Where Do You Turn?

Ever notice how pain, either your own or someone else’s, draws us closer to God. Maybe it doesn’t for you.  But remember that everything allowed in your life is for a purpose.  God will use it to sharpen your godly character, draw you into a deeper relationship and demonstrate His mighty power. 

 

 

I had the opportunity to turn to God through pain on a ski trip at Mammoth Mountain.  My eldest son, who is prone to migraine headaches due to excess physical exercise, came down with a “killer” one after snowboarding on the first day of our trip.  He was in so much pain and mom couldn’t do anything.  We tried his usual migraine medication but no relief came, it only grew worse.  We tried the cold wash cloth on the back of the neck, but that only made him feel more nauseous.  I even called our family doctor to ask for other suggestions. 

 

 

However, relief came only after I began to pray for his healing.  Why didn’t I think of that first?  God, our great physician, stands ready to heal at a moments notice.   I was concerned about how the effects of the altitude may be causing his migraine to be worse than usual.  My focus was on the cause of the problem, rather than the solution.  How many times do we do that? 

 

 

Luke 5:31NKJV “Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”  Jesus came to my son’s rescue and healed him that day, just as He has done in the past.   

 

How many times do we need reminding our God is faithful and will be there for us?  Matthew 8:13NKJV “Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.”  Our belief is the key to answered prayer. 

 

Do you allow pain to turn you to God?  Or are you still focused on the reason you’re in pain?  Get your eyes on the One who can and will heal you. 

 

 

Lord thank you for your faithfulness to heal us when we need you.  Help us to turn to you first and enable us to be faithful as you are. In Jesus’ name Amen.  

 

© ThinkOnIt Bible Ministries Inc is a 501(c) (3) Public Charity helping you grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.

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The Heart of a Servant

The word servant does not strike a popular cord among most of us.  Who wants to be considered a slave, not free to make their own decisions, having to be told what to do and when to do it?   Yet, being a servant is exactly what Jesus came to do.  Matthew 20:28 NKJV  “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Jesus did not make his own decisions, he was told what to do and when to do it.  Jesus was obedient to His Father’s plan.  We, too, should consider following his example.  

 

A true servant has a heart of gold.   Someone who looks out for the interests of others, who goes beyond what most would do to help another person is considered a servant.  A servant listens to his master and follows directions well because in the end he knows the master is always right and the master’s choices are always sound.   

 

Remembering about a trip we took, I came across just such a servant, my husband Steve.  We went to Mammoth mountains for a ski trip, although having a 2 year old with us made it difficult for all of us to ski.  However, my husband graciously, watched our little one while I skied with our older son.  I knew he wanted to ski as bad as I did, yet he put aside his desire to ski and sent me off to do the very thing he really wanted to do.   All weekend long, Steve was willing to give for our sakes.  He was demonstrating what the scripture described as being a servant.  And, I was grateful! 

 

Although we may have a warped view of what being a servant means, it doesn’t mean you’re a second class citizen.  On the contrary, Jesus taught us that being a servant is how we become great.  Matthew 20:26 NKJV “but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.”  This verse really came alive as I watched my husband’s servant-hearted attitude during this trip.  

 

We could all learn to be a servant to others by remembering Jesus’ example in John 13:1-17 NKJV when He choose to wash the disciples’ feet.  He didn’t wait for someone to ask him to do this task.  He noticed it needed to be done and did it.  He treated everyone equally, too.  Even though He knew Judas would betray Him shortly, He still washed his feet.   

 

Are you servant-hearted?  Or do you want to be served by others?   

 

Lord, thank you for giving us your Spirit to enable us to follow your example. Lead us on the path to greatness through being servant-hearted like you.  Help us be obedient to your calling. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

 

© ThinkOnIt Bible Ministries Inc is a 501(c) (3) Public Charity helping you grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.

 

You Get What You Need

I woke up this morning with the Rolling Stones’ song “Can’t Get No Satisfaction” playing in my head.  But only one verse was playing over and over and that was “If you try, you might just find, you get what you need.”  You know there’s truth in that verse.  If we try, we will find, we have everything we need. 

