Cut the Rope

DAILY VERSE

By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

Hebrews 11:3

DEVOTION

The inventor of the elevator brake was having a hard time selling his invention to building owners. So, in an exhibit hall, he set up an actual elevator hanging from a single rope. At his command, he ordered the rope to be cut. The elevator dropped a few feet and stopped to the amazement of the crowd.

Sometimes you have to cut the rope. You have to step out in faith where God has led you. Playing it safe will only cause those dreams and appointments to fade.

Today may be your day to cut the rope.

All Because of a Kite String

DAILY VERSE

“Do not despise these small be­ginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand”

– Zechariah 4:10

DEVOTION

When we face trials, we really never see the whole picture until we come through the other side. But every trial has a beginning and an end. 

When engineers were building a suspension bridge across the Niagara Gorge in the mid 1800s, the first hurdle was how to get the first cable across. Believe it or not, they had a kite flying contest to accomplish this task. Once they succeeded in getting the kite line across, they attached a wire. Then they attached a rope. Then they attached a cable.

Each successful milestone you achieve as you’re working your way through your trials is a reason to rejoice. At some point you will have completed the trial successfully and will be able to look back and see how God was working the entire time! 

Don’t give up! Push forward each day and rejoice as God helps you though each phase to completion! 

Two Extremes

DAILY VERSE

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

~ Philippians 4:4

DEVOTION

Paul wrote this while he was in prison. He broke no laws, yet for professing his faith he was considered to be a danger.

To Paul, whether going through difficult situations or living in abundance, he remained the same. People often change throughout the extremes they face. One extreme is positive, which is living in abundance. The other extreme is when we lack or are in need. However, both extremes reveal who we are through our reactions.

This is the greatest evidence of someone who is filled with God’s Spirit: that regardless of adversity, he or she continues to rely on and serve Him!

Eating a Live Frog

DAILY VERSE

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

~ Psalms 143:8

DEVOTION

Mark Twain once said, “If you ever have to eat a live frog, it’s best done first thing in the morning.”

What he meant was that by doing the toughest things first thing in the morning, the rest of the day will seem much easier.

How we start our day sets the tone for the rest of it, yet many of us never give the morning a second thought beyond getting out the door on time.

By starting your day in prayer and by digging into God’s Word, you’re sure to be prepared when you do walk out that door.

Leave the Mountain Moving to God

DAILY VERSE

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—

~ Psalms 8:3

DEVOTION

When we think of our problems and the seemingly insurmountable circumstances we face at certain seasons throughout our lives, we tend to view them in a worldly sense. We see them as mountains that are unmovable.

But the God of the Universe created everything we see (and things we cannot) by simply speaking them into existence. So who better to trust when we want mountains moved?

Leave the mountain moving to God, trust Him to fight your battles!

Moving Forward in the Midst of Fear

DAILY VERSE

Wait patiently for the Lord . Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord .

~ Psalms 27:14

DEVOTION

Imagine how those teenage boys felt after traveling across the Atlantic in the belly of a ship, landing on foreign soil, then being transported to Omaha Beach. Courage is going into an uncertain situation with the mindset that you will survive.

We have God on our side! When we face the uncertainty of trials we have to be certain that God knows exactly what we are up against. We also have to be certain that He will be there beside us, guiding us, and equipping us for the battles we face.

Courage is moving forward even in the midst of fear!

The Great Calm

DAILY VERSE

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

~ Mark 4:39

DEVOTION

We have the ability to rebukes temptation and the attacks of the enemy. Unfortunately, most times, we cave to them. We forget that we have the Holy Spirit standing at the ready or we simply refuse to protect ourselves from the devil’s arrows.

We have to take the necessary measures to do God’s will. Part of this lifelong sanctification we are going through requires us to go to battle. It’s no longer OK to sit on the sidelines and watch.

Next time you feel as though the Enemy is pushing you in a direction opposite of God’s will, tell him you are not his! Resist and rebuke his attacks! Ask for God’s power to be manifested and you will feel the “great calm” mentioned in this verse.

Shattering the Hardened Heart

DAILY VERSE

I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory!

~ Psalm 118:21

DEVOTION

When you see your prayers being answered it should shatter any hardness in your heart. It should knock you back on your heals to see God pour out His grace over you.

Paul was a religious, vile man. He was involved in the persecution Christians on a large scale. He was holding the coats for those who stoned Stephen to death! But on the road to Damascus he encountered Jesus. It so radically changed his life that he spent the rest of his days proclaiming the Gospel and was responsible for most of the New Testament.

When God answers your prayers, praise Him! Allow those moments to change you and increase your faith!

Being Seen

DAILY VERSE

The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.

~ John 8:29

DEVOTION

How would you live your life if you could see that Jesus was shadowing every move you made?

It’s funny, when we’re driving too fast we tend to find the quickest way to slow down, without making it too obvious, the minute we see police car. It’s the fact that we feel like we can be seen that causes us to slow down.

Knowing that Jesus knows even our thoughts should cause us to examine our actions more closely.

Don’t Hold Back

DAILY VERSE

…God is the same Lord of all and richly blesses all who call to him.

~ Romans 10:12

DEVOTION

Prayer is an actual dialogue that we have with God. By accepting Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we have become children of God. Not only can we address ourselves to God for our needs, but more than that, God expects us to do it!

Prayer is one of the ways that God uses to develop our dependence on Him. He doesn’t ask us to limit our prayers either. We can ask Him for ANYTHING.

Don’t hold back! Our God is big! He has the ability to move mountains for you!