Desert Discovery

"The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness" - (Psalm 145:17, NLT). 
Suppose you turned on the radio tomorrow morning and heard a news flash that said an ancient document had just been discovered in the desert. And suppose the newsperson said that this document contained new information about God! And suppose that document contained the following accounts of God's activity on earth:

• that God created giraffes just so he could make fun of their long necks

• that God really¬threw Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden because he wanted the garden all to himself!

• that in 4040 B.C., God saw an old lady crossing a city street in Kish, and he tripped¬her!

• that God once kicked a dog. . . for no reason at all!

• that when David sang Psalm 23 for the first time, God started throwing rotten tomatoes, saying, "Aah, get outta here! Your singing stinks! Get some voice lessons!"

How would you respond to such a discovery? Would you say, "Well, whaddya know?" Or would you say, "That's bogus! I don't believe that! God would never do those things!"

Chances are, you wouldn't believe such a document, would you? You would doubt or dismiss its truthfulness, wouldn't you? But why? Because you know better.

After all, you know that God would never trip old ladies or kick dogs. He wouldn't make fun of a giraffe or heckle a church musician, right? Because those things are contrary to God's nature; they would be "out of character" for God. Because God is kind.

The Bible says, "The LORD¬is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness" (Psalm 145:17, NLT,) Kindness is a part of who he is. In fact, ultimately that's why kindness is right. . . because God himself is kind. That's why he commands kindness, and that's why he values kindness. And that's why we should be kind, because our Father in Heaven is kind.

Reflect: Do you think God is kind? How do you know? Has God been kind to you? If so, in what ways? What makes kindness right (and unkind attitudes or actions unkind)? Name some ways you can reflect God's kindness today.

Prayer: "Our Loving Heavenly Father, I praise you because you're filled with kindness, and I thank you because you've been so kind to me; help me to show your kindness to others today and every day by . . . ." Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

Hidden Treasure

Bible Reading: Proverbs 2:1-11

For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and under­standing. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. - Proverbs 2:6-8.

You're Dreaming. You're not sure how you know it's a dream. Maybe it's because you're seven years old again and God is standing before you wearing a pair of Reeboks and blue jeans. God has told you to make a wish and he'll make it come true. You wish for riches. Of course. Who wouldn't?

The next moment in your dream, you're old—like maybe fifty. And you're not rich. In fact, you're upset with God for not making your wish come true as he had promised. "I asked you to make me rich," you complain to God. "I did," God answers softly.

"Nuh-uh," you protest. You turn your pockets inside out, revealing nothing but pocket lint and six cents, all in pennies.

"Remember when I gave you my commandment to 'act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God'? And remember when I told you to 'follow justice' and 'do for others what you would like them to do for you'?"

"Yeah," you say, nodding.

"Well, that alone was worth a fortune to you," God says. "What?" you say. "How do you figure?"

"Well," says God, "let's just take one example. Obeying those commands protected you from the guilt of cheating people and treating them unfairly, right?" "Well, yeah," you say, "I guess so."

"That saved you the $27,410 you would have paid to a therapist to try to
overcome your guilt. That doesn't even count the money you saved from not buying sleeping pills and antacids to combat the sleeplessness and indigestion that would have resulted if you had ignored my commands."

"Wow," you say, suddenly feeling very sheepish. "I guess I never thought about it that way before."

"So you see," God says, putting the calculator into the pocket of his jeans, "I really did grant you your wish. I made you rich-in more ways than one."

And you remind yourself that it's a dream, because in real life God wouldn't wear jeans-or would he?

REFLECT: Why do you think obeying God's commands protects us from guilt and provides us with a clear conscience?

PRAYER: " Our Loving Heavenly Father God, sometimes I wish for things that you know aren't right for me. Thanks for saying no. Now give me the 'treasure of good sense' today as I get ready to ______. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

Follow the Leader

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:1-10.

