“I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT

In the 19th century, a young Christian heard a Bible teacher say, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man who is totally surrendered to Him.” The young Christian said to himself, “I want to be that man.” That young man was Dwight L. Moody, who became one of the greatest evangelists of all time, long before radio and television.

When the searching eyes of the Lord found Moody, they found a man whose “availability” far surpassed his “ability.” But God can do a lot with a little if He has all there is of it.

His father died at an early age of 41, leaving his widow in poverty, with a large mortgage on the home. The creditors grabbed everything they could, including firewood. Mrs. Moody tried to keep her family of nine children not only together, but together in Sunday School.

By the time Dwight was 17, he had become a successful shoe salesman. Moody accepted Christ in the back room of the shoe store through the guidance of his Sunday School teacher. He went on to become the great evangelist.

But he never got away from his simple commitment and the memories of the first time he stood up to speak as a young man, when one of the deacons assured him that, in his opinion, he would serve God best by keeping still. Another critic praised Moody for his zeal but pleaded with him, saying that he should realize his limitations and not attempt to speak in public. “You make too many mistakes in grammar.”

Moody patiently made reply to the man’s concern: “I know I make mistakes, and I lack many things, but I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got.” He then quietly looked at the man and searchingly inquired, “Look here, friend, you’ve got grammar enough. What are you doing with it for the Master?”

God is looking for people today who will decide to take what they have and totally commit it to be used for the Master. God has made you who you are and placed you where you are with all the abilities you need to do what He uniquely created you to do.

It’s not time to sit back and muse about what you could do if you had what you don’t have. Rather, it’s time to do what you can do with what you do have and do it for the glory of God.

Questions: We all could improve in how we choose to serve God; what are some of the resources available to us to help us improve?

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4a).

It was the morning after my sister died and I was raw and alive in the world. I remember my husband driving me over the bridge we had to take to get to the ferry to go visit her body. I was enveloped in the early morning sunrise seeing the pastel hues of it, and its amazing brightness. I was feeling amazed and surprised that the world was continuing without her.

In my mere mortal perspective in that moment it was a stark reality that the Lord was with me. He had still caused the sun to ‘get up’ that day and shine on the entire world. Though she had passed away the day before the earth was still rotating on its axis. I was reminded of his sustaining me, and of his comfort toward me.

What trials have I experienced now, and what I am going through today? What about you, my dear friend, what is breaking your heart these days? It is one thing to wallow in the mess of it, and quite another to cry out for help. Sometimes the first and hardest step of action to take is to ask for help with it. Isn’t it?

Sometimes I seem to have a hard time depending on another to support me in my trials. Do I really want to stay stuck in the muck of my life? I need a Saviour. Lord save me. Hosanna!

This morning as I arose and tried to slip past sleep and put it behind me, my dog, the beautiful coonhound that he is, was whining to go outside. In a few hours the house will awake, and all of its seven inhabitants. As a mom I have a chance to grab life this morning with the Lord, and let him be breath for me. He has given me a new morning.

As my acquaintance and his family battles cancer I see through their lives the cherishing of time together. I awake this morning thankful that he has given us all a new day. A day to do his will. As the people of this generation awake in their mornings, realities drastically so different from the next, the world declares to them that he is still there for them. The heavens declare what he has done.

Lord, as for myself and my household let us depend on you. Thank you for your sustaining power in the world you created, and in our lives. I want to depend on you today, and rest in your faithfulness towards me, towards us. The heavens declare what you have done. May the message of your great love for us all reach all the earth, and travel around the world. May I take my part today in the life you have given me, and in the lives of your loved ones around me, as a messenger of your great love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Questions: Are you experiencing some heart-breaking trials? Do you struggle with asking for help?

Has your world shattered and left you with no hope for your marriage?  Talk to us.

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

I witnessed a meaningful baptism of a teenager at church where the grandfather stepped into the baptistery with his grandson to baptize him. “It’s a pleasure to baptize my grandson,” the grandfather began. Then speaking directly to his grandson he said, “Jonathan, I’ve known you since you were a little twerp, and I’ve watched you grow into a fine young man.” Then he asked his grandson, “How long do you plan to let Jesus control your life?”

