At All Times

While Gail is recovering from her hip replacement, some of Gail's friends will be sharing several times a week. Today's guest post is by Cathy Libby.* 

The other morning, I woke up grouchy and was becoming more discouraged by the minute.

Then the Lord turned my thoughts to His Word. I remembered what I should be doing "at all times." By obeying these truths, my attitude was transformed—and so was my day!

At all times, the Lord wants us to:

💙 PRAISE HIM

"I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1

💙 THANK HIM

"At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father." Ephesians 5:20 AMPC

💙 TRUST HIM

"Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8

💙 PRAY TO HIM

"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." Ephesians 6:18 NLT

💙 REJOICE IN HIM

"Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing!" Philippians 4:4 ISV 

If we do these things, we will experience the Lord's peace:

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life's circumstances]. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 AMP

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Note: Several of these "at all times" verses were sent to me years ago by a dear Bible school friend who was then serving the Lord in Thailand. The theme stuck in my mind and heart. These verses, along with the few I've added to the collection since then, have been a help to me many times. My prayer is that they'll be a help to you too! ~ Cathy

For more on this truth, please see We Need It: Peace.

* Cathy Libby is the editor for my Bible Love Notes devotions. She and her husband are from the U.S., but they are committed to lifetime ministry in Suriname, where they have lived for over 40 years. She is a special friend and a wonderful, godly example to me. To read how Cathy became my editor before we'd ever met, see More than I Could Have Imagined. ~ Gail

Thoughts on My 55th Wedding Anniversary

My husband and I married in 1970, and 55 years later, he’s still my best friend. I love his personality and trust his wisdom, and I owe it all to that time after we were married when I Fell in Love with Another Man. 

Michael also fell in love with this Man named Jesus, and He revolutionized our lives and our marriage. 

Here are two major things Christ taught us:

1. Forgiveness

Marriages often sour because spouses refuse to let go of past problems. My husband and I try to obey Ephesians 4:26-27:

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

When we have an argument, we talk it through, trying to understand the other's point of view. We forgive each other, and we don’t keep lists of past sins. 

2. Priority

God gave us marriage for many wonderful reasons, providing a physical, emotional, and spiritual closeness not found in any other human relationship (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:31-33). 

We should be deliberate about setting aside times to talk and laugh together, times to share what’s on our hearts, times to pray together, and times to simply enjoy each other. 

My prayer for you on my anniversary is that you would let God bless your marriage and other relationships with these and other biblical principles.

If you want an expanded version of my thoughts on marriage, check out Thoughts from My 50 Years of Marriage, written 5 years ago. 

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Why I Don't Steal

If my conscience didn’t bother me, I’d probably break the eighth commandment and steal (Exodus  20:15). 

Not shoplifting or robbing banks, but keeping the extra change…letting the waiter forget to charge for dessert…using copyrighted materials on my blogs…fudging on my taxes. 

But I love Jesus, so my conscience does bother me. I can’t do those things because lying is not part of my Savior's character, and my goal is to follow Him (Ephesians 5:8-11). 

It’s natural for us to feel guilty when we violate God’s commands because a sense of right and wrong is written on our hearts (Romans 2:15). And when we become Christians, Christ gives us new hearts that are even more sensitive to sin. We don't want to sin because we love Jesus (1 John 5:3).

I’m glad my conscience bothers me. It’s a sign that I have Christ’s spirit. If I quit listening to my conscience, it "fades" and loses its power in my life. When a person ignores their conscience long enough, they lose all sensitivity to sin (1 Timothy 4:2).

So take time today to thank God for your conscience. It's a blessing because it's the way God keeps our fingers from the flames!

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For more insights, see Can We Afford It? It offers some interesting insights into shoplifting. 

If you've purchased Wisdom for Life, I suggest you read or reread Day 74 to reinforce the truths in this devotion. 💙 If you haven't purchased Wisdom for Life, check out the sales on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.

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Don’t Jump Over the First Circle!