The keynote of your conversation should not be coarseness or silliness or flippancy-which are quite out of place, but a sense of all that we owe to God. - Ephesians 5:4.

Have you ever worked with someone and sewed something from a pattern? Or have you ever used a plan to make something from wood? Have you ever followed the directions to make a model car or plane, put together a new toy or bike, or used a recipe to bake a cake "from scratch" (where do you buy "scratch," anyway)?

To do any of those things correctly you have to follow some type of plan, whether it be a sewing pattern, a construction plan, assembly instructions, or a recipe. Think what the cake would be like if you put spinach in it instead of flour. Yuck! Or how would the bike look if you tried to put both wheels on the back or left the seat off? Not much fun to ride! Or if you decided to ignore the pattern and put sleeves wherever you wanted or left out the neck hole?

It may be a hassle at times to follow instructions, recipes, and patterns, but the outcome is sure better if you do. And the creator of the plan knows things will work out properly if you follow the instructions.

Well, when it comes to living our life, we have a pattern, too. Jesus is our pattern. As God's Son, he came to show us what God is like. He is the ultimate example for us.

When God tells us, in his Word, to be self-controlled, he's not just making a new rule off the top of his head. He's telling us, "Be like me," because he is self-controlled. When God says, "These are the things I will do" (Isaiah 42:16, niv), he does them. He never lies, never gets carried away.

Some people seem to be controlled by their temper; yet God never loses control of his temper. Some people's tongues seem to be out of control; yet God never loses control of his tongue. Some people seem to be victims of their passions; yet God is never controlled by anything except his own perfect, holy nature and will.

And because God is self-controlled, he wants us to be self-controlled and to follow the example he sets for us.

REFLECT: Do you think God ever has to exercise his self-control with you? Can you ever be perfectly self-controlled, as God is? Can you reflect his self-control in your behavior? How?

ACT: Carry a carpenter's pencil or a recipe card in your pocket or purse to remind you to follow God's example and be self-controlled today. Or memorize Ephesians 5:1.

PRAYER:"Almighty God, thank you for providing an example of how I should live my life. Help me to closely follow your plan for me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

Is It In You? Part III The Knowledge of God

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path Psalms 119:105 (NKJV)

We are going through a series of devotionals titled, "Is it in you?"  In this series, I've taken the base question, which was derived from a sports drink marketing campaign.  I decided to take this question and ask 3-intorspective questions.  In each of these 3-questions we will define what "It" is.  After all, if I am going to ask you a question as to whether "It" is in you - you need to know what "It" is.  

In Part I of this devotional series we proposed our first question, which was, 

1.    Is "God" in you?

We determined that we really couldn't ask the other 2-remaining questions if He wasn't so we needed to get that one settled. We then asked the second question in Part II.

2.    Is the "Love" of God in you?

We learned that everyone of us that have a personal saving relationship with Christ - Christian believers - have the "Love of God" in us, but that we could stop this love from flowing through us, and that it was our responsibility to allow God to love others through us.  

There are so many things that I could have proposed for this last question in Part III, such as "Is the 'Righteousness,' 'Patience,' 'Gentleness,' 'Kindness,' 'Humbleness,' 'Peace,' or the 'Faith,' of God in you?"  But I didn't, because I feel that if we have this last thing, then we will have all these things as well.  So, let's take a look at our third and final question

3.    Is the "Knowledge" of God in you?

You see, if you have the knowledge of God in you, then you have the instruction manual as well as the visitors, and survival guide to life here on earth.  It is through the "Knowledge" of God that is given to us through the Bible that we can learn what it means to be righteous, patient, gentle, kind, humble, peaceful, and develop our faith.  All throughout scripture we are encouraged to "Pursue" these things, and we are given an explanation of what they truly mean as well as how we can possess them.  It is by reading the Word of God that we can learn to be "Godly."  And God loves those who pursue this.

