Tormented or Simply Bothered?

How do you feel about America's abandonment of Judeo-Christian values? 

I thought about this the other day when I read 2 Peter 2:7-8:
"[God] rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)." 

Scripture paints a picture of Lot that isn't altogether godly.(1) Yet he was still discerning enough to be "tormented in his righteous soul" by the ungodliness around him.

This Scripture made me ask: Am I tormented by the ungodliness I see on TV and movies, in books and magazines, in the news and the culture at large?

I'm bothered, but I'm not tormented. If I were, I would be praying fervently for my nation. And I'm not. Before I examine Lot's sins, I had better examine my failure to pray. Do you need to do the same?

What are some practical ways you can incorporate prayer for your nation into your daily schedule? 
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(1) He chose to live among heathens when given his choice of the land (Genesis 13) and offered his daughters to be abused (Genesis 19:8).

Bible Love Notes

Never Enough - God's Purpose for Repetition

You've probably figured out that I'm a strong believer in "less is more" since most of my devotions take one minute or less to read.

I don't like wordiness, and I find it tedious when a speaker takes 45 minutes to say what he could in 15. But wordiness is not the same as repetition. According to Scripture, we need repetition.

Peter says:
"I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory...." 2 Peter 1:12-13   

And Paul says:
"It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you." Philippians 3:1.

Sixty-six books...four Gospels...repeated principles, stories and history. 

No matter how often we read the Bible, we can't hear the message of God's love too much. There is always something new to learn, and there is always something we need to hear again!

Bible Love Notes

God Hugs

"Momma, Momma, hug."

"Can't Grammy give you a hug?" I asked. 

"No!"

We were watching our 3-year-old grandson, and even though he loves being with us, he wanted a hug from his mommy half-way through our day. Grammy's hugs just wouldn't do. 

It's true. Mom hugs typically bring children a heart-to-heart connection that's more assuring than the hugs of any other person on earth. 

Then there are "God hugs"—those times when our thoughts turn toward God and we realize He's always there for us. God hugs bring us comfort, joy, and assurance. They prevent discouragement and fear. And we need them regularly.

Today I've decided to stop throughout my day and lift my arms toward God as a reminder that He's always there for me. Would you like to join me?
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Several verses that are applicable to "God Hugs": 
Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Several 1-minute devotions that are applicable:
God Enjoys Us
God Enjoys the Process 

Calling God Abba Father

Bible Love Notes

Beyond Our Full Understanding

Some subjects can be fully grasped through diligent study, but no amount of study will give us a full understanding of God's love. 

Scripture explains this in the prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-19:

"May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully."

The Bible uses various similes and metaphors to help us understand aspects of God's love: He's our Father, the Potter, our Bridegroom, our Shepherd.

But God’s love isn't exactly like any of those examples. His love is greater, deeper, and purer than any of them. 

And what's even more incredible about God's love is that it is always available to us through Christ (Romans 8:37-39).

Aren't you glad we don't need to understand God's love to enjoy it?
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💙 I encourage you to take a look at the Bible Love Notes collection of 1-minute devotions about God's love: God's Love Notes.

Bible Love Notes

Making "God Friends"

Who do you know better: your favorite television characters or your friends?

God created us with a deeper need for friendship than for work or entertainment. Yet many friendships, even "close" friendships, are shallow. No wonder so many people are depressed, discouraged, and lonely. 

To grow in Christ, we need a sense of community and meaningful relationships. Many of our emotional problems are solved by sharing our joys and sorrows with others (Romans 12:15).

Hebrews 10:24-25 says: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

We often use this passage as a command to attend church, but it's more about relationships than meetings. Yes, we should attend church, but that rarely provides the kind of mutual encouragement we need.

If you don't have it, find a community where you can give and receive encouragement to grow in Christ.

More Scriptural guidance about fellowship:  

We are called to encourage, challenge, correct, teach, forgive and love each other.   

1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Hebrews 3:13: "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
Ephesians 4:15: "Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Galatians 6:1-2: "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
See also Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12.

