Despair
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Psalm 28:7 MKJV The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song I will praise Him.

One of the best ways to pull out of despair is to quote Scripture. Make Scripture, prayer and praise part of our daily routine. How different our outlook for an otherwise bad day, when we come armed with-" The LORD is my strength and my shield;..." Something I need to remember daily.

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Light
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Psalm 27:27:1 MKJV A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and mysalvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Light chases away the darkness of fear, but only as we reach out to the One who is light. Light is also strong, frightening away enemies while shining light on the path to salvation. Christ is our rescuer, whose light finds us in the darkness and saves us by His strength.

In my darkness and fear, He's the only One who listens for my cry and died and lives to rescue me in my hour of need.

V.14 Hope in the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall make your heart strong; yea, hope in the LORD.

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Standing For Right
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Choices

Revelation 12:11 MKJV And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul until death.

This is a convicting passage. In the OT, Daniel's friends refused to bow down to the King's Idol statue even when threatened with death in the fiery furnace. They said what we most remember about trusting that God will rescue them. We usually miss the rest of what they said. They said that even if God didn't save their lives from the fire, they chose to trust Him.

They were willing to be burned alive rather than do something they knew was wrong--worshipping someone/thing other than God.

Do I have the courage to stand up for my faith and to live for Jesus--no matter what?

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Grief
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Trust

Psalm 25:17 MKJV The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.

Recently I've had some no good, very bad days. I miss the grandkids. Hubby took vacation last week because we thought we have them here. But car problems means our kids aren't coming back home now. Too far and expensive for us to go to them. Too expensive now with car repairs for them to come here. Nothing comes in ones...problems, grief comes in waves.

God, I know you are here in my darkness, my hurt, my grief. Will you offer more than Scriptural platitudes? Need promises of provision kept. Need help in the real,physical world. Need money for debt. Need healing, able to move, take a breath without pain. I'm coming, if not boldly, at least as your child. Help!

Hebrews 4:16 MKJV Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace,that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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Reason for Church
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Following Jesus
Psalm 35:18 GW I will give you thanks in a large gathering. I will
praise you in a crowd of worshipers.

This morning I dressed up. In a while we'll drive to our little church. I can say it is to be encouraged for another week, but once the opening worship songs end, my husband and I follow the line of eager children to classrooms where we teach God's principles to children, many of whom have severe family dysfunctions.

Feel good motivations quickly tarnish under the onslaught of the battle we face to share Christ, week after week.

Church, as the Christian walk of faith, I've learned, is not about
feeling good, but about obedience--doing what God asks, regardless of feelings, standing for truth regardless of cost and doing so with an
attitude of grace and humility.

If I attend church to feel good or to stroke my ego, I'll miss out on
what God in His wisdom has for me to learn. That may mean serving
instead of sitting, sharing instead of obsorbing. Most of all it means
church is not about me, but about Him and what He wants for me.

Help me worship, Lord, with a spirit of humilty, willing to stay and
serve where You, not I, direct. Amen.
 

Financially Free?
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Choices

Matthew 6:27-29 MKJV Which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, nor do they spin, but I say to you that even Solomon in his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ...31-33 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? For the nations seek after all these things. For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
 
Financially I am more than a little concerned. We're not birds; can't nest in trees. Or flowers at home in an open field. We are people who struggle tp pay our bills--fully and on time, struggle paycheck to paycheck, try to claw our way out only to have unexpected expenses shatter our budget, our resources and our illusions.
 
We believe you are sovereign, Lord, give to Your work generously and without reserve. Give our time as well and yet, here we are at another cliff. Yet determined to be financially free.
 
If we jump, will You catch us ? Show us the right path. I will trust in Your direction.

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In Charge
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Control

Revelation 11:11- 12 MKJV And after three days and a half, a spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. And great fear fell on those seeing them. And they heard a great voice from Heaven saying to them, Come up here. And they went up to Heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them.

We like to think we're in charge, in control. But when circumstances happen we realize the truth--we're really not in control at all. Life belongs to God. Shouldn't I honor the One who both gives and sustains life?

V.13 And in that hour a great earthquake occurred, and the tenth part of the city fell. And seven thousand names of men were slain in the earthquake. And the rest were frightened and gave glory to the God of Heaven.

V. 15 ...The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He will reign forever and ever.

Whom Shall I Fear?
Now Playing: I Deal In Hope
Topic: Strength

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? ...Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, In this I will be confident. Psalm 27:1,3

If I trust God. If He is truly the foundation on which I build my life, my emotions, my attitudes, He becomes my strength, my guide, my light. If He is all these, why do I keep trying to fight on my own when His light will dispell darkness and fear?

Help me, Jesus, trust You with my fear as well as for my salvation. 

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Is Heaven Hell?
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog

Revelation 8:17 MKJV For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will feed them and will lead them to the fountains of living waters. And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.   
 
