February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 29

A Prayer for When God Wrecks Your Dreams 

By Mandy Smith 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) 

Is there is a dream in your heart that you feel is being delayed? If you look hard enough, you may see another blessing in disguise. Some dreams of mine include being a wife and mother. I am single but I am grateful to God that He has been able to fulfill the emotional longings I have in unexpected ways. gods-plans-my-dreams 

I understand the heart numbing pain of a dream that has not come into fruition. It’s hard to consider a “wait” or a “no” to be loving, isn’t it? We can often feel neglected, lonely, heartbroken, tired, or hopeless. 

In this society of social media overload, there are things that can pop up on a newsfeed that can cut deeper than any sharp-edged sword. Seeing someone receive a blessing you have cried, worked for, prayed for, and dreamed of while you are still in the “waiting room” is ridiculously hard. We are called to be joyful with our brothers and sisters in Christ, “Rejoice with those who rejoice;” but we are also called to “mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) 

Many times, when we receive a “dream come true” we talk about the faithfulness of God, and rightly so. But, being honest, I always come back to this next thought: “If my dream does not come true, if I never receive what I’ve knocked on heaven’s door for year after year, does that mean God is not faithful?” I hope you know what the answer is, but just in case, let me remind you and myself of this single truth: 

God is faithful to us at all times whether our dreams come true, or not. 

His faithfulness to me is saving me from an eternity apart from Him. When I look back at things I’ve gone through I also see a bigger picture of His faithfulness and His guiding hand in my life. He is faithful to complete His work in us but not to complete our dream to-do list. “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) God is still good. God is still omnipotent. God is still faithful to us because He is God and I am not. May you be comforted by the assurance that staying rooted in the Lord is the most assured way to live a full, joyful, and “dream come true” kind of life: “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8) 

The only way we can have a content heart and a joyful life is letting Him love us, pursue us, and fill the heart numbing ache we have with His grace. That doesn’t always make it easy to let go of a dream or to let it sit still for a season, and I know God recognizes that. Don’t forget that we are what He dreams of and desires and He loves us so much. His will and dreams for us are more than we can even imagine…and that’s more than ok. 

God, thank You that Your will and Your plan is always perfect. It might not be easy or always feel good, but I know You see the big picture and know what’s best for me. You are always good. You are always faithful. You always have steadfast love for your children. These are truths that will never be untrue- so help me live in light of those truths today. Help me have peace as I meditate on what it means that You are always good, faithful and full of steadfast love for me. Help me face today with confidence knowing that Your plan is greater than all of my dreams. Lord, I love You, thank You for the life I have in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Editor’s Note: This devotional was excerpted from When God Wrecks Your Dreams...

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 28

Knowing God Loves You 

The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. - Zephaniah 3:17 

I remember a day a few years ago when I was talking with someone who kept quoting Zephaniah 3:17. He was deeply impacted by the words in this verse to the point that he could not withhold his emotions. What was interesting about this conversation was that this man had spent his life in the ministry, serving in various capacities from missionary to seminary professor. He knew the Lord, walked with Him, talked with Him and loved Him with all of his heart, but did he really understand how much God loved Him? 

The same is true for many of us today. We proclaim our love for the Lord. We pray to know Him more. We deeply desire a life that is fruitful and pleasing to Him. And for the most part, I believe that we spend more time thinking and praying about how to please God and how to live our lives in accordance with His will, than we spend thinking about how much He loves us. How often do you personally stop and think, “God loves me…He is rejoicing over me right now”? We tend to think that God is disappointed or upset with us instead of thinking about how much He loves and adores us. Why? Because so much of our thought processes are shaped by the world, not by the love of God. And we have an enemy who feeds right into those negative thoughts and will do anything he can to keep us from experiencing that peace and joy that comes from Jesus. 

I encourage you today to write down this verse, meditate on it, and memorize it. Keep repeating it over in your heart and mind and let the Lord Himself speak these words into the depths of your soul. The Lord God is with you and will save you. He rejoices over you, quiets you with His love and sings to you. Can you believe it? Yes! God’s Word is truth and you can trust that these words are spoken just for you. The man who spent his life in ministry was on the brink of retirement before he finally realized the truth of these words. Jesus wants you to know this truth today. Experience His love, peace and joy right now. 


Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.  - - Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc.