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes

Popular Misconceptions

"Let go and let God."

"God helps those who help themselves."

These popular contradictory slogans are not found in Scripture, and they slightly distort the truth about God's role and our role in Christian growth.

"Let go and let God" is true if we mean "quit trying to do it in your own strength" but not true if we mean "God doesn't expect us to do anything."(1)  

"God helps those who help themselves" is true if it means "God expects us to cooperate with His purposes" (Matthew 16:24). But it's not true if it means "God expects us to do things in our own strength" (Ephesians 3:20).(2) 

The best "slogan" comes from Scripture and tells us we have a serious responsibility to actively seek and submit to God, but He is the only One who can change us:

"Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Philippians 2:12-13
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(1) Compare 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 with Philippians 2:12-13.
These 1-minute devotions explain these two passages: 
Paul Despaired of Life 
Our Part and God's Part    
    
(2) See God's Escalator Ride. 

This year I celebrate 50 years of marriage and I'm sharing some posts on marriage. You might enjoy "Falling or Walking."

Bible Love Notes

Deadly Revenge

In 1807, Pierre Picaud was young and in love when three jealous friends falsely accused him of treason.

Picaud was arrested and forced to serve as a prisoner in the home of a rich Italian. This Italian grew to love Picaud as a son and made him his heir.

But this didn't mellow Picaud's bitterness. Once free, he killed his three former friends. And before killing the “friend” who'd married his fiancée, Picaud lured the man’s son into crime and his daughter into prostitution.

Alexandre Dumas read the true story of Picaud and wrote The Count of Monte Cristo (1844), a classic novel showing that revenge does great damage to the soul of the avenger.

That's why God's Word tells us:
"Bless those who persecute you...Do not repay anyone evil for evil...Do not take revenge...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:14-21

Today let's ask God to help us overcome any bitterness in our lives, returning good for evil.

If you'd like to do a short Bible study about this devotion, click HERE.

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Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes

A Precious Story

I once had a friend who worked with the "forgotten elderly" in Romania, some of whom were rescued from the streets. 

Before one of her trips to visit her the ministry I gave her a Hungarian Christian book. It was unlikely she could use it since Hungarians only comprise 6% of the Romanian population, but I felt led to offer it.

While in Romania, my friend's team distributed prescription eyeglasses to some of the seniors who hadn’t been able to read for years.

When Irina was fitted for her glasses, my friend remembered (from previous trips) that Irina often sat holding a book, wishing she could read it. But Irina had recently given her only book away assuming she'd never be able to read it again.

This seemed so tragic, but through an interpreter, they discovered Irina's nationality.

You guessed it ... Hungarian! Irina was thrilled and immediately began reading the Hungarian version of a Christian book called You are Precious.

As you can imagine, this situation made the ministry workers, Irina, and me feel precious in God's eyes.(1)  

Matt.10:29-31: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
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(1) I encourage you to read Isaiah 49:15-16 and these 1-minute devotions that explain how precious we are to the Lord:
What it Means to be "The Apple of His Eye" 
God Enjoys Us 
Fact: God Loves His Children

Some details:

Irina couldn't read her only book, so she gave it away.

↪ Why did I have a Hungarian Christian book? Because my husband and I did Christian work in Hungary for 5 years, and this book was a left-over ministry supply.
↪ The book was actually a children's book, but it had an adult message and lovely illustrations. 

 
Bible Love Notes

Ambiverts

Ambiverts are people who fall between the categories of introvert and extrovert. Studies show that they actually have better sales and leadership skills than more dominant personalities. 

And that's encouraging because the majority of us are ambiverts.

One researcher said, "The good news, then, is that in some sense we are all born to sell and equipped to lead. And that means a hidden but urgent challenge for organizations of every kind to shatter the stereotype of who’s an effective leader." 

In the body of Christ, we sometimes create "celebrities" of those who have more visible talents, but God uses behind-the-scene Christians in powerful ways. 

"For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]." Ephesians 2:10, Amplified Bible

God has purposes for every personality type.

