"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
For the last couple of days I have had a chorus playing over and over in my thoughts. The words that I keep hearing are- "Your grace is enough; Your grace is enough for me". I am so glad for God's grace; it is enough for whatever we may be going through.
This morning, I don't know what you are facing- tragedy, problems in a relationship, unruly children, a demanding boss, financial stress or any one of a million other situations- but I want to remind you that "God's Grace is Enough"! That means that grace is all you need to make it through. It has been said that if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. He brings you through it by His grace. Grace is the vessel that will carry you through the most difficult trial. It will reach into the lowest valley. It will shine as the noonday sun in the darkest area. It will conqueror the strongest adversary. It will bring down the tallest giant. It is a bridge of hope for the hopeless, the light at the end of the tunnel, a shelter in the time of storm. It brings a peace that passes understanding. It gives strength to run through a troop and leap over a wall. It defeats the power and stronghold the enemy thought he had over you. It causes you to rejoice when you see nothing to rejoice about and gives you the ability to give thanks in all things.
Are you trying to find an answer this morning or a way of escape? Are you trying to find a solution? Are you trying to find a "way out"? Sometimes your answer and what you need is grace. Like the Lord said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient".
Have a great day. His grace is enough-- it's all we need, regardless of the situation.
For further reading:
Zechariah 4:7
John 1:15-17
Romans 3:23,24; 16:24
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
"Hear The Truth"
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:3,4
What is this "sound doctrine" that he is talking about? It's the "truth". Paul told Timothy that a time would come when people won't want to hear the truth. I think that time has come-- people don't want to hear the truth. They want to hear what they want to hear. People want to be told what they want to hear. They don't want to be told otherwise.
The thing about the "truth" is that it doesn't always tell you "good things",- it doesn't always tell you what you want to hear. Jesus often told people what they didn't want to hear. The rich young ruler didn't want to hear that he had to sell everything and follow Jesus. Peter didn't want to hear that he was speaking under the influence of the devil. The disciples didn't want to hear that they had "no faith". David didn't want to hear God's word through the prophet Nathan that he was the guilty party. The Israelites didn't want to hear that they would be in captivity for seventy years.
When we don't want to hear the truth- especially through God's word- we are choosing to live by lies and deception. We are choosing to live a life "off course". We are choosing darkness instead of light. We are choosing to live in a state of confusion and defeat. We are placing ourselves outside of safe boundaries.
The truth is not always easy to hear, especially when it points out our faults and mistakes, and tells us that we were wrong, and brings correction to us. The truth is often hard to swallow, but so are some medicines. But we "choke" them down because we know that they are good for us and will bring healing to our bodies. Hum... if we are willing to take a pill prescribed by a physician/man in order to get better, why do we have such a hard time wanting to take the "pill" of God's truth that will make us much more than just better?
Have a great day. Hearing the truth may not be pleasant, but it is so good for you.
For further reading:
John 8:32
2 Samuel 12
Matthew 16:23; 19:16-22
Mark 4:40
John 17:17; 12:46-48
What is this "sound doctrine" that he is talking about? It's the "truth". Paul told Timothy that a time would come when people won't want to hear the truth. I think that time has come-- people don't want to hear the truth. They want to hear what they want to hear. People want to be told what they want to hear. They don't want to be told otherwise.
The thing about the "truth" is that it doesn't always tell you "good things",- it doesn't always tell you what you want to hear. Jesus often told people what they didn't want to hear. The rich young ruler didn't want to hear that he had to sell everything and follow Jesus. Peter didn't want to hear that he was speaking under the influence of the devil. The disciples didn't want to hear that they had "no faith". David didn't want to hear God's word through the prophet Nathan that he was the guilty party. The Israelites didn't want to hear that they would be in captivity for seventy years.
When we don't want to hear the truth- especially through God's word- we are choosing to live by lies and deception. We are choosing to live a life "off course". We are choosing darkness instead of light. We are choosing to live in a state of confusion and defeat. We are placing ourselves outside of safe boundaries.
The truth is not always easy to hear, especially when it points out our faults and mistakes, and tells us that we were wrong, and brings correction to us. The truth is often hard to swallow, but so are some medicines. But we "choke" them down because we know that they are good for us and will bring healing to our bodies. Hum... if we are willing to take a pill prescribed by a physician/man in order to get better, why do we have such a hard time wanting to take the "pill" of God's truth that will make us much more than just better?
Have a great day. Hearing the truth may not be pleasant, but it is so good for you.
