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“When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36, Amplified Bible)

“Once I was blind, but now I see.” (John 9:25)

Several months ago my husband began complaining about his vision. “I can’t read that road sign,” he say or “The print of this book is blurry.” After consultation with a doctor, he was told that he had cataracts that needed to be removed.

The lens of the eye works much like a camera lens, adjusting for both changing light conditions and the eye’s focus, letting us see things more clearly. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which, over time, may grow larger, clouding more of the lens and making it harder to see.

After further diagnosis and examination, a date for the first cataract removal surgery was set. While the technique is intricate, it is also a very common surgery with few negative after effects. After only two hours at the clinic, we were on our way home. (With me at the wheel!)

We had hardly driven away from the clinic when my husband declared with delight, “I can read that sign!” One week later the second eye was operated on with the result that his vision is nearly perfect.

Our spiritual vision—outlook on life and view of other people—can be similarly clouded when there is a buildup of negative attitudes and thought processes, critical attitudes, unchecked prejudices. We too often allow uninformed opinions, especially about ethnicities or lifestyles, cloud our vision and thus cut ourselves off from people unlike ourselves. Even worse, if we are unwilling or don’t allow the Holy Spirit to perform “cataract removal surgery,” we continue to build barriers that make it impossible for others to clearly see Jesus.

The first step toward clear spiritual vision is described in the song, “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Paul Baloche:

Open the eyes of my heart Lord,
Open the eyes of my heart,
I want to see You.

When we clearly see Jesus, He performs the radical surgery necessary for us to see the world as He sees it.

Questions: Are you developing spiritual cataracts?  How are those cataracts affecting your attitude towards life?

If you’re lacking peace, contact an online mentor to today to talk about it.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

I love this scripture. This is a promise that I have held onto so many times in my life. I believe that this scripture so clearly describes the character of Jesus and His desire for our lives.

When we think about relaxing, we often think about a massage, a nice bubble bath, or a day at the spa. How many of us can say that when we think about relaxation, we think about Jesus? How many of us truly come to Him when we are burdened and allow Him to give us rest?

I have to admit that allowing myself to rest in Him is not as easy. I often find myself treating Jesus as my best friend. I tell Him everything and ask for His wisdom and counsel. But, once I have told Him everything, I continue to worry about or try to control the situation. You see, in order for Jesus to give us rest, we have to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him. We have to stop trying to control everything that happens in our lives, and give all of the control over to Him.

There are so many things in our world today that can make us weary. Many of us worry, some deal with issues of obsession and control, others have exhausting relationship issues. We allow our circumstances to burden us and we become tired and stressed.

This is not the life that Jesus has for us. He does not want us to be weary and longs to give us rest. His gentleness and humbleness can be refreshing and renewing. Just the thought of sitting with Jesus and allowing Him to take on my burdens brings peace to my soul.

When we come to Jesus broken and upset, He longs to show us how small our lives really are when compared to eternity and the life we will have with Him when we leave this world.

However, while we are here, we can find joy in knowing that our Savior has promised rest from the world in Him. He is waiting for us to come and rest in His arms. He is longing for us to sit at His feet and find peace that surpasses our understanding.

Are you living the life that you have been called to live? Do you allow Jesus to bring rest and peace to your life? Or do you spend every moment of your life searching for a way to find rest and relaxation?

Ask God to remind you that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. When you begin to feel tired and stressed, stop and come to Him. When you come, don’t just come, but come and unload. He promises that He can take it and is more than willing to give you the rest and relaxation you need and deserve!

Questions: What do you do when you find yourself weary, anxious, or lacking peace?

Are you struggling to let go and trust God? We can pray for you.

“That is why I am suffering as I am, yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (2 Timothy 1:12, NIV).

Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote these words to Timothy. Paul speaks with clarity and conviction, knowing that God will look after those things that are of most importance to him, even as he writes alone in his cell.

I wonder what was important to Paul. For sure he valued the gospel message that Paul had been so faithful in sharing. But I believe that people were his biggest investment—loved ones like Timothy that were now beyond his reach.

I have a book mark in my Bible –a picture of a little girl. Written on the back are the precious names and dates when I entrusted my three daughters to His care. That was many years ago when they were close beside me each day. Now they are scattered far and wide.

