Prayer and Bible Study

sunsetbeach · 12-01-2012, 10:45 AM

I looked at this when you first made this thread and said I'd come back to it...I never did lol. But seeing as this is the 1st day of the final month of the year, I'm gonna make sure I do the 31 days. Thanks!

B r o o k e. · 12-03-2012, 12:52 PM

Day 21

Consider it All Joy

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)

After Hurricane Katrina, one woman, who had lost everything she had in the floodwaters in New Orleans, had this to say, "I may have lost everything I had, but I will never lose faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! My children lost their homes, and I don't know where they will all go, but they all made it safely out of the storm, and for that I am so grateful. Everything's going to be alright." She said this with such strength and hope, with a smile on her face the entire time. Was she happy? Not exactly. What she was experiencing was not happiness, but joy.

Unlike happiness, joy is not dependent on circumstances. Instead, it is a deep-down quality that is present whether a person's circumstances are good or bad. Since joy is one of the fruits of the spirit, it lives within the spirit of every Christian (see Galatians 5:22). This joy is our strength in difficult times. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "… For the joy of the Lord is your strength." We can experience joy knowing that God has already given us the victory (see 1 Corinthians 15:57).

In addition, the Bible tells us that difficulties help us grow in patience and endurance, and make us strong in character. They draw us closer to the Father, causing us to be dependent on Him—the One who works through our difficulties to accomplish great things in our lives. That's why you can "consider it all joy" even in the face of tragedy. Trust His plan, stretch your faith, and let your heart be joyful with anticipation, as you allow His purpose to be fulfilled in you.

Taking back your life …

1. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "… The joy of the Lord is your strength." How can joy give you strength during difficult times?

2. Pray and ask God to help you "consider it all joy" as you go through this trial and allow Him to accomplish His perfect work in your life through it all.

3. Watch in joyful anticipation as you observe the ways in which you grow and mature through this trial. Remember to keep the end in sight, knowing that the end result will be for your good. 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Be sure to thank God for all of the victories that come out of your suffering, and to share those praise reports, as they occur, with your family and others.

Additional Scripture reading:

Isaiah 51: 11

Psalm 31:7
1 Peter 1:6-9

bongotango · 12-03-2012, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B r o o k e.

Day 21

Consider it All Joy

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)

After Hurricane Katrina, one woman, who had lost everything she had in the floodwaters in New Orleans, had this to say, "I may have lost everything I had, but I will never lose faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! My children lost their homes, and I don't know where they will all go, but they all made it safely out of the storm, and for that I am so grateful. Everything's going to be alright." She said this with such strength and hope, with a smile on her face the entire time. Was she happy? Not exactly. What she was experiencing was not happiness, but joy.

Unlike happiness, joy is not dependent on circumstances. Instead, it is a deep-down quality that is present whether a person's circumstances are good or bad. Since joy is one of the fruits of the spirit, it lives within the spirit of every Christian (see Galatians 5:22). This joy is our strength in difficult times. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "… For the joy of the Lord is your strength." We can experience joy knowing that God has already given us the victory (see 1 Corinthians 15:57).

In addition, the Bible tells us that difficulties help us grow in patience and endurance, and make us strong in character. They draw us closer to the Father, causing us to be dependent on Him—the One who works through our difficulties to accomplish great things in our lives. That's why you can "consider it all joy" even in the face of tragedy. Trust His plan, stretch your faith, and let your heart be joyful with anticipation, as you allow His purpose to be fulfilled in you.

Taking back your life …

1. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "… The joy of the Lord is your strength." How can joy give you strength during difficult times?

2. Pray and ask God to help you "consider it all joy" as you go through this trial and allow Him to accomplish His perfect work in your life through it all.

3. Watch in joyful anticipation as you observe the ways in which you grow and mature through this trial. Remember to keep the end in sight, knowing that the end result will be for your good. 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Be sure to thank God for all of the victories that come out of your suffering, and to share those praise reports, as they occur, with your family and others.