Without hesitation, his grandson replied with a strong voice, “The rest of my life.”

With that the grandfather baptized his grandson. Then putting his arm around his wet grandson, the grandfather prayed, “Lord, help Jonathan to keep his eyes on You. Help him serve You and live with integrity and faithfulness to You. I commit him to You to be a servant of the gospel the rest of his days. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

As the grandfather said amen, I wiped my eyes. I pictured each of my four grandchildren and asked God that they too would want to serve Him the rest of their days and would make a public commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

The congregation clapped for joy to celebrate a life dedicated to God. And in my mind, I thought I heard applause in heaven as well.

Heavenly Father, may others see my sincere faith and want to obey You. As David prayed for his son Solomon, so I pray my grandchildren and others I love will want to follow You with wholehearted devotion the rest of their lives (1 Chronicles 29:19).

Questions: Who is in control of your life? How do we continue to follow Jesus wholeheartedly?

“I have given them the glory You gave Me – the glorious unity of being one, as We are – I in them and You in Me, all being perfected into one – so that the world will know You sent Me and will understand that You love them as much as You love Me” (John 17:22,23)

One day, as I was reading this prayer of Jesus to God the Father, I leaped from my chair in excitement when I realized that God loves me as much as He loves His only begotten Son!

What is more, He loves us unconditionally. That means He loves us not because we are good, or worthy of His love, but simply because of who He is.

Of course, the miracle of it all is that when Jesus, who is the incarnation of God’s love, comes to live within us, that same supernatural love becomes operative within us, enabling us to love others supernaturally as well.

Agape (sacrificial, supernatural and unconditional love) is best described in the well known and often quoted 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians:

“Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.”

Bible Reading: John 17:15- 21

Today’s Action Point: When things go wrong today – or any day – I will choose to remember that God loves me just as much as He loves His only begotten Son! And I will tell everyone who will listen about God’s supernatural love for them.

Are you tired of a defeated Christian life? Take this Study.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)!

How can we have love, peace, joy, and victory in our lives? Well, God’s Word tells us to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). And when we are filled with the Spirit, we not only have love, peace, and joy, we have the beautiful qualities of patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We can be filled with the Spirit, and continue to be so by following these Scriptural instructions:

Repent: Of anything–actions, attitudes, words, bad habits–anything that might stand between you and the peace and joy of the Lord.  True acknowledgment of sin and sorrow over it releases its hold over you and your life. (See James 4:8-10)

Surrender To God: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in views of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifice, holy and please to God—which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2).

Ask God’s Forgiveness Whenever You Err: To keep Christ’s peace and joy, don’t ever let anything come between you and Him. (See 1 John 1:9)

Forgive: God, Yourself, Others:  Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there is anyone who has ever done you ill whom you need to forgive; and with His help, forgive that person. Do  this to exorcise the ghosts in your past that may rise up periodically to haunt you and hurt your life and relationships.  Do this to have peace with God, yourself, and others.  (See Luke 11:4, Mark 11:25-26, Ephesians 4:32.)

Trust in The Lord In Everything: Be anxious about nothing (Philippians 4:4-8).

Begin Your Day by Rejoicing in the Lord praising and thanking Him (Psalm 34:1).  Enjoy life to the fullest!  Report to the Lord for duty each morning, willing to serve Him however He may wish, in whatever He may want to do through you, in ministering to others, in being His light to your world.

Whenever Something Gets you Down, Praise The Lord (even and especially when you don’t feel like it).  This will lift you out of the dungeon of despair (Acts 16:25-26).  It worked for Paul and Silas; and it works for me every time!

Control Your Thoughts: Bring every thought into obedience to Christ (1 Corinthians 10:5). Be on guard against our enemy Satan and his devious devices.  Study            Ephesians 4:26-5:11, Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8.

Serve the Lord: He has given you a gift or gifts–and talents–with which to serve Him, His people, and others for His glory.  Seek His guidance.

Read: Psalms 23, 34, 37, 51; Matthew 5 to 7; John 14 to 17; Romans 6, 7, 8, and 12; Galatians 5; Book of Ephesians; Philippians 4–until you fully understand what it is to die to self and walk in the Spirit.