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 27

A Hunger to Know God More 

by TIFFINI KILGORE 

“He touched my mouth … and said, ‘Look. … Gone your guilt, Your sins wiped out.’ And then I heard the voice of the Master: ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ I spoke up, ‘I’ll go. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:7b, 8 (MSG) 

I’ve spent all my life hungry. 

But now there’s a different hunger to take in the Word of God. 

This is how I remember it beginning … 

I notice it when a new youth pastor preaches from the old book, and then more as I go through a Bible study and find these words coming alive, breadcrumbs leading someplace bright. 

I find I want more. I find spending time with His words leads me to God Himself. The words are more than words, though. Slowly, His words bleed into my heart, then out from my heart, into my everyday, ordinary life. 

I begin — not even consciously — hungering for things I never did before. Without trying. 

Instead of waking up to get the kids and me ready, do housework or start dinner, I want to learn what God is like. Who He is. I want to talk to Him, and I want Him to talk to me. So I make time for that by getting up before everyone else. 

New life intersects for me in this small rural town, where God’s words find me, and I awake to them. It’s like coming out of anesthesia, rising after a long sleep. 

It doesn’t take long to sense my taste buds changing. I don’t want the comforts I wanted before; now I crave those words that fill me in a way I’d not known was possible. 

My thought patterns begin to change as well. I rearrange my life to position my cold heart next to God’s campfire. I suddenly see habits I knew God was gently calling me away from. Slowly, He begins melting my heart, changing me from the inside out. It isn’t anything drastic all at one time. Rather, it’s slow interior work, invisible work. 

We all want outward, immediate change. But this is gradual work on the inside, sacred work. I can feel it taking root, and soon others start to see it, too. 

The pastor asks me to help teach a single women’s Sunday School class. I begin to harbor a love of studying the Bible and sparking this love in others. 

I love seeing women’s eyes light up when God shows them something they hadn’t seen before. I love letting them know how much He loves them. They’re all kinds of single women. Divorced, mostly. Some have little children, some have grown children, and one is a war veteran who lives her life in a wheelchair. All of us are hungry for holy words. 

When I read, eat and act on words from the Bible, they go down deep into my insides, penetrating my surface superficiality, my negative narratives, all the way down to the deepest dark, secret places. 

Reading the Bible, the words burn deep inside me. They alleviate the ache. When I read the Bible and talk to God, I don’t want to play it safe. Something in me wants to come out and do something brave, and it scares me. 

Sitting in my usual row at church, I feel like I’m pulling up a chair to the best meal I’ve ever had. Pastor Jedidiah, our youth pastor, opens Isaiah 6 and simply reads word for word: 

“He touched my mouth … and said, ‘Look. … Gone your guilt, Your sins wiped out.’ And then I heard the voice of the Master: ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ I spoke up, ‘I’ll go. Send me!’” (verse 7b, 8) 

The words begin connecting dots in my heart. Papa God is writing my story! But it’s bigger than me. I see it is for others, too. I haven’t been on my own! He’s found me! He picks me up and carries me to His table. I don’t have to do anything but let Him. He is more than a spectator. 

“Who will go for me?” Jedidiah reads, and my hand shoots up. 

“Yes, send me!” I feel exposed, but for the first time, I don’t hurt. 

When I leave church, I know I have heard God’s voice deep in the center of me. He fought for me there. He set a table for me there. He fed me there. 

It is a safe place. 

Papa God, I’m thankful there’s more to life with You than a simple sinner’s prayer or walking down an aisle. Let Your Word be my map, leading me to Your heart. Remake me into Your beautiful daughter. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

TRUTH FOR TODAY: 
Deuteronomy 8:3b, “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” (NIV) 

Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (NIV)

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 26

What to do With What Frustrates You the Most 

by Trisha Keehn 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 NIV 

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT 

Have you ever felt like you had the “right” to revenge with your kids, your spouse, a friend, or someone at work who frustrates you? Demonstrating a little patience now can save us a lot of problems later. When someone tests our last nerve, we can walk with patience if we: 

· Remember God’s purpose. These difficult situations offer the perfect place to turn to God for the strength to endure this circumstance and to see things as He sees them. 

· Adopt God’s perspective. When someone is selfish or rude or maybe just mistaken, we can look past the pain and stand patiently in our love for others because of our love for God. 