By Marika Marton*

Not long ago, I learned something very important while reflecting on the will of God—particularly His will for us personally. 

I realized that we cannot discern God’s specific will for our lives unless we first obey the commands and follow the principles in His Word.

 

I imagined myself standing inside a circle that represented God’s revealed will. Around it was a larger circle, symbolizing His specific will for my life.

Psalm 37:23 says: "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”

We cannot just “jump over” the first circle, as many of us might wish to do, and find out God’s specific will. First we must be faithful to do what we already know pleases Him. Then He will lead us step by step into a deeper understanding of His specific guidance for our lives.

Sometimes, God gives us freedom of choice within the second circle—but only if we are living according to the principles of the first.

For example, it might not matter whether you accept one job or another. What matters far more is that you become an exemplary worker who reflects Christ in the workplace.

Or perhaps God gives you freedom in choosing where to live. In that case, the real issue is your motivation—why you want to go there.

So today, if you are seeking to know God’s specific will, make sure you first read His Word and obey what you already know pleases Him.

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See also: 7 Steps for Discerning God's Will. 

* Marika lives in Subotica, Serbia. She is the translator for the Hungarian Bible Love Notes A szeretet üzenete, the administrator for the Serbian Bible Love Notes Biblijske Crtice Ljubavi, and the admin for Bible Love Notes English and foreign social media pages. Plus, she is my special friend. I will occasionally be featuring a devotion from Marika on Bible Love Notes. ~ Gail 

💙The Bible Love Notes devotional Wisdom for Life features one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs. You'll find some great sale prices on this hardcover devotional on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD. 

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

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He Thought He'd Insulted Me by Calling Christians "Sheeple"

Several years ago, a rude atheist left this comment on the Bible Love Notes Facebook page: "Gosh, you sheeple are really pathetic if you need an imaginary friend to make sense of your miserable lives."  (If you haven't heard the term sheeple before, see the note at the bottom.)

I responded this way:
 
What you call "imaginary" I know as fact, a fact that has changed my life forever. What you call "pathetic," I know as joy and peace that keeps me from saying mean things to others, even when they say mean things to me. What you call "miserable," I know as true and abundant life in Christ. No need to feel sorry for me. "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Writing Bible Love Notes has introduced me to many such atheists. Perhaps they don't represent all atheists, but they prove that rejecting God makes some people very grumpy.

They vehemently deny having a religious faith, but they bet their future on the unproven claim that there is no God. And they have such great faith in human theories like evolution that they ignore the obvious proofs of God in creation (Romans 1:18-20). They are the blind followers (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Let's pray that this man and others like him will realize that being called sheeple is no insult when you're following the Good Shepherd. In fact, their insults are blessings according to Christ (see Matthew 5:11). 

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See also  "Use Your Brain" - The Origin of this Rude Atheistic Argument and the Bite Size Bible study The Atheist's Insult: "Sheeple."

 

Note: I'd never heard the term sheeple before, but this man didn't invent it. It's a derogatory term combining "people" and "sheep," meaning persons who don't think for themselves and don't research things but simply go along with whatever they're told. Of course, that's not true for genuine Christians. Like the Bereans, we are supposed to check out everything that is said and compare it with God's Word (Acts 17:11).

 

 

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Treasures in Heaven

While Gail is recovering from her hip replacement, some of Gail's friends will be sharing several times a week. Today's guest post is by Arvid Cowell.*

 

As a Christian for 33 years and a ministry fundraiser for 25 years, I have studied much about stewardship. 

 

Asking someone for financial support without first giving myself is not even an option. My wife and I have a budget; the first line item is always “giving.” We look at it as a “thank you” to God for His blessings. 

 

We want to see thousands in heaven someday, celebrating the small part we played in their decision to follow Christ.

The Bible mentions money-related concepts over 2,000 times. Jesus discussed money in about 15% of His teachings. 

 

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus speaks of storing up “treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”   

 

The lesson here is that your heart will follow your money. 

 

If you invest in the Kingdom of God, your heart will grow in love for what God loves.

