A thought after reading 1 Kings 21 is the idea that some slight distress can have larger positive effects in the future. Think about how every achievement had backing from others either a teacher, a parent, or mentor that influenced the person toward the attainment.
We don’t have to follow those that are leading us down the wrong path. By following God’s plan for us, we can surrender all to fulfill our call. We then become approved by God and there is purpose in our life. We can have joy in life even when things don’t work out for worldly success.
A boy was having trouble with his low grades in Math. His parents were not Christian but they had friends that were who suggested they try enrolling their son in a private Christian school. His grades went up sharply. When asked about it, the boy said that he knew the school meant business when he saw the man nailed to the plus sign. [1]
A thought from “Valley of the Shadow of Death” is that when adding up all mixed emotions from despair to joy, we can solve all problems with Jesus. The answer to any problem has Jesus as the common denominator. Ask for God’s help in prayer because He can take a temporary problem and find a solution that brings great joy.
Three nails + a cross = forgiveness
Join in on the praise with the song This Is The Stuff – Francesca Battistelli. The stuff of life sometimes put us in a low place but if we hang on, we can be lifted up from a valley to climb higher using prayer to scale spiritual summits.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4
We face struggle in life from deep valleys of financial issues, health matters, or loss of a loved one but we can overcome. From the valley, we can climb higher using prayer to scale spiritual summits. By praying in the name of Jesus, we can pray with confidence because Jesus has entered in with grace, so we never fall to the bottom again. Our reaction to difficult times should be to accept the help which is the power of the Holy Spirit to get through the time and to look forward to the reward on the other side.
Reading John 16:12-24, there are three aspects of the Spirit’s work with the believer. One is that the Spirit guides into all the Truth. He will communicate Truth from the Father because there is a relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit. The second aspect is provision. A believer can ask for help in Jesus’ name through prayer to carry out God’s work. The third aspect is encouragement to turn the tide. Grief will turn to joy (v. 20) so hang on.
Yes, life can be like a roller coaster ride. There are deep low points and then a climb to a high point only to go downhill again with twist and turns. So we are to buckle up, and stay encouraged that the scary ride will lead to great joy in the end.
In the passage today, the feeling of a woman giving birth is compared to what the disciples will feel. There will be pain and anguish when Jesus leaves them, but great joy afterwards. Think about the birth of Jesus. It was a difficult experience with no nurses, medical technicians, epidurals, or monitors. The humble birth in the stable led to great joy because it set in motion a new kingdom to come with the King of all kings in charge.
When adding up all mixed emotions from despair to joy, let us solve all problems with Jesus. The answer to any problem has Jesus as the common denominator. Ask for God’s help in prayer because He can take a temporary defeat and turn it into a major victory with great joy.
This day with You God, we can climb higher. There is recovery from the valleys of this broken world to new heights. The birth of eternity was a traumatic experience and many things in life are filled with strive, struggle, and danger. We are thankful that You have the answer to our problems as grace enters into the equation so we can reach spiritual summits never reached before. We pray in Jesus’ name with confidence because the Holy Spirit will guide, You will provide, and there will be a change in tide. Amen.
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. – John 16:7
Noted in “Apply Faith for a Purpose” is what Jesus told the disciples. Jesus said the Counselor will take his place. From heaven, the goodness of God will flow and reside inside your heart and soul. The indwelling Spirit is available to you at all times to teach, guide, and help apply your faith.
This is a new and glorious day to prepare our heart and mind. To gain precious insight from reading John 16:1-11, take in instructions on how to accomplish today’s tasks, and apply our faith for a purpose. Spirit inside will guide with the steps to take as we seek to glorify God by doing what He wants us to do and living the way He wants us to live.
In today’s passage, Jesus discusses with the disciples about the future as a warning. They needed to be prepared for what would happen. That the world would want to kill them. The world persecuted Jesus and his followers because the world didn’t accept His teachings about sin and righteousness and judgment. About repentance and grace.
He would no longer physically be with them, but would send the Advocate, the Counselor, or Holy Spirit who would lead them in the future. Jesus said the Counselor will take his place. From heaven, the goodness of God will flow and reside inside their soul. The indwelling Spirit will be available to believers at all times to teach, guide, and help them apply their faith.
Thank You for this day Lord for the opportunity to gain precious insight from Your Word and the chance to act on this insight for Your glory and our joy. Give us the wisdom Lord along with the discipline to live by this wisdom in all we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 