“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.” (Matthew 28:29, The Message)

“I am the way.” (John 14:6)

When farmers harvest corn, they often leave stalks of the plants as mulch for future crops or to catch snow over winter months to provide additional moisture for the crops. Sometimes farmers will cut stalks to ground level in a special design to form a maze. People, especially during harvest festivals, enjoy walking through the maze to find their way out. The perplexing problem in a maze is that there are many “dead ends” and participants must start all over again.

A labyrinth—which at first glance appears similar to a maze—is quite different. A labyrinth has one pathway that leads from the entrance to the goal, albeit by a complex and winding route.

Just as people can easily confuse a maze with a labyrinth, they can identify the Christian life more with one than another. Some believe that walking with Christ is just one dead end after another. They find the crushing loss events of life—failure, death, divorce, etc.—to be evidence of a God they believe holds them at arm’s length, uninvolved or perhaps even manipulative.

But those who view their relationship with God as one where they walk together along labyrinth paths will identify God as a loving friend who knows the beginning as well as the end. While the route will be “complex and winding,” the One walking with us has an unobstructed view of the final destination.

His invitation is clear: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)

Questions: What analogy best describes your own current walk with God? How would it differ from a year ago, five years ago, or ten years ago?

Next: How To Become A Natural Communicator

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Do you believe in life after death? Questions? Ask us.

“And you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.” “For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong” (John 8:32; Proverbs 3:26, Amp).

When I was fifteen I discovered that confidence must be rooted in and informed by truth or it won’t hold up in a crisis. Until my fifteenth year I lived a self-confident, carefree life. Mom and dad loved me and I enjoyed my friends and school. I lived for the moment, oblivious to life’s big questions, until my brother’s unexpected death changed everything.

Suddenly questions bombarded my mind. Where is Roy now? Will I see him again? Is God real? Can I know Him? Are Heaven and Hell actual places? If Heaven and Hell are real, how do I get to Heaven? Why does God let children die? Again and again, life and death questions flooded my mind. Without answers, my self-confidence grew shaky.

Self-confidence is exactly that — confidence in self’s intellect, giftedness, skills, beauty or wealth. Natural man doesn’t understand Spirit life. Eternal answers remain unknowable until truth becomes the cornerstone and foundation of our understanding.

My questions pressed me into a search for God. I began praying and reading a Bible my grandma gave me. Slowly, a pattern emerged and my confusion lifted. I began to understand God and the Truth in His word. “And you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.” “For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong” (John 8:32; Proverbs 3:26 Amp).

Revealed truth became my cornerstone and began shaping the foundation of my life, informing and forming my Spirit man. “in Me you may have (perfect) peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer (take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted)! For I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, Amp).

In Christ we have perfect confidence and peace, the Apostle John states. And so, the question became, “How do I get ‘in’ Christ?” Romans 10:13 answers, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” If I am ‘saved’ will I then be ‘in’ Christ, I wondered.

I tried calling on the Lord. “Help me, Jesus. I want to know You, I want to be ‘in’ You.” Instantly, from deep within, I felt the comfort of His presence. Doubt vanished and I felt loved and accepted by God. Shaky self-confidence disappeared and deep assurance that Christ was ‘in’ me and I was ‘in’ Him filled me with bold new confidence in Christ.

I don’t yet have all the answers for my questions, but I know the One who knows the answers and that gives me peace of mind.

Dear Jesus, thank You for the bold confidence that obedience to Your Truth gives me. Faith in Your character and Word are the cornerstone and the foundation of confidence for every man and woman and child. Help us all walk in freedom of faith in our Eternal God. Thank You, amen.

Questions: Have you answered to question about life after death for yourself?

Are you experiencing financial stress? We are here to listen and to pray.

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

In the Bible a new day begins with evening. In the creation account in Genesis we read: “and there was evening and there was morning, one day.”