Additional Scripture reading:

Isaiah 51: 11

Psalm 31:7
1 Peter 1:6-9

WOW! Thanks, Brooke, I needed to read these today! God is AMAZING! (smh) His TIMING is DIVINE ORDER ... that's why I LOVE HIM SO ... He's NEVER LATE! "Dont't take Your Spirit from me!" Can't nobody do you like Jesus!

B r o o k e. · 12-04-2012, 08:22 AM

Day 22

Accepting God's Will

For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death. (Psalm 48:14)

"In a Hindu village in India, one family turned to Christ. Shortly after their conversion their child got very ill. The Hindu neighbors said the gods had cursed the family for changing religions. Though the Christians prayed hard for the child's healing, he died. But his funeral was such a triumphant event that through it the eyes of many of the villagers were opened. Their resistance to the gospel vanished, and they turned to Christ." (9)

God answers prayer. However, what He does in response to our prayers is not always what we expect. Isaiah 55:8 says, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord." In His sovereignty, He knows what's best in every situation, and sometimes does the unexpected. Like with this Indian family, they looked for victory to come in the form of healing, but found it in the death of their child, when others came to know Christ as a result. God knows the best outcome.

When Christ considered the horror of suffering that He would have to endure on the Cross, He naturally wanted to be spared, and prayed for God to "remove this cup" from Him. But He made it perfectly clear that He wanted God's will, not His own, to be done, and willingly submitted to it (see Luke 22:41-42). Whatever your requests, make them known to God, but leave room, in your expectations, for His will. Trust Him with all your heart, and with boldness of faith pray as Christ prayed, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done."

Taking back your life …

1. In what ways are you expecting God to answer your prayers in your current circumstances? Are you prepared for God to do the unexpected? Perhaps you've already experienced disappointment in God's response to your prayers, because it wasn't what you expected. Share your disappointment with Him honestly, and ask Him to reveal to you His purpose in the outcome you experienced.

2. God's will for us is always best because, as mentioned above, He knows what is the best outcome in every situation. He knew how glorious the outcome of Christ's death would be—the forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life for all who believe. And even though Christ submitted to God's will, it was a struggle, because He knew it would be excruciatingly painful and difficult. Why is the prayer of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane (above) the hardest prayer to pray? What are your fears in praying this prayer? Do you trust and believe that God has your best interests at heart in everything He does concerning you?

3. Pray and ask God to prepare you for the unexpected, and to give you the strength to accept His will in this situation, whatever it may be, even if it is difficult and uncomfortable. Ask Him to keep you mindful that everything He does is for your good and His glory.

Additional Scripture reading:

Psalm 18:30
Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 33:3

B r o o k e. · 12-05-2012, 03:39 PM

Day 23

The Guarantee of Victory

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4)

When Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took upon Himself the sin of mankind, died on the Cross for those sins, and arose from the dead, He conquered sin and death once for all. He defeated Satan—the enemy of our souls, taking away his authority, spoiling his kingdom, and triumphing over all his power! The greatest blessing of all is that Jesus' victory became our victory! In Christ, we too can conquer sin and death and any problem the enemy brings our way. 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." If Jesus lives in you, you have the victory. It's already yours … guaranteed!

But what does victory look like? You probably have your own ideas of what determines a victory in your current trial. But the Bible says that God has the final word (see Proverbs 19:21). The outcome is in His hands. For instance, victory may come in the form of spiritual growth, or a life lesson learned. It may come in the form of a strengthened relationship, or material blessings. Or it may come in the form of healing. However God decides to move, when it's all over, you will have won! Even in death, we have the victory—the gift of eternal life! (See John 3:16) "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). It may not feel like it right now, but you are in a win-win situation. Begin developing a victorious attitude in your heart and mind today, and stand by faith believing that you're blessing is on the way!

Taking back your life …

1. Look again at 1 Corinthians 15:57 (above). What hope does this Scripture give you in the midst of tragedy and loss? How does it feel to know that in Christ, victory is guaranteed?

2. As you think about your current circumstances, and the ways in which you've asked God to help, what would you consider victory? Remember to leave room in your expectations for His will to be done.

