Devotion God is Good and There in Time of Need

Read: John 10:1-15

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. --John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd, “Jesus said. “I am the door.”

In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but through me.”

Throughout the Bible, in illustration after illustration, God lets us know that the One to turn to in times of need is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only one with the answers for the problems that beset our daily lives.

Whether war erupts, or our neighbor threatens to sue over some minor disagreement, Christ has an answer and way to deal with the situation without hate or revenge, and with an attitude that leads to freedom regardless of what happens with the situation.

While it is easy to speak in platitudes about God’s love and care, most of us wish for specific direction. How?
First, we need a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Without Him, our lives will be adrift with our own will and way.
Second, we need to spend premium time reading, studying, meditating and memorizing God’s Word every day. Why is this important?

Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

Following Jesus means knowing His Word.

Third, each day we need to spend quality time in prayer, worshiping God, asking His blessings and direction for our lives, confessing our sins and turning from them, and praising God for who He is.
Fourth, regardless of circumstances, we need to commit to doing things in God’s way, and in God’s time.
Finally, the key to positive problem solutions is our willingness to obey and follow the God we claim to serve, believing He truly is the “Good Shepherd” who will not lead us astray.

Thank you, Lord, that You are a good God and have my best interests in mind. Help me be willing to both seek and follow Your, not my, solutions to the problems I face each day. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Psalm 23
Tuesday: Matthew 11:28-30
Wednesday: Psalm 34
Thursday: Psalm 136
Friday: Psalm 27
Saturday: Psalm 86

(c) 2018, 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
Feel free to share
From Listen! Who Me? 

Devotion Oh Give Thanks

Adam Winger@awcreativeut

Read: Psalm 106

Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the lord; for He is good: for his mercy endures for ever.--Psalm 106:1 (KJV)

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
But not this evening.
I had a rotten day at the office
and have this beastly headache.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
Not now! Not when I’ve put up
with the kids squabbling all day.
Jimmy messed his diapers on the way to the store. What a mess!
Besides, I may be coming down with the flu.

Oh give thanks to the Lord! Good grief!
How can I give thanks
when my favorite aunt just died?
We were so close, and I wasn’t ready for this.

For all our many and varied excuses, God’s Word doesn’t change to suit our vacillating moods or circumstances.

Philippians 4:4 (KJV) reads, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) reads, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Most of our problems, big or small, cannot compare to God’s love, care and power. By complaining and refusing to be thankful, we imply God either isn’t strong enough or doesn't care enough to help us in our times of need.

By our negative words and actions, we deny ourselves the comfort of His presence to lift us up and give us a new perspective on our circumstances.

Do I truly wish always to be unhappy, dragging down my family, friends, and everyone around me? Or do I wish to look up and let God’s life, laughter, and love flow through me, changing my perspective and my attitude?

Help me, Lord, remember to give you thanks, no matter what the circumstances or no matter what my mood. Please, help me develop an attitude of gratitude. Amen.

Meditations: Psalm
Monday: 9
Tuesday: 34
Wednesday: 47; 66
Thursday: 75
Friday: 92
Saturday: 95
(c)  2018, 2020 Carolyn R Scheidies
From Listen! Who Me?
Feel free to share