For further reading:
John 8:32
2 Samuel 12
Matthew 16:23; 19:16-22
Mark 4:40
John 17:17; 12:46-48
Monday, January 4, 2010
"Jesus Departed"
"Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee." Matthew 4:12
You might have thought that Jesus would have gone to John's rescue when he was thrown into prison, after all, John was arrested for preaching His gospel. You might have thought that Jesus would have gone to John in the prison, seeing as how they were related. Or perhaps He would have gone to John because John baptized Him so they had spiritual ties. You might have thought that Jesus would have gone to John, if for no other reason, because He was a "preacher". But Jesus didn't go to John, instead He departed into another city.
You know, we often feel like Jesus doesn't care and that He has abandoned us in our time of need. We come up with reason after reason as to why He should come to our rescue but, seemingly, to no avail. Why does He feel further away from us, instead of closer, when we are in trouble? Do you ever feel like that? Do you feel that if He really cared about you He would do something about your situation? Do you feel as though He has abandoned you?
If that's you, take heart this morning, He has not abandoned you, He has not left you, He has not forsaken you, He is well aware of you. Remember when John sent his disciples to Jesus needing a word from Him, Jesus gave them a word to take back to John- He had not left him.
Jesus' departure was part of a bigger plan that God had- even for John. "And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Mt. 4:13-17) Often what we perceive as God's lack of concern for us, is actually Him working a greater plan out in our lives. The Israelites felt the same way when they stood between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army, but God had not left them, He was "working" on a bigger miracle on their behalf.
So take heart, and remember, there is a bigger picture that God is working on that we don't often see, but we can trust that He has not "departed from us", He has not abandoned us and that He is working "all things" together for our good.
Have a great day. If it seems as though Jesus has departed, He has not--- He is working to bring about a greater plan in your life.
For further reading:
Romans 8:24
Luke 7:18-29
You might have thought that Jesus would have gone to John's rescue when he was thrown into prison, after all, John was arrested for preaching His gospel. You might have thought that Jesus would have gone to John in the prison, seeing as how they were related. Or perhaps He would have gone to John because John baptized Him so they had spiritual ties. You might have thought that Jesus would have gone to John, if for no other reason, because He was a "preacher". But Jesus didn't go to John, instead He departed into another city.
You know, we often feel like Jesus doesn't care and that He has abandoned us in our time of need. We come up with reason after reason as to why He should come to our rescue but, seemingly, to no avail. Why does He feel further away from us, instead of closer, when we are in trouble? Do you ever feel like that? Do you feel that if He really cared about you He would do something about your situation? Do you feel as though He has abandoned you?
If that's you, take heart this morning, He has not abandoned you, He has not left you, He has not forsaken you, He is well aware of you. Remember when John sent his disciples to Jesus needing a word from Him, Jesus gave them a word to take back to John- He had not left him.
Jesus' departure was part of a bigger plan that God had- even for John. "And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Mt. 4:13-17) Often what we perceive as God's lack of concern for us, is actually Him working a greater plan out in our lives. The Israelites felt the same way when they stood between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army, but God had not left them, He was "working" on a bigger miracle on their behalf.
So take heart, and remember, there is a bigger picture that God is working on that we don't often see, but we can trust that He has not "departed from us", He has not abandoned us and that He is working "all things" together for our good.
Have a great day. If it seems as though Jesus has departed, He has not--- He is working to bring about a greater plan in your life.
For further reading:
Romans 8:24
Luke 7:18-29
Thursday, December 31, 2009
"Unchanging"
I would like to wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. May God bless you abundantly. Love and blessings, Lorraine
"For I am the Lord, I change not..." Malachi 3:6a
It's hard to believe that the door is closing on another year and about to open on a new one. With the beginning of the new year I am sure there are questions and concerns about what it might bring and what the future holds in store. Of course, none of us knows what lies ahead. The Lord knows what's ahead, though, and while things may change in our lives individually, in our families, in our nation or in the world, there is one thing for sure that we can rest assured in... He does not and will not change.
The Lord does not change- He is as solid as a "Rock". He is a firm foundation. He will be as faithful in the coming year as He has always been. His power, His ability, His wisdom, His promises, His strength, His grace, His mercy, His delivering, healing, saving power will still be the same, He will still be the provider. He has always been and will always be. There is NOTHING about the Lord that will change. What He is, is what He has always been... and will always be.
Take comfort this year, if the winds of change beat upon your life, in knowing that God does not change, and nothing changes Him.