3. Pray and ask God to help you recognize victory, big and small, so that you do not miss all that He is doing in and through you during this difficult time. Be sure to thank Him in advance for giving you the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord, and for knowing what is the best outcome.

Additional Scripture reading:

Psalm 121:1-2
Isaiah 51:11
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

B r o o k e. · 12-06-2012, 08:37 AM

Day 24

Trusting God's Plan for Your Life

You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in Your book! (Psalm 139:16 TLB)

Before tragedy came and seemingly changed the course of your life, you probably had certain life dreams and goals. Even though you may have had challenges before "the storm"—financial struggles, relationship troubles, or health issues, you still probably had in mind specific changes you wanted to make, or what direction you wanted your life to take. But how do you feel now that you're living day to day, not knowing what tomorrow will bring? Do you feel as if all your dreams have been shattered, and question how in the face of this catastrophe you can ever get your life back on track?

Take courage! Your life isn't made up of circumstances and coincidences. God has a definite plan for your life! You are uniquely made with specific gifts and abilities to fulfill His purposes. This tragedy may have changed your circumstances, but you have God's promise that His plan for you will be accomplished (see Philippians 1:6).

God knows all about you. Like David said in Psalm 139:16 (above), He saw you and made plans for your life before you were even born. He knew what challenges you would face, and what your needs would be before you took your first breath. Isn't it exciting to know that God scheduled each one of your days? Though your life has been disrupted, and your path seems unclear, you can trust that everything is right on track according to His will. God is at work in you to accomplish His divine plan. Begin to see your life through His eyes, and you will see that your future is full of promise!

Taking back your life …

1. What would you like to do with your life? How has this tragedy changed your dreams and goals?

2. How do you think God could use this time in your life to bring about His purposes in you? In what ways do you think God may want to use your life?

3. Pray and thank God for His perfect plan for your life, and ask Him to reveal it to you as you move toward rebuilding your life. Be sure to thank Him for His faithfulness and ability to fulfill those plans. Then watch and pray as He makes those plans a reality, in His perfect timing. Above all … never give up!

Additional Scripture reading:

Isaiah 43:19
Jeremiah 29:11
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

B r o o k e. · 12-07-2012, 08:41 AM

Day 25

Valuing What Matters Most

There are three things that remain—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

The most recurring quote from survivors of Hurricane Katrina was, "I lost everything I had, but I still have my family. And that's what matters most." It's no doubt your life changed dramatically when tragedy hit home. Tragedy has a tendency to destroy a lot of things that are valuable to us, but there are some things that even the most destructive disaster could never take away: your relationship with God and His love for you, and the love you share with family and friends. It's that enduring love—even the love for a loved one lost—that matters most.

When dealing with difficult circumstances, it's easy to take that love for granted. In our pain, anger, and frustration we can either isolate ourselves from family and friends, lash out against them, or fail to realize their need for our support. But just as your family and friends need you to care for them through this tragedy, you also need them. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote, "… that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love …" (Colossians 2:2).

Have you told your spouse, children, or other loved ones lately that you love them? If not, be sure to tell them today. But don't stop there. It's not enough to just say "I love you," we have to show love by our actions (see 1 John 3:18). Talk about the tragedy together, listen to each other, cry together, comfort each other, and pray for each other. And whenever the remembrance of tragedy and loss casts a shadow on your spirit, remember the importance of valuing what matters most … each other.

Taking back your life …

1. When tragedy or troubles hit our lives, it often makes us think about what's really important. What has this tragedy taught you about your priorities regarding your relationship with God? Your family? Would you say that you have your priorities straight? God first, then spouse, family, Christian and community service? What changes do you think are necessary?

2. Proverbs 3:6 TLB says, "In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Make a new or renewed commitment today to put God first in your life. Spend time with Him every day in prayer and Bible reading. If you're not already an active member of a Bible-teaching church, find one today, attend regularly, and get involved. Seek to honor Him in your relationships, your time, and your material resources.