We like the idea of eternal paradise. Many create their own idea of Heaven--as a place where they'll be free to whatever. But that isn't Biblical. Heaven is God's home, a place of perfect righteousness. Those going must first be in tune with this God of righteousness. If we aren't serving and worshiping Christ here, will we want to be in a place where our primary function isn't to serve ourselves but to worship Him?
 
Heaven is a wonderful place, but only for those who accepted Jesus into their lives here. Otherwise, for them, Heaven would be hell.

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A Time to Grieve
Mood:  sad
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Healing

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:...A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; Eccl. 3:1, 4 MKJV

It has been over a week since we learned our daughter-in-law and the grandkids wouldn't be coming back to Nebraska for a visit after all. The car broke down and vacation money had to go to fixing it. Huge blow in a week that had already been loaded with frustrations and disappointments.

We were suppose to go to Omaha to pick up the grandkids this last weekend. We went anyway to visit our daughter and other relatives, and had a nice time. What I've discovered is that even though I'm not wallowing in grief or inviting it, grief cycles around at inopportune times, leaving me sad and fighting tears.

God never said life was perfect, not even for His followers. Life happens and to deny the emotions He placed within us, is to deny Him. So this week, when we were to spend time with our grandkids, I will be cycling through times of sadness. But I know, this canceled visit is for the best, the cycle of healing that will get better and it is OK to grieve.

The time to dance will come.

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Are We Letting People Die?
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog

Psalm 22:11, 19 MKJV Be not far from Me; for trouble is near, for there is none to help. ... But You, O LORD, be not far from Me; O My strength, hurry to help Me!

There is a saying, "There are no athiests in foxholes." Simply, when we're in serious trouble, we turn to the Lord. Problem is, how can someone turn to Him if they have no clue to who God is? In our post-Christian culture we can't assume our neighbors, co-workers, even family and friends know the Jesus of the Bible. He says it's our job to share His message of sin, sacrifice and salvation with those around us.

The question, am I willing to forego my fear and embarrassment to share the greatest news about love & life ever and save lives or do I stay silent, letting those I profess to care about live and die without Christ--proving I don't really believe the message either?

V. 22 I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the midst of thecongregation I will praise You.

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Heaven Not a Comfortable Place for All
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog

Revelation 5:14 GW The four living creatures said, "Amen!" Then the leaders bowed and worshiped.

Worship is one of the best words to describe Heaven. Those in God's presence worship and honor Him. He is their life; their reason for being.

Those on earth who aspire to Heaven, but refuse to honor, obey or follow God now, won't be comfortable in a place where worship of the One they claimed to know but didn't serve here, is a primary occupation.

Something to think about when we stubbornly go our way, instead of His.

Psalm 21:13 MKJV Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; we will sing,and praise Your power.

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Does My Faith Make a Difference
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Following Jesus

Psalm 20:7 MKJV Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

We can trust in the police, the military or government to protect, save, rescue, but without a heart, a nation founded and continually built up on Christ, we have no protection at all. Our true protector and provider is not government or military. It is Jesus Christ. I am safe only as I follow and serve Him.

Makes sense I'd study His Word to know what He wants of me. Makes sense I'd stay in communication with Him. And, if I truly believed Jesus makes a difference in salvation, peace and security, personally and as a nation, makes sense I'd want others from family to leaders to follow Him as well.

If my faith doesn't change me or the way I interact with my world, it is no faith at all and I become a hypocrite for claiming beliefs that don't effect or change my life or my world.

Revelation 3:11 MKJV Behold, I come quickly. Hold fast to that which you have, so that no one may take your crown.

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Staying Power
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Following Jesus

Psalm 19:14 MKJV Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
 
It isn't enough to say, "I'm His," ignoring time in His presence. If I truly belong to Christ, I'll desire to read, study, meditate on Him and be in constant communication with the Creator.
 
Without Him, we have no substance, staying power or foundations. We have no truth, values, or love.
 
Do my actions reflect a life in contact with the God of light, life and love?

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Keep Hot
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Following Jesus

Jude 4, 16-17 MKJV For certain men crept in secretly, those having been of old previously written into this condemnation, ungodly ones perverting the grace of our God for unbridled lust, and denying the only Master, God, even our Lord Jesus Christ. ...These are murmurers, complainers, leading lives according to their lusts. And their mouth speaks proud things, admiring faces for the sake of gain. But you, beloved, remember the words spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...

As believers, we can get comfortable in our own fellowship, our relationship and become lax in praying to God, reading, studying and obeying His Word. Our hearts grow cool to distinct lines of right and wrong, to the point when some enter our fellowship with twisted versions of the truth, we have little defense. We're led astray by our arrogance and complacency.

We're called to a different way. We're called to know and study Truth so we won't be led astray.

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