March 5, 2013

“And she vowed a vow and said, O LORD of Hosts…” (1 Samuel 1:11).

Hannah made a promise to the Lord, and she kept it. Forty-eight years ago, as a fourteen year old, I was to preach my first sermon. I was so scared that I promised the Lord if He would get me through this, I would do anything He wanted me to do. The Lord has a great memory! What have you promised to the Lord? Have you followed through and kept your promise?

For today: Be careful what you promise the Lord, and be sure to keep what you promise!

“…For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

So many around us today are being driven by a sense of greed. Empty lives seeking to find happiness by obtaining more and more. Today can be a great time of learning the joy of contentment. This is not laziness; but the assurance that God’s provision and my labor result in what is just right for me. Demonstrate contentment!

For today: Ask the Lord to help you appreciate your blessings andto learn to be content.

“…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…” (Luke 12:48).

One day from out of nowhere, one of my Bible school professors, Dr. Floyd Ellis, took my arm and quoted this verse to me. I never forgot it. The Lord has given so much to us, surely He will require us to be good stewards and use our blessings in a wise way. How will this be practiced in your life today?

For today: As the old hymn puts it, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one…”

“…I do always those things that please Him” (John 8:29).

We belong to a wonderful Savior. The Lord Jesus always did those things that were pleasing to His Father. Today, you can rest assured that your trust in Christ is well placed. You might not understand what He is doing right now, but you can be sure it is perfect and always right.

For today: When you cannot understand the plan, trust the master designer.

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the

day of trouble…”  (Nahum 1:7).

When the day is hard and the trial severe, you will again discover that God is good and is a stronghold, which gives the idea of being a “safe, strong shelter.”

For today:

Picture the Lord being your strong refuge. He is bigger and stronger than any problem today.