to Me as his Savior. That’s where Job’s confidence lay. I could see into Job’s heart when I told Satan Job was a righteous man. He was proving Me an accurate judge. Despite all Job was going through, he still put his confidence and faith in Me as he goes through the trials I allowed Satan to press upon him.

Learn some lessons from Job. Never give up. Understand you may never know why you go through the trials you face, but I will never let you face more than you can handle. And you don’t know who else is looking at your life to watch how you weather the storms you are facing. Just keep trusting in Me. I’ll get you through it.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

God’s wisdom makes you sure and fearless (James 3:13-18; Psalms 46), July 19, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – James 3:13-18; Psalms 46

Set – 2 Chronicles 28; Psalms 46; James 3

Go! – 2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalms 46; James 3

James 3:13-18; Psalms 46
13 Who in your community is understanding and wise? Let his example, which is marked by wisdom and gentleness, blaze a trail for others. 14 If your heart is one that bleeds dark streams of jealousy and selfishness, do not be so proud that you ignore your depraved state. 15 The wisdom of this world should never be mistaken for heavenly wisdom; it originates below in the earthly realms, with the demons. 16 Any place where you find jealousy and selfish ambition, you will discover chaos and evil thriving under its rule. 17 Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy, and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy. 18 The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace.

1 God is our shelter and our strength.
When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help.
So why run and hide?
2 No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails.
When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless.
When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless.
3 Even in heavy winds and huge waves,
or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless.
[pause]
4 A pure stream flows—never to be cut off—
bringing joy to the city where God makes His home,
the sacred site where the Most High chooses to live.
5 The True God never sleeps and always resides in the city of joy;
He makes it unstoppable, unshakable.
When it awakes at dawn, the True God has already been at work.
6 Trouble is on the horizon for the outside nations, not long until kingdoms will fall;
God’s voice thunders and the earth shakes.
7 You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;
the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.
[pause]
8 Come, gaze, fix your eyes on what the Eternal can do.
Amazing, He has worked desolation here on this battlefield, earth.
9 God can stop wars anywhere in the world.
He can make scrap of all weapons: snap bows, shatter spears,
and burn shields.
10 “Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.
I am honored among all the nations.
I am honored over all the earth.”
11 You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;
the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

James talks about wisdom, the psalmist talks about being sure and fearless when others see trouble and inescapable danger. Both speak of the same thing. Jesus said you would face trouble in the world. But He didn’t stop there. He said, “Don’t worry, I have already overcome the world.” Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

When you put your trust in Me and understand who I am, you find fear slips away in every circumstance. You can laugh in the face of danger because you know I am greater than your greatest enemy. I am better than your biggest obstacle. I’m in the business of doing the impossible. I am ready to show you My care and My wisdom. Listen to Me instead of the world and you will find joy in your life. You’ll find the baubles the world offers meaningless in the greater scheme of life. You’ll find My path full of the real treasures you seek, treasures that last a life time and beyond.

When you face enemies, you will stand sure and fearless as the psalmist says because you know the battles do not belong to you, but to Me. And I cannot be defeated. In fact, I have already been victorious and just await time to catch. You must understand, time is meaningless to Me. I exist yesterday, today, and forever. I created time for your benefit, not Mine. So, I know the end and in the end, I’m victorious. I win. I cannot lose because I’m God.

James understood that and could declare that if you need wisdom to make it through this world, just ask Me and I can tell you what you need to know. I can help you make the right turns through what looks like a maze from your perspective. When you see it from My perspective, I see every turn, every bend, every obstacle, everything that needs to be done to get you to the end.