 

I encourage you to do some research and invest in God’s Kingdom. There are innumerable Christian nonprofits that are doing wonderful work in “Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (see Acts 1:8). 

 

The Bible promises you will be blessed in some way (see Luke 6:38). But of much more importance, you will bless others. The world is hurting, and God uses His church and His people to “comfort those who are in any affliction” (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). 

 

Go and be a blessing today!

 

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For more insights, see Is 10% Biblical and Where's Your Bank?

 

* Arvid is the Advancement Director for a wonderful ministry called Multiplication Network, equipping leaders with the tools to strengthen and multiply healthy churches all over the globe. He's also one of our friends.

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The Beauty of Confession and Forgiveness

While Gail is recovering from her hip replacement, some of Gail's friends will be sharing several times a week. Today's guest post is by Lori Hatcher.*

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another.” James 5:16 

Sandy called a friend to confess something she’d done forty years earlier. Then she asked her for forgiveness. “I wanted to have a clean conscience on the day when I see Jesus face to face,” Sandy said. Thankfully, her friend loves Jesus too. She forgave Sandy as Jesus had forgiven her. Today their friendship is closer than ever.

Having a committed relationship to Jesus often requires us to confess our sins to Him and ask for forgiveness. When we do, we’re free to enjoy unhindered fellowship with Him. Keeping short accounts with the people in our lives also positively affects our human relationships. 

Whether we’re cultivating a sweet relationship with God or with others, confession and forgiveness should always be a part of our interaction. 

Sadly, people don’t always grant forgiveness the way Sandy’s friend so graciously did, but this doesn’t absolve us of our responsibility to seek it. Romans 12:17-18 says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 

Thankfully, God always forgives. First John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

With God’s help, let’s be quick to confess and ask forgiveness—of God and of others.

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For more encouragement to repent, see Rock Your World.

* Lori Hatcher and I met at a writers' conference in 2010 before I started Bible Love Notes, and we've been friends ever since.

Lori is the author of six devotionals with Our Daily Bread Publishing. Her latest book, Lord, I Believe: 60 Devotions for Your Troubled Heart, offers sixty solid reasons to trust God. Lori blogs at Refresh. To see her other books, check out her author page.

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5 Ways to Restore Your Fervor for Christ

Some people make Christ a peripheral part of their lives, only praying when they have a problem, only reading Scripture in church, and deciding they don't have time for a Bible study or small group. 

They never realize what blessings they miss!

I know that many of my readers have a stronger relationship than this, but let me offer some ways we can make sure our relationship with Christ has the right priority in our lives (Matthew 6:33): 

1. Get involved with people who stimulate you to love and good deeds, helping you apply Scripture to your life (Hebrews 10:24).

2. Read your Bible regularly and deliberately, applying it to your current problems, decisions, and plans (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3. If you're struggling with a sin problem, ask one of your Christian friends to help keep you accountable (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

4. Pray about everything! (Philippians 4:6)

5. Ask God to restore your “first love,” and don't let anyone or anything distract you from that purpose (Matthew 24:12; Revelation 2:4-5).

There is nothing more important in our lives than our relationship with Christ!! And the more we make Him part of our daily life, the more we realize what blessings we missed when we followed Him half-heartedly.

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See 5 Benefits of a Coffee Date with Jesus and Why the Bible Is Like Dark Chocolate.

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. It's easy. It's free. Just fill in your email address HERE.

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Let’s Not Be Glory Grabbers!

While Gail is recovering from her hip replacement, some of Gail's friends will be sharing several times a week. Today's guest post is by Dawn Marie Wilson.*

 

I recently decided to study the glory of God, encouraged by a verse in Romans that was presented in my Sunday school class. I admit that before that, I hadn’t paid much attention to Paul’s benediction in Romans 16:27: “To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ.” 
 

But as I've studied this verse and others, what I’m learning about the “God of glory” and Jesus, “the radiance of God’s glory,” is enlightening, challenging, and convicting. 
 

