Blessed is the Nation

Psalm 33:12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD…

            In just 41 days from this post our Nation will once again have the opportunity to test this verse. With our flag we pledge to be one Nation under God. With our money we claim in God we trust. Individually we know we belong to the family of God, for it is written  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…not of natural descent…but born of God (John 1:12-13). But what about as a collective nation, The United States of America? Where do we stand, or do we stand at all?

            We are clearly told,

Philippians 4:6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2  Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually...

1 Peter 3:7b  Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

            But honestly, how much time are we spending in prayer for the direction of our nation…and believe me, the state of our nation is a major cause of anxiety right now.  Very soon we will each be called upon to voice our selection for a leader that will not only affect us but will also affect the future of our nation. I think the responsibility of that decision is worth much time in conversation with our God.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You have called us to be children of yours through the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. I believe you are also calling us to stand up to our profession of one nation under God, and in God we trust. Grant us clarity of mind as we make choices that will affect us as well as our nation. Lead us in the right direction.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

           

The devotional Blessed is the Nation appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

When WE Are the Problem

Psalm 139:23-24  Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

            Yesterday we explored verses of encouragement for times of difficulty and troubles of all kinds. But sometimes (and how shall I put this delicately?) we are the problem. Sometimes the source of stress in our life comes from excessive worry over things we have no way to control. Sometimes the source of conflict comes from our overreactions to the words of others, or worse, our own poorly chosen words. Sometimes the source of difficulty comes from our inability to yield when it is prudent to do so. Sometimes the problem is initially forgiving others but not forgetting or letting it go. Of course, not always, but I do think sometimes we create our own messes. The Bible is just as instructive and invaluable during these times, too.

When WE are the problem…

Deuteronomy 4:39  Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.

Psalm 141:3-4  Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil…

Proverbs 3:7  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

Proverbs 3:30  Do not accuse anyone for no reason—when they have done you no harm.

Jonah 4:4  But the LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Matthew 6:27  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 7:1  Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

Colossians 3:13b  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

 

Thankfully…

Deuteronomy 7:9  Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

Jeremiah 31:34  For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

Psalm 103:12  as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 44:22  I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You see every blunder we make and you know about it before it even takes place. You know our hearts and you know each anxious thought. You also know the guilt we put ourselves through over past mistakes. We humbly thank you that in your great love and mercy you are ready and waiting to forgive. In you we have forgiveness and a new beginning. Lead us in the way everlasting.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional When WE Are the Problem appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Be Strong and Take Heart

Psalm 31:23-24  Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, … Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

            Today’s message is a simple and lighthearted reminder, yet so powerful for us. It is a simple reminder that we cannot control our circumstances. We encounter both good things and not-so-good things along this path of life we tread.  But within each difficulty or challenge we face, if we remain true to our Heavenly Father, He will see us through whatever we face. Our strength comes from God and He is more than able to sustain us.

            I often like to include multiple verses to support the day’s theme, and I will do so again today. Hopefully you will be reminded of how much encouragement can be found in the Bible.

In times of stress, difficulty, illness, or discouragement…

Psalm 6:9  The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

Psalm 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 73:26  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Nahum 1-7  The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Matthew 11:28  Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Psalm 105:4  Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

Psalm 142:3  When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.

            Dear Reader, this is just a small sampling of verses of encouragement. I am confident that with your Bible open and ready you will find many more. Share what you find with others. The need for encouragement is great.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You are so faithful to strengthen and encourage those who trust in you. Forgive our inclination to doubt or grow weary and help us to encourage others in the way you encourage us.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Be Strong and Take Heart appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com