Last night was the first night in six I finally was able to sleep through the entire night!  Hurray! Some of you may remember, I wrote about my sick two year old well, mommy, was getting pretty tired.  Actually, I was down right exhausted.  If it weren’t for Christ giving me strength ( Philippians 4:13 NKJV ), I don’t know how I would have continued to operate a normal work day.

God is good.  He provides exactly what we need when we need it.  It’s like my lack of sleep problem.  Yesterday night, I had stayed up holding my son and finally not being able to go without my own sleep any longer I put him back in his bed.  He started screaming loud enough to wake the neighbors.  Now, mind you, he was in no serious pain.  He simply wanted mommy to hold him all night long.  I was getting to my breaking point, though.  God is good.  I stood by his crib, rubbing his back, laying my own head on my arm lending against the crib and prayed.  I got about 4 hours of sleep that night! 

 

I couldn’t stop myself from praising God the moment my alarm went off and I found myself still in my own beautiful, wonderful, comfortable bed!  Thank you, Jesus for causing my son to sleep and allowing me to get the rest I needed. 

If we learn to look at what we have to be thankful for, we will begin to be filled with gratitude.  In this case, I was thankful for a little sleep and now I woke up having been renewed and my mind is stayed on Christ who keeps me in perfect peace ( Isaiah 26:3 NKJV ).

Each time God meets you where you need it most it builds a stronger bond between you and Him.  You learn to rely on Him.  You learn to trust Him more.  You learn to be thankful. 

 

Are you trying to see you get what you need?  If you try, you will find, you get everything you need.  When you realize it, thank God for He is good.

 
 

Lord, thank you for providing exactly what we need when we need it.  Thank you for giving us the strength we need for the tasks ahead of us.  Thank you for keeping us in peace when our minds are stayed on you because we trust you.  In Jesus name amen.

 

© ThinkOnIt Bible Ministries Inc is a 501(c) (3) Public Charity helping you grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.

True Love Serves – A look at a man transformed by Christ

Forgiveness, humility, sacrifice, serving, meeting needs, care for sick, handling appointments, doing yard work, doing chores around the house, mopping the floor on his hands and knees, taking care of the vehicle maintenance, managing finances, thinking through decisions, putting others needs above your own, not complaining or grumbling, consistent, stable, mature, and wise.

My husband is a practical picture of what true love looks like.  God knew what kind of man I needed, so he developed Steve in this wonderful man over the years.  God has opened my eyes to see all he has done in my husband.

It is so easy to point out what doesn’t fit with our own desire.  But how pointless it is to do so.  Instead, try looking at all the positive things you see.  If you need help getting out of the fog of negativism, just ask God to help you.  He is more than willing to show you what is really important.  When you spot a good deed, learn to give appreciation in return.  Speak things that build up and not tear down. Watch how your relationships will improve.

Thank you, Jesus, for revealing things to me.  Help us all look to you the Author and Finisher of our faith. Without we would be nothing.  Thank you for your love that transforms.  In Your name we pray. Amen.

 

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Let Your Work Speak for You

John 5:31-47

Others spoke of Jesus.  He didn’t have to say anything on His own behalf.  Let others praise you.

Jesus’ work spoke of him.  His works were good and miraculous.  Always compassionate, merciful, forgiving, loving, and serving others.  If Jesus allowed His works to speak on His behalf, shouldn’t we?  Is our work done with excellence?  Don’t think I am asking you to do good work for the sake of being perceived good. I am not. But what I am saying is when we allow the Holy Spirit to move through us our works will be pleasing to both man and God.  Only then is our works a wonderful testimony to God’s power in us.

God the Father spoke of Jesus at His baptism.  This is the only witness that really matters.  Are we living to please God?

Scriptures spoke of Jesus.  Moses writing declared Jesus.  Reading the bible reveals Jesus.

How much do you know about Jesus, His life, His ministry, and His works on your behalf?  Study the Word of God to find out more. Then share it with a friend, neighbor, family member or co-workers.

 

Father, thank you for Jesus. His life, work, and death and resurrection are our guiding light. Thank you for the Holy Spirit to keep bringing to our remembrance His Words.  Help us to live by them that you may be glorified.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Remember and Believe

Read John 2:12-25

v17  His disciples remembered it was written “Zeal for your house has eaten me up.”  Psalm 69:9

v22  After Jesus was raised from dead, his disciples remembered that He had said this to them and they believed the scripture and the word Jesus said.

