“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4, NLV)

God has created each one of us with this inner desire to be filled by Him but we often choose to allow other things to fill that hole in our life.  Recently, I had come to acknowledge that I had a substitute god in my life.

Substitute gods take. They take your time, energy, thoughts, money, focus, and purpose. If they give it’s only temporary and then it leaves you needing and wanting more.  That’s what this god was doing in my life.  I was bowing down to this god and was worshiping and accepting it as lord of my life.

Through the study of God’s Word, He has shown me that I need His sorrow for my sin and His repentance.  I now know that this area of my life is sin – before I called this everything else but that and by not confessing my sin and relinquishing this area in my life I have experienced frustration, anger and defeat.

Joel 2:12-13 (NLV) says,  “That is why the LORD says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time.  Give me your hearts.  Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.  Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.  He is eager to relent and not punish.’”

Praise God that He loves us in spite of our failures! Each day I am experiencing His amazing grace as I continue to give this issue in my life to Him and accept His forgiveness.

I’m here to tell you, it’s not worth it to hold on – sin only brings shame, sorrow, frustration and guilt. God is ready and waiting to release you from the bonds of your sin and to set you free!  There is so much joy and freedom and He is patiently waiting.

So trade in that substitute god for the REAL ONE – it’ll be the best decision you’ll ever make!

Questions: Do you have a substitute god in your life? Is there an area in your life that you have been unwilling to relinquish and submit to God?

Are you suffocating under difficult emotions? Take this study to learn and understand powerful ways to overcome difficult emotions.

There is great satisfaction in a job well done, but there is also a danger.

Pride, that insidious sin, tends to swell our brains so that they can no longer think straight.

Although we often begin with the right attitude, using the gifts God has given us – health, energy, creativity or intelligence – to work, learn and produce, sometimes in the end our perspective becomes distorted. We start to think too highly of ourselves and forget that it was God who enabled us to accomplish these things in the first place.

In the Old Testament judgment was proclaimed on the city of Tyre, not because of their ambition or skill, but because they had grown proud.

“By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, and because of your wealth your heart has grown proud.” (Ezekiel 28:5)

“Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor” (Ezekiel 28:17).

We can keep ourselves from falling into the same trap of arrogance by remembering that everything we have is a gift from God.

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not” (1 Corinthians 4:7)?

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

God give me a grateful heart to always remember that everything thing I have – my intelligence, beauty, athletic ability, musical talent – is a gift from You. Thank you for the amazing things You have done in me and through me; may I never forget Your work in me and grow proud.

Questions: In what situations are you in danger of growing proud? What helps keep you from falling into the trap of pride?

Searching for meaning to existence? Take this study.

“Do not be confirmed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2a).

So many Christians that I’ve talked to recently are not experiencing the power of God in their lives. In different ways they share how life has become dull and grey and their days tend to ebb away with busy activity. Several have used the word “frenzied”. Oh, their faith is still intact, yet their lives lack that dynamic sense of energy and enthusiasm and purposefulness that is the birthright of God’s children.

I’ve thought and prayed about it lately because some days I feel it too. God nudged me to look again at the Holy Spirit; the Helper He gives every believer. The Holy Spirit in our lives offers us the power to be able to live above the frenzy with purpose and enthusiasm and divine energy.

Let’s look together this month as the different characteristics of the Holy Spirit. Let’s encourage one another to tap into the enabling power the Lord intended for us to live in.  Let’s become a group of women more dynamic in our faith and victorious in our walk.

The role of the Holy Spirit is to transform us to become more like Jesus; to be filled with the fresh dynamic of His power, willing to undergo the changes He may ask us to make; ready to grapple with our part in spreading the Gospel with energy and purposefulness.

Paul, that dedicated world changing follower of Jesus, understood this and was led by the Holy Spirit to urge others to offer themselves to God as an act of worship. The invitation and instruction remains for you and I today.

“Do not be confirmed any longer to the pattern of this word, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

Peter was another follower who understood the dynamic of following Jesus. He talks to those of the faith and encourages us in much the same way.

“Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. … For you know that it was not with perishable things such a silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ…” (1Peter 1: 13-18).

The first step in our journey of exploring the Holy Spirit in our lives is to allow our minds to be transformed and our hope set fully on the grace that redeemed us from an empty way of life. Join me as we remind one another that it all begins with the way we think.

Holy Father,  I need You. Teach me more about Your Holy Spirit. I offer myself to You as my act of worship. Transform my mind. Help me to be self-controlled. Enable me to look beyond the distractions of this life. Show me afresh the dynamics of life filled with Your power as I grow in understanding my part in Your work. In Jesus’ powerful name I ask this, Amen.