Have you entrusted a loved one to His care? Sometimes it’s hard to let go without giving way to fears that arise, especially when we see them making poor choices. Maybe it’s the mothering instinct that we have but many of us long to “fix” our children, our family, and those we love so deeply. I once heard a mother asked which of her children she loved the most. Her response was, the child that hurts the deepest.

Jesus prayed for his disciples as he was preparing to leave them. (John 17:11-15) He asked the father to protect them. While he was with them, He protected them, but now the time had come to send them out into the word. In verse 15 he asks the father not to take them from the world, but to protect them from the evil one.

This is my prayer for my daughters. I can’t shelter them from the evil in this world, but there is one who can. If ever I am tempted to worry about them, I look at my bookmark, and I’m reminded that I have entrusted them to His care.  My heavenly Father is a faithful God who has proved himself many times. He is able to keep that which I’ve committed to him. As much as I love them, He loves them more.

Who do you need to let go of today, end entrust to His care?

Thank you father that you watch over those that we love and that as we pray for them, you will continue to work in their lives through the power of your Holy Spirit. Help us Lord, to not be tempted to worry over them, but entrust them to your care. Amen

Questions: Is there someone you need to let go of and let God? Why does one struggle with entrusting a loved one to His care?

Do you regret having an abortion? Need someone to talk to?

Several years ago, I worked as a counselor for a crisis pregnancy center. Young women as young as eleven would walk into the doors of the clinic for a free pregnancy test. Our goal was always to provide for their immediate need coupled with an invitation of the gospel.

It never failed as soon as the young ladies discovered their results—a knee jerk answer would follow.   “Well, I am just going to give it up—or walk down the street to Planned Parenthood,” one disillusioned teen confided in me.

“Sweetheart, I am sure that you are confused right now—and probably want to escape, but would you mind just giving me a few minutes?” I asked. Her face softened as tears began to pour forth as she relaxed her body to listen.   “I cannot imagine how hard this is for you right now, but I want you to know there is a life forming inside of you.” At this point, I showed her pictures of the development of the baby at differing stages of the pregnancy.

Depending on the stage the mother was in, I would even offer a sonogram by one of our doctors.  As this young mother gazed at the tiny body pictured, I envisioned in my mind she was pondering the life inside of her.   “Okay—well, I won’t go down the street to Planned Parenthood, but I am not saying I am not going to give it up,” adamantly she persisted.

“What courage you have to allow the life inside of you to remain—you are offering the world a gift that only God could create. May He bless you with wisdom and strength to make the right decisions in the days to come.” I said to her. This young mother walked away choosing life—unfortunately, this was not always the case.

Several of the women that would come through our doors chose to abort instead. What made the difference? After working there several years, I made one observation. If the Mom could see and hear with her own senses the life inside of her more than likely she would not abort. If she chose not to have a sonogram or glance at the stages of development, often she would abort.

I believe there is a spiritual connection—especially for those in recovery—which as Christians we are all in recovery. You may have not formally gone through a Twelve Step or Celebrate Recovery Program, but we are all on the journey to become more Christ-like in spite of our jaded tendencies to fail.  The key for the women that I worked with and us as believers in Christ is to remember the word “life.”

Life is a daily choice that we must choose in order for us to fully experience the development and delivery of God’s best for us.   God has always granted His children the ability to choose. Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, the failures and victories of Israel’s choices are chronicled. And as Israel is on the cusp of crossing over into the land promised, God reminds them of their desperate need to choose life:  “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction” (Deuteronomy 30:15).

Life encompassed more than physical livelihood, but spiritual fellowship and growth with God. And today the story remains the same. We will forfeit the abundance of God’s growth in Him when we deny the word “life.”  Beyond Israel, we encounter the importance of life in the New Testament. Jesus always laid before people a choice and the counter-consequence of not truly following Him. As noted in one His more memorable verses, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

You may not be facing a crisis pregnancy—but you are facing the daily decision to choose life. As a believer in Christ with falterings and failures—you are in need of embracing life as your modus operand a. And in doing so—you will offer life to others that are in need of the Life-Giver, Jesus Christ.

Questions: Have you made the choice of truly following Christ…chosen life? Have you had an abortion and need to talk to someone?

Is anger defining your relationships? Talk to us.

