Sunday, March 9, 2014

40 Day Devotionals 2014 Day 5

Today was a great day of rest for me. I slept in, did some errands, got a haircut with my wife, went and grabbed a quick dinner, and am know sitting down to write this. However, the day did end with me spending about an hour working on a lesson for youth group.
 I really do try to take one day off a week. It doesn't always work out that way though. For some reason my weeks tend to get away from me. I've had people try to give me advice, I've tried it, it works sometimes. The reality is, I have way too much to do. Then when I get thrown a curve-ball that takes away some work hours, like this week, I get behind for sure. It seems I have to build in some time ever week for a curve-ball or "fire."
This makes me think of God. If I have a lot to do, I can only imagine what God has to handle. Obviously we have an understanding that God can handle everything. That everything comes from Him so all must be easy for Him. I find that hard to believe sometimes. I have enough trouble with my life. Now with my life including my wife and a soon to be little one, that seems over whelming. I have to let an Awesome God handle my life. I know that if I try to raise my son/daughter my way and not God's way, I will be in trouble. I know that if I want to handle my marriage my way and not God's way, I will be in trouble. I know that if I try to handle my life my way instead of God's way, I will be in trouble. These are things I am still learning, but I am noticing, the better I am at letting Him do it, the more free my life feels, and the way more relaxing my time off actually is.



Day 5
Scripture
Romans 8:26 - 28
-          In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Wisdom
-          Have you ever had trouble praying? How do you handle it when you can’t have a conversation with someone? Do you shy away? The awesome part about our God is He already thought of that. He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions towards Him in prayer and in action.
-          Some people question whether the Lord is truly in control. They learn about tragedies in the world and wonder if perhaps God isn’t powerful enough to overcome all evil. Or they encounter what seems like an insurmountable obstacle in their own life and come to the conclusion, maybe His power is limited.
-          The terms omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient are frequently used to describe Him. In other words, our God is all-powerful, He exists everywhere, and He is all-knowing, which means there is nothing beyond His knowledge or His ability to direct and manage.
-          Rest in this awesome truth, God takes care of His children; you are a child of God.
Apply
-          Do you question God’s power just because something bad happened to you or around you?
-          If you believe that God is “all-powerful” is that just head knowledge or does that affect the way you act, think, or feel?
-          How does it affect your life knowing that God will take care of you?
Prayer
-          Be still, meditate on the fact that God is in control of your life. Now think about what you need to life up to God. Let the Spirit guide your words to the Father. Slow down and ask God to give you some of that power to do work for Him. Praise Him for the beautiful creation that you are and for the gifts you daily receive. Ask Him to help those in need and heal those that are suffering.

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