Divert Your Focus

DAILY VERSE

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

focus1

DEVOTION

When I focus on my circumstances the results are always the same; anxiety, fear, and doubt. When those things begin to rear their ugly heads it’s in that moment that I must stop and call out to God and focus on Him. God will fill you with the positive things He has done and returns the hope and peace He craves for your life.

Jesus is in the Boat

DAILY VERSE

But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

Mark 4:38

jesus-calming-the-storm

DEVOTION

Trials can be illustrated by this voyage Jesus and His disciples took across the sea. Trials are a journey; the boat is launched, the seas get rough, then you land on the other side. The important thing to remember about the voyage is that Jesus is in the boat with you! 

God Protects

DAILY VERSE

And Asa cried to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name, we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.”

2 Chronicles 14:11

god-protects

DEVOTION

No matter how seemingly insurmountable your circumstances appear to be, God has you surrounded and protected. He fights for you, unseen by the naked eye but nonetheless working with purpose. Could He simply make things happen in an instant? Yes, but that would not bring about the outcome He seeks in you as you grow through the adversity.

Dance!

DAILY VERSE

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Psalm 98:4

dancing-for-joy

DEVOTION

David danced before the Lord. We’ve been saved from an eternity separated from God, by God Himself! We should be filled with gratitude and joy to the point where we risk looking completely silly to those who do not know that level of happiness! 

Trusting God is not a Risk

DAILY DOSE

And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”

Mark 5:36

raising-of-jairus-daughter-vasiliy-polenov-1871

DEVOTION

Jairus took the risk that his daughter might die while he sought help. She did. The mourners had gathered and most believed all hope was lost. But Jairus comes back with Jesus and this little girl is revived. What are you going through right now? Putting all of your trust in Jesus Christ equals hope!

Forgive Often

DAILY VERSE

Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck.

Genesis 45:14

power-of-forgiveness_t

DEVOTION

Joseph displayed a perfect example of forgiveness. Left for dead in a hole in the middle of the desert by his brothers, being sold as a slave, being imprisoned, and finally, holding the highest office under Pharaoh. All of the baggage he had heaped on his shoulders, he let go. He embraced his family with love and grace. Forgiveness is a godly trait, exercise it often and without restraint. God will be glorified! 

In Everything We Do

DAILY VERSE

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

14-032037-how_to_correctly_roll_up_your_sleeves_basics

DEVOTION

Are you glorifying God in all that you do? I know I don’t, but it’s my heart that one day I will be able to glorify Him in all I do. God has numbered every hair on our heads, He knows every inch of us and every thought that goes through our head. Once we “let go” and “let Him” be everything, we will be well on our way to living a life where God is glorified in everything we do. 

The Strength of the Almighty

DAILY VERSE

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

Psalm 18:1

weight-lifting-e1454543425720

DEVOTION

If you’ve ever watched heavily muscled weightlifters hoist bars, massively loaded with weights, above their heads, you’ve witnessed a feat physical strength. But human strength pails in comparison to God’s strength and the assurance relying on Him insures. The strongest of men can be waylaid by human trials, the weight of which can bring him to his knees. At that moment, only the strength of the Almighty can give him the ability to stand.

Unfettered Access

DAILY VERSE

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man.

Acts 17:24

godiseverywhere2bw2btxt

DEVOTION

If we narrow our understanding of to only be accessible or present in church on Sunday or when we pray, we really have no understanding of God at all. If we truly open our eyes, God is in everything and everywhere. We have unfettered access to God 24/7, no matter where we are. It’s important to see Him and the work of His hands in all things because that is the only way we truly see His awesomeness and know that we have a hope that is bigger than any trial we face.

Stand in the Fray

DAILY VERSE

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

— John 15:13

Charleston officials provide dignified transfer training for Army chaplains

DEVOTION

Every man or woman who joins the U.S. military basically agrees to lay down their life for their country. For the freedoms and protection of men, women, and children they do not even know. Active duty military members and veterans view this country in a different light. Followers of Jesus must be willing to stand in the fray for their faith, for fellow believers, and for those who do not yet know Christ.