The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness.Proverbs 15:9 (NKJV)

God spoke through the prophet Hosea about what He desires of us with respect to our learning His knowledge. 

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 (NKJV)

It is through the knowledge of God's word that we learn the Will of God - and it is by obeying these truths that we show others our relationship with Him, and we show them our Love of God as well.

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 1John 2:3-5 (NKJV)

The Psalmist said it best when he wrote, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You" (Ps 119:11).  And so it is with us - we need to hide the Word of God in our heart so that we might not sin against the Lord.  

Hey Christian, we have just proposed 3-very important questions that will guide who we are and determine where and how we will spend eternity.  Life is short - don't be deceived by the enemy.  Make good use of your time here on earth and seek the Lord in everything you do.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about possessing the knowledge of God from these Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you pursuing the knowledge of God daily?

APPLICATION: Make it a priority to spend an hour each day in the Word of God.  Partake of God's knowledge, and impart it to those He brings into your life today - keep it flowing.

Is It In You? Part II The Love of God

We are going through a series of devotionals titled, "Is it in you?"  In this series, I've taken the base question, which was derived from a sports drink marketing campaign.  I decided to take this question and ask 3-intorspective questions.  In each of these 3-questions we will define what "It" is.  After all, if I am going to ask you a question as to whether "It" is in you - you need to know what "It" is.  

In Part I of this devotional series we proposed our first question, which was, 

1.    Is "God" in you?

We determined that we really couldn't ask the other 2-remaining questions if He wasn't, so we needed to get that one settled.  So, let's continue on with our second question.

2.    Is the "Love" of God in you?

Let me just say this, if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you have been given the "Love of God" and it "Is" in you.  

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5 (NKJV)

I am not going to go into a lengthy study of the "Love of God" in this devotional - for that go to the devotional archive in www.mydailydose.org and look at "Let Love Be Without Hypocrisy" from October 27-30th 2009.  But I will say this about the "Love of God," it is amazing, as it expresses a selfless, giving, devotion to others as it displays mercy, forgiveness, and grace - it keeps no record of wrongs, and it does whatever is in the best interest of the one that is being loved - regardless of the price that has to be paid. Love isn't just for those that we like, or those who have been saved; it is to be given to those who are lost in their sins as well.  Remember, Ephesians 5:1 says that we are to be imitators of God, and God loved us while we were still sinners (See Rom 5:8).  

So the question isn't whether we have the "Love of God" as a Christian, but whether we will in fact allow it to flow through us to others.  1 Corinthians 13:1-3 sums up how important love is to the Christian man or woman.  

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV)

We need to let God's love flow through us like water does through a garden hose, and we need to let God point the hose where He chooses - because Father knows best.  If we are not willing to allow the "Love of God" to flow through us and on to others, then we need to ask ourselves whether we really know God or not - whether we really want His will in our life, or our own selfish desires.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1John 4:7-11 (NKJV)

I am not trying to plant a seed of doubt in your head with regard to your salvation - but I am trying to get you to think about whether you are willing to allow God to work through you and into the lives of others.  You won't be able to love others in the same way that God does without God living in you, and without seeking the power of the Holly Spirit.  Don't get frustrated when you stumble loving others - just be willing to ask God to help you to love them in the way that He would.  God is faithful!

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to make it your personal goal to seek the Lord in prayer - ask Him to show you how to truly love others like He does.  Read your word and see how Jesus treated others, and then imitate those same ways (See Eph 5:1).  Ask God to fill you daily with the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is this equipping that will allow you to do things in a Godly way.

When we start to love others instead of reacting the way the world does, it brings great testimony of our transformed lives - and it is this transformation that is our most powerful witness.  That's exactly what the Apostle Paul was saying to the Thessalonians.  

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 1Thessalonians 1:5 (NKJV)

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about the love of God from these Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you allowing the Love of God to flow through you to others?

APPLICATION: Seek the Lord and ask Him to reveal His love through your life so that others might desire a relationship with Him.  

