How to Avoid Self-Pity When Struggling

There have been times in my life when I’ve really needed to share my struggles, and God has blessed me with Christian friends who’ve listened, asked questions, and prayed. See Faith Revealed in Listening.

 

There have also been times when I’ve shared my struggles with a Christian friend, and they’ve not really listened, or they've started talking about their own struggles and ignoring mine.

 
Recently, I was convicted of doing this myself. I’m going through some real struggles in my life at this time, dealing with the recovery from my hip replacement, unexpected house repairs, sad choices of several loved ones, and serious concerns for the attitudes of many Christians who are letting themselves be shaped by culture, not Scripture.

Twice in the last few weeks, friends have shared their struggles with me, and I’ve had to apologize afterwards because I've not been a good listener and I've blabbed too much about my own challenges. I am reminding myself of these two things:

 
1. Part of Christian fellowship is rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). We shouldn't focus on our challenges when others need our encouragement. See Romans 12:15 – Rejoice and Mourn.

2. One way to pull ourselves out of self-pity is to quit focusing on ourselves and look for ways we can help and encourage others (1 Thessalonians 5:11). See 3 Ways to Comfort Friends Who Are Hurting.

If you're struggling, make sure you don't let your suffering blind you to opportunities to encourage others.

 

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Christmas Gift Idea: 

💙 Please check out the Bible Love Notes devotional, Wisdom for Life. It features one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and is on sale at reduced prices on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.  

And you can sign up for a free email subscription to Bible Love Notes online devotions HERE. 

 

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2 Principles to Follow when Discussing Scripture

Scripture tells us “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Sometimes sharing Christ or discussing Scripture goes smoothly. God's Spirit gives us the right things to say, we do our best, and the person acknowledges the truth.

Sometimes it goes badly. God's Spirit gives us the right things to say, we do our best, and the person gets angry, rejecting us and our message.

If we are faithful to the two principles below, we can be confident that we've done our best even if our message is rejected:

1. We refuse to act rudely.

We refrain from anger (James 1:19-20) and avoid contentious, foolish, and repetitive debates (2 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 2:23, Titus 3:10).

2. We share God's Word accurately.

We stand firm, refusing to sugarcoat the hard truths but balancing them accurately. For example, when we share God's condemnation of specific sins, we also share the wonderful good news that repentance leads to Christ's forgiveness and redemption.  

To stand firm on God's truth, 2 Timothy 2:14-15 explains we must know what it teaches and correctly “handle” it.

Each time we share Christ or discuss Scripture is unique. We should ask for the Lord's guidance, approach others graciously, and speak truth without compromise.

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For more on this subject, see Kindness, Not Sarcasm and An Authority We Can Trust.

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We Must Maintain the Fire

by Marika Marton

It is so easy to stop doing something we once started as a discipline. It takes no effort at all to drift away—slowly, almost unconsciously—from the things we know we should be doing. 

That is why we must continually “feed the fire” and keep it burning deliberately and consistently. 

For example, someone begins a diet and stays away from certain foods. He keeps it for months, but then life circumstances change—and with them, his discipline weakens. Little by little, he slips back into his old eating habits. 

 

It was far easier for him to slide back than to stay strong.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. If we don’t “maintain the fire” of our love for God through steady habits—reading the Bible (Matthew 4:4), praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and fellowshipping regularly with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)—our hearts can grow cold, and we can easily drift away. 

Sometimes we don’t even notice it because it happens gradually. Or we may not want to admit it. But honesty is the first step toward restoration.

So let’s examine our priorities today. Let’s look at our daily lives and make sure that our “fire is still burning”! And if we’ve failed, let’s repent and return to our first love (Revelation 2:4–5), give careful attention to what God’s Word says (Hebrews 2:1), make a firm decision to be disciplined again—and pray.

Take action today! Begin to “feed your fire” once more by obeying God’s Word! 

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Devotions you might enjoy:

Being Careful Not to Drift Away—Hebrews 2:1

4 Things Productive Christians Do

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Does God's Word Actually Speak about Sexual Lifestyles?

Today's devotion will take you two to three minutes to read, instead of the usual one minute, but it's essential that Christians understand what God teaches on this subject. I encourage you to go through this devotion with a friend or small group and use it as reference when discussing the subject with others. And don't miss the info at the bottom of the page about my soon-to-be released book: Lies in Disguise. 

 

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The most loving thing we can do is learn what Scripture teaches and share its saving truth with others. God's Word warns us that all sex outside of marriage is sinful and damaging to our souls, and the farther we depart from God's design of heterosexual marriage, the worse the damage.

