“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. – Matthew 26:40

Have you ever stretched out on your sofa watching the big game or a favorite movie and you suddenly fall asleep and miss knowing how it ends? Oh, the frustration. You missed the best part.

Peter, James and John had that experience when they fell asleep. It was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had told his disciples to stay and pray, while He went to the Garden to pray.

He asked these three to accompany Him. As He went to pray, He gave them one assignment… “stay here awake and pray.” They fell asleep.

On the precipice of the greatest moment in history, they fell asleep. They missed the moment. More importantly they missed an opportunity for discipleship.

When asked by Jesus to do something, have you ever fallen asleep? I know I have. He calls, I snooze. But the real question is have you learned and grown from such an experience and have you gone on to a greater level of discipleship?

The good news about these three disciples falling asleep while Jesus went to pray is that God used this event as a teachable moment for them. They grew up after this event. It motivated them to go into deeper discipleship.

You and I fall asleep, too when we should have stayed awake. Let’s learn from the disciples’ mistakes and determine to go deeper as we follow the Master.

Consider how you have gone to sleep on Jesus and determine how you can learn, grow and follow Him more closely.

Pray: Lord, I know I have let you down and you have lovingly lifted me up. May I continue to grow and serve you more closely. Expand my territory. Make me a better disciple and fix my eyes on you.

By John Grant
Used by Permission

John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

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Even Though

Take His hand, even though it means letting go of what you are holding on to.

Please His heart, even though it may not please others.

Wait for His time, even though your desire is to get it done now.

Obey His Word, even though you hear something different that is popular.

Follow His path, even though you see a valley ahead.

Trust His wisdom, even though you want to do it differently.

Give Him praise, even though you are going through something unpleasant.

Be at rest, even though you have every reason to worry or fear.

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 (NASB)

By Roy Lessin
https://roy.dayspring.com/

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Read: Ezekiel 36:25-28

A Heart That Responds to God

The Lord wants to give each of us a heart of flesh. In other words, He wants our hearts to remain tender, open, and responsive to Him.

When God touches a tender heart, it yields to His direction. Like clay in the hands of a potter, it can be shaped with care. Rather than resisting, a soft heart allows God to form it into the vessel He desires.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

God has given the Holy Spirit to every believer. Through His presence, we receive help to hear and respond to God.

As we follow His guidance, our hearts become softer. In addition, we become more aware of His leading. Each act of obedience also prepares us to understand more of God’s Word.

A tender heart accepts what God teaches. More importantly, it puts His truth into practice.

What Causes a Heart to Harden?

Resistance to God can cause the heart to become hard. For example, this may happen when we ignore His direction or refuse to deal with sin.

Those who remain close to Christ respond differently. When they recognize sin, they deal with it quickly. Afterward, they return to a place of obedience and fellowship with God.

Intimacy with Christ grows as we submit to Him. As a result, we become more willing to receive His correction, guidance, and blessing.

A Tender Heart Toward Others

People with tender hearts stay connected to the body of Christ. They also look for ways to encourage others and strengthen their faith.

Furthermore, they remain willing to learn. God may speak through Scripture, prayer, or another believer. Therefore, a tender person listens carefully and stays open to correction.

A teachable heart does not assume it already knows everything. Instead, it welcomes truth and allows God to bring lasting change.

Let God Shape Your Heart

This week, ask God to soften your heart as you read the Bible and pray.

When He reveals an area that has become hard, pay attention. First, listen carefully to His instruction. Then, rely on the Holy Spirit for the strength to obey.

Do not resist the work God wants to do in you. Instead, allow Him to shape your thoughts, choices, and desires. In His hands, your life can become a beautiful and useful vessel.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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Ever found yourself up against a Red Sea—hemmed in, with nowhere to turn?

Ever faced a wall too high and too strong, with no way over or through?

Have your circumstances caused you to long for previous, even loathsome days—like the Israelites who said it would have been better to be back in Egypt, serving the Egyptians?

“It would have been better to still be ‘back there’ than swallowed up with THESE circumstances.”

It’s at times like these when the Lord says:

“Stand still . . .See. . . ” (Exodus 14:13)
Watch what I will do.
You have nothing to do but be silent.

Oswald Chambers once said:“Dare I really let God be to me all that He says He will be?” “My Utmost for His Highest,”

When the Israelites had nowhere to turn and God said He would act, they dared to let Him be for them all He said He would be.

They stopped, stood still—marched silently around an impossible wall—and watched God work.

Because He said He would.

The sea split open.
The walls fell down.

They crossed through their frightening circumstances.
They marched around their greatest fear.

Because God said He would work.

They had nothing to do but be silent.

Someone has defined “rest” as to “cease striving.”

When the children of Israel let their faith rest, they watched God work.

God stepped in, because He was capable of doing what they couldn’t.

They rested in who their God is. They watched silently.