Memorize: Psalms 23 and 34; Proverbs 3:5-8; Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 6:9-15, 31-33; Luke 10:17; John 10:27-28; Romans 5:8, 6:11; 8:18, 28; 10:9-13; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 10:13, 31; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, 12:9-10; Galatians 2:20, 4:7, 6:2; Ephesians 2:8-10, 4:32, 6:10-18; Philippians 1:6, 3:13-14, 4:4-8, 11, 13; Colossians 3:2-3; 2 Timothy 1:7, 12; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 John 1:9, 4:4, 18-21.

Lord, give me your incredible joy, peace, and victory! Amen

Questions: We’re only human. How can we consistently have Christ’s joy, peace, and victory? How can we find time to do all the things we need to do to have Christ’s joy and peace?

Are you facing a challenging day today? Our mentors are here if you’d like someone to talk to.

“For those who are LED by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans?8:14).

Think about your past week for just a moment. What has been leading you through your days?

•    Are you being led astray in your faith by the company you are keeping?

•    Are you being led by a rushing busyness that brings unrest to your heart and mind?

•    Are you being dragged by your emotions?

God calls us to be LED by the Spirit of God. But it’s not always an easy thing to wrap your mind around. Here is a tool, in the form of the acronym LED, to help you intentionally allow yourself to be LED by God’s Spirit today.

Romans 8:14 “For those who are LED by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”

1.    L- Look for His mercies

Lamentations 3:22-23 “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

EVERY MORNING God’s love and faithfulness are fresh to draw upon. His care is unlimited. His plan is not for us to be “consumed” by the circumstances and cares of our day. Turn your thoughts to His love and faithfulness before our feet hit the floor in the morning and as you drift off to sleep at night.

Psalm 92:2 “It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening”

Sandwich your day between declaring His love afresh over you in the morning and in the evening thanking Him for His faithful care.

2.    E- Encourage daily

Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Take the time to get into God’s presence to allow His word to encourage your heart. Listen for His still, small voice as He nudges you to offer a word of encouragement to others as you go through your day.

All of us can be deceived by the lie, “You are all alone”. Especially at times of loss or crisis or difficult days. Our hearts can begin to harden and we need the daily encouragement of our Lord and of each other as we share the journey of life.

3.   D-Declare Thanksgiving

Psalm 50:23  “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”

Thanksgiving is so much more than the trite “be thankful” or “have an attitude of gratitude”. These are good reminders to keep a thankful outlook yet thanksgiving is so much more.

It is a DOORWAY that actually opens the way for God to show His salvation, for God to amaze us and bring His plans and purposes to pass. It prepares the way for God to come into our lives and our circumstances. WOW!

Father God, today I want to be LED by Your Spirit in a fresh way. Show me Your mercies today as I look for them. Encourage my heart and show me who I can also encourage. And give me a fresh outlook of thanksgiving that I might open that door that prepares the way for Your deliverance in my life. Fill me with rejoicing and thanksgiving for all You are and for Your never-ending love and faithfulness to me. I love You Lord and I look to You to lead me this day. In the name of Jesus I pray,amen.

Questions: What has been leading you this past week? Are you being led astray in your faith by the company you are keeping? Are you being led by a rushing busyness that brings unrest to your heart and mind? Are you being dragged by your emotions?

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23

What are your thoughts focused on today? What do you call to mind? Just prior to these verses in Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah had been thinking about all the troubles he had experienced in his life. He remembered being mocked, being deprived of peace, being afflicted, and the bitterness that resulted.

“Yet this I call to mind.”

Then, the whole tone of the passage changes because Jeremiah does a remarkable thing. He deliberately decides to summon up from his memory examples of God’s compassion and faithfulness to him.

Hope emerged in the midst of his predicament, sparked by God’s compassion. The light of God’s love shone into the darkness of Jeremiah’s situation. Remembering God’s faithfulness strengthened Jeremiah’s resolve to cling to Him in the middle of a difficult situation.

“Yet this I call to mind.”

