Tag Archives: Trust

2014 Day 90 – Romans 9

31 Monday Mar 2014

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One of the biggest questions both believers and non-believers ask is, “why do bad things happen to good people.” And while I do not profess to fully know the answer to this question, it is important to understand God is sovereign and His plan is the only thing that matters. In Romans 9:15, Paul says, For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” (quoted from Exodus 33:19). This can be a tough thing to swallow, especially if you are going through pain and suffering, but we must trust God to know He has a perfect plan. The day of my father’s funeral, my wife and I found out we were pregnant. We thought it was because God was blessing us for the loss we had just experienced. However, less than two months later, my wife miscarried. We were so hurt and distraught for both losses and we questioned God for answers, but to this day we have no definitive reason for what we went through. While I still question, I have learned to accept His plan for us in all things. It is not easy, but I know one day it will make sense. I just have to trust in Him and know everything happens for a reason.

2014 Day 79 – Acts 20

20 Thursday Mar 2014

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There have been many times in my life where I have felt worn down, tired, and weary and I have found myself growing more frustrated with every step. What I have found during those times is I find fulfillment when I allow myself to be obedient to God’s perfect plan. Without God’s guidance and without our obedience to Him, our accomplishments mean nothing. In Act 20:24 Paul says an incredibly profound statements, However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Whether it is a life of poverty or riches, when we live according to God’s plan for our lives, we find fulfillment. It is when we try to shape our desires into meaningless sacrificial service that we grow tired and weary. God’s plan is perfect.

2014 Day 64 – 2 Corinthians 1

05 Wednesday Mar 2014

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There may come a day when we may be called to truly suffer for God. While no one wants to participate in suffering, we must also remember our comfort comes from God as well. 2 Corinthians 1:5 says, For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. All things come from God. Whether it is our comfort or the privilege of being used for His ultimate glory. It is never about us, it is always about God and He never leaves us even when we may lose sight of Him.

2014 Day 63 – 1 Corinthians 16

04 Tuesday Mar 2014

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As we end the book of 1 Corinthians, I can not help but notice what a great leader Paul is. He gives very detailed instructions and takes little to no praise for himself. He warns, instructs, and give praise when necessary. To often people get the wrong impression of what leadership looks like. It is not a cheerleader, dictator, tyrant, or manager. Leadership is about equipping others to do the work set before them. Paul realizes his role is not just to do, but to also equip others and future generations to carry out the message of the gospel throughout the world. There are many lessons to be learned here and Paul would be an interesting case study on effective leadership.

2014 Day 59 – 1 Corinthians 13

28 Friday Feb 2014

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1 Corinthians 13 is one of the most powerful chapters in the entire Bible. Paul takes the time to emphasize the importance of love in all that we do. The verse that stood out to me as I read it today was verse 12, Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. Paul gives us hope for our future, that one day we will know what is important when we see God face to face. While we may not have all the answers right now, we will one day. And more importantly we will fully understand God’s perspective. It is hard to trust God has our best interest in mind, but with faith we know He ultimately does and we will fully understand it one day.

2014 Day 50 – 1 Corinthians 5

19 Wednesday Feb 2014

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As modern day believers, we are becoming more hesitant to hold each other accountable to righteousness. While we are not to judge, we should be accountable to each other as a community of believers. 1 Corinthians 5:12 says, What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? The problem most of us face is that we allow ourselves to become the judges of the world. God will judge the non-believers. Let us focus on believer who know and trust us to a higher standard of righteousness.

2014 Day 27 – Galatians 2

27 Monday Jan 2014

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One of the key tenets of our faith is that through Christ and Christ alone we are saved. Galatians 2:20-21 says it as clear as anywhere in the Bible, 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” If we could do anything by our own power, then Christ died on the cross for nothing.

2014 Day 24 – Acts 16

24 Friday Jan 2014

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In today’s reading, as we see God with Paul and Silas in prison, we see Him reassuring them that He is capable of releasing them from their pain and suffering whenever He chooses to act. This is such a great reminder to me. God can release me from my pain and my suffering whenever He wants. He does not leave me in my pain for His pleasure, but in all things God must be glorified. Paul and Silas were released ultimately for God’s glory and not simply to comfort them, though in the end God was glorified and these men were released, justified, and cared for by God.

2014 Day 22 – James 5

22 Wednesday Jan 2014

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Patience is tough. Waiting on someone else’s timing can be excruciating. But when we wait on God’s timing it is always worth it. James 5:7 uses a great analogy, Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. Just as a farmer knows the wait will  be worth it, so should we know how much better God’s timing is than ours.

2014 Day 18 – James 2

18 Saturday Jan 2014

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Doing good is simply not enough. Too many people, including believers, want to work their way into God’s favor. On the other side, simply saying you have faith and choosing to not do anything is just as incomplete. James 2:18-19 says, 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. Believing in God is the first step, but the journey does not end there. Belief in God gives us the opportunity to know Him and develop a relationship with Him. It is through that relationship where we learn to interact with God and develop our faith through our actions.