All tagged always

Coach Wooden and Protection against Sin

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, In God’s Presence

Protection against sinning; wouldn't we all like an invincible suit of armor, or some impenetrable costume like a super hero wears that could protect us from sin? Well this morning we find that such a covering is real, and it is available to each of us. The Word of God provides us with the defense we need against sin. It even goes a step further and gives us instructions on how to mend ourselves in the event we are injured when caught without the advantage of our protection, or too immature in our faith to protect ourselves. God's word is power and it is invincible but we must clothe ourselves in it.

The Catalyst in Prayer

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Beginning with Prayer

This morning my devotional reading spoke of the effect that prayer has on our hearts and, through our hearts, and it dealt with our fervent nature that seeks God. E.M. Bounds wrote that "Prayer in times of trouble tends to bring the spirit into perfect submission to the will of God, and delivers from everything like a rebellious heart or a critical spirit.... Prayer so prepares the heart that it softens under the disciplining hand of God." The Lord uses trouble in our lives as a tool to discipline and instruct us, but prayer is the catalyst that brings us into submission and knowledge.

Am I Talking to Hear Myself Talk?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Living God’s Word

Living our lives with Jesus is more than attaching a series of disjointed moments that have been separated by periods of time in which He is absent into something we then call our faith. God is never here and then gone, but is with us always and in all things. Our Lord Jesus doesn't abandon us to our own devices only to return once we have sufficiently screwed things up... He is with us always, and our relationship with Him is meant to be our unwavering focus.

The Light in every Night

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Light and Life

How black is the deep darkness that surrounds us? Do we think we are lost because we see no light before us? The light of our Lord God is never extinguished, even in the darkest places in our lives it shines. In hopelessness He is like a dim light in the distance on a pitch black night. His light still surrounds us, and we know this because when we turn to face Him our eyes see Him clearly, and we realize that His light has been with us all along… bathing us in His presence, and glory. Had this not been true you would have seen nothing when you turned.

Lifting Up Morning Prayer, in our Joy, or Sorrow

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Morning prayer

How do we begin and end each day? Do we open our eyes with praise and thanksgiving on our lips? Do we do this in the hard to times as well as the good? Relationships are built from constant attention, but they are made strong in times of hardship, sorrow, and suffering. In times like this we see what is true about our love as we lean on a friend, or share in a disappointment. Praising God is not meant to be a “Happy Time Only” event, and requires discipline as we come to Him EVERY day, and in ALL things.