If you ever wish you were more well-known, more popular, or more in the public eye, give it up! Instead, let God use you just as you are. He has important things for you to do.

Source: Washington Post

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes

Where Sin Increases

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" ― Fred Rogers ("Mr. Rogers" from children's television)

We are often faced with difficulties and disasters in our fallen world, but sometimes those bad things bring out the best in people.

The "helpers" are those people who comfort, rescue, help, and make sacrifices for complete strangers. 

Sometimes people who don't know Jesus offer help. That's because God has written His law on every man's heart (Romans 2:14-15). 

But we Christians should be the best of "helpers" because we are motivated not only by our concern for our fellow man but also by our love for God. We can help meet physical needs, but we can also pray for others and share the hope of Christ. This is one way God uses bad situations for good (Romans 8:28).

Today I'm rejoicing that God's Spirit inside of His followers is a far greater force than the evil and suffering we face in our fallen world (1 John 4:4). We know that where sin increases, grace increases even more (Romans 5:20)!

Bible Love Notes

Happiness in Jesus

I sometimes get confused about happiness and the promises of Christ.

There are several definitions of happiness according to Merriam Webster, and the one that most Americans hold is "a pleasurable or satisfying experience."

People usually base their happiness on things that are important to them: marriage, children, wealth, prestige, health, power, sex, pleasure, leisure, revenge, or a variety of other things.

Christ does not promise this dictionary definition of happiness because it's fragile and temporary, based on circumstances. If we trust Christ, He promises something better: a state of contentment and joy (John 14:27; John 16:33; Philippians 4:4-7; 1 Timothy 6:6).

The "happiness" Christ gives us comes from gratitude for our position in Him, so it's independent of circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 

When facing difficulties, it helps if we shift our focus: Instead of simply wanting to get rid of the difficulty, we can ask God to strengthen our faith and help us deal with our circumstances in ways that honor Him (James 1:2-3).

Are you truly happy, dear Christian? Ponder the verses below and rejoice!

John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." 

John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Philippians 4:4-7: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

1 Timothy 6:6: "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

James 1:2-3: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." 

Merriam Webster Definition

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes

Are Your Hands Too Full?

I sometimes struggle to hold on to my plans, setting goals that God didn't inspire.

But God has prepared things for me to do, not the other way around.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10

When we follow Christ, we give up our plans and purposes and take up our cross and follow Him.

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24

We follow Christ because we love Him. And we know His plans are always best for us—even when they're difficult.  

Are there any of your plans you need to lay down today?  

Remember: We can't carry our cross when our hands are full!

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I encourage you to do the Bite Size Bible study Giving God Everything that adds deeper meaning to this devotion.

Bible Love Notes

Always Drink Upstream From the Herd

"Always drink upstream from the herd." Will Rogers 

Roger's wisdom makes a lot of sense for cowboys—and for Christians.(1)  

There's toxic waste in the streams of life, and we must be careful where we're drinking.

Before the 1960's the entertainment industry imposed its own restrictions: no glorification of violence, drug abuse, crime, or immoral forms of sex; no details of criminal methods, no profanity, nudity or lustful behavior.(2)   

Is it any surprise that the moral standards before the 1960's were drastically different from moral standards in the years since those codes were dropped? 

The media strongly influences how people view behavior. We now entertain ourselves with things that once would have shocked, saddened and disgusted us. 

It's getting harder to find places that are upstream from the herd. But we can, if we try. 

Scripture warns us against indulging worldly desires and becoming "polluted by the world" (Romans 13:14; James 1:27).

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

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(1) Meaning of "drinking upstream from the herd": Typically, the water upstream from a herd of cattle is cleaner because the cattle have not polluted it.
(2) The Normalization of Premarital Sex

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes

Jesus is Not a Sedative!

Sometimes we just want to be “sedated,” lulled to sleep by the things of the world, oblivious to the spiritual needs around us.

Some Christians even think Christ is their “sedative,” saving them so they can rest, relax, and “sleep” through this life before heading to heaven.

