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Devotions

A few years ago, during an early morning flight, I experienced one of the coldest flights I had ever been on. I mean "meat-hanging" temperatures! All I could think about was getting off that plane. I wanted out—EXIT! (As soon as it landed, of course.) In my frigid state of mind, I began to reflect. Not all exits lead to something better, especially an exit from an airplane flying at 35,000 feet. In fact, in this situation, staying on the plane and enduring whatever circumstances arose—good or bad—would be safer. It might even save my life! Just a few days earlier, I had been studying the life of Job. From a human perspective, Job had every reason to take the exit plan on his journey with God; yet he chose to stay. Even amidst the difficulties of his life, Job realized that he was never alone and that the One with him was, in fact, the sustainer of life. I’m sure there were moments when Job wanted to run or take the exit plan on a difficult journey full of loss, yet he stayed. Not only did he remain, but he also chose to praise the Lord through it all. If you find yourself in a tough spot in life right now, consider this: just because there is an exit doesn’t mean you should take it. In the twists and turns of life, amidst difficult and uncomfortable circumstances, take the time to listen for the Lord's voice. Seek Him and trust Him. Life with Christ is better than any exit plan on a journey leading toward eternity.

Not all EXIT's lead to something Better

“He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!”” -Job‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭

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“While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said: ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!’” Matthew 17:5 Most people cherish words of affirmation. Why? Because they uplift and encourage us. In this verse, God the Father speaks to Peter, James, John, Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, affirming His deep pleasure in His Son. God wanted everyone present to truly listen to and heed the words of Jesus. As a father, I always made it a point to tell my children that I loved them and was proud of them. They knew it, but they appreciated hearing it and seeing it reflected in my actions. One day, one of my sons shared a conversation he had with a teammate who remarked, “You should be grateful that your parents tell you they’re proud of you and come to most of your baseball games.” That struck a chord with me! After the next game, I approached that young man and said, “I want you to know that I not only come to watch my son play, but I also cheer for you and the entire team. I’m proud of you all.” The joy on his face after hearing these words was priceless. “We often miss hearing God’s voice simply because we aren’t paying attention.” ~ Rick Warren Application Challenge → As believers, we all desire to know that God is pleased with us. This week, consider taking intentional time to be still and listen for His voice. You may not hear an audible voice but God can certainly communicate in powerful ways. Pay attention as you read scripture and go about your day. Consider the thought that God may be prompting you to be His voice to someone else. Pray for sensitivity and guidance as you too can share words of affirmation and encouragement with those around you.

Listening for His Voice

The Power of Affirmation

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What’s in a name? What’s the meaning of your name? My youngest son’s birth name contains twenty letters… EIGHT syllables. That’s a lot for a little guy to learn. His name has great meaning and significance however, throughout his life my son has been called by many nicknames and rarely called by his given name. Recently I began re-reading one of my favorite devotionals which focuses on praying the names of Jesus. Maybe you didn’t know that there were other names for Jesus. Let me clarify, these are not “nicknames for Jesus. Each name has powerful, specific and intentional meaning which reveals the true character of Who Jesus is. What a great truth,  Jesus is Immanuel -God with us! “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23 What does this mean? If God is in us then He is WITH us. ALWAYS. Even when we don’t feel Him. Even when life is hard. Even in our struggles He is there. How would your life be different if you began and ended each day with the firm belief that God is with You? “I will never leave you or forsake you…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5,9 What’s in a name? Immanuel- God with us- There is power in Jesus’ name.

Immanuel

What's In A Name?
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
Matthew 1:23

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Refreshment


“...those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25

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