Tag: God’s help

June 7, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Sin Repellent

Opening Verse

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Galatians 5:17 (KJV)

Introduction

The struggle with our flesh is like dealing with a persistent gnat that never seems to go away. Just when we think we have gotten rid of it, it comes back, distracting and irritating us. How do we find relief from this constant battle?

Devotional Story

Imagine sitting outside on a warm summer evening, trying to enjoy a peaceful moment. Suddenly, a tiny gnat starts buzzing around your face. You swat at it, trying to chase it away, but it keeps coming back. No matter how much you try to ignore it, the gnat’s presence is relentless, ruining your peace.

This gnat is like our fleshly desires—persistent, annoying, and always trying to steal our focus from God. The more we try to fight it on our own, the more it seems to pester us. However, just as there is a repellent to keep the gnat away, there is protection available for us against the flesh.

What This Means

Turning to God is our repellent against the flesh. When we rely on our own strength, we find ourselves swatting endlessly, but when we turn to God, His Spirit gives us the power to overcome. His Word acts as a shield, His presence as our refuge, and His love as our motivation to live a life pleasing to Him.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you feel constantly pestered by the flesh? Have you been trying to swat away these temptations and struggles on your own? Consider turning to God as your first line of defense. Spend time in prayer, immerse yourself in Scripture, and trust in His power to protect and guide you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have been trying to battle my fleshly desires on my own. I am tired and weary from this constant struggle. Please be my strength and my shield. Help me to turn to You first and rely on Your Spirit to overcome the flesh. Thank You for Your protection and Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

May 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Cry for Help

Opening Verse

“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.”
Psalm 69:1-3 KJV

Introduction

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, like we’re drowning in our troubles. The psalmist in Psalm 69 knew this feeling well and cried out to God in his distress.

Devotional Story

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. She was eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp. In the camp, Corrie experienced unimaginable suffering and loss, including the death of her sister. The conditions were horrifying, and the constant threat of death loomed over her.

One night, in the depths of despair, Corrie cried out to God, feeling completely abandoned and overwhelmed by her circumstances. She felt like she was sinking in deep mire, just as the psalmist described. But even in that darkest moment, Corrie held onto her faith, believing that God was with her. Despite the cruelty around her, she continued to pray and trust in God’s deliverance.

Miraculously, Corrie survived the concentration camp. After the war, she dedicated her life to spreading the message of forgiveness and reconciliation, sharing her story of faith and survival with the world. Her experiences, chronicled in her book “The Hiding Place,” have inspired countless people to trust in God during their darkest times.

What This Means

Just like Corrie ten Boom, we all face moments when we feel overwhelmed. Psalm 69 reminds us that it’s okay to cry out to God. It’s okay to admit that we need His help. When we feel like we’re drowning, God hears our cries and comes to our aid. Corrie’s story shows us that even in the most desperate circumstances, God’s presence and love can sustain us. Her unwavering faith in God’s goodness, even in the face of evil, is a powerful reminder that God never abandons us.

Think About This

  • Have you ever felt like you were sinking under the weight of your problems?
  • How did you find comfort and strength during those times?
  • Are there areas in your life right now where you need to cry out to God for help?
  • How can Corrie ten Boom’s story inspire you to trust in God’s saving power?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come to You feeling overwhelmed by our troubles. Just as the psalmist cried out for Your saving hand, we too ask for Your help. Lift us out of the deep waters and place us on solid ground. Strengthen us and give us hope. Thank You for the story of Corrie ten Boom, which reminds us of Your unwavering presence and love. Help us to trust in You, no matter how dark our circumstances may seem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.”
Psalm 71:14 KJV