First, God has intrinsic (natural, permanent) glory, essential glory that highlights the magnitude of His worth, character, and actions. Glory flows from His beautiful, holy nature and all of His attributes. 

 

Second, as we give Him credit for who He is, what He’s done, and what He does through us, we acknowledge and honor His glory (1 Chronicles 16:29). 

 

All glory belongs to God alone (Isaiah 42:8)! We experience His glory through the Lord Jesus (John 1:14). We are made to reflect God's glory, not our own. 

 

It’s horrendous to seek glory for ourselves, to become “glory grabbers,” exalting ourselves instead of God. King Herod discovered this (see Acts 12:21-23). Some prideful Christian leaders and televangelists seek their own glory, and we can do this, too, if we aren't careful. 

 

The remedy for glory-grabbing is humility and offering sincere praise to God because He alone is worthy. 

 

We were created to honor God now and forever, not grab glory for ourselves.  

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For some additional insights on God's glory, see A Tiny Lady Bug and an Awesome Creator.

 

* Dawn Marie Wilson is a Bible teacher and author who has served in church and para-church revival ministry for fifty-plus years. She writes for Crosswalk.com and Arise Daily Devos, and she blogs at Truth Talk with Dawn. Her co-authored book is Truth Talk for Hurting Hearts: Discover Peace and Comfort Through God’s Perspective.

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How Anyone Can Become a Social Media Evangelist!

Even if you don't use social media, let this devotion encourage you to find witnessing opportunities in other areas of your life.

Social media can make us discouraged, disappointed, and angry—or comforted, encouraged, and happy. 

Angry political posts and posts from liberal celebrities get the most attention, and Satan uses them to propagandize the majority and tempt the minority to give up their values and follow the crowd.  

Social media algorithms and practices hinder good content and propel bad content. For example, in the last few years, our Bible Love Notes Facebook posts featuring Scripture images and biblical devotions rarely go out to more than 1% of those who follow our page.

So let's become social media evangelists on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram (Ephesians 5;15-16).

1. Let's encourage ourselves with positive biblical posts by visiting Christian pages, reading good devotions, and sharing godly content on our page.

2. Let's avoid content that discourages us or draws us away from our faith. 

3. Let's pray for our friends and leave encouraging comments on their posts.

4. Let's realize that no matter how many social media friends we have, we have a Friend who surpasses them all (John 15:15). 

Facebook, Pinterest, X(Twitter), and Instagram can be a source of joy and ministry for Christians if we use them intentionally.

For more encouragement to take advantage of opportunities in everyday life to share Christ, see Listening for Opportunities and Always Witnessing.

And please read today's notes if you use Facebook or Pinterest:

Facebook

If you use Facebook, please commit a few minutes to "ministry" whenever you connect: 

Use one of these direct links to our three pages: 

Bible Love Notes: our main page that features Scripture images and Bible Love Notes devotions, past and present.

Psalms and Proverbs: our page that features images from Psalms and Proverbs and past and present BLN devotions.

Doors of Joy: our page that features something I've always loved—pictures of doors with Scriptures, plus BLN devotions.

And be sure to like and share the pictures and devotions you especially like. We also have a Bible Love Notes Discussion group, where you can leave your thoughts about each day's devotions. 

Pinterest

If you're on Pinterest, please commit a few minutes to ministry:

First, follow the Bible Love Notes Pinterest page. Then go to our page regularly to see a variety of devotions to encourage yourself.

 

Pinterest used to let you read the devotion simply by clicking on the image. Now you must put your cursor on the picture and click "visit site" or click the title of the devotion. That will take you to the devotion so you can read it. When you read, like, and share BLN devotions, you help get God's Word into more people's Pinterest feeds. 

Bible Love Notes also has an Instagram page and X account that we'd love for you to follow if you use either of them. 

Many Christian media and blog sites are charging for devotions and videos. Bible Love Notes will continue to offer our subscriptions 100% free. Telling your friends about our free subscriptions is another way to share Christ. You can send your friends this link: Find Out More.

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