March, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 31

The Just Shall Live by Faith 

Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers. 

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17 

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: 
Is God righteous? Yes. And how is the righteousness of God revealed? It is revealed from faith to faith. God gives you truth. You believe that truth; God gives you more truth. 

The more you obey the light, the more light you get. 

The reason some of us don’t understand the Bible any more than we do is that we haven’t been living up to the light God has already given us. It’s time we began taking God at His Word and obeying it. If we begin obeying the small things we understand, God will enlighten our path to help us understand the things we don’t understand. 

ACTION POINT: 
Ask God today to give you understanding into the depths of His Word so that you can begin to share His truth in greater ways with the lost around you.

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March, 2020 - The StarLight News Daily On Line Edition - Day 30

Obsessed for Perfection 

By Rick Boxx 

My son, Jeremy, battles with obsessive compulsive disorder. He’s consumed in his pursuit of his view of perfection. 

For instance, perfect for Jeremy is a completely full roll of toilet paper. When someone uses that toilet paper, then, it’s no longer perfect. Therefore, Jeremy flushes it all down the toilet so that he can replace it! 

What I’ve discovered is that perfection is me-centered. When we get obsessed with our idea of perfection it becomes about us, whereas excellence is about serving others. Philippians 2:3 teaches, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” 

In your work, you can pursue perfection or you can pursue excellence. Perfection is a destination that brings bondage. Excellence, however, is a journey that is selfless. Which will you choose?

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

When You Don’t Know What to Do 

by Pastor Dick Woodward 

Author of the Mini Bible College 

“We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” - (2 Chronicles 20:12 NLT) 

Have you ever faced problems that confronted you with the intolerable, the undeniable, the unthinkable and the impossible? Throughout Hebrew and church history the people of God have often been confronted with these overwhelming realities. Scripture supports the thought that God sometimes not only permits but creates these circumstances (Isaiah 45: 7). According to Isaiah He does this because He wants us to learn that He is our only hope and our only help as we live for Him in this world. 

The Word of God teaches that God is our Mentor and He does His most effective mentoring when we are coping with calamities and trials of every possible description. The confession quoted above is proclaiming that the people of God have two problems. They do not know what to do and they do not have the power to do it when they know it. 

Scripture tells us God will give us all the wisdom we need when we confess that we do not know what to do (James 1:5). And Scripture teaches that God will give us the power to do what He wants us to do because He is God and He always completes what He begins in us (Philippians 1:6; 2:13). 

There are times when it is wrong for us to put God to the test. Then there are times when God invites us to prove Him. God wants to give us the gift of faith. He also wants to give us immeasurable degrees of the grace to overcome the greatest possible obstacles. That’s why He permits and designs calamities or trials that force us to access His all sufficient grace.

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

Making Your Own Idol 

Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers. 

BIBLE MEDITATION: 
“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3 

What is an idol? A man takes his own ideas and puts them into the work of his hands, and then he begins to worship it. What he is really worshiping is himself. 

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: 
You may say, “Well, I’m not guilty of idolatry.” Let’s just see...is there anything that you love more than God? Anything you fear more than God? Anything you serve more than God? Anything you trust more than God? Am I getting hot? 

You say, “Well, I give God a place in my life.” God doesn’t want a place in your life. Then, you say, “Well, I give God prominence in my life.” God despises prominence in your life. God demands preeminence in your life. He will take nothing less. 

ACTION POINT: 
Is there anyone or anything in your life that takes precedence over God? Confess it and repent of it. Now, put on the throne the rightful Master—the Lord Jesus!

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

God Sees Your Heart 

By Lia Martin 

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7 

If there’s one thing following Jesus has taught me, it’s that I’m a follower. A sheep. A disciple, and not a King. How wonderful it is that God is not looking for our ‘good looks,’ regalia, or strength—but rather is calling forth our hearts. 