 

In the past, Satan promoted homosexuality by convincing people that the Bible isn't God's Word. But his most effective lie in disguise in modern times is the claim that the Bible never condemns homosexuality.

 

This argument starts by comparing homosexuality to Old Testament dietary laws and claiming those rules no longer apply. (See Does God Hate Shrimp?) But we can easily refute that lie by looking at the New Testament. 

1. Romans 1 talks about the downhill decline of mankind, and homosexuality plays a key role.

Romans 1:26-27
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

Words like unnatural are not used for every sin. See Natural and Unnatural Interpretations.

2. Warning people about homosexuality is loving and life-saving.

 
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 

 

Why would we approve of something that condemns people to Hell? 

Please check out Responding to Revisionist Theology: Don't Overlook Verse 11.

3. Whenever homosexuality is mentioned in Scripture, it's presented as a serious sin.

 

If you've been taught that all sins are the same in God's eyes, please read All Sins Are Not the Same. Sinning with our bodies is more damaging than all other sins. And, as explained above, unnatural sins are further damaging.

 

1 Corinthians 6:18-19
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 

 

There are many excuses and half-truths presented to justify homosexual lifestyles. Christians should learn how to respond biblically, graciously, and courageously to these lies in disguise. See Responding to Gay Revisionist Theology.

4. Some gay revisionists claim Sodom and Gomorrah's condemnation had nothing to do with homosexuality.

Jude 7
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

See False Teachings about Sodom and Gomorrah. These are some of the popular arguments to approve of LGBT lifestyles. 

Please pray for those who commit sexual sins and those who approve of sexual sins. Pray that they will understand that God's commands are loving and wise, keeping us from soul damage that will send us to Hell. Please read 1 John 3:1-10.

 

If you'd like a more thorough look at gay revisionist teachings and other half-truth teachings plaguing the church, look for the release of my book later this year.

 

Read more about it here: Lies in Disguise.

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3 Ways to Detect Counterfeit Philosophies

The U.S. Secret Service says the best way to detect counterfeit money is to become familiar with real money. If someone thoroughly studies the details of real money, they'll be able to recognize the slightest errors in a counterfeit.

The Secret Service recommends:

1. Look at the portrait on the money. It should appear "lifelike" and stand out from the background.
2. Look at the treasury seal, borders, and numbers, which should appear distinct, not blurry.
3. Look at the paper, which will have fibers "embedded," not simply printed on the surface.

This type of study also helps Christians who want to detect counterfeit teachings:

1. We should look for the "portrait" of God in the teaching: is it life-giving (John 10:10)? Does it stand apart from the background of worldly philosophies (1 Corinthians 1:20)? 

2. Because Christians are "sealed with the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13), we can make sure there is no blurring of the lines between truth and error (1 Timothy 6:20-21).

3. It's important to make sure that God's Word is embedded in the content because many false teachings put on a "covering" of Scripture with false teachings embedded (Colossians 2:8).

We live in a time in history when it's absolutely essential that we study God's Word carefully so that we can correctly understand the truth. Let's be as careful about counterfeit philosophies as we are about counterfeit money (2 Timothy 2:15)!

For more insights, see 5 Steps for Accurate Bible Study and 6 Ways to Determine if a Scripture Is Used Correctly.

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5 Things to Remember When You're Suffering

When we’re suffering—whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually—it’s helpful to remember:

 
1. There are people undergoing worse suffering than we are.

It’s easy to feel like our situation is beyond our ability to endure. That’s when it’s good to look at the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1), those Christians who’ve suffered past and present and maintained a strong faith. They can be our models and help us put our suffering in perspective. See For Example about two of my role models.
 

2. Christ’s example.

Christ’s suffering was worse than any human suffering. It was far more than the pain of crucifixion. He bore our sins and paid fully for them. We will never fully understand how terrible that was. But we should always consider His example when we are facing difficulties (Hebrews 12:2-10). See Is Christ Supposed to Be Our Example?
 

3. Romans 8:28.

As explained in Hebrews 12, some suffering is the discipline of our loving Father. It may be correction or simply training, but God can use it for good. This short video explains my heartbreak that brought about the ministry of Bible Love Notes: HERE.

 

4. Some suffering is an honor.

Philippians 2:27-30 explains that we are sometimes chosen to suffer for Christ, which is an honor that will be rewarded (Matthew 5:10-12).
 

5. For Christians, all suffering is temporary.

The world's desires will pass away, but we will live in perfect peace and joy for eternity with our Lord (1 John 2:17).

