FACING A FEARFUL FUTURE!

 

Friday, August 14, 2026

 

FACING A FEARFUL FUTURE!

 

Gen 12:1

12 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

 

          This one verse, simply read, does not reveal the extreme challenge to Abraham’s psyche and emotions. A thoughtful study is necessary to feel the impact of Jehovah’s invitation. So, let’s slowly peel away the various layers.

 

          Get thee out! God does not speak this way without cause. Abraham dwelt among a people who worshipped Nannar, the moon god. Whenever God challenges you to move, it is helpful to look around at what you now call your comfort zone. Would it be as attractive if it was the next destination instead of the point of departure? Have you become comfortable in an uncomfortable situation?

 

          The Lord had said! Had said! This indicates more than a single urging. God speaks gently but persistently. He knows our fears. He knows it often requires that He speak to us more than once. Has God been talking to you? Do the same thoughts keep coming uninvited?

 

          Unto a land! The Amplified Bible indicates a deeper meaning when it says: “Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country.” In verses 2 and 3 God made promises of blessing! The fear remained but the incentive hung in the air like perfume. Details were completely missing! This would be an adventure.

 

          A decision was made! Verse 4 says: “So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him.” And that decision has made all the difference!

 

Dear Lord, help those you are leading to make right choices. AMEN

 

DISCERNING THE TIMES!

 

Thursday, August 13, 2026

 

DISCERNING THE TIMES!

   

Matt 16:1-3

16 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

 

          There is an old poem that says: “Red sun at night – sailor’s delight. Red sun at morning – sailors take warning!” It is basically what Jesus said in response to the Jews’ request for a sign from heaven.

 

          Here in North Texas, we are approaching the days of two seasons. Soon ranchers and all but the newcomers to our state will be carrying a jacket in their pickup truck. The jacket is for the cool mornings driving to work or feeding cattle. In the late afternoon the jacket is discarded because summer is clinging to life. It is an unconscious way of life here.

 

          But what are the spiritual signs and seasons that we might observe? Jesus only warned us that the spiritual of the world would be like that of the days just before the flood when Noah and sons were busy building the ark. (Matthew 24:37) People would be busy satisfying themselves. There would be a general disregard for things that are holy or even wholesome. Well, it has gotten much worse than that! It’s morning and the sky is red!

 

 “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matt 24:42

 

Dear Lord, we can sense that things are winding down here on earth. Help us to be both observant and prepared for your return. AMEN

 

HOW TO HAVE A BRIGHT OUTLOOK!

 

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Please enjoy this “Classic” devotion

 

HOW TO HAVE A BRIGHT OUTLOOK!

 

Phil 2:13-15

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

 

Positive people produce a positive impact on the world around them. They are pleasant to be around, and others are attracted to them. Today is a fresh page for us and we have a choice. Here are a few suggestions from the Bible on how to have a bright outlook.

 

1. BEGIN WITH FAITH IN GOD!

 

Ps 37:3-5

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

 

People of faith live as if they know a secret. Indeed, they do for they have an unseen helper in every trouble and an unseen guide in every confusing circumstance.

 

2. ADD GENUINE LOVE!

 

Love causes us to desire the very best for others.

 

1 Thess 2:7-8

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

 

3. LOOK FOR GOD IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE!

 

Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers and falsely imprisoned by his master, but he kept looking for God’s purpose in it all.

 

Gen 50:20

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

 

4. VIEW YOUR WORK AS A GIFT TO GOD!

 

2 Chron 31:21

21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

 

Col 3:23

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

 

5. LEARN TO FORGIVE!

 

Matt 18:21-22

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 

Learning to forgive makes it unnecessary to carry around a heavy load of anger and hate. The mind is free to focus on productive things instead of always thinking of ways to get even.

 

6. CONTROL YOUR THINKING!

 

Phil 4:6-8

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

Dear Lord, by your strength, let me turn my obstacles into steppingstones. Thank you that my future is bright because of your promises! AMEN