Is It In You? Part I The Salvation of God

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.Romans 8:9-11 (NKJV)

"Is It In You?"  Such is the question of a marketing campaign for a major sports drink company.  The inference is that if their product is a part of your body and your athletic program, then you will be better apt to conquer your sporting goals and achieve the highest degree of excellence possible by your body. 

It got me to thinking a little bit more about the question that they proposed, and I thought I'd use it for the next 3-devotionals, and I will propose it for some things far more valuable than a drink.  Instead of pursuing the best body, or being the best athlete, I want to challenge you to pursue something far greater - the things that God wants in our life - the "Will of God."  So with that said, I am ready to ask you that same question - but about those things of God - His will for your life.

Q:    Is it in you?

I want to use this marketing question as a baseline for a series of 3-personal questions that I will ask.  And as you answer them, I would like for you to think of a way of answering them from a biblical view.  In other words, by the definition contained within the Bible.   After you have determined the correct answer from using the scriptures, then ask yourself this question: 

Q:    "By the actions in my life, can I say clearly that, I know that it is in me?"

I want to encourage you to sincerely answer each of these questions while reflecting on your own testimony of actions.  So, here's my first question for you.

• Is "God" in you?

In other words, "Are you saved?"  We are told that if we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and we believe in our hearts that God has raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (See Rom 10:9-10).  We are also told that we have been given the Holy Spirit to live within us - and that He is an earnest deposit, and a guarantee of our salvation (See 2Cor 1:22; 5:5).  The Apostle Paul identified with this as he wrote to the Galatians.  

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

This is probably the most critically important question out of the 3-questions that will be proposed in this 3-part devotional series, because without being saved, and having a relationship with God, it is impossible to have the other 2-things of God.

Maybe you identify yourself as a Christian believer in that you've gone to church your whole life, but have never actually prayed to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior - if this is you, then I want to give you a chance by saying a prayer.  

Perhaps you said a prayer when you were young as well, but you never really understood what you were doing, or had a personal relationship with God through Jesus.  Or maybe you walked away from God for a while, and lived a life that was not in His will, and would like to rededicate your life unto the Lord today in prayer. 

Maybe you don't know God, and you feel like you've blown it so bad in your life, that God couldn't possible forgive you and accept you - don't believe it, because it is a lie from the Devil.  Maybe you too, would like to dedicate your life to God right now.  

If you can relate to one of these scenarios, or even if it is something completely different, such as never knowing what it took to be a Christian, then I want to invite you to pray with me right now.

God, I'm sorry for my sin.  Forgive me Lord.  I turn from it now.  I acknowledge and I thank you for sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sin and to be resurrected. 

Jesus, I ask you to come into my heart and my life right now.   Wash me - cleanse me, and make me whole. Write my name in your Book of Life.  Come be my Lord, my Savior, and my friend.  Empower me and fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me new.  Help me as I choose to follow you all the days of my life.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

If you've just prayed that prayer and meant it with all of your heart, then know that you are saved and are now a child of God.  I want to encourage you to go buy a bible (NKJV Study Bible) and begin to spend time prayerfully reading it daily.  

In part II of this devotional series, we will continue to look at the second of three questions that will challenge us all to take a introspective look at our Christian walk, as we find out if we find out if we have those things that God has told us to pursue and have.

STUDY QUESTION:  According to Romans 8:9-11, how can we know that we are saved - that we belong to God?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Do you have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ?  If the answer was no, do you want one?

APPLICATION: Pray the prayer contained at the end of this devotional, just before the study question if you would like to have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

A Change Of Heart

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 1John 2:3-5 (NKJV)

Q:    Have you every been asked to do something by your parent, and just flat out refused, and then felt bad about it and changed your mind?

Q:    Have you ever told your parent you'd do something when asked, but then decided not to do it?

