Reading the Bible teaches us the character of God. He is compassionate, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (1). He is righteous (2) and just (3). He is humble and gentle. Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (4). Our God is powerful (5) to overcome nations (6). Our God is a fortress and a mighty rock (7). God is love (8). He is giving (9) and forgiving (10).

Think About It
Our God is good all the time. It is His nature. His love for us is unending, unconditional and unstoppable. Are you afraid or anxious? Are you worried or stressed? Are you suffering from sickness or loss? You can trust God because He loves you and wants to be your Friend. The next devotion in this series will discuss what God has done and what He can do for you when you put your faith in Him.

Pray About It
Thank you, Father God, for the Bible. Thank you that it tells us about you. Help us to believe and trust You for things that concern us. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Jesus visited the home of Martha whose sister was Mary and brother was Lazarus. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to what He had to say. This left Martha with all the preparations and she complained to Jesus, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work? Tell her to get up and help me." Jesus replied, "Martha, Martha, you are worried about many things, but only one is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her" (Luke 10:40-42).

Like Martha, we can get too busy. Our calendars are packed with things we have to do. We sacrifice time we would spend with our husband or family or our devotion time with God. We wake up and hit the floor running--work, meetings, sports, shopping, cooking, housework. The list goes on and on and on. If we ever slow down, we might feel burnout or wonder if it's all worth it. 

Jesus never intended us to race around like we do. He said Mary chose what is better--time with Him. It took me years to figure this out. Sometimes I think I was too late, but I learned when I spend time with God in the morning, He has a way of multiplying my time for other things. He also helps me prioritize what is really important. 

Think About It
Busyness robs us of time for relationships, We miss the blessings of time spent with God. Busyness creates stress and anxiety. Jesus wants us to have peace and rest. It's never too late to surrender our will to God and experience a life of purpose. 

Pray About It
O Lord, change our anxious hearts. Slow us down to focus on your will for our lives and know a life of adventure beyond our dreams or imagination. In Jesus' name, we pray--Amen.

Hurricane Florence slammed the east coast of North Carolina and left behind devastating flood waters. Cleanup crews arrived from other states to help residents who experienced loss of property and loved ones. The Disaster Relief Team from Balboa Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas prayed with each homeowner before leaving the property and going to the next address on the list. One man said he didn’t go to church but planned to start soon. When asked what changed his mind, he said he’d lost everything. He was present when his house was torn down, and he saw these words written on the frame of his house: “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7). Jesus’ words were a light in this man’s storm.  

The disciples experienced fierce winds and high waves out on the Sea of Galilee. Yet, Jesus was sleeping in the stern of the boat. Seasoned fishermen panicked and woke Jesus. “Don’t you care if we drown?” they said. “[Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm” (Mark 4:39).

Think About It
Fear overwhelmed me in a scuba diving accident that nearly took my life. Like the man in North Carolina, I promised God I would go back to church and get my life right with Him. I am thankful God used seven strong men to rescue me that day. I cannot imagine what it's like to lose everything, and I sympathize with people who survive the storms and endure great loss. 

Pray About It
Thank you, O Lord, for your faithfulness, that you promise never to leave or forsake us. In the storms of life, help us to look up and see your light shining through the loss and destruction. In Jesus' name, Amen.
 
            

Jesus said, "Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are my  friends if you do what I command" (John 15:13-14 NLT). 

How did Jesus love? He had compassion on people. He healed the sick, made the blind to see and the deaf to hear. He cleansed the lepers and raised the dead. We are not all doctors or miracle workers. But we can tell people what God has done for us. We can forgive as Jesus forgave. We can show hospitality in our homes and visit those in prison or hospitals. We can speak encouraging words or share a smile with someone having a stressful day. We can offer a helping hand to those in need. If loving others is important to God, it's important to us.

Have you witnessed a person's last words before he died? What he said--what you heard is important. Jesus' last will and testament was: "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20 NLT).

Think About It
When we are intentional about loving others, we are doing what God asks us to do. We might be tempted to be served instead of serve, or receive instead of give. We might think that the love burden falls on pastors. But God says we are a kingdom of priests. We can share the good news and baptize. I know of a man who baptized new believers in a swimming pool to obey Jesus' last command. 

Pray About It
Heavenly Father, help us to teach, baptize and disciple new believers. Open our hearts to the needs of others. In Jesus' name, Amen.