Even though I’ve stuck this verse along with others to my computer monitor, I still have only a meek understanding of the 1 Samuel story where these treasured words are nestled. Does that happen with you as well? Through the years of Bible studies and sermons, do you scoop out verses that capture your heart in the moment? Each can become a banner for a season...as the specific story details fade. 

I’m thinking God knows this tendency. And you can lean on the grace of knowing that the purposes of those well-timed verses are already woven into your life. Consider them a repositioning of your heart. Open invitations to return to His word. 

So as I return to this section of biblical history, I remember that powerfully handsome brothers were being overlooked in search of the anointed one. And the one who God is appointing in this particular recruitment, in 1 Samuel 16, may not ‘look’ the part. Yet God had His eye on a particular heart, for a particular calling. A little shepherd boy that no one esteemed. However, the approval of his peers and siblings wasn’t on God’s agenda. 

I want to encourage you, today, as well, that God sees the beauty (and the mess) inside of you. We all know that although David had a ‘heart for God,’ he managed to make a mess of things sometimes. And yet he returned and repented relentlessly, pouring out his heart in music and psalms. What a beautiful thing God has made in fashioning your heart just the way He did. And I don’t mean the blob of muscle; although that’s a miracle so extraordinary, I can’t fathom the divinity. I mean your passions, your peculiarities, your personhood. What moves your soul, lights your fire, calls you to love your neighbor. 

Whatever that is, sweet friend, please know it is God’s great design. And He not only knows what He made; He sees even the things you want to hide. He loves the things you may think others find unlovable. And He is rejoicing over you in song (Zephaniah 3:17). 

So when today’s world of comparison and trends chokes your joy, leaving you wondering how you measure up, remember 1 Samuel 6:17. Even if the story details fall away, I believe God wanted you to know: He sees your heart. Your beautiful, caring, imperfect, faithful, one-of-a-kind heart. ‘Broken vessels’ (even if they’re in your eyes and legs) are sacred to Him, especially when He sees you inviting Him to choose you every day. 

About The Author:
Lia Martin loves her job as Faith Editor at Crosswalk.com, sharing writers’ true stories and deep dives into the Word and its works in the world. She celebrates seeing God in wildflowers, hiking, poetry, and her beloved daughter and son. Her book, Wisdom at Wit’s End explores how to simplify the pressures of parenting-to-perfection and to let God lead instead.

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

ARE YOU BATTLING FEAR?

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

When my girls were little, they would occasionally wake up in the middle of the night and get scared in the darkness. Fear prompted them to leave their beds and make a bee line for Mom and Dad’s room. Upon entering, they would quietly make their way to my side of the bed to wake me up and explain, in hushed whispers, “Daddy, I had a bad dream. I’m scared” (They always went to me if they were scared and to Debbie if they were sick. I was fine with that arrangement. I’ll take fear over vomit any day of the week.)

The girls knew I was a pushover. I would always welcome them into my bed to protect them from the danger. As soon as Dad’s strong arms were around their shoulders, the tension in their bodies melted into peace. They were able to relax and go to sleep, no longer worried and afraid. They were with Dad, and they felt completely safe and protected.

COMING TO THE LORD WITH OUR FEARS

Everyone on the planet deals with fear. We face fear on a plethora of fronts: the fear of failure, the fear of sickness, the fear of financial struggle, the fear of crime, the fear of the unknown, the fear of the family disaster, the fear of the future, and the list goes on and on. Now in the midst of our fears, it is good to know that we have a Savior who is Faithful and True. He is the Prince of Peace, and He offers His peace and tranquility to those who will put their faith and trust in Him. Regardless of the circumstances, He is able to handle it. We need not fear when we are resting in the strong arms of Jesus and abiding in His wonderful presence.

Certainly, there are many times when we won’t feel His presence. But rest assured, He is always with those who have entrusted their lives to Him. Even when you walk through the “valley of the shadow of death,” you need not fear any evil, because He promises to be there with you. Will hardships come? Yes. Will trials line your path? Most definitely. But you can know that He will see you through the worst of situations, and one day take you all the way to heaven.

