+DEV+ Consider It Pure Joy

Date: April 30, 2015 12:18 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Consider It Pure Joy

Consider It Pure Joy

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Scripture Focus: James 1:1-18

Physical fitness programs are popular these days (and especially when the New Year rolls around!). We spend much time and money for our rigorous training regimes. Does the same attitude prevail toward training in spiritual fitness? Probably not, though our spiritual condition will take us into eternity. 

A qualified trainer is an asset to a person trying to "get in shape." For our spiritual fitness, nothing could surpass having the precious Holy Spirit alongside. He doesn't find fault. He shows the best way to tackle each challenge. He knows what we are capable of. And even when it seems the struggle will not end, the Holy Spirit will always provide a way out so that we can stand up under the trial (vs. 13b). Our trials and temptations will not outlast the faithfulness and compassion of Jesus. 

For now, James' instruction to "consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials" may be a stretch. But even when our stamina fades and we feel like giving up, we know that our loving Savior is faithful.

Insight:  "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ God’s Plan For Us

Date: April 28, 2015 11:35 PM

Topic: +DEV+  God’s Plan For Us

God’s Plan For Us

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Scripture Focus: Philippians 3:7-21

Saul, the young man who was to become the Apostle Paul, knew what it was to strive to please God by fulfilling requirements of the religion in which he'd been raised. He vigorously opposed anything that was outside of his system of beliefs. All that was so important to him fell away when he met the risen Christ. He had studied about God. But then he met his living Lord. 

The religion that once had spawned Saul's hatred and persecution of those who did not conform took on a whole new dimension. The truths he had studied now came alive. He had met the One the prophets foretold, and his life was filled with joy and purpose. All that mattered was to know Christ and complete God's assignment. Until his death, Paul loved and served his Lord wholeheartedly. 

God has a plan for each of us, too. How it unfolds may be as surprising and dramatic as the changes that came for Saul. On the other hand, His plan may be more subtle in our lives, unfolding with each New Year and drawing us closer to Jesus.

Insight: To know and serve the Lord Jesus gives meaning and purpose to life.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ His Perfect Time

Date: April 28, 2015 9:20 AM

Topic: +DEV+  His Perfect Time

His Perfect Time

"Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great 

endurance and patience..." Colossians 1:11

Scripture Focus: Colossians 1:1-14

We read in Genesis 31-33 of Jacob's journey back to his homeland to be reunited with Esau, his brother. Through years of hard work and difficulty, God changed Jacob from the deceiver he was as a young man to a husband and father with growing responsibilities. Jacob met with God - even wrestled with Him - and was left a different man... still not perfect by any means, but a work in progress, God's man through whom His promises would continue. 

Our Father knows us better than we know ourselves. He may step in to slow us down when we rush into a venture with brazen confidence. He may nudge us forward when a task seems overwhelming. In every case He extends loving patience while we learn, guiding us with His wisdom until the work is complete. He led the children of Israel into the land He promised them little by little so they were prepared and equipped for each new development. We can slip our hand into His, receiving strength and direction for this New Year as He opens the way before us in His perfect time.

Insight: Our times - past, present and future - are in his hands.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Rejoice In The Lord Always

Date: April 22, 2015 12:56 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Rejoice In The Lord Always

Rejoice In The Lord Always

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4

If your like me, you are thinking, "Paul, how can you expect me to rejoice in my current circumstances? You can't possibly know what I'm going through." If you read 2 Corinthians 11 or Acts 16, you will see that the Apostle Paul did indeed understand trials and suffering. Yet through all of his suffering, he had joy. In fact, the words for "joy" and "rejoice" appear 16 times in this short letter which Paul wrote from prison! 

Where does this joy and rejoicing come from? Would I have been marked by that kind of joy through all of my years in prison? Paul urges us that, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure...think about such things" (vs.8-9). Jesus is truth incarnate. Jesus is noble; He is the King of kings. Jesus is right; He is the Righteous One. Jesus is pure as the Lamb of God without spot or blemish. If you want to have joy and rejoicing, follow Paul's example and meditate on Christ and what He has done for you. "The God of peace will be with you" (vs. 9).

Insight: Peace and joy come from a life that is grounded in Christ, focused on Christ and lived for Christ.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm