One of the biggest questions I hear people struggling with is, “Why is this happening to me?  I’m a good person, so why should I be dealing with this?”  Usually when this question is asked it is in regard to BAD things happening.  Rarely do I hear a person asking, “Why is all this good coming my way?”  Where are the people asking about GOOD things happening to them that are undeserved or unearned? 

Anyway, in today’s reading of the One Year Bible we find a partial answer to this question from the book of Romans.  Here’s the question it raises, “Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?”  In other words, should we believe that if our lives don’t run according to our plan that God doesn’t love us? 

The answer is provided in Romans 8:37 “No, DESPITE all these things, overwhelming victory is OURS through Christ, who loved us.”  Paul says that God already proved His love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins.  What more do you have to do beyond dying for someone to show that you love them?  So, never doubt God’s love. 

The greatest victory that you and I have is not just getting this month’s bills paid, our bodies healed, or a new job.  By far the most phenomenal thing that you and I have to consider is we are bound for an eternal heaven with God and are assured of His presence every day of our lives.  So what if we encounter opposition and difficulties along the way, because when you and I get to heaven we’ll ask, “Why should I get to live in a place like this?  Why me?”  It’s all because of Him!

I love the story of Elisha and the servant in today’s reading of the One Year Bible from 2 Kings 6.  It’s where Elisha’s servant is distraught because of the number of enemy forces arrayed against them.  Elisha explains that those that are for them are more than those against them and prays for the servants eyes to be opened to see.  After God opens his eyes, the young man sees the spiritual forces of heaven, including chariots of fire (sounds like a great movie title) are actually on their side.

How many of us fail to see the powerful, heavenly forces that are on our side?  Are you only looking to what you can see with your natural eyes today?  Ask God to open your eyes to see that those that are for you are more than those against you?  Here’s what I ask myself: would God bring you this far to leave you?

Every Tuesday morning we gather as a staff for devotions and rotate who gets to share.  It’s an inspiring time as we get to hear from one another and what thought God has put in our heart for the day.  Today, our student ministries pastor Matt, shared about expectations and how we all have them about others.  But, what about our expectations about God?

Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations like, “God, don’t let me ever feel pain, have difficulties and live without stress.”  Jesus actually promised the opposite would happen, that we would go through trials and tribulations in this life, but that we can overcome. 

I thought I would ask you today, what are you expecting from God this summer?  If you’re not expecting anything, then the good news is: you shouldn’t be disappointed!

As for me, I’m expecting times of refreshing from Him and allowing Him to do a work in my life that He wants to do.  I’ve decided not to detail out completely what He may want to accomplish in me because I trust Him to do what needs to be done.  My only ambition is to position myself for some awesome alone time, and times of reading and meditation as I get away with Him.  So, how about you, what are you expecting?

As many of you know, John 10:10 is my favorite verse in all the Bible.   Actually, it’s the last half of the verse that’s my favorite, because the first half describes what the devil is up to.

Isnt’ that how life works?  God is up to something, yet at the same time, the devil is up to something as well.  God is working in our lives and we see signs of His goodness, yet the devil can be raising all kinds of…well, hell in our lives at that moment.  It’s this dichotomy that causes tension inside of us. 

How is it for you?  Do you see signs of God’s hand working, but at the same time along comes the devil to try to take it all out from under you?  Here’s what I do:  focus on the last half of the verse, “I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full!”

Who do you have your confidence in – your ability or God’s?  Jonathan makes a great statement in today’s reading of the One Year Bible that would do us all well to remember.  He says, “…nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few.” 

How many of us think that we have to have perfect conditions in order to secure victory?  Instead, what might happen if you dared to step out of the boat – walk on water? 

Why not take a positive approach and believe that God might come through for you and bring victory?  Are you feeling a desire to start a new business, or participate in a daring outreach?  Instead of expecting defeat, take the attitude of Jonathan and wonder, “What if the Lord shows up?” 

If God is in it, then you can’t help but win!  I’m praying that I don’t hesitate to step out and trust God on the great adventure He has for me.  How about you?

I marvel at the way God is able to orchestrate my steps so that they coincide with others at just the right time.  In today’s reading of the One Year Bible in Ruth 2 we find God’s direction once again.  I don’t think Ruth was even aware of God’s guidance at that time, but He was with her all the way.

The Scriptures say that she went to glean and just happened to end up in the field owned by Boaz who just happened to be a close relative.  Talk about a coincidence!  Reading the rest of the story reveals the guiding hand of God every step of the way.  It also show the great character Ruth modeled that attracted the favor of God. 

As you go about your day today, realize that God is working in your life in ways you may not be aware.  Event do not occur by luck or coincidence.  Do you sense His hand upon you right now?  Have faith that the God of Ruth is directing your life today for His purpose.

The Lord evidently takes great pleasure and enjoyment in calling people out.  Not calling out there specific sins and announcing them to those around.  He leaves that job up to the Pharisees (woman caught in adultery).  The message He enjoys delivering is that of calling people to a greater existence than what they are currently living. 

In today’s reading of the One Year Bible we find it once again the life of Gideon.  God’s people were so severely oppressed, that they had to hide their crops to keep the enemy from ruining them.  One day, Gideon was hiding in a winepress threshing wheat so the enemy would not see him.  While concealed, an angel of the Lord appears to him and calls out to him “you mighty warrior.”  I’m sure Gideon was thinking, “Who, me?  Are you kidding me?”  But, God was doing what He does best, seeing the potential of what can be hidden in what is. 

What if you spoke to the potential in others?  What would happen if we all did this?  What if everyone just did it for one day?  How much would the production levels rise in each business?  What would be the grades on the tests in school that day?  What kind of performance would be reached by musicians or athletes? 

Maybe you can’t control what everyone else will do, but give it a try in your own life.  Start acting like God by calling people out to the greatness God has intended for their lives.  Begin speaking over your spouse, children, and friends positive statements of faith that inspire them to be more than they might otherwise be.  You never know, like Gideon, they just might live up to it!