In the last chapter Paul ever wrote in Scripture, he makes this powerful declaration, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom, to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:18). Soon after 2 Timothy was penned, Paul was beheaded for his faith in Christ. And instantly upon his death, the Lord took him by the hand and led him into heaven, saying with a smile, “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).

If you are worried and fearful today, let me encourage you to cast those cares at His feet. Crawl into His loving arms and claim His comfort and assurance for your life. You don’t need to live fearful and anxious. You really can rest in Him!

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries

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

Our Defense against Worry

by Pastor Greg Laurie

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7 nkjv).

We live in such a stress-filled society today. We could write these words on the tombstones of many Americans: Hurried, worried, buried. We’re constantly in motion, going from one thing to another, from one worry to another. We can get so stressed out that we’re almost immobilized. Sometimes, worry can absolutely paralyze a person’s life.

But as my friend Max Lucado has said, “Your anxiety decreases as your understanding of your Father increases.” That is really the heart of the matter.

On July 24, 2008, my wife and I heard the news that no parent ever wants to hear. We found out that our son had suddenly left us for Heaven. Anxiety, panic, worry, and fear all crashed in at the same time. And as I bent beneath the weight of it, I honestly wondered if I could survive such a thing. As a pastor, I had spoken with people over the years who had lost children, but when it happened to me I honestly wondered if I could handle it.

But God was there for me. And one of the reasons I have continued to preach since that day is because of that, because God was there. If the Lord had not come through for me on that day, I would have given up preaching. But He did come through for me.

I’m not saying it has been easy. We still miss our son, of course, and we still feel deep pain. But we have found the truth of Philippians 4:6–7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (nkjv).

Apply this truth, and turn your worries into prayers.

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

A Prayer from Psalm 91 

By Debbie McDaniel 

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 

We trudged slowly back to the car through a crowded parking lot in the Texas summer heat. Hot, humid, full sun bearing down. I noticed my daughter matching my steps, walking close by my side the entire way back. Little legs stretching out as far as they could to match my stride. She smiled up at me and said, "Mom, look, I'm walking in your shade." She'd found the shadow, the safe place to walk. I loved that my side was her shield, giving her protection from the heat. 

We may not always see it, or feel it, we might forget it’s there at times, or even wonder if God has left us to fend for ourselves in the heat of hard situations of life. But His protection is real. He doesn't, He can't, forget us or ignore us. If we belong to Him, His love is too great to leave us on our own. 

In whatever troubles we face today, God is the place of refuge we can run to, He is our safe place. 

A reminder for us, especially in the tough stuff, that we never walk alone. Full heat of troubles bearing down hard, heavy, it’s a struggle at times to keep trudging through it all. Pressure and stress can seem as stifling as a hot afternoon summer sun. Yet God whispers truth, strong and sure, “Walk in my shadow, up close to my side.  It’s in the safe place that brings confidence; for when we are resting in God’s shadow, we will never face the full heat of our difficulties. He shelters from that pain. His shade, His shadow, diminishes what is actually felt in the intensity of all the heat. Rest, peace, and calm rise up strong, right in the struggling mess of life, and we’re assured, He's in control. 


Don’t ever doubt it. God works on behalf of those who love Him and honor His name. He is so good to us. We may never fully know, this side of heaven, how very much He has sheltered us from in this life. 

A Prayer from Psalm 91: 

Dear God, Thank you for your presence with us, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that you go before us, and cover us from behind. Thank you that you are in our midst, and that our future is secure in the place you're preparing for us. 

Your words bring such hope and comfort. Remind us of your strength today, may we see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as we seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Editor’s Note: Content taken from the article “8 Powerful Promises of God from Psalm 91” by Debbie McDaniel. You can read that piece in full here. All rights reserved.