We too can become intentional about recalling God’s faithfulness in our lives. Remember the time you thought you couldn’t bear one more day, but then God gave you the strength? Remember when God miraculously intervened providing the finances needed, healing that relationship, giving you a fresh start?

Although I don’t know the details of you life, I know that God is faithful. That is why I can say with confidence, as Jeremiah did, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.”

I urge you to call this to mind today.

Faithful God, thank you for Your great love and compassion! Remind me of all the times You have faithfully provided all that I need and help me to fix my attention on You, so that I don’t give in to despair. Amen.

Questions: Why are our thoughts so important to our outlook? What examples of God’s faithfulness do you call to mind?

If your mind is full of trouble and you could use a listening ear, contact a mentor today.

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).

What are your thoughts focused on today? What do you call to mind? Just prior to these verses in Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah had been thinking about all the troubles he had experienced in his life. He remembered being mocked, being deprived of peace, being afflicted, and the bitterness that resulted.

“Yet this I call to mind.”

Then, the whole tone of the passage changes because Jeremiah does a remarkable thing. He deliberately decides to summon up from his memory examples of God’s compassion and faithfulness to him.

Hope emerged in the midst of his predicament, sparked by God’s compassion. The light of God’s love shone into the darkness of Jeremiah’s situation. Remembering God’s faithfulness strengthened Jeremiah’s resolve to cling to Him in the middle of a difficult situation.

“Yet this I call to mind.”

We too can become intentional about recalling God’s faithfulness in our lives. Remember the time you thought you couldn’t bear one more day, but then God gave you the strength? Remember when God miraculously intervened providing the finances needed, healing that relationship, giving you a fresh start?

Although I don’t know the details of you life, I know that God is faithful. That is why I can say with confidence, as Jeremiah did, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.”

I urge you to call this to mind today.

Faithful God, thank you for Your great love and compassion! Remind me of all the times You have faithfully provided all that I need and help me to fix my attention on You, so that I don’t give in to despair. Amen.

Questions: Why are our thoughts so important to our outlook? What examples of God’s faithfulness do you call to mind?

If life is crazy right now and you could use someone to talk to, we’re here. Contact a mentor today.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with life today and unsure if you will be able to cope, let God’s word settle over your heart and bring you peace.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).

Father God, thank you that Your word is truth. Thank you that You have promised Your divine power to flow to me and through me … enabling me, TODAY, to have all that I need for life and godliness.

Right now, I ask that the power of Your Holy Spirit would fill me afresh and enable me to deal with what is in front of me. Thank you that with Your divine power in me, I can face what today holds.

Today I need help coping with ____________________________. Pour Your power into me to help me. Thank you that You have given me EVERYTHING I need today. May I trust You completely to help me step by step through this day.

I praise You for Your love and faithfulness to me and ask for courage to walk in this truth today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Questions: Are you feeling overwhelmed with life? How has God’s Word helped to bring peace to your life?

Do you need the difference of prayer in your life?  We can pray for you.

“This is the assurance we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).

“What’s the good of praying? Things are going from bad to worse just as though we had never prayed.” Have you ever felt like that? I admit I have, especially during my husband’s illness. Instead of being healed, he ended up in a care home.

Throughout the years, I’ve learned that prayer is much more than receiving answers. In fact, when we are focused on “give me answers” we become manipulative in our praying. We act as though God exists to serve us. And when answers aren’t to our liking, we get in a huff with God.

We tend to look upon answers to prayer as evidence that God exists and that He does love us.

What happens when answers do not come as expected? Does that mean God is not paying attention? Or that God doesn’t love us anymore? No! God is always listening and His character of love does not change.

God answered my prayers in many personal ways: He gave me joyful moments throughout each day and hope for the future. He gave me wisdom to let go of what I couldn’t change and courage to change what I needed to change. I began to see facets of God’s awesome character I’d never seen before. He put a new empathy and love in my heart for other hurting persons.

Our confidence must always be in the character of God and His faithfulness, not in the answers we want. Because God loves us, we can safely leave the when and how with Him.

Prayer is primarily growing a love relationship with God.

Father, I thank you that you hear and answer every prayer according to what is best. Amen.

Questions: What happens when God does not answer as you expected him to?