Let me share an example. We had gone through an “ordeal” in the process of selling our house (I stopped using the word “nightmare” because there is real power in our words). Our buyer could not close on our house because the buyers for their house kept falling through at the last minute. In the process, we ended up moving into our new home while not officially having sold the old one and I had lost my ability to feel compassion toward our buyers.

The agents involved went on and on about “poor them” and “imagine how they feel”. The only thing I saw was the deposit money they kept collecting from each deal falling through on their house while we were stuck with two mortgages! I saw them get new carpet installed while I was trying to scrounge money together for my little girl’s birthday party.

Bitter? Who me? Maybe a little.

It wasn’t as if I wanted them to suffer, but could someone please acknowledge that WE were the real victims here? Oh, it grieves me how wicked my heart can be when I leave it unprotected…….

That revelation hit me on the way to the old house to clean one last coat closet out so they could “take occupancy” as our renters until they sold their house. I stopped at the grocery store and bought some chocolate chip muffins and a card congratulating them and letting them know we will be praying for everything to go smoothly for them as they move in.

I didn’t even have to talk myself into it. It felt as natural as breathing. It was then that I realized that should have been my attitude the entire time!

Our buyer was already at the house doing some painting when I arrived and looked at me as if I was handing her a box of snakes instead of muffins! I couldn’t tell if it was shock or her wondering what I was up to (maybe she’s allergic to chocolate?). It had nagged at me that maybe I shouldn’t have done that, but I know the still small voice of the Holy Spirit when He tells me to do something so I am sure it was the right thing to do.

So, what’s my point? My point is that I lost focus and didn’t even know I had lost focus. Part of that frustrates me and makes me afraid it will happen again. However, the other part of me rejoices that I even had the revelation at all! I could have walked through this entire situation with no clue whatsoever that my attitude needed some adjusting.

I think it is natural to feel hurt and disappointment in life, but it is where we allow those emotions to take our thoughts, and eventually our words, that are more important. We are called to take every thought captive to Christ Jesus! We can’t allow our emotions to hold our thoughts captive!

Questions: How does one keep from losing focus on God? Why do we struggle so much with self-pity?

Do you struggle with the deep darkness of depression and find yourself without hope?  Talk to us.

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).

I was out for dinner the other night celebrating with some co-workers while my daughter was at the movies with friends. The restaurant was close to the theater, so I was going to pick her up when it was over. The movie actually let out early, just as we were getting our food so I asked her for ten minutes.

Unknown to me, she texted me a few minutes later that she had gotten dropped off at the restaurant (poor cell reception on my part so I didn’t get it until a few minutes later). She said she saw my van and knew I was inside but she couldn’t get a hold of me. She asked an employee if there was a work party there and he said we were in the back. We were at the back, but I was sitting in a cave-like booth with my back to the dining room, virtually hidden.

I finally got her text and went outside to find her in tears. She had called her friends to come back for her and then I walked out as they pulled up. After we sorted through the whole story, she calmed down and we laughed about it. I kept saying to her “why did you get upset when you knew I was there?” She admitted she wasn’t sure why, but thought it might be because she could not see me and she had looked everywhere.

The next day I realized that I know how that feels. How many times have I believed that God is with me, but I could not see Him? I search and search and it looks like He left, yet I know He hasn’t. But, those tormenting confusing thoughts begin and soon I am in a panic because it doesn’t make any sense. If He is here, than where is He? Circumstances, decisions, disappointment, sickness….God, if you are with me, then where are you?

But, that’s it. I was there in the restaurant all along. Had my daughter not felt like she didn’t belong there and looked a little closer, she would have found me. Perhaps, if I look a little closer and walk in my God-given authority, I will see Him, too.

I believe that is exactly what I’ll do from now on. I will not be afraid. I will not give up. I will seek out my Father in every circumstance since I know….He is definitely waiting for me.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: God keeps His promises

Questions: Are you struggling to know where God is in your life? Have you given up on trying to find God?

About the Author Melissa Kindall

Are you tired of living a defeated Christian life? Are you just going through the motions? Take this study.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EST.

“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves’” (Zechariah 7:5, 6)?

God was challenging the people and the priests of that day. In essence, He was asking, “Are you really serving Me or are you just going through the motions?”  There are lots of religious things we do: tithing our money, attending church, caring for the poor, praying for the sick, celebrating holy days. Therefore, the same question hangs in the air for us.