Blessed are those who believe without seeing.  These things are written that you may believe.  Jesus came to fulfill the word.  As the word was lived out before them, men believed.

In order to have remembered Psalm 69:9, the disciple must have read, heard it spoke or spoke about it with each other before this scene took place.

The Holy Spirit’s job is to bring to remembrance the things Jesus taught.

O’ Lord thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. With His help we can understand your word and remember your teachings. With His help we are able to live a godly life until you return.  Thank you for your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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The Ministry Begins

Read John 2:1-11

There was a wedding, which Jesus, his mother, and his disciples were all invited to.  When they ran our of wine, Mary, Jesus’ mother told her son.  Jesus replied, “what does your concern have to do with me?  My hour has not yet come.”

Can you imagine what was going through Mary’s mind?  She knew Jesus was from God, given her miraculous pregnancy.  Up until this point, she had been waiting for an outward demonstration of his deity.  Mary had raised Jesus, who was now near or in his thirties.  Mary hoped they time had come when others would know what she knew – Jesus was the son of God.

Mary tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them.  They do.  Jesus told the servants fill the water pots with water, draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast.  They did as Jesus said.

From the time the water was drawn to giving to the master of the feast, a miracle occurred.  The ordinary water was transformed into wine.  The master of the feast called the bridegroom and complimented him on saving the best wine for the last.

Why do you think Jesus did this miracle?  He said his hour had not yet come.  There might be two reasons.

First, for Mary’s sake.  For thirty years Mary lived with a precious secret.  It was time other knew.  Second verse 11 tells us plainly, “This was the beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested his glory and his disciples believed him.”

Father, your timing is always perfect. Help us to trust you more. Thank you for sending Jesus at just the right time. In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

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A Model of Dependence and Obedience

Read 1 Samuel 23:1-13

Philistines are fighting Keilah and robbing the threshing floors.  Conflict appears everywhere.  But David inquires of the Lord. David models dependence on God.

Lord says so, attack Philistines & save Keilah. David listened to the Lord’s direction and modeled obedience.

David’s men were afraid.  David again turns to the Lord and inquires what to do.  This shows that even fear can be used to drives back to God and depend on Him alone.

Lord says arise, go, I will deliver Philistines into your hand. God, who is faithful, reassures David that victory will be his.

The end result – David saved Keilah.  Victory – Keilah is saved.

O’ Lord in you we have the victory.  You are the source of our very life. Guide us with your wisdom. Help us be mindful of you each day. Lead us on the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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A Warped View

Read 1 Samuel 22:6-23

v8  All of you have conspired against me not one of you revealed to me my son made covenant with David not one of you is sorry for me.

In Saul’s mind everyone was against him.  He interpreted everything as a slight against him.  He made all people to be his enemy.  He as having a pity party.  He felt left out, unimportant and wronged.

v13 Why have you conspired against me?  Saul accuses the priest of conspiracy.

v16 Saul lays out judgement  “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your fathers house!”

Saul issues the command to kill Ahimelech but his servants would not lay a hand on the Priests of the Lord.  So he turns to Doeg the Edmonite “You turnt kill the priests!”  Doeg does it.

 

Have you ever processed everything as a slight against you?

 

Dear Lord, help us to remember how much we are loved and forgiven by you.  Remind us of our own failing that we may stay humble and seek you before acting rashly.  Lord we confess our sins to you and thank you in Jesus they are cleansed away.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Others Focused

Read 1 Samuel 22:1-5

David escaped to a cave in Adullam.  His family heard and came down to him.
Others came too.  They were in debt, discontented, or distressed.  David became captain over them (about 400 men).

David sought safety for his mom & dad with King of Moab, while he stayed at the stronghold.  Prophet Gad told David to go to land of Judah.  So David went to the forest of Hereth.

Even though David had his own worries to deal with, he did not let his concerns become all he focused on.  He thought of his parents and took steps to keep them save.

Saul meant to kill David, no doubt would go after David’s family in attempt to hunt David.

Dear God, thank you for keeping us focused on others rather than always on our own problems. You Lord know all that is going on and will guide us on the path we should go.  Thank you for your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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