3. Have you spent quality time building your relationship with your spouse? With your children? 1 John 3:18 TLB says, "Let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions." What are some practical ways that you can show your spouse and children (or extended family and friends, if single) that you really love them? How can you use this time now to build family relationships?

Additional Scripture reading:

Joshua 24:15
Matthew 6:33
Colossians 3:14
1 Thessalonians 5:11

B r o o k e. · 12-10-2012, 09:58 AM

Day 26

Comforting Others Who Grieve

Blessed be the … God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the same comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

One of the ways to ease the pain of tragedy and loss is to reach out and comfort someone else who is hurting. Comforting others is one way to look tragedy directly in the eye and profess that we are not helpless victims. It's a way of reaffirming God's power in our lives. Great things happen when we talk to others about God's love, His compassion, and His faithfulness. When we speak His promises to others, it not only ministers to the hearers, it ministers to us, causing our own faith in God to come alive! Additionally, it moves our focus from our own problems to the needs of someone else.

Reaching out to others is also a great way to build new friendships and a support system—you can comfort, encourage, and pray for one another. For instance, after a natural disaster, you're suddenly surrounded by a lot of people who are struggling with grief and loss, and need help and comfort just like you do. Or if you're dealing with another type of tragedy, you can reach out to others with similar circumstances. Sometimes God allows us to go through trials so that we can better understand the pain of others, and comfort them with the same comfort we have received from Him.

But be careful not to overload yourself, or short-circuit your grief by concentrating on other's needs prematurely. Pray about it first, and ask God whether it is time. Then ask Him to direct your energies and desires to reach out to others, as you journey toward healing. The rewards will be immeasurable! (See Matthew 5:7.)

Taking back your life …

1. Do you know -or have you met someone who is hurting as a result of difficult circumstances? What can you do to help heal that person's hurt? Here are a few ideas: You can talk to her. Pray for him. Share something from God's Word, such as a promise, or a Bible verse that would provide comfort and encouragement. Or just listen and understand what they're going through. Give a sick, or grieving parent a break by caring for their children while they take a walk outdoors or rest.

2. In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Why is it important to have a support system—people you can talk to, pray with, and even cry with, during difficult times?

3. Remember to lift up the needs of someone else whenever you bring your needs before the Lord in prayer.

Additional Scripture reading:

Romans 12:10
Colossians 3:12
1 Thessalonians 5:11

B r o o k e. · 12-11-2012, 03:09 PM

Day 27

Making Tough Decisions

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

When dealing with difficult circumstances we're not always sure how to react. We want to say and do all the right things, but in our human weakness and heartache we often fall short of what we had in mind. We may say things we really didn't mean, or do things that only make matters worse. Then there are the decisions needing to be made: What should I do with the insurance money? Is surgery or chemotherapy best? Can we rebuild our home or business, or should we start over somewhere new? Where will I work? How will we make it in a whole new place where everything is totally unfamiliar?

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Have you acknowledge God in your current circumstances, and in the decisions you have to make, or are you relying on your own thoughts and ideas on how to handle things? God gives wisdom generously and graciously when we turn to Him and ask, "Lord, what would You have me to do? Where would You have me to go?" He promises to give you His wisdom and to guide you, if you will just ask. Proverbs 3:13 says, "How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding."

Wisdom will enable you to honor God in everything you say and do regarding your circumstances. Wisdom will safely guide you in every decision you have to make. And wisdom will help to move you and your family towards healing, wholeness, and restoration.

Taking back your life …

1. What are some of the tough decisions you are facing? Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." Have you asked God to guide you in making your decisions?

2. The following Scriptures show some of the ways in which God imparts His wisdom:

Through the Bible: Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path."

Through wise counselors (could be a pastor, teacher, Christian counselor, or a godly friend or relative): Proverbs 24:6b, "For by wise guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory."

Through prayer: Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

Through the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:14, "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."

Through your spirit: Isaiah 30:21, "Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left."

3. Pray and ask God for His wisdom and guidance. Ask Him what He would have you to do in each decision you are facing, and to make clear the path that He wants you to take.