Chances are that you probably have - in fact I would bet on it.  

Q:    So how am I so sure that you fall into one of these two brackets?  

A:    It's because we all do.  

That's right!  Every one of us has either blatantly refused to do what we have been asked, or we have said that we would do it, and then we didn't.  I know this because everyone of us has either done this with our earthly parents, or we've done it with our Spiritual Father.

You see if we say that we are Christians then we are God's children, and He is our Heavenly Father.  He has commanded us to do things in His Word, and some of us have flat out refused, only to be convicted later, and as a result, we've repented (changed our mind and turned around), and obeyed.   While others of us have said, "Okay, I'll do that for sure" - only to never obey.  

Q:    So which way of handling that situation was worse?

Jesus proposes the same question to the Pharisees in Matthew 21.

 "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, "I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, "I go, sir', but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?"  They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. Matthew 21:28-31 (NKJV)

Jesus gave us an example of two types of people - one who was outwardly rebellious, and one was outwardly in agreement.  Both people heard, but only one actually listened - but both had a change of heart. 

I'm sure that there are many people who are reading this right now who could identify with the first rebellious person.  Maybe you heard the Word of God at one point in your life and thought, "No way!  I'm not going to do that - I'm going to do what I want to do, when I want to do it."  Only to feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit later, and come to the understanding that it really would be best to abide in what was asked.

I'm sure that there are others who might be reading this right about now, who relate more to the second person who agreed to obey with what was asked, but failed to follow through.  They knew that it was the right thing to do - but somewhere down the road, they just lost focus and decided to do their "Own thing."

Both people had a "Change of Heart," but only one was in the will of God, and that was the person who started off rebellious, but saw the error of their ways.  That's the person who said, "Hey, I'm wrong, I need to repent and go in the other direction."  

Jesus knew this full and well.  And He also knew that the other person represents those who have a false exterior and are hypocritical.  Those people who know the Word and acknowledge it is the proper thing to do - but they don't follow through or abide in the God's Word. 

You know we are given great instruction about following God's Word - being doers of it, and not just listeners who bob our heads and say, "Amen."  Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:28) And we read in the Book of John where He said,

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:17 (NKJV)

Hey Christian, where is your heart today?  Are you one who agrees with the word of God, but doesn't do it?  Well, if you are, then you are going to get a chance to be the other person now - if you know that you are being rebellious in a certain area of your life right now then simply confess it to God and repent.  Get a "Change of Heart and change your direction today."

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about following God's commandments according to the Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you being rebellious against God?  Is there something that He has asked you to do, where you have declined?  Have you agreed only to do your own thing?

APPLICATION: Seek the Lord today and ask if there are areas where you are not abiding in what you know to be right.  Repent and follow God's commands.  

Two types of Storms-Part XV 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm."

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 89:1 (NKJV)

We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives.  Even though there are many ways that these storms can be manifested they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are: 

• Storms of Correction These are the tough times where we go through trials and tests because we have unconfessed sin in our life - and we are going in a way that is not in the will of God.
• Storms of Perfection These are those times where we go through trials and tests because God loves us and He is transforming us to be more like Jesus.

We've been looking at, 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm."  In our last devotional, we looked at our 11th way, so lets continue with our last way to deal with a "Storm."  

12.    We must remember God's faithfulness.

Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to have a conversation with someone, while there are other people around who are being annoying, distracting, and even down right rude with their noise and inappropriate statements?  That's exactly what happens to us when we are in the midst of a trials and tribulation - we are being bombarded with annoying, inappropriate thoughts by the enemy while we are trying to figure out what we need to do to handle our situation.

Q:    How are we to combat these negative thoughts that come into our heads when we are in the midst of storms?

One of the best ways to deal with these tough times is to stop and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and to get rid of any garbage thoughts that make their way to your mind (See 2Cor. 10:3-5).  The next thing we need to do is to be prepared for the Spiritual warfare of the enemy.  This means putting on our armor for battle to be able to defend ourselves from the attacks of the enemy.  