Questions: Have you lost your sense of energy and enthusiasm and purposefulness of life? How can you return to a life of harmony with God’s plan?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Are you feeling the regrets of having an abortion and need someone to pray for you?

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV).

There are always so many things that call to us and demand our time.  The Word says that we are “His” workmanship created for good works that He has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). So the challenge is to be able to discern the things that God prepared for us to do from the things that are unnecessarily taking up our time and energy.

The word “wait” in the Greek has two main meanings. One is as practical as it sounds; it really is literally to “wait.” It makes sense that when we learn to wait for the Lord’s instruction rather than just do whatever presents itself, we have the chance to rest and renew our strength.

The second meaning of the word “wait” is to “bind together”. We are to be bound together with the Lord. It is like two horses that are bound together to pull a wagon, It is important that the horses are able to work well together. If they worked poorly together (one wanting to pull faster or harder, or go in a different direction) it would create chaos and danger.

When we are bound to the Lord we need to let Him set the pace and the direction. As we wait upon Him in peace, and allow Him to be in charge of the where, the when, the who, and the how, we will experience His promise that “His yoke is easy and His burden is light,” and our strength will be renewed.

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:2 -3, NKJV).

Questions: What does the word “wait” mean as far as the scripture is concerned?

About the Author Emmie Stanley

God knows…God cares…God loves you…There is hope. Someone is waiting to talk with you now.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loves us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17).

Are you weary today? Is your strength failing?

Often we find ourselves in situations that require us to pour out physical and emotional energy at such a pace that there is little or no time to be replenished.

Raising young children is one such season of life. There aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needs doing; the necessity for constant vigilance is draining and a moment of rest seems weeks away.

Being the primary care giver to someone who is sick or aging is another period of unrelenting demands on your energy. Beyond the physical demands, grief often takes an added toll.

Perhaps it is the strain of broken relationship that is exhausting you. Estrangement from a friend, sibling, or son or daughter exacts a heavy price from your peace of mind. Confession, forgiveness and working through the issues take more strength than you possess.

Many times we desire to do these good things that God has called us to, but become discouraged and tired.

Thus it is wonderful to discover that our God gave us eternal encouragement and good hope! More than a momentary pick-me-up, by God’s grace and love we have access to a continuous supply of hope and encouragement.

Feelings fluctuate, but God and His word stand firm forever. Keep clinging to Him.

Please allow me to call on God on your behalf today:

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loves you and by his grace gave you eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your heart and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.

Questions: What does eternal encouragement and good hope mean to you? What unrelenting demands on your energy are you facing today?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

“I called to the Lord…in my distress I called to the Lord…I cried to my God…He heard my voice…He reached down…the Lord was my support…He rescued me because he delighted in me”  (Psalm 18: 6, 17 & 19, NIV).

“Over here, Grandpa! Over here, Grandpa! Over here, Grandpa!” The toddler’s piercing voice reverberated in the restaurant as she persistently called to her grandpa who stood, seemingly unresponsive, at the order counter. For what seemed like eons to those of us hoping for a quiet morning coffee, the childish voice shrilled on. Finally—to our immense relief—Grandpa turned, smiled and said a quiet, “I see you.” Satisfied with this simple reply, the child quieted and settled into her padded seat.

This incident strikes close to home for parents traveling with small children.  It is a vivid example of how God patiently waits for us to hear His quiet voice when we insistently cry out our needs. We shout “over here, Father!” as though He doesn’t see our trembling bodies or hear our shrieking cries. And then, finally, His soothing words enter our beings and we can settle into whatever circumstances surround us: “I see you.”

The child simply needed to be reassured that her Grandpa actually could see her even though he was engaged in other activity. When we call to the Lord—when we cry out to Him—we can be confident of his support and His rescue. Because He delights in us.

I wonder how much energy I spend in shouting when all I need do is whisper?

Help me, Father, to settle into your love and delight.

Questions: How are you reassured that God hears you?

About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Our Protection, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

When is the last time someone said to you, you did a good job!  You look lovely today!  I really appreciate your kind spirit!  Thanks for being a good friend! When was the last time you said that to someone?

I was recently challenged about using more positive words of encouragement.  I think you can agree that there is enough pressure of negative words inside our heads and from outside forces that we don’t need to waste our energy on that.   God made us to enjoy Him and to enjoy life in a world of harshness. He is our source of identity.  So let’s pass it on……

1.     Praise God
“Bow down and worship the Lord our Creator!  The Lord is our God, and we are His people, the sheep he takes care of in his own pasture” (Psalm 95:6-7).