My wisdom lets you face each day sure and fearless. All you need to do is trust Me. Put your faith in Me. Listen to Me and do what I ask you to do. It’s really that simple. I won’t tell you it’s always easy to follow Me because sometimes I’ll tell you to do some things that are hard. They will test your faith. But the tasks I give you will never be things beyond your ability with Me at your side. I will always see you through them. Just trust Me. You’ll be glad you did.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

The other cheek lifestyle (1 Corinthians 4:1-13), Mar 19, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 1 Corinthians 4:1-13
Set – Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4
Go! – Joshua 3-6; 1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4:1-13
1Rather than power brokers, think of us as servants of the Anointed One, the Liberating King, caretakers of the mysteries of God. 2 Because we are in this particular role, it is especially important that we are people of fidelity and integrity. 3 It makes little difference to me how you or any human court passes judgment on me. I even resist the temptation to compare myself to the ever-changing human standard. 4 Although I am not aware of any flaw that might exclude me from this divine service, that’s not the reason I stand acquitted—the only supreme judge, our Lord, will examine me in the proper time. 5 So resist the temptation to act as judges before all the evidence is in. When the Lord comes, He will draw our buried motives, thoughts, and deeds (even things we don’t know or admit to ourselves) out of the dark shadows of our hearts into His light. When this happens, the voice of God will speak to each of us the only praise that will ever matter.

6 Right now, brothers and sisters, the best thing I can do for you is to apply these principles to the situation with Apollos and me. Maybe we can show you the meaning of the saying, “not beyond the things written.” If you learn that, perhaps none of you will swell with pride because you fall into the seductive trap of pitting one against the other. 7 Is there any reason to consider yourselves better than others? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If you received it as a gift, why do you boast like it is something you achieved on your own?

8 Now let’s see if I have it straight. You suppose that you already have all you need. You already are rich and prosperous. And without us you’ve already begun to reign like kings. To be honest, I wish you did reign so that we could reign with you 9 because it seems to me that God has put His emissaries at the end of the line, like convicts in their final walk to certain death. We have become a spectacle to the rest of the world—to all people and heaven’s messengers. 10 We are nothing but fools for the cause of the Anointed One while you are wise in Him. Am I right? We are feeble and tired while you are mighty and full of life. You are well respected by others while we’re treated as contemptuous creatures by pretty much everyone everywhere. 11 Up to this very minute, we are famished, we are thirsty, and our clothes are shabby, practically rotted to pieces. We are homeless, hapless wanderers. 12 But still we labor, working with our hands to meet our needs because, despite all of this, when a fist is raised against us, we respond with a blessing; when we face violence and persecution, we stay on mission; and 13 when others choose taunts and slander against us, we speak words of encouragement and reconciliation. We’re treated as the scum of the earth—and I am not talking in the past tense; I mean today! We’re the scraps of society, nothing more than the foulest human rubbish.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

How do you get to the place Paul found himself as he wrote these words? “…when a fist is raised against us, we respond with a blessing; when we face violence and persecution, we stay on mission; and when other choose taunts and slander against us, we speak words of encouragement and reconciliation.”

I talked about turning the other cheek when someone strikes you, but is it possible to do so? Shouldn’t revenge come in there somewhere? Doesn’t vengeance play any part in the life of a follower? Look at what is happening to Christians around the world, can’t we defend ourselves?

Paul learned that he doesn’t have the power it takes to overcome the evil of the world. Were he to try to stop the violence, persecution, and slander aimed at him, it would only multiply. Paul never had the strength to stand against his enemies. He didn’t stand a chance against them. But I did. And I still do. When Paul was left for dead, I revived him. When Paul faced the critics in the arena, I gave him the words to say to counter their arguments. When Paul stood before kings, I spoke through him with just the right information so they were astounded with his knowledge.

Paul leaned on Me for his strength, wisdom, words, protection. He knew I would sty with him in whatever predicament he found himself. I promised never to leave him or forsake him. I’ll do the same for you. The promises I make to My children don’t differ much. I’m just and fair. Though life might not be fair, I am. So you can rest assured that I will stay with you whatever happens to you. I will remain with you in the happiest and the darkest of days. I will let you tap into the greatest power source available to get you through your troubles. Me.

You will astound your enemies because of Me. You will paralyze the greatest armies because of Me. Others will think you have some secret weapon. Me. Miracles will happen around you. You will be deemed different, odd, peculiar, strange, weird. You’ll be unlike the average person. You should, you’ll have God inside you directing you’re life. Just give Me all of you and you can experience what Paul experienced. Confident calm in the midst of the fiercest storms. Because I am in control of it all.

Learn of Me. Know Me. Invite Me into your life. You’ll never need to fear again. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.