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV)

This faith is not some emotional momentum conjured up by psyching ourselves up - it is the faith that is properly placed in God, and "His" abilities.  Understanding that God is all-powerful and is capable of stopping any attack against us, puts our minds at ease.  It is essential for us to remember how faithful our Lord is when we are in the midst of being tempted to doubt - think about everything that He has done for you in your past, and on the 3000-plus promises He has given us in the Bible.  

Okay, we have looked at 12-ways to deal with a "Storm," and if we are faithful to implement these things we will make it through with a perfect peace and the assurance of God's guidance.   Once we have come through the storm this is where we can be used in a mighty way to impact the kingdom of God, and it is a part of the fruit that has come from the trial that we have just experienced.   I am talking about sharing with others about what God has done for you, and giving thanks to the Lord for "EVERYTHING!"

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders. Psalms 107:31-32 (NKJV)

Hey Christian, there is no bad time to praise God, and that includes in the midst of the "Storm," or when it has passed.  Praising God and giving glory to His name is a great testimony and witness of our love for Him, and of His love for us.  People are drawn to the Lord when they see how He has impacted our life and how He has carried us through - they see hope in our eyes and a peace that surpasses all understanding.

In Closing:  Storms don't always make sense - It is important for us to TRUST IN THE LORD and to not lean upon our own understanding.  We need to acknowledge Him, and He is going to make our paths straight through these times (See Proverbs 3:5,6).

And remember, we have a great reward awaiting us folks.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (NKJV)

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Psalms contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you praising God in the storm?

APPLICATION: Always remember that God is faithful to His promises.  Study the Bible and learn about these promises so that when the enemy attacks, you can counter his lies with God's promises.

Two types of Storms-Part XIV 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm."

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1Peter 5:10 (NKJV) 

We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives.  Even though there are many ways that these storms can be manifested they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are: 

• Storms of Correction These are the tough times where we go through trials and tests because we have unconfessed sin in our life - and we are going in a way that is not in the will of God.
• Storms of Perfection These are those times where we go through trials and tests because God loves us and He is transforming us to be more like Jesus.

We've been looking at, 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm."  In our last devotional, we looked at our 10th way, so lets continue with number eleven.

11.    We must await God's Deliverance.

This is probably the hardest of the 12-ways in dealing with a "Storm."  Waiting, or being patient is not our best attribute.  We live in an instant gratification culture, and we have been pre-conditioned to believe that we have earned certain things.  This is a lie from the enemy when it comes to believing that we have some how earned the "Grace" of God.  I have said it before, and it bears repeating, "The rain falls on the just and unjust alike."

The way I see it, I can willingly accept that He knows best and allow Him to bend me, mold me, and shape me, or I can resist His loving hand and be broken.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)

Notice, we are told first to humble ourselves that He may exalt you in "Due time."  

Q:    What does "Due time" mean?
A:    It means in the "Proper" time.

As we humble ourselves in the midst of our trials and tribulations-whether we are enduring a"Storm of Correction", or a "Storm of Perfection," we will be "Exalted" or "Lifted up," in the exact proper time.  To exalt our self or to fight the "Storms" in our own efforts is futile and it is prideful.  We MUST humble ourselves and submit ourselves to God.  We must seek the shelter of our Lord.  We MUST call upon His name, and upon His power - in doing so, when we are exalted, He will be given glory and honor.  Jesus gave us a promise and a warning concerning this.

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11 (NKJV) 

There is one thing we must understand here; when it comes to a "Storm" of disability or a grave sickness, we may not be exalted until we see God face to face.  Another truth to remember is that God may choose to exalt us, or lift us up by allowing us to be in His presence.  It doesn't mean that God doesn't love us when we die - in fact it just might be the greatest act of love - to bring us home with Him.

Q:    So what should our attitude be during these Storms?