Are we doing these things for God or just to make ourselves feel better? Are our activities merely religious duty or have our hearts been changed? Are we just going through the motions? Let us search our hearts and ask God’s Holy Spirit to reveal our attitudes and motivations. Then we can humbly seek His will and His way.

When we are truly seeking God, instead of simply participating in activities that look good, He will enable us to love unconditionally, to forgive those who have hurt us, to be unselfish and show compassion.

As Zechariah continues, “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other” (Zechariah 7:9, 10).

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23, 24).

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Is fasting right for you?

Questions: What are the areas where you have been going through the motions? What truths from God’s word do you need to return to, in order to change that pattern?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Is envy defining your relationships? Can we pray for you?

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EST.

“The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose… For we are God’s co-workers” (1 Corinthians 3:8-9).

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, with humility value others above yourselves…” (Philippians 2:3).

In the workplace, it is obvious when a team is cooperating toward a common goal. Dedicated labor, enthusiasm, group review, refinement of goals and care for colleagues are all evident to one degree or another. The same is true of an athletic team, a surgical staff in the operating room or members of a family circle.

But what about followers of Jesus who are working to bring people into His Kingdom? Too often competition takes precedence over cooperation. Will our church or organization be recognized and honored over others? Will my work on this committee be valued over others’? What methods or words can I use to draw attention to myself?

Some argue that the Apostle Paul was not a bastion of humility.  However, his strong commitment to the Christ who redeemed him is seen as he writes to his friends in Philippi: “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill… But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Paul refused to compete.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Sticking together – Sticking together – Lessons from an ant hill

Questions: Can you think of an example of how God was glorified through cooperating toward a common goal?  What can be the result when competition takes precedence over cooperation?

About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle

Are you feeling overwhelmed by guilt? This is a safe place, we want to pray for you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EST.

“Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, ‘Take off his filthy clothes.’ Then he said to Joshua, ‘See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you’” (Zechariah 3:3, 4).

Let’s face it. We are all dressed in filthy clothes. Sin is part of our nature; it is the sad truth of our reality. Even those of us who know God well, who have sought after Him for all or most of our lives, are susceptible to the lure of temptation.

Joshua was the high priest during the time of Zechariah the prophet. Satan, the accuser, was pointing out Joshua’s faults to God (Zechariah 3:1). In the same way, Satan accuses each one of us.

But praise God, our accuser has been defeated. John tells us, “For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:10, 11).

Through the prophet Zechariah, God revealed that He would send the Messiah, whose perfect sacrifice would save us, when he said “I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.” (Zechariah 3:9) God took away Joshua’s filthy clothes (sin) and put rich garments (righteousness) on him, and He will do the same for us.

Then God gave this charge to Joshua:

“If you will walk in My ways and keep My requirements, then you will govern My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here” (Zechariah 3:7).

I praise You, Lord of heaven and earth. You have taken away my filthy clothes and put rich garments on me. Help me to walk in Your ways and keep Your requirements. Give me a place here on earth and in Your kingdom. Amen.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Experiencing God’s forgiveness

Questions: How does your thinking change, when you know that God has removed your filthy clothes? What is our defense against Satan, who accuses us?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Are you searching for purpose in life? Here is an online study.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled”  (Matthew 5:6).

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).

A group of Christian women sat around a table in their Bible study class. Each of these women was mature in her faith, regularly involved in church and community service, and consistently growing in understanding of what it means to be a Christ-follower. And then Bev’s voice was heard: “I want more!”

Hunger – an experience with several meanings. For those starving people with empty bellies and no prospect of filling them, hunger is far more than a feeling of desire. I believe it is to those with a spiritual hunger that Jesus’ bread-of-life words are addressed. These people experience a gnawing emptiness—and perhaps have even tried a variety of satisfactions and found them wanting. To them, Jesus simply offers Himself as that which will give them life and hope.

But then there is Bev, and many like her. She regularly feeds upon the Bread of Life—the Word of God—but it seems that with each delectable morsel, the desire for more grows. She can hardly wait to experience an ever growing intimacy with the Father, coming to His prepared table each morning with delightful hunger for more. And to this one Jesus promises, “you will be filled!”

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Do you want more of God? Try an interactive online bible study

Questions: Do you want more of God? How can this hunger be satisfied?

Are you searching for purpose in life? Here is an online study.