When God wants to take us into a new day (a new experience), he begins with darkness. He leads us into a period of confusion, pain and disappointment. Take, for example, Joseph. God had told him he would be ruling one day. Instead, we find him in an Egyptian prison wrongly accused. Forgotten by family and friends and even by the cup bearer whom he had helped. Where was God in all this? He was preparing Joseph for his “new day” experience. In God’s perfect plan and timing, Joseph did reign over Egypt. God’s promise was realized.

Can you relate to this process? I can. Since my teens, I’ve had a deep desire to reach others with God’s message of hope and salvation. I wanted to be a good Christian – a good testimony.

Instead, God led me through a dark, confusing time when it seemed that I was losing everything I valued – even my credibility as a Christian.

Still, in the midst of it all, I had a deep knowledge that God was in it. “This suffering is measured,” I seemed to hear him saying. “It has meaning not just for you, but for others as well.”

Now looking back, I can honestly say, “It was the best thing that happened to me.” Because of this night-time experience, I can now connect to people in a more compassionate way. The pat answers are gone. In no time at all, people want to share their hearts with me. Christian and non-Christian alike. Love and empathy fills my heart for them – I want to hear what they have to say, I want to know them because I truly care.

It’s amazing, also, how people are relating to my writings. My articles have been published in many magazines worldwide and in 33 books. Moreover, I have published four books which take the message of God’s love to readers in Canada, U.S.A., Germany, Brazil, Paraguay, and other countries. (See www.helenlescheid.com)

Perhaps, you’re going through a night-time experience right now. Be encouraged. It will end and you will experience the excitement of “a new day” when your deepest longings will be realized.

Lord, I want to have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the small ones; and when I have accomplished my daily task, I want to go to sleep in peace, knowing that you are awake.

Questions: Are you going through a very dark period right now? How are you responding? What purpose do you think God has in allowing you to go through this experience?

About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid

Are you struggling with anxiety? Do you experience panic attacks and afraid to face the day?  Talk to us.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2, NIV).

So often, we want to run from our pain, run from the darkness that surrounds us.  We want to run from the confusion, the doubts and the struggles.  But there is something to be said about the times when we choose to embrace the pain, embrace the struggle.  When we go deep into that area it causes us to draw near to God, Who holds all things.  It brings us into that secret place with God where we yearn, asking, “Show me, reveal to me where You are in my situation, and who I am in all of this!” It causes us to go more deeply into God, stepping into Him in ways we might not have otherwise.

If we choose to embrace those emotions of hopelessness in those situations, while pressing into God, we will be thrust into God.  In Him we will find places we never thought we would.  In these times we will see Him in ways we never have before and even feel a new piece of His heart.

There is a hope within the struggle.  There is a joy within the pain.  There is a love within the fear.  There is a peace that surpasses all understanding of our circumstances.   JESUS.  It is Him. When we walk thought the fire, He is with us.  Our God loves to give a way of escape for His people during the difficult times.  He also loves to show Himself to us in those times.  Sometimes, He will provide a way out, and other times, He will use those circumstances to make us more like Him.

I think about Jesus, and how He chose to embrace the wrestle.  He chose to say “Yes” within it, and that choosing took Him to the cross at Calvary for us – for the Joy set before Him.  Something surreal and magnificent came out of it.  The world was saved!  Our Heavenly Father chose to embrace the wrestle when He asked His Son, to come into our dwelling on earth, knowing what His purpose was and that He would for a moment have to take His face off of Him.  The Holy Spirit chose to embrace the wrestle, and stayed with Jesus, empowering Him, against all other powers coming against Him, to endure the cross.

The wrestle…the struggle…don’t run away from it.   Take it…embrace it.  Press deeply into God during it, persevering within it, allow it to prove your character.  Remain faithful to God and rising up within it as a testimony to all those around you.  There is One who is your refuge in time of trouble, and there is One alone Who remains faithful to you in all things.  May His truth be your testimony.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness towards us in difficult times.  I thank You that we can depend on You for our all, our everything.  You, oh God, always come through.  You truly are everything we need in everything we experience.  Take us deeper and show us Yourself in the hard times, in our trials and in our tribulations.  Open our eyes to seeing You in moments of affliction, and open our ears to hearing Your words over our lives during times of confusion and doubts.  I want to grow in You.  I want to know You more.  Amen.