But Christ is no sedative.

He is more like an IV of truth injected into our souls:

1. Renewing our minds, so we can be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” 

2. Strengthening our behavior, so we can “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.” 

3. Inspiring our purposes, so we can bear “fruit in every good work...with all power.”

Yes! When we genuinely allow Christ to do His work in our lives we gain “endurance and patience with joy.” He really is like an IV for our souls!

These phrases come from Colossians 1:9-12. Why not study that passage this week?

Bible Love Notes

Are We Genuinely Having Fun?

Most Americans feel God’s commands against premarital sex, pornography, and homosexuality are outdated and meant to spoil their fun. So our culture has created new rules.

But are people really having more fun?

• Fewer people are willing to make a lifelong commitment to another human being.
• The number of unmarried couples living together has risen dramatically even though these relationships are less stable than marriages.
• 40% of children in the U.S. are born to unwed mothers and have greater disadvantages than other children.
• 50 million babies have been aborted in the U.S. 
• Divorce and adultery have increased.
• Pornography (including child pornography), violence against women, and human trafficking have increased dramatically.
• Many are suffering from AIDs, most of them contracting the disease through sexual acts forbidden by God.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus, John 10:10

Culture's defiance of God's commands actually proves that those commands are best for us. Sexual intimacy in a committed heterosexual marriage is still the best design for pleasure without regret. It blesses the individual and the society as a whole. (See Sexual History)


Sources:  The Normalization of Premarital Sex: Satan's Master Stroke?  

Bible Love Notes

Changing Our Perspective

Our perspective on life is based on our expectations.

My friend lived in a location where most of the families were two-income professionals. In her Sunday school class, people often discussed their expensive European vacations. Sometimes she attended parties at million dollar homes and then returned to her modest rented condo.

It's difficult to be content when we're surrounded by people who have more than we have, whether they have more money, better jobs, more meaningful relationships, whatever...

It's natural to be tempted by these things, but we Christians have God's Spirit and His wisdom to help us. Scripture can change our perspective and bring us contentment in any circumstance. (See A Practical Method for Overcoming Sin.)

Is anything making you discontent? I encourage you to read, memorize, and regularly recite the passages below:

Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

1 John 2:17: "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."

Philippians 4:12-13: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." 

1 Timothy 6:6: "Godliness with contentment is great gain." (Read the whole passage: 6:6-10.)

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These 1-minute devotions can also help give you the right perspective:
Don't Give Me What I Deserve
Just a Little Bit More

Bible Love Notes

One of a Kind Book

Here's some fun Bible facts: 

• The Bible has more proofs for authenticity than any other written document.(1) 
• Approximately 50 Bibles are sold each minute, making it the world's best-selling book. (source)
• Ironically, It’s also the world's most shoplifted book. (source)
• Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn’t mention God. 
• Job is the oldest book (1500 BC). 
• Revelation is the youngest (95 AD). 
• St. Paul wrote 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament.(2)  
• The last word in the Bible is AMEN—Revelation 22:21.
•  The Bible is alive, God-breathed—Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16.
• The Bible is sufficient (no other books are needed to understand the Gospel)—2 Timothy 3:14-15.
• The Bible is perfect, eternal—Psalm 12:6; 119:89.
• The Bible is useful for teaching, correcting and training—2 Timothy 3:16.
• The Bible has always been criticized—Jeremiah 6:10.
• The Bible will never pass away—Matthew 24:35.
• The Bible will always accomplish God’s purposes (judging, converting, changing)—Isaiah 55:10-11.

(1) Bible Authenticity:

• The Gospels are History, Not Myth 
• The Manuscripts  
•  Bible Reliability  
• If you are genuinely interested in this topic I recommend this 20 part video series Evidence for the Bible.  

(2) Some people believe Paul also wrote Hebrews which would make him the author of 14 New Testament books.

If you'd like to do a 2 question Bible study about some characteristics of God's Word with only 2 Bible passages to read and ponder, go to today's Bite Size Bible Study.

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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon.

 

I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.