· Put others first. It’s easy to think if we put others first then our actions suggest they must have done something “right.” However, we work to please God, not to prove ourselves right. 

Obeying God’s commands means you’ll live life differently, just like the life of Jesus. 

PRAY 

Heavenly Father, we know the purpose in everything is to lead us back to You. In these moments when we are consumed with what we “deserve” to do, please help us to pause and turn to what Your Word says we should do. We praise You, dear God, because we know You are working all these things for our good and Your ultimate glory. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray. Amen. 

REFLECT 

Instead of reacting to humanity’s failures or out of your own struggles, what would your life look like if you submitted to God’s purpose, His perspective, and put others before yourself? 

© 2019 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 25

He Wants to Comfort You 

by Max Lucado 

My child’s feelings are hurt. I tell her she’s special. My child is injured. I do whatever it takes to make her feel better. 

My child is afraid. I won’t go to sleep until she is secure. 

I’m not a hero. I’m not a superstar. I’m not unusual. I’m a parent. When a child hurts, a parent does what comes naturally. He helps. 

And after I help, I don’t charge a fee. I don’t ask for a favor in return. When my child cries, I don’t tell her to buck up, act tough, and keep a stiff upper lip. Nor do I consult a list and ask her why she is still scraping the same elbow or waking me up again. 

I’m not a prophet, nor the son of one, but something tells me that in the whole scheme of things the tender moments described above are infinitely more valuable than anything I do in front of a computer screen or congregation. Something tells me that the moments of comfort I give my child are a small price to pay for the joy of someday seeing my daughter do for her daughter what her dad did for her. 

Moments of comfort from a parent. As a father, I can tell you they are the sweetest moments in my day. They come naturally. They come willingly. They come joyfully. 

If all of that is true, if I know that one of the privileges of fatherhood is to comfort a child, then why am I so reluctant to let my heavenly Father comfort me? 

Why do I think he wouldn’t want to hear about my problems? (“They are puny compared to people starving in India.”) 

Why do I think he is too busy for me? (“He’s got a whole universe to worry about.”) 

Why do I think he’s tired of hearing the same old stuff? 

Why do I think he groans when he sees me coming? 

Why do I think he consults his list when I ask for forgiveness and asks, “Don’t you think you’re going to the well a few too many times on this one?” 

Why do I think I have to speak a holy language around him that I don’t speak with anyone else? 

Why do I not take him seriously when he questions, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11) 

Why don’t I let my Father do for me what I am more than willing to do for my own children? 

I’m learning, though. Being a parent is better than a course on theology. Being a father is teaching me that when I am criticized, injured, or afraid, there is a Father who is ready to comfort me. There is a Father who will hold me until I’m better, help me until I can live with the hurt, and who won’t go to sleep when I’m afraid of waking up and seeing the dark. 

Ever. And that’s enough. 

From The Applause of Heaven 
© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1999) Max Lucado

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 24

A True Servant 

by Dr. Charles Stanley 

1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  John 13:1-15 NIV 

Do you equate success with wealth, acclaim, and power? If we measured by these standards, then Jesus, who was rejected by His community and didn't even have a house of His own, was a failure. But, of course, we know that's not the case. So God must use something other than these worldly goals to define success. In fact, Scripture is clear that Jesus Christ is our example--we should strive to be like Him. 

So, what exactly was our Savior's mission? In today's passage, we see the answer through His actions: He came to serve. The disciples, wanting recognition and reward, were arguing about who'd be the greatest in heaven. In contrast, Jesus took off His outer garment and performed the task of the lowliest servant: He washed the dirty feet of His followers. The next day, Almighty God was crucified by His own creation. In allowing this, He offered salvation to all--even those who nailed Him to a cross. 

Jesus deserved glory but chose sacrifice and pain. And He asks that we follow His example of service. With the exception of Judas, His disciples obeyed. In fact, they all faced great difficulty and most died brutal deaths because of their faith. But they willingly walked the path of humility because of what Jesus had taught them: "The last shall be first, and the first last" (Matt. 20:16). 

How do you spend your resources and time? And which topics dominate your thoughts and conversation? These are a few indicators of the driving goals in your life. You may long for worldly recognition, but God has a higher calling for His children. Ask Him to foster a servant's attitude in your heart. 

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 23

Reigniting Passion in Your Marriage 

by Sharon Jaynes 

Note from Sharon: I know that devotions on marriage are difficult for many who are not married and perhaps would like to be. That’s why we usually keep the marriage devotions that minister to thousands of women in the month of February. Whether you are married or single, please join us at GiG in praying for marriages all around the world. 

Today’s Truth 

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first”. Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV) 

Friend to Friend 

What do you do when you’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’ in your marriage? Maybe you truly adored your husband in the beginning, but now you can’t remember why. Maybe you honestly admired his finer qualities, but now you can’t remember what they were. Maybe you appreciated his wonderful attributes, but now you take them for granted. 

Between taking out the garbage, paying the bills, running the car pool, mowing the lawn, disciplining the kids, and folding the laundry, sometimes the passion of marriage gets lost. It happens to all of us at one time or another. We can get so busy taking care of life that we forget to take care of love. 

None of us got married so we could have a long list of chores. If you’re like me, most likely you got married because you were madly in-love and couldn’t imagine life without your man! You got married because you your heart skipped a beat every time you laid eyes on him. You couldn’t wait to tie the knot and build a life with this incredible person God had miraculously brought into your life. Maybe you still feel that way. But maybe you could use a little reminder—a re-stoking of the romance. 

In the book of Revelation in the Bible, God had this to say to the church at Ephesus: “I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4). Ephesus was one of the most loving churches in the New Testament, and yet somewhere along the way they lost that initial thrill of knowing Christ. Their love for each other and for God had grown cold. 

So how do you get that lovin’ feelin’ back? God gave the church two simple steps, and I believe we can apply them to our marriages as well. “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (Revelation 2:5, emphasis added). 

Remember how it was in the beginning. 

Return and do the things you did at first. 

For most of us, life is just daily. However, the accumulation of small struggles can nibble like termites to undermine the foundation of what appears to be a healthy structure as surely as the unexpected, earth-shaking rumble of sudden disaster. And routine, even good routine, can rob us of the joy and passion of marriage…if we let it. 

One day I took John’s words in Revelation to heart, and decided to remember and return by romancing my husband for fourteen days straight. Everyday wasn’t earth-shaking romance, even though there was some of that. One day I simply put a sticky note on his bathroom mirror that said, “I love you.” Another day I placed a box of Red Hot candy on his car seat with a note that said, “You’re a hottie.” One morning I warmed up his towel in the dryer and had it ready when he got out of the shower. 

And you know what happened? At the end of the fourteen days, Steve had a skip in his step and smile on his face like a Cheshire cat. And what happened in me? I can hardly describe the love that welled up in me, as I loved my man well. Hear this…I changed. 

I don’t have a big, bad personal story of how God took a terrible, tumultuous marriage and miraculously transformed it into a storybook romance filled with white-knight rescues, relentless romance, and rides into the sunset leaving all danger and darkness behind. Although our marriage has been all that at one time or another, it’s no fairy tale. 

Our marriage is a daily journal, one page after another, one day after another. I’m guessing just like yours. Some entries are smudged with tears; others are dog-eared as favorites. Some days are marred by unsuccessful erasures that couldn’t quite rub away hurtful the words said; others are finger-worn by the reading of precious events time and time again. 

But on those days when I see my marriage slipping back into the mundane cadence of passionless routine, I pull out my list of ideas, and put a smile on Steve’s face. 

And that’s my challenge to you and to me today. When we see the fire needs stoking, remember and return. 

Let’s Pray 

Lord, I’ll admit that sometimes I put my marriage on the back burner. Help me to remember and return. To remember the passion and love I had for my husband in the early years. Help me to show him just how much I love him today and everyday…even on the days I don’t really feel like it. 

In Jesus’ Name, 

Amen. 

Now It’s Your Turn 

Consider this verse: 1 Corinthians 7:5 NIV “Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” 

How does a wife help protect her husband from the devil’s attack by keeping passion a priority in the marriage.

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 22

Praise Defeats the Enemy 

by Anne Graham Lotz 

I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You. Psalm 22:22, nkjv 

One way to drive Satan to distraction, and to overcome him, is through praise of Jesus. Regardless of whether the enemy is a visible foe in front of us like the Scribes and Pharisees or an invisible foe outside of us like the devil himself or an invisible foe inside of us like depression, praise drives the enemy away. In the very prophecy that describes Jesus’ inmost thoughts and feelings as He hung on the cross, tortured, bleeding, and dying, the psalmist declared, “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises . . .” of Your people (Ps. 22:3, nkjv).  In other words, He is enthroned—He rules in power, authority, and supremacy—through our praise. 

In some supernatural way, praise ushers the authority of God into any given situation. One practical way to maintain your praise is, every time you pray, to begin your prayer with praise. First praise Him for Who He is. Then praise Him for something He has done for you. Start now! 

My Heart’s Cry, (Nashville: W Publishing, 2002).©2012 Anne Graham Lotz. All rights reserved.

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 21

Sometimes God Says "No"! 

by John North

Ambassadors For Christ International

"11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles." Romans 1:11-13 NIV 

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.” 

Sometimes God says “No”! 

We don’t like it when our plans are frustrated. Paul had planned to go and visit the Christians in Rome “often”, but it was not God’s will for Paul and so he “prevented”him. 

Paul’s reasons for planning to go were good reasons. He wanted to have ministry there and lead people to Christ. He wasn’t being selfish. But still God’s answer was “No.” Be very careful to trust in God’s wisdom and timing. In seeking God’s will you must have the conviction that God’s ways are best. 

Eventually God did send Paul to Rome, but not like Paul had planned or expected. He went in chains as a prisoner of Rome. And God used his imprisonment to spread the gospel throughout the entire Roman guard. What abundant “fruit”! 

God wants you to trust him, even when his answer is “No” or “Not yet”.

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 20

Open to Attacks 

by Pastor Greg Laurie 

After moving from Hebron to Jerusalem, David married more concubines and wives, and they had more sons and daughters. (2 Samuel 5:13 NLT) 

By the time David was 50 years old, he had been ruling Israel for twenty years. He had gone from victory to victory. He had distinguished himself in so many ways: man of God, skilled musician, gifted poet, wise and compassionate ruler, and a man of great courage. 

And that’s when the devil hit him. When things are going well, that’s usually when the devil attacks. When there is no illness, when there are no unpaid bills, when there isn’t a crisis we’re facing, we may not hang on to the Lord as tightly as we once did. 

On the other hand, when we’re going through a crisis, we’re dependent on God. Maybe it’s even one of the best times of our lives spiritually because we’ve never been closer to Christ. 

When David was facing the giant Goliath, he was trusting in the Lord. When David was running from Saul while he hunted him down like a wild dog, he was calling out to God. When he was anointed as Israel’s king and ascended the throne, he prayed for God’s help. 

But twenty years had gone by, and David was kicking back and taking somewhat of a spiritual vacation from God, which never works. So the devil attacked. David had set himself up for this particular attack, because in direct disobedience to God, he took concubines (see 2 Samuel 5:13). 

God had given this command in Deuteronomy 17: “The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the Lord” (verse 17 NLT). That’s what was happening to David. His heart was slowly but surely turning away from God, and he was being consumed by lust. 

This serves as a warning for us today: the devil will attack when we’re the most vulnerable. 

Copyright © 2018 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. 

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 19

Stop, Drop, and Roll 

By Michelle Wuesthoff 

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NKJV 

Do you remember back in grade school when you were taught what to do if your clothes caught on fire? Stop, Drop, and Roll. It’s one of those lessons you will never forget–three simple things to remember, three simple things to do to put out the fire and save yourself. 

Recently, the Lord showed me three simple things to pray when you feel like your life is going up in flames: 

   1.  God, I know You understand. 
   2.  God, I know You care. 
   3.  God, I know You will help me. 

Let me elaborate a little. 

God, I know You understand. 
I don’t know about you, but feeling misunderstood has to be one of the worst feelings for me. It feels like such a bitter injustice when you know your intentions or even your actions have been misinterpreted. 

Sometimes, that happens when we are blind to our own shortcomings or sin, and other times, it has more to do with what the other person is dealing with. But we can be assured that 100% of the time, God knows and understands us completely and accurately. We can take great comfort in this truth, and knowing we are understood gives us a solid place to stand, and an accurate perspective on our situation. 

Lord, you examine me and know. You know when I sit down and when I get up; even from far away you understand my motives. Psalms139:1-2 NET 

God, I know You care. 
This is perhaps the most important truth we can confess before the Lord and to our own spirits. He does care–not just generally (because He’s God and He has to), but specifically. He cares about YOU and every little detail in your life. 

He cares about what matters to you and He is supremely interested in all matters that pertain to your life, your heart, and your eternal place with Him. The Father never brushes you aside to attend to more important matters. When you come to Him, you have His full attention and His passionate, devoted love. 

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalms 37:23-24 NLT 

God, I know You will help me. 
This is a promise we can absolutely count on. It is so essential to the very nature of God that He takes it as one of His names: The Helper (John 14:26). He is our rescuer, our problem-solver, our deliverer, our defender. Though He is outside of and above all our circumstances, He does not help us at an arm’s length–He gets right there in it with us and works on our behalf for not only our good, but for our best. He may not always help us in the way we ask for, but He will either give us what we want or something better. Always. 

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand;it is I who say to you, “Fear not; I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13 ESV 

These three things aren’t intended to be a magic formula, but sometimes, the most complex situations and emotions require the simplest of prayers. Often, our minds are so bogged down with the details, it’s hard to even make sense in our prayers–and that’s OK too. He gets it; He understands. He cares, and He will help you. 

Stop, drop, and roll. 

O God, Sometimes we are so confounded and upset, we don’t even know how to pray. Thank You, Lord, that You know my heart in times like that. Father, help me to able to turn to You before things get out of control, and to be able to trust You when they do. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

©2019 by Michelle Wuesthoff. All rights reserved.

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 18

Attacked by Wolves 

George Lane was ecstatic. He had just witnessed the birth of his first child in Calgary, Alberta, and in his excitement, he celebrated the event for several days. He even invited all of his friends over to meet his wonder child.

But all good things must come to an end, and George's job soon called him back to reality. He was responsible for the cattle at the Bar U Ranch, a job he took very seriously. Nonetheless, it was with regret that he mounted his faithful horse, and leaving behind his beloved wife and newborn baby in their Calgary home, he headed back for the ranch.

He had reached the foothills of the Rocky Mountains by sundown, just in time to disturb a pack of six hungry wolves feasting on the carcass of a cow they had obviously killed. This wasn't the first time he had ridden upon such a scene, and George knew it wouldn't be the last, but what infuriated him was the fact that the wolves seemed to view domestic cattle as their own, personal prey.

Of course, this all made perfect sense to the wolf. In past years they had fed off of buffalo herds and left the domestic cattle alone. But now buffalo herds were gone, and being living, carnivorous creatures requiring sustenance, beef was their only option. Surely they had the right to feed themselves. Why was this white man getting so upset at them for eating?

George watched them for a brief moment before drawing his six-shooter. Then he charged his horse into the middle of the dinner party. Before he could shoot however, a huge, shaggy beast turned on him and his horse, attacking them viciously.

It was the first time such an encounter between white man and wolf had been recorded in history, and if it hadn't been for his six-shooter, George would have become the banquet's dessert. It's true that human flesh supposedly tastes like sweet pork, but who would like to be compared to a pig, no matter how sweet they may be?

Once reported, the attack was of significant concern to the people of Alberta, and especially to its legislature. With the wolves regularly raiding cattle ranches, they already had a monumental problem on their hands, one that didn't seem to have any simple solution. What if wolves were to now begin attacking humans as well? There were no ways to bring these nasty creatures to justice, no way to make a public warning out of them to other wolves, and if things didn't change, the public would start to turn their backs on the current body of elected politicians!

This imbalance of nature had been created by the government itself. In an attempt to subdue the Indians, the decision had been made during the 1870s to exterminate buffalo herds (See Look Out, Buffalo! White Man is Coming). But since the buffalo was also the primary food source of the wolf, the white man was now faced with the terrifying consequences. There seemed to only be one solution: To exterminate the wolf population as well!

This episode illustrates vividly how sin ravages our reasoning skills. The more we let sin entice us, the more selfish we become. And the more selfish we become, the more we make others miserable. James 1:14-15 tells us: "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (NIV)

The only way to really make a difference in this world is by letting ourselves be set free from the traps and deceptions of sin. This can only be done by the one who willingly died for our sins. Paul says that Jesus willingly became sin in order for us to be set free: "Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor 5:20-21 NIV); and "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." (Rom 6:22 NIV)

Freedom and eternity can be ours, if we accept Jesus' offer and welcome Him into our lives.

Ravenous wolves? No problem! I have their dinner fixed. Nothing to be afraid of!

Rob Chaffart

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 17

Use a Portable Prayer

by Max Lucado

Some people excel in prayer. They are the SEAL Team 6 of intercession. They would rather pray than sleep. Why is it I sleep when I pray? It’s not that we don’t pray at all. We all pray some. Surveys indicate one in five unbelievers prays daily. Just in case, perhaps? When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He gave them a prayer… a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Could you use the same?

Father, You are good.
I need help. Heal me and forgive me.
They need help. Thank you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Here is my challenge for you: Every day for 4 weeks, pray 4 minutes. Then get ready to connect with God like never before!

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 16

THE KIND RESPONSE 

To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit, not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.  1 Peter 3:8-9 

How do you react when someone is rude to you?  Do you return evil for evil… insult for insult… rudeness for rudeness?  Do you have a tendency to tear people up with your tongue? 

One known for his sharp tongue was Sir Winston Churchill.  One day his nemesis, Lady Aster, said in disgust, “Sir Winston, if you were my husband, I would put arsenic in your tea.”  To which Churchill quickly replied, “And Lady Aster, if I were your husband, I would gladly drink it.”  What a classic example of evil for evil, insult for insult. 

The Lord tells us that we are to give a blessing EVEN when someone insults us.  He says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).  Truly, “a gentle answer turns away wrath” (Prov. 15:1). 

RESPONDING WITH A KIND HEART 

When you are kindhearted, you respond to people by cutting them some slack and giving them the benefit of the doubt. 
Remember, rude, mean people are that way for a reason. 
Like the lion with a thorn in his paw, mean, angry folks have a deep hurt in their lives… that is why they are mean, cruel and argumentative.  Kindness always tries to see things from the other’s perspective.  Kindness always responds with patience, gentleness and understanding. 

IN YOUR HOME 

Let’s be honest, many homes are filled with insults. Brothers and sisters insult each other… spouses so often are mean and cutting with each other.  What happened to “home, home on the range… where seldom is heard a discouraging word?”  The good news is this: you can change the atmosphere in your home by keeping your tongue from insults… and giving a blessing instead. 

Remember, when Jesus was dying on the cross, being laughed at and reviled, He did not revile in return.  He prayed for those who crucified Him.  His response of blessing for curses surprised the crowd.  That hardened Roman Centurion who oversaw His death was so moved by His response that he declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!”  WOW! 

YOU CAN DO IT! 

With all those you come in contact with today, make a special point of giving them a blessing.  Compliment them on something they do well.  Encourage them in their daily life.  Take criticism… learn from it… and bless the person who was mean to you.  You will be amazed at how God will work when you do things His way. 

Love, 

Pastor Jeff Schreve, 
From His Heart Ministries

Today's Devotional Sponsor...

February, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 15

Become Like Him 

by Dr. Tony Evans 

It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household! - (Matthew 10:25) 

If you want to find out what mattered most to someone, read his or her last words. Usually, whatever a person considers to be most important is on his mind when he comes to his last days on earth. That’s why we pay so much attention to last words, especially of people who have a significant role in our lives. 

As those who seek to be obedient followers of Jesus Christ, we need to know what matters most to Him so it can matter most to us. Thankfully, we don’t have to wonder about it. After His resurrection from the dead, and just before His ascension back into heaven, Jesus told His disciples—and us—what was uppermost on His mind. His last words on earth are recorded for us in Matthew 28:18–20. 

Notice verse 19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” There it is—stated in clear and concise terms: we are to disciple the people of God (in the church age through the local church) so that they affect the world for Christ. If Christ’s mandate for the church is to make disciples, then His will for us as individual believers is that we would become disciples through the process of personal spiritual growth. 

To grow spiritually as a disciple of Christ means that you become like Him. That’s why Jesus said in Matthew 10:25, “It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher.” Becoming a disciple is where you ought to be heading in your Christian life. As you reflect Jesus in your thoughts, actions, and decisions, He will manifest Himself greater both in you and through you. 

Reflection: Why are last words important? What is included in Jesus’ “last will and testament”—that His disciples make disciples? What about your own discipleship program—how are you becoming more like Christ?

Today's Devotional Sponsor...