Questions: Are you in a struggle that you want to run away from? What does God expect you to do in this situation?

About the Author Brigitte Straub

Does God seem unfair to you? We invite you to share some of your struggles with us.

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

” I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The morning I met Anne in a book store, I sensed that there was something wrong. She seemed agitated and her face registered confusion and grief. When I asked her, “How are you?” She answered,? “I’m in shock.”

She had just received the message that her sister’s husband, a dear friend of the family, had died suddenly in a tragic accident. “I can’t imagine how my sister will manage without him,” she said. “And the children – they’ll be absolutely devastated.”

Alan, a wonderful family man had been a great provider. The family had just moved into their first – ever brand new home. After a tough beginning.

Business had picked up and the family was looking forward to more time together.

“Just when things are improving for them, this happens,” she moaned. “It’s so unfair.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “My uncle lives in a Care Home. He has Alzheimer–doesn’t even recognize his children. His life has no meaning anymore. Why didn’t God take him instead?”

Yes, life is unfair. We’ll never be able to figure out why young people, with so much to live for, die in the prime of life and old people, tired of living, linger on.

I find comfort in the fact that Jesus never promised us a fair world. In fact, he said, “In this world you will have trouble.” From personal experience He knew about unfairness: mocked by His brothers, slandered by religious leaders, betrayed by a friend, condemned to death for a crime He didn’t commit. He also died as a young man at the height of his ministry.

Jesus modeled for us how to navigate through a world that is grossly unfair. His attitude was: Keep trusting the Father for he knows best. When life is unfair, remember God is still good. Keep obeying Him and reaching out to those who are suffering.

Jesus hasn’t promised us a fair world but he has promised us victory. “Take heart!” He said. “I have overcome the world.” As a Christian, you have all the power you need for the problems you face.

Father, when I don’t understand, help me to trust you that in all things-the good and the bad-you are working out your good plan in my life.

Questions: How do you respond when God does not seem fair to you? How did Jesus respond in unfair situations?

About the Author Helen Lescheid

Spirituality is a popular subject these days. Whole stores are filled with books and various gadgets that are sold to help one get in touch spiritually. There is just so much out there and at times one can feel confused about it all.

In these days of growing awareness in the spiritual and the supernatural, God gives us guidance as to what to watch for. He tells us how to grow in our spiritual life without confusion. He spells it out for us quite simply:

“Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, NIV).

True spirituality moves you toward knowledge of Jesus as the Influencer of your heart. If something or someone other than Jesus takes front and center stage in your search for spirituality, be on guard. Guard your heart from merely knowledge of religious facts or focusing on special powers or energy. True spirituality is allowing Jesus’ influence on your heart to reflect change in the way you handle yourself. It is His power at work in you.

If you desire to develop spiritually, allow Jesus to influence your heart and your choices in a greater way today. Allow His influence to cause you to turn from the choices that exclude Him, and to accept His forgiveness. Ask for His wisdom to help you determine if a particular activity or source of information will increase your understanding of how Jesus can influence your heart and your life. Anything less is a cheap counterfeit.

Father God, there is so much out there today on spirituality. Please help me to grow in my knowledge of Jesus and His strength in my life as my Savior. Help me to grow in allowing Your influence upon my heart in such a way that it changes how I live. Forgive me for the times when I have focused on spirituality that was not centered on Jesus. Help me to be discerning and wise as I grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. In His strong name I pray, amen.

Questions: How will you allow Jesus to influence your heart and your choices in a greater way today? Do you know what it means to live a spirit-filled life? Let’s talk about it.

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Has someone you love died? Then you know the feelings death detonates in your body: anger, self-pity, depression, confusion, grief, anguish.

