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Saturday Devotional: What's So Special About An Attitude Of Gratitiude?

 

Thanksgiving Amidst Adversity

The habit of gratitude can bring joy and peace to your life, even in tough seasons. 

From Intouch Ministries

July 8, 2023

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1 Thessalonians 5:18

Many experts agree that listing all the things you can be grateful for is an effective way to stay positive and joyful. And it’s true that focusing on what’s going right in your life can bring perspective to what’s going wrong. However, that mindset can also fall short of how God wants us to respond to our circumstances.

The Bible tells us not only to give thanks for everything in our life (including what we see as negative) but also to give thanks continually. In other words, it is possible—and desirable—for believers to maintain an attitude of thanksgiving regardless of the circumstances. That’s not easy to do, but we can trust that our good, loving God will never ask us to do something He won’t help us accomplish. 

An ongoing attitude of gratefulness isn’t only a helpful spiritual discipline—it’s also medicine for the soul. It keeps us aware of God’s place in our life and reminds us to look for His purpose in every situation. A mind full of gratitude brings us into alignment with the Lord’s will and frees us from relying on ourselves instead of Him. Then our anxiety will be replaced with peace, which helps us trust God even when we don’t understand why something difficult is happening. 

Remember: Gratitude begets more gratitude. What can you thank the Lord for today?

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 1-4

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Today's Devotional: Rolling With Life's Punches?

 

Responding to Adversity

In difficult circumstances, those who call on the Lord discover He is all they really need.

From Intouch Ministries

July 7, 2023

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2 Corinthians 12:6-12

If you’ve ever had a splinter in your finger or a pebble in your shoe, you know how bothersome the pain can be. Not all our problems are that little or so easily removed. Sometimes they accompany us all our years and can seem unbearable. Circumstances may not be in our control, but our response is. We can become anxious and walk away from God—or we can trust Him to help us. 

Paul had a “splinter” in his life. We’re not told what (or who) the painful aggravation was, but it tormented and humbled him. He prayed three times for it to be removed, but God promised only grace, explaining that His power is perfected in weakness. 

When our strength is lacking, we begin to discover God is enough. We can brave hardship and sorrow because the Almighty is with us, promising “our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). In suffering, we grow closer to Him, and “endurance [has] its perfect result, so that [we] may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4). 

Paul embraced that response. Whether in feast or famine and even when insulted and persecuted for the sake of Christ, the apostle rejoiced in his weakness because he’d learned the secret of contentment: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13). That can be true of us, too.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 145-150

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Today's Devotional: Why Not You?

 

Why Me, Lord?

If God allows adversity to reach you, know that He has good purposes in it and will be with you throughout.

From Intouch Ministries

July 6, 2023

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Romans 8:28-29

When life gets tough, we may wonder why and ask, Is God punishing me? Has He forgotten me? Sometimes we know we’re facing the consequences of sin or foolish choices, but other times the reason is not so clear. And when illness, death, or some other profound adversity enters our life, it’s even more difficult to understand God’s purpose in allowing it—especially if we’re faithfully following Him.

Scripture shows us many ways that God uses hardship in believers’ lives. It may be to get our attention, help us conquer pride, or teach us to hate sin. Sometimes it’s to remind us of our dependence on the Lord, demonstrate His faithfulness, or give us tools for comforting and serving others. Other times, God wants to mature our view of Him or deepen our faith. 

The Bible encourages us to rejoice in the midst of our trials (Matthew 5:12; Acts 5:41; Romans 5:3; James 1:2), and Romans 8:28 promises that God always works things out for the good of those who love Him. Does this lessen the hurt and doubt that accompany trials? Not always, but Psalm 23:1-6 promises that God is with us—comforting us in the midst of the valley (v. 4). He may not always calm the storm around us, but He calms our heart when we cry out to Him.

How can these verses help you overcome doubt and fear in times of trouble? 

Bible in One Year: Psalm 139-144

FlashPoint: The Secret to Freedom

 

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Today's Devotional: Freedom ain't Free!

 

Freedom With Responsibility

God liberates us so that we can live for Him by loving others.

From Intouch Ministries

July 5, 2023

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1 Peter 2:13-20

Getting your driver’s license gives you the freedom to drive, but it also means you must be responsible and follow the rules to ensure everyone’s safety. Even people living in the freest nations have laws to obey. Someone may defy authority and attempt to live as he or she pleases, yet that person still remains subject to certain realities, such as gravity and time. 

Our freedom in Christ is a precious gift, but it doesn’t excuse us from accountability, nor does it give us license to do anything that we please. God gives us freedom from sin, not freedom to sin. The Bible urges us to use our liberty for the good of others rather than to indulge our own desires (Galatians 5:13). In other words, we’re to live for Jesus Christ instead of ourselves (2 Corinthians 5:15). 

Notice what Jesus did when He healed the lame man beside the pool at Bethesda and when He saved the adulterous woman from being stoned: He exhorted them both to go live in holiness (John 5:1-14; John 8:1-11). Today His purpose is the same—He restores us so that we can love others for Him.

How can you use your freedom to serve others and live for Christ?

Bible in One Year: Psalm 132-138