Additional Scripture reading:

Psalm 37:23
Proverbs 16:16
James 3:13-17

B r o o k e. · 12-12-2012, 08:55 AM

Day 28

Tuning in to God's Voice

Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:8)

Did you know that amid the noise of every day life, God speaks to you? He speaks to you throughout the day and into the night. Are you listening? Can you hear His voice? Because you are His own, He wants to impart His peace, joy, and love to your heart … if you will listen.

But what does it really mean to listen to God? First, listening to God involves spending time with Him on a regular basis where you are free of interruptions and distractions, and can hear Him. For instance, you can find a quiet room, or a quiet place in a park. During this "quiet time" make a conscious effort to listen to God speak as you read His Word and as you pray. Secondly, take some time to think over what you have heard Him say. What does He want you to know or do? What life-changes does He want you to make? In what areas does He want you to grow? Finally, listening to God involves having a teachable spirit and a willingness to obey what He has told you.

God is not limited, however, to speaking to you only in your quiet time. He wants you to tune in to His voice, from the moment you open your eyes until the time you shut them again each night. Listen for Him in the beauty of His creation, in the midst of a storm, and in the face of tragedy and loss. Listen for Him through the people He may send your way. And listen for His voice in your spirit as you journey through each day. He loves to speak to you, His beloved child—to reveal His wisdom, direction, and will for your life. He's speaking to you at this very moment … are you listening? (10)

Taking back your life …

1. When you talk to God in prayer, do you take the time to listen for His responses? Why is it important to listen to His voice throughout the day, each day?

2. Have you been tuned in to God's voice lately? If so, what is God saying to you about your life or current circumstances? If not, you can tune in to His voice today. God says in Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."

3. Seek the Lord today. Pray and ask Him to open your spiritual ears so that you may be tuned in to His voice at all times, enabling you to stay in the center of His will for your life.

Additional Scripture reading:

Isaiah 30:21
John 10:27
Revelation 3:20

B r o o k e. · 12-13-2012, 09:28 AM

Day 29

Dependence on Him

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

Your family and friends depend on you, and you depend on them. You look to them to be there for you in good times and bad, and they look to you for the same loyalty and support. But face it, family members can sometimes fail or disappoint each other, and friends can sometimes let each other down. There is a friend, however, who will never fail anyone who places his utmost faith in Him, and that friend is God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Will you depend on Him in this, your time of need? He is a Friend unlike any other. He is your everything—all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. And because He loves you, He wants you to depend on Him completely.

To depend on someone completely, you must have faith in his abilities and character. Faith is an unconditional, absolutely dependent trust in another. The more you depend on the Lord, the more you will experience His intimate, loving friendship. You will find that God is a trustworthy friend who can be taken at His Word. For instance, you can depend on Him for peace. He promises to give you peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Depend on Him for joy. He promises to give you joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8). Depend on Him for strength. He promises to strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10). Depend on Him for safety. He can hide you under His wings (Psalm 91:4). Depend on Him for everything! He will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)! (11)

Taking back your life …

1. How can the pain and turmoil caused by a natural disaster force us to be dependent upon God?

2. How does knowing that you can count on the dependability of God make your circumstances bearable?

3. Make a commitment to the Lord to get to know Him better. Set up a daily quiet time that consists of prayer and Bible reading, and ask Him to keep you mindful of your commitment to spend time with Him everyday. Pray that through your private times together He will establish Himself to be your most intimate, loving, and faithful friend.

Additional Scripture reading:

Psalm 68:19
2 Corinthians 3:5
Ephesians 3:20-21

B r o o k e. · 12-14-2012, 08:50 AM

Day 30

Waiting With Patience

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14 KJV)

One thing we can learn when a natural disaster, death, illness, or any other kind of tragedy strikes, is that we cannot control our lives. We can control how we react and how we respond when faced with a trial, but we cannot control our circumstances. As we go about our daily lives, and get settled into familiar routines, we may think we know what tomorrow will bring, and make plans accordingly, but things do not always turn out the way we've planned. From time to time, some kind of struggle or challenge, or in some cases, a natural disaster, will come along and disrupt everything. It is in those instances that we come to realize we are not in control.