Scripture tells of Jesus’ close friend, Lazarus, who was sick. Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, quickly sent word. “Come, Lord, and save him!” But incredibly, Jesus didn’t come. Lazarus died. The sisters entombed Lazarus and sank into grief and confusion. Where was the Lord? Jesus could’ve saved their brother! Weren’t they his closest friends? Four days later Jesus finally showed up! Martha, beside herself with grief, accused, “Jesus, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” John 11:1-43

Jesus quietly answered, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this” (John 11:25-26)? I don’t think Martha had a clue what He meant. Would you?

They walked to the tomb and Jesus commanded the stone sealing the entry be rolled away. Then, stunning everyone, he commanded, “Lazarus, come out!” Instantly Lazarus stood before him! Alive! Jesus ordered the grave clothes removed and mayhem followed as incredulous onlookers gawked and shouted, pushing and shoving to get a better look. Did anyone pinch Lazarus to see if this miracle was real? I would’ve.

Jesus’ name is The Resurrection and The Life. His dying is mankind’s only hope, then and now.

Resurrection in Greek means anastasis: literally a resurrection from the dead; a standing up again. Can we wrap our minds around that? Jesus promises to stand us on our feet again. Not just when we die but when we fail or sin. Faith in Him opens the door for this miracle of new life, eternal life.

Lazarus is Jesus’ ‘show and tell’ of His power to stand men up again. Jesus later demonstrated His power over His own death by rising on the third day after crucifixion. He has the authority and power to lay down his life and stand up again alive. John 10:18 He is resurrection. He is life. No other god has that power.

Jesus gives eternal life to those who believe Him. “For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9).

Jesus wakened Lazarus from death so Jesus would get glory, people would see His glory and believe, and so Lazarus would live again.

Do you know this astonishing God who raises dead folks? Who lifts us into abundant newness of life now no matter our trials and heartaches and promises a tomorrow seated next to Him in Heaven?

Ask Him if He’s real. Test Him and see if He answers. But watch out, Jesus will call your name, remove your grave clothes and stand you on your feet. Forever.

Father of Life, resurrect me from my grave and unwrap me to newness of life. I believe, help my unbelief. Thank you, amen.

Questions: Do you know this Jesus who is ”The Resurrection and The Life”? If you know Him, what difference has He made in your life?

About the Author  Petey Prater

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, The Cross: Why we Believe, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

There are places and times when we feel we need extra wisdom, insight, guidance and strength. We long for understanding in situations that seem confusing. We need revelation when truth is being hidden or skewed.

God provides all these things to His children through the Holy Spirit.  Paul the apostle, prayed for believers to receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so they could know God better.

This prayer is still for us today. It reflects what is available to believers … to you and me.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you
• may know the hope to which he has called you,
• the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and
• his incomparably great power for us who believe.
That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…” (Ephesians 1:17-20)

Why do we allow ourselves to live in confusion and even chaos when we can be equipped by the Holy Spirit of God? Do we miss the wisdom and revelation we can have from God because we drown out that quiet voice of the Spirit by our busy lives?  In so doing we are actually choosing the chaos and confusion. Think about it. This is not God’s plan for you. Know He wants to equip you to walk in wisdom, revelation, strength and power right where you are. He wants you to know Him better.

Think of one area where you are experiencing perplexity, confusion or chaos and invite God right now to begin  to show You His wisdom in this situation.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you that Your Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. Thank you that Your Spirit will lead me to know You better.  Fill my spirit afresh today with the wisdom and revelation, the strength and comfort I need to walk in the areas that perplex me. Quiet my heart to hear Your Spirit specifically in  (name your own perplexing circumstance) . Thank you that You equip me by Your Spirit. I pray these things in the name of Jesus, amen.

Questions: How do we sometimes “miss the wisdom and revelation we can have from God”? How can freshly we seek God’s wisdom and revelation?

About this Author: Gail Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Blessed are the Peacemakers, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog