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A Devotional for the Anxious Heart: Romans 5:3-
Scripture: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4 ESV) Thought: These verses focus on the attitude and orientation of man. However, the way they are presented infers that God and his promises are worthy of both our patience and our suffering. He does not create circumstances for our suffering, but he certainly see us in our suffering and calls us to him. We can grow stronger in character and faith through our challenges and suffering. Application: Seek him always, but especially in the eye of the storm. He is doing a work in…
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A Devotional for the Anxious Heart: Psalm 34: 18-19
Scripture: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:18-19). Thought: God is compassionate and always near, especially in our brokenness. He doesn’t sometimes deliver, he always delivers if we seek him, albeit maybe not in the way we think. Needy and dependent, but in a good way. God, our father, wants to be there for us in everything, but especially our brokenness and deep sorrow. We are righteous when we seek him above all else. Application: We have, in our brokenness and need, often tried to hid…
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A Devotional for the Anxious Heart: Deuteronomy 31: 8
Scripture: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV) Thought: God is our faith and ever present leader. Because God is faithful and present, we can and must put our trust in him and never be afraid. Application: Joshua was being commission by Moses to lead the Israelites into the promise land. His commissioning was a really big deal. Regardless of the significance of his call, Moses said Joshua should still fully trust God. Our calling is to also follow God’s lead. To trust that he has gone…
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A Devotional for the Anxious Heart: James 1:2-4
Scripture: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness . And let that steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV) Thought: God is wise and all-knowing. He allows us to encounter difficult circumstances to mold us and shape us, but he is never far away. We should rejoice, even in our difficulties. God is using those difficulties to grow us. By our faith, we will emerge victorious. Application: It is hard to rejoice in suffering. The flesh wants to engage in self-pity and justifying worldly…