Persecution is painful to those watching

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 33:1-11

As Christians we watch people around us suffer quite differently than non-believers. As a non-believer when can join in with the person suffering. We can relate to how unfair life is. We can sympathize with them but take comfort that we are glad it isn't happening to us.


Christians on the other hand understand that GOD has a plan for us. We have been down the road of rebellion and seen first hand GOD's loving hands guiding us back to his fold. We see the man who hates his job and nothing ever seems to be going right and we think back to the time where we were waken from our eternal slumber. We realized that GOD was getting our attention so that we would focus on him. After we turned to him our lives became better. Not perfect or easy but better as in knowing that GOD was going to handle the tough times and carry us through until we were strong enough to deal with them on our own.

As Christians we watch GOD allowing the non-believer to be persecuted. We see GOD waiting in the wings for the person to wake up and realize that they need GOD in their life. GOD works on so many people each and every day. As Christians we must be available to be used by GOD is his master plan for all people.

Jeremiah 33:8 I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.

Need More? Visit Numbers 14:17-20

Strength not always in numbers

Daily Reading: Judges 7:1-25

In the world today we constantly see commercials and advertisements for MORE. Many children's toys are designed to collect more. Fast food restraunts offer non-food items that convince you that more is better. Collect all four, collect them all, each sold seperately. Our government also demands more. More taxes, more budget for war, more, more, more.

Yet when do we say enough? We use the excuse GOD wants us to have more. He promises to bless us and we believe that this means more. Yet it is not material objects that GOD wants us to have more of. His desire is for us to have more faith in him. When we cease to recognize His power, He shows us that less is what He desires for us.

Gideon must have trusted GOD beyond belief when GOD started telling Gideon LESS. Less men, less materials, less of everything except trust in GOD. Focus on becoming MORE for GOD, LESS for worldly things. When we see that purse, those collectibles, even that new budget with more spending; we need to ask "GOD is this more what we need or just what we want?"

Judges 7:2 The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her.

Need More? Visit Deuteronomy 7:17-26

The Darkest Hour

Daily Reading: Romans 13:8-14


After a long exhausting day all I want is to crawl into bed and sleep. My head hits the pillow and sleep soon overcomes. Yet just moments later I am awakened with a start. The house is silent and everything seems to be in order. Yet my body and mind seem to be wide awake with anticipation of some foreboding doom. I check the house and pray that GOD protects family, friends, and myself from the harm I am feeling.


I pray to the LORD to aid me in this time of temporary anguish of the unknown. I then turn to his word for guidance and he delivers me. I read the passage he has chosen for me. Have I done anything immoral to earn his chastisement? Have I sinned against neighbor, family, or friend rather than loving them as myself? I turn to him once more and ask him to forgive my transgressions, not only the ones that I am aware of but also those that I may have committed without realizing it. With my prayer said I am over taken with exhaustion once again. I am ready to fall into that much needed sleep once again, this time I am at peace for GOD has delivered me.

GOD is protecting, sending his angels to guard us from the unseen dangers that surround us. GOD is there holding back the darkness. GOD will not allow His children to be harmed. Although GOD is almighty He cares for each of His sheep and will protect them from the wolves that come in the night. GOD is the rock, the fortress, and the guard. When we turn to GOD, He answers our prayers and swiftly sweeps us into His loving arms.

Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (NIV)


Need more? Visit Psalms 63 and 64