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

Resting in the Faithfulness of God 

by Dr. Charles Stanley 

Greeting 
1 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 
2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Thanksgiving 
4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 
5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 
7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.   
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 

When plans are frustrated or life just seems to fall apart in some way, people often wonder, Has God deserted me? Why hasn't He answered my prayers? The Bible offers encouragement for such times by assuring us of the Father's faithfulness: "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments" (Deut 7:9). 

Five attributes of God make this possible. First, He is omniscient, which means He knows everything, including our every need, thought, frailty, desire, and life situation in the past, present, and future. Next, the Lord is omnipotent, or all-powerful, so nothing is too hard for Him (Jer. 32:17). Then, He is omnipresent--since He exists everywhere at once, He is never beyond reach. 

In addition, our heavenly Father cannot lie. Everything that He says is true and reliable. And lastly, God is unchanging. Our circumstances and the world around us may seem to be in a constant state of flux, and the Lord may even modify the way He chooses to interact with mankind in different generations. But His character is always the same. So when Scripture tells us that God is faithful, we can rest confidently upon that promise. 

Circumstances can be painful. But even when situations seem overwhelming, believers can trust that our sovereign Lord knows all, is in control, and lovingly works everything for His children's good. We can rest confidently knowing that the unchanging God of all creation is taking care of us.

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

Too Blessed to Be Stressed 

by Mary Southerland 

Today’s Truth 

I'm sure you have heard about the Good News for the people of Israel - that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all  (Acts 10:36, NLT). 

Friend to Friend 

I love the story of the little girl who was working very hard on her homework one night. As the hours went by, her parents became very curious and asked her what she was doing. "I'm writing a report on the condition of the world and how to bring peace," she replied. Her parents were impressed! “Isn’t that a big assignment for just one person?” her dad asked. With complete confidence the little girl responded, “Don’t worry, Dad. There are three of us in the class working on it.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if finding and experiencing peace was that easy? 

We work hard at peace - in our world, in our homes, in our relationships, and in our hearts. Yet, so many of us struggle to actually experience or even understand true peace. It occurs to me that in order to understand what peace is, we must first understand what it is not. 

True peace is God’s peace and can only be found in Him. God’s peace is not the absence of conflicts, trials or difficulties and has nothing to do with human beings or human circumstances. In fact, the true peace of God cannot be produced on a human level at all. Any peace that can be explained by human logic is very fragile and will surely be destroyed by the storms of life. 

I don’t know about you, but storms seem to sweep through my life on a regular basis and peace is often nowhere to be found. If we rely on this spoiled and fallen world for any measure of peace, we will forever be disappointed. 

The only source of peace is God. 

The only way to know peace is to know God. 

The apostle Paul said, “There is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” 

We tend to focus on the part of that verse that promises peace with God and ignore the harder truth that peace is the result of Jesus reigning in our lives as “Lord of all.” The word “Lord” means “boss” and drives home the point that if Jesus is not Lord of all – He is not Lord at all. 

And if He is not the Lord of all, then there can be no peace. 

I’m sure you have read the poem below. Even though I often run across it on Facebook, or someone emails it to me, I never read it without being encouraged to remember exactly where my peace is found. 

I'm too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed. 
I refuse to be discouraged, to be sad or to cry. 
I refuse to be downhearted and here's the reason why: 
I have a God who is almighty; who is sovereign and supreme. 
I have a God who loves me - and I am on His team. 
He is all wise and powerful; Jesus is His name. 
Though everything else is changeable, My God remains the same. 
I refuse to be beaten or defeated. 
My eyes are on my God. 
He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod. 
I am looking past my circumstances, to heaven's throne above. 
My prayers have reached the heart of God, and I am resting in His love. 
I give thanks to Him in everything. 
My eyes are on His face. 
The battle is His; the victory is mine; He will help me win the race. 
I repeat! 
I'm too blessed to be stressed!" 

(Author unknown) 

As you face the storms of life, face them with God at your side - knowing that He is Lord of the rocking boat and Keeper of the waves. He rides upon the storm clouds of life, flinging peace into the tempest-filled heart. 

God is Peace. 

And when we know Him as our Lord and have made Him the boss of our lives - we will know Peace. 

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Father God, my heart is filled with chaos and confusion. I feel as if I am drowning in mycircumstances and my heart is filled with fear and confusion. I really need the strength and peace that only You can give. Right now, I choose to rest in You. 

In Jesus’ Name I pray, 
Amen.

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

Becoming Fit for Glory 

from Faith's Checkbook

"The LORD will give grace and glory"   (Psalm 84:11). 

Grace is what we need just now, and it is to be had freely. What can be freer than a gift? Today we shall receive sustaining, strengthening, sanctifying, satisfying grace. He has given daily grace until now, and as for the future, that grace is still sufficient. If we have but little grace the fault most lie in ourselves; for the LORD is not straitened, neither is He slow to bestow it in abundance. We may ask for as much as we will and never fear a refusal. He giveth liberally and upbraideth not. 

The LORD may not give gold, but He will give grace: He may not give gain, but He will give grace. He will certainly send us trial, but He will give grace in proportion thereto. We may be called to labor and to suffer, but with the call there will come all the grace required; 

What an "end" is that in the text -- "and glory!" We do not need glory yet, and we are not yet fit for it; but we shall have it in due order. After we have eaten the bread of grace, we shall drink the wine of glory. We must go through the holy, which is grace, to the holiest of all, which is glory. These words and glory are enough to make a man dance for joy. A little while -- a little while, and then glory forever!

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

Come to Your Senses 

by Lane P. Jordan 

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worth to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.” Luke 15:17-20 NIV 

Has there been a time in your life when you were so ashamed by your actions that you felt completely worthless? Have you been embarrassed or humiliated to the point you didn’t know what you should do next? 

The young man in Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son found himself in that very same position. With an air of entitlement, he had demanded that his father give him his inheritance now. When his father did, the son quickly squandered the money on friends and fast living in a foreign land. He ended up broke, homeless, and hungry, forced to take a job feeding pigs (an animal of abomination to the Jews). 

Finally, in a climactic moment, the son “came to his senses.” He said, “How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger?” He got up and headed home. The son truly humbled himself. He acknowledged what he had done to his father: his betrayal, his disrespect, and his total failure with his inheritance. He confessed his sin to heaven and to his father, fully accepting that his position in the family would now be as a hired servant. He didn’t care. All he wanted was to be reunited with his father. 

Jesus showed through the father’s unconditional acceptance of his prodigal son, the great grace and mercy God offers to each one of us! God is waiting for us to come back to Him and then He will run to us. He will pour His love and His forgiveness over us. He will give us His robe of righteousness through His Son Jesus, He will give us a ring, and He will rejoice with us. We only need to approach Him in humility, acknowledging our desperation and inadequacy to go it alone. 

What a God! What a Savior! To know that our God will forgive us our sins and keep us as sons and daughters forever! 

Even though the father’s other son criticized and judged his father, the father wouldn’t budge from embracing this son whom he thought he had lost forever. Are you lost right now? Or do you have a loved one who is lost? Then begin to pray. God is the persistent seeker. All God wants from us is to turn to Him. It doesn’t matter what we have done. God’s forgiveness has no bounds. 

If you feel your sin is too great for God’s forgiveness, then look at some of the people of the Bible. Each one had serious sin in their lives: David committed adultery and murder, Jonah ran the other way from God’s will, Noah got drunk and shamed himself to his sons, and the woman at the well had lived with many men. Even the Apostle Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, had killed many of the early Christians before meeting Jesus on the Road to Damascus. 

There is nothing that you have done that can keep you from the loving forgiveness of our God. Come to your senses and turn to Him. 

About the author: Lane P. Jordan is a best-selling author, international motivational and inspirational speaker, singer, artist, Bible teacher, and professional life coach. She lives in Frisco, Texas with her husband who partners with her in ministry and waits impatiently for daughters and granddaughter to visit!  Lane’s desire is to encourage, support, and motivate women of all ages to be better wives, mothers, and women of God by organizing their lives and time. You can find her at: http://www.LaneJordanMinistries.com and her blog at http://www.PathwaysToOrganization.com.

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

The Path to Personal Peace 

by Pastor Greg Laurie

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) 

If you want to overcome fear and worry, then you need right thinking. In other words, think about what you think about. 

We’re told in Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (NLT). If you want personal peace, this is where it begins. 

Why is the mind important? It’s command central. With our minds we reach to the past through memories, and we reach to the future through imagination. We need to learn how to think properly and biblically. As 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (NLT). 

The next time you’re troubled, you might try talking to yourself. We need to tell ourselves to think biblically, because it doesn’t always come naturally. For example, we see the writer’s despair in Psalm 42: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?” But then the writer continues, “I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (verses 5–6 NLT). 

Many of the Psalms are songs and prayers. They are honest. And as we read some of them, we may think, “I dare not pray that.” But go ahead and pray that. Go ahead and say, “Lord, I am hurting right now. . . . I’m in pain right now. . . . I don’t understand this right now. . . . I’m struggling with this right now.” 

The next time you’re feeling down, the next time you think, “I don’t know how I’m going to get through this situation,” quote the Bible to yourself. Remind yourself of the truth of God’s Word. That is what it means to think biblically. 

Copyright © 2017 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. 

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

A Special Message from Pastor Rick on the Coronavirus 

Walking Without Fear Through the Valley of Virus 

Health officials continue to offer common sense steps to contain, reduce, and prevent new infections of the coronavirus. But what should be our spiritual response to this pandemic? How can our hope in Christ remain firm as we walk through this dark valley? 

I have a special message for you that includes reminders that God is always with you, to focus on what is unchanging, and that God can use you to minister to others even in this crisis. You can listen to my message by going to https://pastorrick.com/listen/ and finding Walking Without Fear Through the Valley of Virus (Parts 1 and 2). 

We already know in advance that this virus will not last. It's a valley that we will walk through, and we're going to walk through it together.

And now Today's Devotional...

When Your Eyes Are Full of Tears, Keep Them on God

By Rick Warren

“The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21 TLB).

What would happen if every single thing in your life went bad? Would you still trust God if your plans didn’t work out? If everything fell apart? If you lost it all? Would you be able to honor God even in your pain?

The whole book of Job in the Bible is about answering that one question: Will you worship God when everything in your life goes wrong? For Job, almost everything that could go wrong, did, but he was faithful. He worshiped God by honoring him, even when he was wounded.

So how do you honor God when you don’t understand what’s going on in your life? How do you keep your eyes on God when they’re full of tears?

You honor God, not by thanking him for your problems but by thanking him in the middle of your problems. You do what Job did.

Job 1:21-22 tells us how Job responded: “‘I came naked from my mother’s womb,’ he said, ‘and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.’ In all of this Job did not sin or revile God” (TLB).

At each point in your life, you can find reasons to praise God. Life is never all good, and life is never all bad. In every moment you have good and bad together.

Throughout the book of Job, Job finds the good for which he can praise God, even in the middle of the bad. You can use this list to help you praise God, no matter what’s going on. Here’s what you can praise God for:

• That he is good and loving (Job 10:12)
• That he is all-powerful (Job 36:22, 37:5, 23)
• That he notices every detail of your life (Job 23:10, 31:4)
• That he is in control (Job 34:13)
• That he has a plan for your life (Job 23:14)
• That he will protect you (Job 5:11)
• Whatever is going on in your life today, choose to honor God in faith.

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

2 Ways to Shipwreck Your Faith 

By Jennifer Waddle 

“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck.” - (1 Timothy 1:18-19 NKJV) 

To experience an actual shipwreck would be one of the scariest experiences a person could go through. When we hear of cruise ships being stranded at sea, starting to sink, or having mechanical issues, we hold our breaths until people are safely rescued. 

