Quick Devotions

Often in life I think we can dramatically misunderstand God’s divine purpose. Our focus is on the here and now, the immediate needs of the moment and often we miss the eternal perspective. We see the pain and suffering in our lives and doubt, fear, and desperation begin to creep in. If we could only see things through God’s eyes.

When I say that God is my refuge and my strength, I mean that. My enemy may find me in this life and he may attack. Ultimately the call is not to fear the enemy who can destroy the body only but to fear the one who has the power to destroy the body and cast our soul in to hell (Luke 12:5). Put simply… the enemy may be able to destroy me in this life, but my hope and trust are in Jesus, nothing can separate me from God’s love.

My prayer for you and I tonight is that we would not look to our worldly wealth, success, power, intelligence, or anything else for our hope but to Jesus. May we remember that regardless of the trials we face in this life, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). Let us never forget that nothing and no one in all the universe can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).

If you could begin to count the countless number of stars in the universe, you wouldn’t even be scratching the depth of God’s love for you. The love God has for you is unsearchable and passes all human understanding (Ephesians 3:19). It is this love that calls out our names as He calls us into a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. He is calling out to you now…

The love of God can transform your life in ways that nothing and no one else ever can. God’s love is proven in the giving of His only Son Jesus for you and for me (John 3:16). On the cross as Jesus cried out “it is finished”, the love of God is echoing “I love you this much”. As Jesus drank in the sin and punishment for our failures, the heart of God is calling out to each of us to know this forgiveness. It is only through Jesus (John 14:6).

My prayer for you and me today is that God’s love would transform us continually. May this love over power every dark place in your life. May God’s love encourage you to begin seeking Him in a way you never have. It is in the presence of God through faith in Jesus that you come to know forgiveness, freedom, and redemption. What are you waiting for? Come (Matthew 11:28).

The Scripture has a very different approach to dealing with trials and tribulation. Over and over we are called to rejoice even in the midst of suffering. Why? Because no matter what we face in this life, Jesus has overcome the world. Through our faith in Him a day is coming free from death, suffering, and pain where we will rest in His presence forever

A few reminders tonight:
1. Jesus tells us in this world we will have tribulation. He encourages us to rejoice because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33)
2. James writes that we should rejoice when we face trials because we know it’s producing a faith that perseveres. (James 1:2-3)
3. Paul writes for us to always rejoice, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Tonight I want to remind every brother and sister in Christ: God is using all things (yes even this) for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! (Romans 8:28)