Have a great day. You can place your trust throughout the new year that lies ahead in the Lord who does not change.
For further reading:
Exodus 3:14
Hebrews 13:5,8
1 Corinthians 10:4
Isaiah 43:2
Matthew 28:20
"For I am the Lord, I change not..." Malachi 3:6a
It's hard to believe that the door is closing on another year and about to open on a new one. With the beginning of the new year I am sure there are questions and concerns about what it might bring and what the future holds in store. Of course, none of us knows what lies ahead. The Lord knows what's ahead, though, and while things may change in our lives individually, in our families, in our nation or in the world, there is one thing for sure that we can rest assured in... He does not and will not change.
The Lord does not change- He is as solid as a "Rock". He is a firm foundation. He will be as faithful in the coming year as He has always been. His power, His ability, His wisdom, His promises, His strength, His grace, His mercy, His delivering, healing, saving power will still be the same, He will still be the provider. He has always been and will always be. There is NOTHING about the Lord that will change. What He is, is what He has always been... and will always be.
Take comfort this year, if the winds of change beat upon your life, in knowing that God does not change, and nothing changes Him.
Have a great day. You can place your trust throughout the new year that lies ahead in the Lord who does not change.
For further reading:
Exodus 3:14
Hebrews 13:5,8
1 Corinthians 10:4
Isaiah 43:2
Matthew 28:20
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
"Seeing Grace"
"Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." Acts 11:23
Grace is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel its effects. Or perhaps you can "see" it. Personally, when I look in the mirror each morning, I "see" God's grace. I can see the grace of God in my life from the beginning of the day until the end. I see His unmerited favor on my life. I can see that He has given me something, and so much, that I don't deserve.
It was God's grace that woke me up this morning. It was His grace that gave me life and breath again today. His grace puts health in my body. It was His grace that protected and kept me safe through the night. God's grace put a roof over my head, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, food on my table. It's God's grace that allows me to sit here and share these devotionals with you.
God's grace gives me strength in weakness, comfort in sorrow, peace during times of confusion, wisdom to make the right decisions, help in time of trouble. His grace gives me joy and gladness. The Apostle Paul put it this way, "I am what I am but by the grace of God"... and may I add, "I have what I have but by the grace of God".
The greatest gift of grace that I see upon my life was given to me when Jesus went to Calvary. He provided salvation for me because I could have never obtained it any other way. I couldn't earn it, I couldn't work hard enough to receive it, I could never be good enough. Salvation came to me through His grace and when I received what He did as the payment for my sins grace was imparted to my life.
I rejoice this morning because I can see God's grace upon my life each and everyday and I know that when I stand before Him one day as the Judge of the universe, grace will still be standing with me and I will hear those words- "enter thou into the joy of thy lord".
Have a great day. Take time today to see and acknowledge the grace of God that has been bestowed upon your life.
For further reading:
Romans 4:16
Romans 5:15
Romans 11:6
Ephesians 2:5,8
1 Corinthians 15:10
Grace is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel its effects. Or perhaps you can "see" it. Personally, when I look in the mirror each morning, I "see" God's grace. I can see the grace of God in my life from the beginning of the day until the end. I see His unmerited favor on my life. I can see that He has given me something, and so much, that I don't deserve.
It was God's grace that woke me up this morning. It was His grace that gave me life and breath again today. His grace puts health in my body. It was His grace that protected and kept me safe through the night. God's grace put a roof over my head, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, food on my table. It's God's grace that allows me to sit here and share these devotionals with you.
God's grace gives me strength in weakness, comfort in sorrow, peace during times of confusion, wisdom to make the right decisions, help in time of trouble. His grace gives me joy and gladness. The Apostle Paul put it this way, "I am what I am but by the grace of God"... and may I add, "I have what I have but by the grace of God".
The greatest gift of grace that I see upon my life was given to me when Jesus went to Calvary. He provided salvation for me because I could have never obtained it any other way. I couldn't earn it, I couldn't work hard enough to receive it, I could never be good enough. Salvation came to me through His grace and when I received what He did as the payment for my sins grace was imparted to my life.
I rejoice this morning because I can see God's grace upon my life each and everyday and I know that when I stand before Him one day as the Judge of the universe, grace will still be standing with me and I will hear those words- "enter thou into the joy of thy lord".
Have a great day. Take time today to see and acknowledge the grace of God that has been bestowed upon your life.
For further reading:
Romans 4:16
Romans 5:15
Romans 11:6
Ephesians 2:5,8
1 Corinthians 15:10
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