The apostle Paul knew the experience of shipwreck probably better than anyone. 

“Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea…” (2 Corinthians 11:25 NIV) 

Three times he was shipwrecked! And yet, he survived to tell the story. 

While most of us can only imagine such an ordeal, I’m afraid others of us may end up going through something just as terrible—the shipwreck of faith. 

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.  - (Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV) 

Drifting away from our relationship with Jesus is a serious situation that requires serious action. We are in danger of reaching a place, in the open sea of life, where we completely abandon our faith and outright reject the Lord. 

There is an interesting line, in 1 Timothy 1:20, that mentions a couple of men by the names of Hymenaeus and Alexander—men to whom Paul “handed over to Satan.” Now, I don’t know about you, but I never want to be “handed over” to Satan! The context of the passage is that Paul recognized two grave things that these men had allowed to happen—two things that basically shipwrecked their faith. When Paul warned Timothy to "fight the good fight with faith and a good conscience,” he was outlining two necessary things for the Christian walk. Unfortunately, Hymenaeus and Alexander had rejected these and been expelled from Paul’s leadership in order that they would learn a hard lesson. Following the example of these men, here are 2 ways to shipwreck your faith: 

1. Reject 

In a world where everyone is encouraged to embrace “whatever feels right,” there is an extreme danger of being mislead toward ideas that are contrary to the Scriptures. These ideas plague our culture, our homes, and even our churches. Eventually, they may lead a person to outright reject faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” (Luke 10:16 NKJV) 

Belief and the acceptance of Jesus as the only true God is foundational to the Christian faith. Any other ideas that try to distort this truth are ideas that can lead to shipwreck. It is crucial to our faith that we trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross and not try to add or take away from it. 

2. Ignore 

When our conscience becomes hardened to the point that we no longer hear or heed the voice of the Holy Spirit, our faith becomes like a splintered ship, tossed against the rocky shore, useless and abandoned. 

The Holy Spirit’s role is “God in us.” When we enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, His Spirit comes to reside. He guards, guides, and directs us in the way we should go. Without His navigation, our faith will surely be shipwrecked. It is of utmost importance that we remain in step with Him and listen to His still, small voice. 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25 NKJV) 

Paul’s charge to Timothy was to remain strong in the battle, steady on the open seas, and faithful in the Lord. He knew that temptations would come—temptations to reject and ignore the only God and Savior, thereby risking the shipwreck of his faith. 

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. (1Timothy 4:10 NKJV)

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

Controlling Our Appetites 

by Dr. Charles Stanley

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV 

What words would you use to describe our society? Materialistic, sensual, impatient, indulgent, undisciplined--these are just a few. We're also a "have it now" culture. Satan specializes in presenting us with opportunities for instant gratification while promising us that indulging our appetites will bring us the satisfaction we seek. 

Human appetites, in themselves, are not sinful. In fact, they're God-given. However, because of our fleshly weaknesses, they need to be controlled. When our appetites rule us, we're in trouble. Paul likened the Christian life to that of athletes who are so focused on winning the race that they exercise self-control in every area of their lives. 

That's exactly how we're called to live, yet we lack the motivation, determination, and power to do so in our own strength. For this reason, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit within us. If we yield our lives to Him and step out in obedience to His promptings, we'll have the strength to say no when fleshly desires feel overpowering (Gal. 5:16). 

Another key to success is keeping our focus on the eternal instead of the temporal. Many decisions that seem mundane are in fact spiritually significant. Are you indulging an appetite that could result in the sacrifice of an imperishable reward in heaven? 

When the Enemy tempts us, he always tries to keep our attention on our desire and the pleasure of indulgence rather than on the eternal rewards and blessings we're forfeiting. Just remind yourself how quickly immediate gratification wanes and how long eternity lasts. 

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

The Enemy’s Plan Against You 

by LYSA TERKEURST 

“For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:16 (NIV) 

Something I pray on a regular basis is that God will give me a keen awareness of the enemy’s plans and schemes against me. I want to be able to recognize his traps and avoid them. 

