Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!



I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautiful hump day. I'm doing well, full and feeling light. I had a wonderful meatball sub from Subway, and some cookies. I found out years ago that everything in Subway is low fat, way before the Jared commercials, but I don't think people knew it back then. They even use low fat mayonnaise. Just a quick fact for you, so if you're looking for some fast food, that’s not too fattening, Subway is an awesome place. They also opened a Chick-fil-a in my neighborhood, and I had a sandwich from there for the first time, and it was awesome! Where have I been? My dad told me a few years ago that Chick-fil-a is owned is a Christian man, and that's why he refuses to do business on Sundays, to keep the Sabbath Holy. I like the fact that their menu is simple, and the chicken sandwich is basic, but it tastes very good. I heard a report on CNN that nothing on their menu is over 500 calories, as well. I'm working on making a lifestyle change, and not just dieting, so going to the gym, and making smarter choices, when it comes to food, is just the beginning. I now realize the value of taking care of yourself when you're young, so I have a lot of catching up to do. Have a wonderful day!



Today's scriptures are about courage through God given strength. When I turned on my radio this morning, on my way to work, it was tuned to 105.1. I never listen to that station, and am not sure how my radio was tuned to it. Apparently it’s a Christian broadcast station, and Pastor Jeremiah was on preaching about fear. It's very ironic that today's devotional scriptures are about having courage through fear. The main thing I learned, from the small part of the broadcast that I heard, is that we must stand on God's promises to give us courage in times of fear. The Bible is filled with strength. When we read scriptures like the ones we have today, it gives us courage to face our fears and over come them. Pastor Jeremiah also gave a suggestion to write down our favorite encouraging verses on index cards, such as Isaiah 34:4:“ Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” Or, Matthew 10:29: And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. There are a number of different verses to choose from; you can search the keywords Fear or Courage on your favorite online bible resources, or your can look in the back of your bible, where there’s an index of sorts, which has popular subjects that people often need help with; I’m sure fear will be in the back of most of them. When you make these index cards you can keep them in your purse, wallet, pocket, posted on your wall at work or in your locker, or in the sun visor in your car. Whenever you are afraid, simply pull them out and meditate on God's promises, and they'll bring you courage at the time you need it the most. Courage is another way for us to show our love for, and faith in God. The feeling of fear is natural, even Jesus felt it, but we must rely on God to face our fears. Some Christians will tell you that you shouldn’t be afraid of anything, because you’re a child of God. That is true in some sense, but the feeling of fear is natural. We all get nervous, and fear one thing or another. Joyce Meyer teaches that the word fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. The devil will present things in ways that will scare us, to prevent our growth and block our blessings. The feeling of fear is something that is out of our control, but allowing fear to rule our lives is something that is unacceptable for children of God, because we should have enough Faith in Him. He has given us everything we'll need to get through this life victoriously, and overcome any obstacle that may be put in our way. Fear could cripple and keep us in bondage our entire lives, if we let it. It's damaging to our Spiritual growth, because it could hinder us from completing God's will for our life. I want to leave you with this great benediction written in Hebrews 13:20-21: Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. If God commands you to do something, and you don't do it because of fear, then you've hindered yourself. He's given us everything we'll need to complete is will, and courage is at the top of that list. The next time you're afraid pray, and if you decide to make your scripture cards then have them, or the bible handy, so you could meditate on His awesome promises, and He will give you victory over anything and anyone you face. If you don't know Him as Lord and Savior, then those promises don't apply to you, and fear can and will rule your life. Pray and ask Jesus to come into your life, and allow Him to give you courage. My favorite verses today are: The trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:3-4)



ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455077&dtype=Scripture

http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197

http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5408289

I love you!