A:    We are told in the book of James.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

I want to encourage you to wait upon the Lord when you're in a "Storm."  Humble yourself, and submit to the will of God.  Know that He is in control, and trust in His Plan.  He is going to exalt you in due time, and it will be the perfect time.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to enduring the "Storms" we will face?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Do you find yourself humble and seeking God during your tests and trials?

APPLICATION: God wants us to be close to Him, and many times it is the tests and trials that do exactly that.  Don't be dismayed or dejected if you are enduring a trial, seek the Lord, and praise Him for the work that He is doing in your life today.  He will exalt you in due time.

Two types of Storms-Part XIII 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm."

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV) 

We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives.  Even though there are many ways that these storms can be manifested they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are: 

• Storms of Correction These are the tough times where we go through trials and tests because we have unconfessed sin in our life - and we are going in a way that is not in the will of God.
• Storms of Perfection These are those times where we go through trials and tests because God loves us and He is transforming us to be more like Jesus.

We've been looking at, 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm."  In our last devotional, we looked at our 9th way, so lets continue with number ten.

10.    We need to "Accept the Storm."

One of the hardest things for all us to do is to "Accept the Storm." I am speaking of those tough times where we are enduring the afflictions, pain, and suffering that accompany our trials and tribulations in life. These are those times that can be brought about by poor choices, or by an illness or accident.  They can be self-induced or simply a test that has been allowed by God to shape and transform us.  

If the "Storm" is one of "Correction," it is a natural tendency for us to attempt to get out of the midst of such storms by whatever means possible.  We are at a "Y" in the road at this point, and we have two ways to go from here.  We can either identify that we are living in a way that is "Not" in God's will and turn and go in His direction, or we can justify our actions, continue to live in sin and therefore continue on the road to destruction. 

If we fail to identify that we are in willful disobedience and rebellion to God's will, we can actually do more damage and even intensify the "Storm." Conversely, if we can identify this truth at this point, we should repent, cry out for mercy and endure the duration and effects of the storm - willingly "Accepting" whatever consequences occur as a result of our sinful rebellion against God.  

If the "Storm" is one of "Perfection," such as a loss of job, a loved one, an illness or even a severe disabling accident that has not been brought about by willful disobedience, we can often feel tempted to believe as though we are a "Victim" and defend that this should not be happening to us.   Again, we will definitely want to attempt to get out of the midst of such "Storms," by whatever means possible, but it is here that we must remember that God is in control, and allowing this to happen.

In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider:  Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NKJV)

Accepting the things that we are going through in the midst of a "Storm" is not weak, nor is it being a defeatist - it is wise.   It doesn't necessarily concede that we are destined to be in this state for the rest of our lives - it just means that we are willing to be if that is what God has ordained for us.  We are not called to be Christians who are simply enduring suffering and attempting to hang on until the Rapture or our physical death.  These storms actually provide a platform so we can share our testimony of God's love and therefore give our greatest witness.

"Accepting the Storm" and the things that transpire within them means that I fully trust in God's sovereignty and His perfect plan and in His perfect timing (See Jer. 29:11).  It means that I am willing to surrender "My" will and accept "His" will for my life - knowing that His way is the best.  

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you to accept the "Storms" that you go through.  Seek the Lord in every one of them, and make sure that your walking with Him and abiding in His Word.  Stay close to Him and have faith in His work that He is doing in your life. We serve a God that is full of grace and mercy, and He loves us tremendously.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to God's abilities and our responsibilities within the Storms of life?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Have you seen God work within your life by using various types of storms?

APPLICATION: When a storm comes upon you, seek the Lord immediately.  Ask Him to sift your heart and show you any areas that you need to repent of, and then turn from them immediately.  If it is a storm of perfection, then praise God for the things that He is doing and continue to allow Him to shine through you in the midst of these trials - this is what other people are amazed by and drawn to Him by.