Devotional Time with God

In this world, especially when dealing with other people, being happy is so hard to establish.  It’s even harder to keep. The normal thing that happens are disappointment, sadness, pain, and anguish.  Joy and happiness are so few.  Sometimes I had to dig deep to find it.  By my own strength, the joy that I felt were fleeting and inconsistent.  Eventually, I’ll just feel worn down, emotionally, physically, and yes, even spiritually.

Thankfully, the more consistent and powerful joy is available, and all I have to do is tap in to God’s promises:

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

He is my strength. He is the source of my happiness. My life’s challenges can only be solved by knowing He’s with me.  I need to have the desire to work hard, but I also need to have a joyful attitude! The hope that’s in God drives me every day of my life.

The love of God gives me joy!

But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.

2 Corinthians 12:9

The Lord gives strength to those who are weary.Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.

Isaiah 40:29-31

Christ gives me the strength to face anything.

Philippians 4:13

Many times I’ve wondered, how am I going to go through this problem at work? When am I going to resolve these marriage issues? How am I suppose to be a good dad and husband? How can I help when I need help myself?  These are my moments of weakness. My self-doubt. My pity-party.  There were times that I felt I couldn’t do anything, at all!

But the bible teaches one important lesson:  Go with Christ!  When I go through trouble, with Jesus, I’m safe!  I’m able! I will reach my goal.  I will have confidence.  That is His promise. That’s what I’m holding on to!

Jesus is the source of my strength.  I shall depend on Him in all the things I do, because I can’t do it all by myself!

Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God’s Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one that is in the world.

1 John 4:4

With the Holy Spirit, God promised that I’ll have the strength to deal with life on this earth. Things are not going to be easy for Christians and it will not be all good, all the time. There’ll be trouble and the Holy Spirit will guide me.

I’ll always ask for the annointing of the Holy Spirit, because then I’ll receive the fruit of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”. (Galatians 5:22-23)

I remembered the first time I accepted Christ. I was excited. I was ready to learn, contribute, and do something for God.

Then, the church decided to give me medial jobs – to pack up the chairs, help haul away the musical instruments.  Nothing significant. Nothing people would notice. I was a teenager.  I needed something more so people would notice me.  I wanted to make an impression.  I wanted something more significant.

Little did I know I have to keep working on it.  I have to be able to overcome many things, including my pride and vanity.  I need to experience the triumphs of being a Christian, such as leading people to Christ, pray for others, serve others, and turning away from sins and temptations of sins.  I failed all of that. I turned away from Christ and rejoined the world again: selfish, prideful, care free, blasphemous, and unteachable.

Over ten years later, I realized what a fool I’ve been. I saw the consequences of being away from God for so long. My life went no where. My priorities were wrong. I could’ve been somebody – but instead I was just drifting, not setting roots, felt so lonely and lost.  That’s when I met my wife and I returned to the path that God had originally set for me.  I set my life straight with Jesus, again. I’ve accomplished a lot since then and felt useful again.

I experienced victory. Long after my early years of accepting Christ.  I want to keep this fire alive. Not be shaken by this world or the devil’s temptations. My Jesus is stronger and I will stay faithful, as He’s faithful to me (Hebrews 13:5). God is my strength. I will always have His victory!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

When I focus on Jesus, there’s nothing I can’t accomplish. Jesus gives me the power and knowledge to handle any situations. I draw my strength from Him, to guide me through this treacherous and unforgiving life.  I know there’s hope.  I know there’s hope.  I know there’s Jesus who enables me.

Thank you Jesus, for providing me strength when I need it.  You’re the cornerstone. You’re the rock. You’re the foundation of my life. I believe you when you said this because it is written.  I take in your word and I take you into my life. Dwell in me, O Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:27a

Everyday, I need to conduct myself in a manner that is consistent and worth of Jesus. When Jesus said, love others, I must do that to all of my co-workers, neighbors, and even my so-called enemies!  When Jesus said “follow me”, I must put Him as a priority in my life above all others, including my own family!

Lord, please help me be do’er of your word. Let me be the light that shines for you. I’m building this lighthouse on a solid foundation of Jesus Christ, the maker of all things right. Thank you for your guidance and strength. Amen.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

James 1:19–20

Pastor Rick once said, God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we should be listening more than speaking. This verse additionally tells me to not get angry too easily.  Instead, I should be listening more intently, with understanding and compassion.  Then I may talk with kindness, and the very last thing I should do is get angry.

Should I get angry at all? The Message version of the Bible summarized it like this:

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

I should not get angry with evil intentions. If I find myself wanting to speak or act in anger, I must let God be the one doing the talking and acting. God does not react in evil ways. He’s the author of life and the knows everyone’s future. He’s the only perfect solution to any problem.

I plant myself with God’s word, so I may yield fruitful life and relationships. Self-righteous anger is not right.  God-centered solution is what I need, with strength under pressure.