I believe part of His answer came one day as I studied the story of Satan tempting Eve (in Genesis 3) and our key verse: “For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16). 

As I compared these passages, I had a serious epiphany about how Satan goes after us. These verses outline Satan’s 3-pronged plan of attack on our hearts. And it’s the same plan we see him using while tempting Jesus in the desert in Matthew 4:1-11! A fact that tells me while the enemy may be powerful, he’s also predictable. 

Let’s take a closer look at Satan’s plan as revealed in Eve’s story and Jesus’ story: 

1. Make them crave some sort of physical gratification to the point they become preoccupied with it. Be it sex, drugs, alcohol or food. 

Satan tempted Eve with fruit, which “was good for food” (Genesis 3:6b, NIV). 

Satan tempted Jesus with bread while He was on a fast. (Matthew 4:3-4, NIV) 

Satan tempts us with whatever physical sense we are too preoccupied by — be it taste, smell, sound, touch or sight. God says that our senses are good. He gave them to us to enjoy within His boundaries. But venture outside God’s intention for them, and they become an attempt to get our needs met outside the will of God. 

2. Make them want to acquire things to the point they bow down to the god of materialism. Keep them distracted by making their eyes lust after more and more stuff. 

Satan tempted Eve by drawing her attention to what was “pleasing to the eye” (Genesis 3:6c, NIV). 

Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and told Him that He could have it all. (Matthew 4:8-10, NIV) 

Satan flashes the newer, bigger and seemingly better things of this world in front of us, trying to lure us into thinking we must have it. He tempts us to think: This will make me fulfilled. This will make me happy. And then it wears out, breaks down, gets old and reveals just how temporary every material thing is. 

3. Make them boastful about what they have or do. Keep them distracted and obsessed with their status and significance. Choke the life out of them using the tentacles of their own pride. 

Satan tempted Eve by promising an increased awareness which would make her become more like God. (Genesis 3:4-5, NIV) 

Satan tempted Jesus by telling Him to throw Himself off the highest point of the temple and command the angels to save Him. (Matthew 4:5-7, NIV) This would be very impressive and raise Jesus’ status and significance in the eyes of the world. 

Likewise, Satan tempts us to try and elevate ourselves over others. We wrongly think we have to become something the world calls worthy. This creates a need within our flesh to have people notice us, commend us, revere us and stroke our pride. We then dare to boast about all we are. 

Oh sweet sister, this is where we must stop and remind ourselves that we don’t have to be held hostage by Satan. We are onto him and his schemes. And the enemy’s power is nothing compared to the freeing promises of God. 

There was a huge difference between Eve’s response to Satan and Jesus’ response to Satan. Eve dialogued with Satan, and she allowed him to weave his tangled web of justifications. Jesus, on the other hand, quoted Deuteronomy with every temptation as He answered, “It is written …” and He immediately shut Satan down with the truth of God. 

What will our response be? 

It’s our choice. 

Moment by moment, decision by decision, step by step — will we operate in God’s all-powerful truth or allow Satan to entangle us in his lies? 

Dear Lord, thank You for making me aware of the enemy’s plans against me. I declare today that while the enemy may be vicious, he will not be victorious in my life. Not with You helping me walk in truth and light. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

TRUTH FOR TODAY: 
1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (NIV) 

1 John 2:14b-15, “I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one. Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.” (NLT) 

RELATED RESOURCES: 
One of the enemy’s favorite entry points into our lives is disappointment. But you can train yourself to recognize the three strategies of the enemy so you can stand strong and persevere through unsettling relationships and uncertain outcomes with Lysa TerKeurst’s new book, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. Order your copy today. 



REFLECT AND RESPOND: 
Which part of Satan’s plan do you struggle with the most? Spend some time in prayer today asking the Lord to lead you to Scripture you can use to battle your temptations. 

© 2019 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

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