The Bible says, "We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands" (Proverbs 16:1 TLB). God is in control. We must acknowledge His authority over all human affairs, which include our lives and our circumstances. He has everything in perfect order, and accomplishes His purposes and plans in our lives in His perfect timing. Still, it has to be hard to be patient when your whole life has been disrupted and all you really want to do is get back to some sense of normalcy. But you cannot rely on your plans or timing to make it happen. God's plans for you and for your family will be accomplished. It may take weeks, months, or even years. But be encouraged. God only wants what's best for you. So don't ever give up, or allow frustration to rule in your heart. Trust God with your life and circumstances, and wait on the Lord with patience. Wait, watch … and pray. (12)

Taking back your life …

1. What does it mean to wait on the Lord? Why is it important to wait with patience?

2. Discuss with your family or friend how you can apply Proverbs 16:1 (above) to your current circumstances.

3. Pray together (or alone) and ask God to help you release your circumstances to Him and to His timing. Be sure to thank Him for working through your situation, even when you cannot see Him moving, and for having your best interests at heart (see Romans 8:28).

Additional Scripture reading:

Proverbs 16:9
Proverbs 16:33
Proverbs 19:21

t bashment · 12-16-2012, 07:08 PM

i have to admit that i don't frequent this form often so i am just now seeing this.

although most of you all have gone through this devotional for dec

i will start now and take it into the new year.

better late than never!

B r o o k e. · 12-17-2012, 09:39 AM

Day 31

Celebrating the Victories

All day long I'll praise and honor You, O God, for all that You have done for me. (Psalm 71:8 TLB)

When going through difficult times, we tend to look for a major breakthrough before we feel that we can celebrate or praise God for the victory. As we journey through our struggle, we may not see or recognize God's hand at work in our lives along the way. We may miss all the little blessings and victories we receive each day. For instance, when you and your family share a laugh, in the midst of sorrow, it is a blessing, and should be recognized as God's hand at work. Or when you begin to talk about or make plans for your future, when at one time you felt completely hopeless, this is a victory toward overcoming and winning the battle. Every victory, whether big or small, is reason to celebrate!

The Bible says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above …" (James 1:17a). Every little step you take toward healing, and toward getting your life back together is a good thing given by God, and is one more step toward victory! Has a family member opened up to you about his or her feelings? Praise God! Has someone given you a kind word to lift your spirit today? Praise God! Have the smiles returned to your children's faces? Praise God! Have you made it successfully through another day of treatment? Praise God! When you praise God in the little things, as you struggle through difficult circumstances, you will experience God's peace and joy in the midst of the battle. What's more, the joy of the Lord will be your strength to go the distance and will encourage your family members to do the same! Remember, don't wait until the battle's over … shout your praises now! (13)

Taking back your life …

1. Psalm 103:1-2 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits …" Why is it important to acknowledge and thank God for every little blessing He gives in the midst of difficult circumstances?

2. What are some of the victories you've already experienced in this trial? Encourage your family and friends to celebrate even the smallest of victories by allowing them to hear you acknowledge God for each one as you have opportunity. For instance, you can say aloud, "Thank God for this shelter," or "Praise God for this food." Or when your child smiles or laughs, you can say, "Praise God! It's so good to see you smile," or "It's so good to hear you laugh again." Or when you or your child arise from a good night's sleep that was finally uninterrupted by the nightmare you've been having since disaster struck, you can say, "Praise God for a restful night! He is doing great things!"

3. Pray and ask God to help you and your family recognize His hand at work in your lives in all the little blessings along the way, as you journey through this difficult time.

Additional Scripture reading:

Psalm 34:1-4
Psalm 66:20
1 Corinthians 15:57

JUSTIN THYME · 12-18-2012, 05:16 PM

Good thread

Prayer and Bible Study

God Has Not Forgotten About You - 31 Day Devotional