They passed through (Hebrews 11:29); they took the city (Joshua 6)—only after God had worked.

They did what God said, because He said He would do it.

Have you ever found yourself against a Red Sea, a wall like Jericho’s, a circumstance, a need, a dream, an ache that only God could conquer?

He is able.

Rest.

Dare to let God be for you all He has said He will be.

Faith that rests will watch God work.

Every time.

“Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. . .
Rest in the Lord.” Psalm 37:5,7

By Bethany Hayes
Used by Permission

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“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

In the space of a few short months, it felt as if rocks were crushing me one after another. I lost my mother unexpectedly. My husband suddenly lost his job of 24 years. We had to uproot from our comfortable small town and move to a huge, unfamiliar city to find employment. Once there, we still had to be caregivers for two elderly relatives.

My health finally crashed from the weight of all these stones. Then our oldest son dropped a boulder. He had turned his back on God and wanted nothing more to do with him, mocking him and his Holy Word.

I believed the promise in 1 Corinthians 10:3 and had seen it fulfilled many times before. But how could I handle the spiritual death of my firstborn? Did I fail as a mother? I cried out to God from the anguish of my heart.

God faithfully provided a way of escape in a most unexpected way. A ten-year-old boy in our new church had recently lost his beloved grandmother. He swiftly “adopted” me as a surrogate, even sitting next to me in the pew. That physical contact from a bereft and loving child saved my faith from being hopelessly crushed.

While our prayers may not be answered in the way we want, God will respond to our cries. Instead of despairing that things are not turning out as we hoped, let’s keep our eyes open for the ways he begins to lift the weight from pressing on our lives and brings relief, stone by stone.

Lord, help me to grow in my faith and trust that you will always provide a way of escape when I am tempted to despair. Help me remember to simply look for it! Amen.

By Katy Huth Jones
Used by Permission

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The post The Rock Pile appeared first on Thoughts About God.

O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.” Psalm 3:1-8

Most of us have experienced an abrupt and unhappy ending to a chapter of our lives. Even though we are not ready to move on, we are forced to. David wrote Psalm 3 when he was forced to flee from his son, Absalom. David at this stage was a mature but still highly capable king. He had made mistakes and people were aware of his flaws, but to be evicted by his upstart son was initially beyond belief.

This is a good Psalm to read in moments of internal pain and painful public humiliation. It reminds us that when we get knocked off our secure pedestal, the God of all hurts is there to nourish us. No matter what happens to us, God’s comfort can still reach down and touch us.

Several years ago, we purchased a new puppy. We showed her our love and gave her good care. But I remember that one day I was sitting in my reading chair and placed her on the ottoman where my feet were propped up. She curled up and seemed to securely enjoy herself. Suddenly the phone rang and I got up to answer it. She stood up, looked over the edge at the floor below and began to whimper and shake, as she was in great fear and experiencing a high level of insecurity.

When I got off the phone, walked over to her and gently scratched under her chin. Instantly her fear was gone and she looked up with her big brown eyes as if to say that with my presence and gentle touch, she had nothing to fear.

God does that for us, making us to feel secure and look up to Him. When we struggle through our moments of distress, He is there to scratch us under our chin and look into our eyes with a message of calm assurance that He is in ultimate control of all of life’s circumstances and everything will be okay. We learn through our mistakes, but we also learn through God’s victories in our lives. He is the Lord of both the ups and downs of life. He is the Savior of all seasons of our life.

How has God comforted and encouraged you recently?

(a thought by John Grant)

by John Grant
used by permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

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“But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”  Psalm 31:14

Megan’s eyes no longer sparkled with the joy her mother remembered.  Dark circles traced her eyes.  She became dangerously thin.  Bobbi worried about her daughter.

Just months before, Megan left home to live with a group of friends.  She began withdrawing from her family and former classmates.  When Bobbi was denied access to her daughter, it raised the final red flag.

Bobbie was tempted to do something drastic, but she knew that wouldn’t solve her problem.  Well, it took years of prayer, patient understanding, pastoral counseling, and Godly love.  But Bobbi finally saw her daughter return to the Jesus she loved as a child.

Dear friend, bringing a loved one to Christ may take time.  Remember, the results aren’t up to you, they’re up to God.  Leave them in His capable hands and allow Him to guide you.

By Vonette Bright
used by permission

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“My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” Psalm 62:7

Thoughts on today’s verse

Who we are, what becomes of us in life, is in God’s hands. We cannot purchase or achieve lasting honor for ourselves without his blessing. We cannot secure the future or our safety without his protection and blessing. The basis of all achievement and glory is dependent upon us placing our lives in his care.

Prayer:

O Rock, Fortress of my life, I place myself in your care. Take charge of my future and use me for your glory. In you I take refuge, and on your strength I rely to make my days worthwhile. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission
from:  Phil’s daily devotionals on https://www.verseoftheday.com

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“Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.” Psalm 89:2 NLT

Do you ever question where you’re at in life?

