Change is inevitable, growth is optional.
From Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
John Maxwell (born 1947) is an American pastor, author, and speaker. He has written numerous books about leadership, with a Christian point of view.
We live our lives under the careful, loving, gracious, albeit sovereign, hand of our God. And the movements of time and history tick off according to His reckoning, exactly as He ordained.
From Psalm 31:14-15: “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand.”
Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.
From Philippians 2:1-2: “If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Blessed encouragement
Resurrection’s light beams
Found in Savior Jesus
Redemption runs downstream
Being of same spirit
Heart’s beat filled with His love
Christ teaches righteousness
World finds peace from above
Acceptance of God’s will
Conscience stirs to confirm
Each element born in Christ
Faith’s trust breathes to affirm
Father always at work
Eternal light burns bright
Salvation finds its home
Tomorrow’s hope holds tight
Within every blessing
Enlightened with God’s Way
Holy Spirit defines
Obedience replays
From Philippians 2:12-13: “Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work on your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Obedience is a foundational stepping-stone on the path of God’s will.
From 1 John 2:1-3: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. Now by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commandments.”
Elizabeth George (born 1944) is an American Christian author and speaker.
If we think of prayer as the breath in our lungs and the blood from our hearts, we think rightly.
From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
God warms His hands at man’s heart when he prays.
From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
John Masefield (1878-1967) was an English poet and writer. Some of his most read poems include “The Everlasting Mercy” and “Sea-Fever.”
The Messiah is not imagination. It’s the truth. It is promised.
From Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of His roots.”
Elizabeth George Speare (1908-1994) was an American writer, who specialized in children’s historical fiction.
God’s providence is not blind, but full of eyes.
From Isaiah 46:8-10: “Remember this and consider; recall it to mind, you transgressors; remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the outcome from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My purpose shall stand,’ and I will fulfill My intention.”
John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was an American poet. His Quaker background entrusted him to advocate for the abolition of slavery in the United States.
So we are to live and move and have our being in God, to look at everything in relation to God, because the abiding consciousness of God pushes itself to the front all the time.
From Psalm 25:12: “Who are they who fear the Lord? He will teach them the way that they should choose.”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
You shall be faith sustain yourself and comfort yourself in your Lord, and be strong in His power.
From Proverbs 3:3-4: “Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and of people.”
Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) was a Scottish pastor and Christian theologian.
Big Sky Buckeye 