It is so easy to come to God with my list of needs and wants.  Don’t get me wrong, He desires that in His Sheep.  He is there 24/7 with open arms.  However, there are so many verses in the Scriptures that remind us to praise and worship Him.  A lot of my prayer time is on my drive back and forth to work.  I have been challenged to spend time in thankful reflection of His majesty and His character. “Everyone on earth now trembles and worships the Lord, majestic and holy”. When I praise Him, I draw closer to Him, increase my trust in Him, and love Him even more. He never changes. He gives back 100 fold.  The friendship is strengthened.  What a privilege we have to praise God and enjoy who He is. In our society, people love to ‘name drop’ who they know and who they met.  We know the Living God who hung each star, keeps the solar system in place, changes the seasons, and holds us like a shepherd does a lamb!

2.    Praise Others
It seems easier to criticize and judge.  It doesn’t take much effort. Taking the time to see people for who they are, investing in their lives, and being patient with them is a risk and time consuming.  Listen to what Paul says to his friends in Thessalonica. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.  Paul lived it.  He was unjustly persecuted, thrown in jail, and beaten.  Yet he made sure he encouraged and praised his people-world. When we are truly wanting to bless someone with praise we are not attempting to make them proud.  Human hearts crave honest and truthful support.  Look around you and see who you can encourage today without expecting anything in return.

When we praise, our hearts become less hardened and bitter.  When we praise, we give of ourselves and take our eyes off our selfish needs.  When we praise, we see the enjoyment of our life and a God who unconditionally loves us and we can in return pass it on.

Look around your people-world and make a mental list of those you can encourage.  Take a few minutes to just praise God for His majesty and holiness.  We were made to pass it on!!!

Father God, I am gratefully honored to tell You how wonderful and caring You are.    You are King, and I adore You.   Thank you for being such a Mighty Rock where I am safe in a world of instability.  I honor You today!  Thank you!  Amen.

Questions: Why is it important to spend time praising God and praising the people we come in contact with?

About the Author Linda Goodhand Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Worship on the Go, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

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

There is great satisfaction in a job well done, but there is also a danger.

Pride, that insidious sin, tends to swell our brains so that they can no longer think straight.

Although we often begin with the right attitude, using the gifts God has given us – health, energy, creativity or intelligence – to work, learn and produce, sometimes in the end our perspective becomes distorted. We start to think too highly of ourselves and forget that it was God who enabled us to accomplish these things in the first place.

In the Old Testament judgment was proclaimed on the city of Tyre, not because of their ambition or skill, but because they had grown proud.

“By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, and because of your wealth your heart has grown proud.” (Ezekiel 28:5)

“Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor” (Ezekiel 28:17).

We can keep ourselves from falling into the same trap of arrogance by remembering that everything we have is a gift from God.

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not” (1 Corinthians 4:7)?

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

God give me a grateful heart to always remember that everything thing I have – my intelligence, beauty, athletic ability, musical talent – is a gift from You. Thank you for the amazing things You have done in me and through me; may I never forget Your work in me and grow proud.

Questions: In what situations are you in danger of growing proud? What helps keep you from falling into the trap of pride?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Daily audio podcast: Hear today’s daily devotional, Growing Proud, read aloud on the Men’s Devotional Blog

All I needed was a loaf of bread, so I turned into one of those gas stations on steroids where you can buy most of the necessities of life. I looked up and down row after of row for a simple measly loaf of bread. Finally, in the back corner on a bottom shelf, I found a loaf or two. But, what amazed me was all the other food offerings.

There was row after row of all sorts of snacks containing high fats, carbs and sugar. I started looking at the nutrition disclosures on individual packages. Why, the calorie intake on some of those small packages was more than half of a recommended daily caloric diet. No wonder American’s have an obesity problem.

You are what you eat, and what you eat influences virtually everything in your life, from how much energy you have . . . to how well your brain works . . . to how long you live. If you want to have a great brain, you must consistently give it nutrient-rich foods. I know it sounds almost too easy, but it’s a scientific fact: Change your diet, and you change your life.

But, those same principles dealing with our nutritional food diet apply to our spiritual diet and effect our life just as much…..change your thoughts and change your life. Garbage in, garbage out, or so the saying goes. We tend to become what we think about al day long.

Paul gives us some worthy advice in Philippians 4:8: “And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.”

Truth, goodness, righteousness, purity and loveliness… think about these things. Let them be the object of your careful attention and study, so as to practice them. Think what they are; think on the obligation to observe them; think on the influence which they would have on the world around you. Esteem them highly, recommend them heartily, and practice them fervently.

Lord, I don’t want to feed my soul on junk food. Help me to not only change my pattern of eating to get physically fit, but to also change your pattern of thinking to get spiritually fit. Help me today to think on the good things You have provided and have done in my life. I cast my thoughts on You, Jesus and my desire is to become more like You. Amen.

Questions: How differently would your life look if you got rid of your spiritual “junk food”?

About the Author John Grant

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Knowing God as Our Father, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog