Daily Devotional for Believers

[Rob and Melinda 0]

During the Visa process, it was our faith in Jesus Christ that sustained us through all those days of doubts, fears and difficulties.

This poll is for believers in Jesus Christ to see if the would like to see a daily post here of encouragement from the Bible to help you with your day and/or the visa, AOS, and other immigration issues.

If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, there is a place in this pole for you to express your opinion also.

The following is an example of what I will post ONE TIME each day:

It is from the Henry and Richard Blackaby's daily devotional series.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

"But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." Then they all forsook Him and fled. (Mark 14:49b-50)

There are times when, in the darkest moments of your life, the only comfort left for you is a word from God. Jesus faced the cruel injustice of a hostile world, but perhaps His deepest pain came when His closest friends deserted and betrayed Him. What could possibly sustain Him at such a dark moment? Jesus found His comfort in the Scriptures (Matt. 26:20–25, 31). The Scriptures kept everything in perspective for the Savior, holding Him steadfast in the knowledge that everything He was experiencing was according to His Father’s plan. Jesus could proceed with confidence because the Scriptures assured Him that the Father was in control.

The word of God will guide you in the same way. There will be times when events around you will confuse you. Those in whom you’ve placed your trust will fail you. Others will abandon you. You will be misunderstood and criticized. In these times of distress, when your devotion and obedience are put to the greatest test, you must let Scripture guide and comfort you. Never let the faithlessness of others determine what you do. Turn to the Scriptures and allow them to reorient you to God and_His activity.

Even as a young boy, Jesus was already well acquainted with the Scriptures. He was never surprised by events; He lived with confidence because the Scriptures had prepared Him for everything that He would face.

If you will immerse yourself daily in the word of God, you will not be caught off guard when crises come. Your focus will already be on God, and He will safely guide you through your difficult moments.

By Henry and Richard Blackaby

Hope you are encouraged today!

Rob

[Rob and Melinda 0]

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Tested Yet Secure

And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (Luke 22:31-32)

Jesus dearly loved Peter. Jesus spoke to him specifically and said, “Simon! Simon! Satan has made a request to sift all of you (plural) as wheat. But I have prayed for you (singular), that your faith will not fail. And when you (singular) have returned to Me, strengthen your brothers.” Even as Jesus faced His imminent arrest and crucifixion, He took time to strengthen Peter for what was to come! He assured him that God had set limits on Satan’s influence. He expressed His confidence that even though Peter’s faith would falter, he would overcome, to the point of strengthening others. Since Jesus Himself was interceding for Peter, Peter might fail for a moment, but his life would ultimately be victorious.

Jesus is fully aware of every temptation and test you_will encounter, and He stands ready to deliver you_(1 Cor. 10:13). He intercedes for you just as He did for Peter (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). Temptation might catch you by surprise, but Jesus is already interceding with the Father on your behalf. Remember that temptation is not a sin. When you are tempted, turn immediately to Jesus. He will take you to the Father, and you will overcome the temptation, for Jesus has overcome everything you can face in the world (1 John 4:4). When you are tested and are secure in the intercession of Jesus, you, too, will be able to strengthen others. If you are

grappling with temptation, Jesus is interced-ing for you with the Father even now. Be steadfast and_encouraged!

By Henry and Richar Blackaby

Pray that you know how greatly you are loved today!

Rob

[PaulineA 1]

Rob,

Are you going to be the daily encourager? I personally do not believe in God. It is your luck in life whether things are good or bad, that life!!! Encouragment is a good thing though.

[Nagishkaw 510]

I , for one, need that encouragement a lot because I'm 'in the wilderness'. Even the lightest touch makes for a heavier impact.

[KarenCee 3]

Not to knock the wind out of anyone's sails here...but...maybe y'all need to find a religious immigration message board.

[Nagishkaw 510]

ok forget the encouragement.

Really, what was I thinking, anyway? pffttt.

[Ta Ta 1]

Thank you Rob, I appreciate it.

[Rob and Melinda 0]

Friday, March 30, 2007

Praise before Victory

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Praise is greatly honoring to God! In the Old Testament account of King Jehoshaphat, God’s people faced a seemingly insurmountable enemy who was determined to destroy them. Yet God assured them that they would “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord”.

The people of Judah believed God. Their army was led by singers, offering praises to the Lord for their promised victory, and the victory came. When King David led the procession bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, he praised God with all of his strength. David’s praise was pleasing to God, and God’s powerful presence remained in David’s kingdom to give him victory against every enemy.

Jesus was about to go to Gethsemane and to the cross, where God’s greatest victory would be accomplished. He led His disciples to sing a hymn. The disciples were all about to fail Him, and Jesus was about to be cruelly executed, yet Jesus insisted that they praise God. Their praise looked beyond the cross to God’s ultimate victory. Praise is rooted not in circumstances of the moment but in the nature and trustworthiness of God.

You ought to rejoice when God asks you to proceed in the work of His kingdom because you know the victory is already secured. Don’t focus on the problems and failures of others. Focus on God’s assurance of victory. If you have trouble praising God with a song in your heart as you serve Him, it may be that your focus is not on God, but on your circumstances.

Henry and Richard Blackaby

Praying that your day is an awesome day filled with a knowledge of how greatly you are loved and the great depths that God has gone to show you that love.

Rob

Edited March 30, 2007 by Rob and Melinda

[Nagishkaw 510]

Paul and Silas being another instance too. That is a wonderful example of what praise can do in the midst of what seemingly appeared to be an impossible and hopeless situation.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Ok who wants to be the first to report this?

[Welshcookie 17]

Well I found this earlier today and figured that Rob was actually ASKING in a poll if we would like a 'daily inspirational'....but even though the majority have actually voted against he decides to post them anyway....why the poll in the first place?

From a former 'Born Again Christian'

[PlatyPius 5]

Guess he doesn't care that no one wants to hear it...

[Ban Hammer 13,619]

Ok who wants to be the first to report this?

report it for what?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Ok who wants to be the first to report this?

report it for what?

always with the hard questions

[Reynaldo 0]

Wasn't this posted after that Got Jesus fiasco?