 

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Soon to be released:

 

I hope you are preparing for the release of my book, Lies in Disguise, Half-Truths Many Christians Believe. It explains how many teachings are blurring the line between Scripture and culture. 

 

I'm excited about it, and I'm praying it helps Christians discern false teachings and arm themselves with accurate biblical truth. Read more about it HERE. 

 

 

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God's Grammar Rules

1. Never put a period where God puts a comma.

2. Never put a comma where God puts a period.   

Joanna Weaver(1)

I appreciate Joanna Weaver’s “grammar lesson.” It’s a lesson I need to revisit from time to time.

 

Sometimes God asks us to wait—He places a comma in our lives. When that happens, we need to persevere, not run away or get ahead of God’s plans (Isaiah 40:30-31; Psalm 27:14).

At other times, God brings something to an end—He places a period in our lives. When this happens, we need to move forward boldly and confidently to the next thing He has planned for us (Philippians 3:12-14; Ephesians 2:10).

As we abide by God's “grammar rules,” we become more aware of His purposes and His love written between every line in our life's story.

Are you struggling with your story right now? If so, ask for God’s wisdom and grace to wait or move.

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(1) Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver, Waterbrook Press, CO Springs, CO, 2000, pages 126,127.

If you want more encouragement and instruction in God's Word, please 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. 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 four devotions in the book by clicking "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon. In addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on Barnes and Noble.

 

I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes. Find out more HERE.

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The Comfort of Knowing that God Is With Us

Today I'm sharing one of the devotions from my book Wisdom for Life. I hope you enjoy it!

The Comfort of Knowing that God Is with Us

Psalm 46 begins with this wonderful assurance: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” NIV

And it concludes with this wonderful command: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” NIV

When I read this psalm, I think of a small child who wanders into a crowd and panics, thinking she's lost. From her perspective, it’s as terrible as if the earth is trembling and the mountains are toppling into the sea. Tears stream down her face, and fear fills her heart until she looks up and realizes that her father has been at her side all the time. He’s never left her. Lifting her into his arms, he says, “Be still. I'm here. I've had my eye on you the whole time. Nothing is going to separate us. I'm in charge.” 

When our problems seem huge and fear begins to set in, we need to do the same thing as this small child. We need to "look up" and climb into our Father’s arms. He can “still” our souls, relieve our fears, and let us know that He's in charge. 

For further thought:

What insights into God’s character are found in Psalm 68:5 and Psalm 103:13?

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You might also enjoy the one-minute devotions God Knows Us Intimately and Loves Us Deeply and Comfort Foods and God's Comfort.

💙If you liked this devotion, you'll find 99 more with the same insights into God's Word in Gail's book Wisdom for Life. It features a hundred one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and is on sale at reduced prices on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.

💙If you've purchased Wisdom for Life, would you please leave a review on the site where you purchased it? 

 

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Preparing Our Hearts to Overflow With Thanksgiving

I realize not all of my readers are Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving. But there are some wonderful "God stories" and Scriptural truths in both the holiday and the biblical concept of thanksgiving. 

So today, I offer you some one-minute devotions from the archives that deal with Thanksgiving and thankfulness.  You can choose to read one or all, and I pray they will give you a more thankful heart. That's what I'm praying for myself.  ~ Gail

P.S. My favorite is "5 Kernels of Corn."  

Genuine Thankfulness – 1 Timothy 6:7-8: Genuine thankfulness is often found in the most unlikely places. This one-minute devotion explains and offers scriptural insights.

3 Steps to Spiritual Success: These three short verses offer incredible wisdom. Be encouraged!

Let’s Take Back Thanksgiving!! Inspiration and ideas for focusing on Christ and the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Gratitude Attitude: Secular studies confirm what God has been saying all along. This one-minute devotion explains gratitude from a biblical perspective.

Gratitude Born of Pain: We often associate gratitude with obvious blessings, but the original Thanksgiving was based on something else.

God's Different Methods of Communication: Since Thanksgiving is a time for turkey, it made me think of the phrase "talkin' turkey."

Talking about Turkey and God's Creativity: In preparation for Thanksgiving, ponder these things about God's creation.

Popcorn, Thanksgiving, and Heaven Have Something in Common: A wonderful message from the Thanksgiving celebration. 

5 Kernels of Corn: This true story about the Pilgrims will bless you and build your faith. 

Don't Give God Your Leftovers: A spiritual truth worth remembering when we dig into those Thanksgiving leftovers.

Black Friday and Good Friday: An interesting comparison of Black Friday and Good Friday.

 

Bible Love Notes