Do you ever wonder why a certain thing happens to you and not to others? Maybe you lost your job but your friends have theirs. Or you’re sick. I can’t even guess what you are going through. And, friend, it can be so hard to understand why bad things happen, right?

Even though we may have many questions about life’s heartaches, it’s so important to know that God is still powerful. He is still on the throne.

Sometimes it’s only when we look back that we can understand the lesson through adversity. Or it can be the mistake we made so we can learn to improve in the future. Or someone else’s mistake.

Every moment of your life, even in adversity, is an opportunity for God to show you his love and faithfulness. Remember and believe that God loves you. His presence is with you. That’s why we can trust God, no matter what happens, because we know how much he loves us.

He can give me and you a new beginning in any area that we need. We can ask him for renewal, to transform.

Wait on him with hopefulness. I encourage you to rely on God. His love never fails. God can do beyond what you and I can imagine or think. It’s never too late for him to show his love.

David said, “What, what would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!” (Psalm 27:13 AMP, Classic Edition)

Heavenly Father, no matter what I have been through, I thank you for listening to me. I pray that you strengthen me in my faith so I will never ever forget that your love never fails and that you are with me.

Today: Think about the love that never fails. Stay thankful for God’s faithfulness.

By Fab Batsakis
Used by Permission

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Have you ever taken the time to evaluate your journey with God?

Are you growing in your love relationship with Him? You may be thinking, “Can you really know if you are growing spiritually?”

Yes, there are ways you can evaluate your spiritual growth. One way is to think through your prayer journey. Are you praying more? Because prayer is talking with God, ask yourself if your communication with Him is getting better.
I encourage you to take the time to think through your prayer journey. The following are some of the elements in my prayer journey that show me if I am growing spiritually:

Trust in His Promises
Am I trusting God and His promises more that I did twelve months ago?

“Up to this time, you have not asked a single thing in my name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full” (John 16:25).

Ask Specifically
Am I asking for specific things, or do I pray generally? You will recognize when your prayers are answered if you ask specifically.

“For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him. And then helping you do what He wants” (Philippians 2:13).

Intercession
Am I praying for others on a regular basis?

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone” (1Timothy 2:1).

Cultivate a Quiet Heart
Do I have a quiet heart? Panic and peace cannot occupy the same place.

“When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?” (Job 34:29).

Resting, Trusting, Leaning
Do I trust and rest in God, or do I let circumstances determined my feelings?

“But I have stilled and quieted my soul...” (Psalm 131:2).

Thankfulness, Praise and Worship

“A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most complete prayer.” – Gotthold Lessing

Spiritual Warfare
Do you dress yourself with the armour of God each day?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 5:12).

Pray Without Ceasing
Talk to God about everything.

“Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

“The real reason for prayer is intimacy with our Father.” – Oswald Chambers

Father, we know You want to have a close, growing relationship with us. Lord, we also want to know You more. Deep within our souls we want to know You. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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Vengeance is God’s. He will repay—whether ultimately on the Day of Judgment or intermediately in this life. God can discipline your abusive boss. He can bring your ex to his knees or to her senses. Forgiveness doesn’t diminish justice; it just entrusts it to God. He guarantees the right retribution.  The God of justice has the precise prescription.

Forgive your enemies? Ah, that’s where you and I come in. “Do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Paul wrote, “and do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Don’t give the devil territory or ground. Bitterness invites him to occupy a space in your heart, to rent a room. Believe me, he will move in and stink up the place! When it comes to forgiveness, all of us are beginners. Stay the course!

By Max Lucado
Used by Permission
From You’ll Get Through This

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:    
https://maxlucado.com/about-max/

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“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11 (NKJV)

Jesus, having all power and all authority, submitted His life to the authority of His Father. He consistently responded under authority, pointing back to the Father. The Father, in turn, rewarded His obedience and humility and exalted Him.

In our individualistic world, we try to avoid submission to authority. There’s a Chinese saying: It’s better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox. We want to be our own boss; make our own decisions; answer to no one. Truth is, we answer to the One.

Our act of saying yes, to make Jesus Lord of our life, is our primary act of submission. From that day onward we keep bringing our lives and our decisions before Him, acknowledging that there is One greater than we are. It’s a relationship of submission, rooted in our understanding that the Father loves us even more than we can comprehend. Jesus was no doormat, “He understood His worth” but His authority flowed out of a heart submitted to the Father. In that place He had the power to heal the sick, raise the dead and transform lives. That’s the place I want to live from today.

Reflect:
Who do you point back to?
What do you need to surrender to the Father today?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving me beyond my selfish human heart. Thank You that submission to You is a safe, beautiful and even powerful place. I submit my life to You today. May I live my life in such a way that I am consistently pointing back to You. In Jesus’ exalted Name, Amen.

By Idelette McVicker
used by permission

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