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

The Father of Lies 

“For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 nlt). Before I was a Christian, I don’t know that I actually thought of temptation as temptation. I probably thought of it more like an opportunity. If something looked fun, I thought, “Why not go for it?” I would give this or that thing a try. 

So, when I became a Christian, other believers warned me, “Greg, watch out! The devil is going to tempt you.” 

“The devil? What do you mean, ‘the devil’?” 

“Satan is going to tempt you,” they said. 

“But how will I know when I’m being tempted?” 

“You’ll know.” 

I was in high school at the time, and there was a very pretty girl in one of my classes. I noticed her, but she had never noticed me. She sat toward the front of the class, and one day after class, she came walking up to me. 

“Hi,” she said. “What’s your name?” 

I was so stunned that I momentarily forgot my name. She was standing there talking to me, and I had no idea why. 

“You know, you’re cute,” she went on to say. “And you know what? My parents are gone for the weekend. Would you like to come and stay at my house?” 

And suddenly I realized what was happening. There it was, a temptation from the devil that the other Christians had warned me about. How did I know? Because stuff like that never happened to me. Trust me. It just didn’t. 

So, I told her no, even though it wasn’t that easy to do. 

I learned something that day: Temptation comes in attractive packages. Satan makes bad things look good. He makes wicked things look appealing and makes deadly things look like they’ll be the best experience you’ve ever had. 

He’s a liar. And he’ll do whatever he needs to do to pull you down. 

Copyright © 2020 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. 
From Pastor Greg Laurie

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

You Are Loved and Not Forgotten 

by ARLENE PELLICANE 

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23 (NKJV) 

Years ago, my mom was traveling next to a woman who was wrestling with a pie. The lady was trying to take out her work things and get settled while not upending the pie she held in her lap. My mom offered to hold the pie, and soon a friendship was born. Turns out, the pie was a gift from the woman’s mother. My mom and her new friend, Karen, chatted for much of their flight and exchanged phone numbers. From that day on, Karen often joined us for family meals and celebrations. I even interned for a year at Karen’s workplace as a public relations assistant. 

I don’t think my mom meeting Karen on that airplane was an accident, coincidence or good luck. These words imply randomness and chance. Our Heavenly Father is a God of divine order and planning. God never rolls the dice or crosses His fingers, hoping for the best. He spoke the world into existence! 

I believe God arranged for the airplane meetup with that pie as the connector. Today’s key verse, Psalm 37:23, says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” 

What delightful thing might God be arranging for you today? 

Maybe you’ll meet someone new this week who really needs a friend like you. Maybe you’re wondering where your rent payment will come from, and an unexpected check arrives in the mail. Maybe you’ll write a kind letter to your best friend, lifting her spirit and yours. 

Now just because there’s divine order in your life doesn’t mean you won’t encounter difficulty and disappointment. 

Right after the key verse, the psalmist David writes, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds His hand. I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread” (Psalm 37:24-25, NKJV). Falls in life are inevitable but not irreversible. God has a grand plan not just for individuals, but for generations. 

My parents celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year. We were supposed to take a family vacation to celebrate this milestone. But like many of us, our plans were changed by COVID-19. We stayed home and didn’t see each other. But you know what? Our steps are still divinely ordered. We know all things work together for the good of those who love God and who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Who knows? Maybe God has something even better planned. Our lives are not haphazard. We are not victims of chance, chaos, tough luck or bad timing. We can live in peace even in troubled times because our days are ordered by an Almighty God who loves us. The more you get to know God, the sweeter and sweeter your relationship with Him will become. His plans for you are good. You are loved and not forgotten. He knows exactly where you are and will continue to be the architect of your divinely ordered life. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for ordering my life. I choose to trust in You and find my delight in Your laws. I commit my ways to You and ask for divine guidance over my life. I rest in You, believing You’re working all things for good in my life. Come and have Your way in me. Keep my heart steadfast in hope, and fill me with joy today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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

Freedom: Is It Safe? 

by Stacy Sanchez 

“Aslan is a lion--the Lion, the great Lion." 

"Ooh," said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he--quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"... 

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” 

(C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) 

Is he safe? No, but he is good. The first time I read these words as a child, they leapt off of the page and resounded in my being. They became somewhat of an unofficial motto that I have chosen to live by. It’s right up there with “How hard can it be?” My friends won’t even let me finish that sentence anymore. They know what will be coming next–-something very, very hard. 

I am a bit of a rule breaker. If there is a sign marking a trail that I’m supposed to stay on, I see that as a mere suggestion and forge my own. “Nothing was ever discovered by staying on the path.” I assert, as I grab my reluctant niece’s hand and tromp off into the desert. (I may have got a text from her mother the next time I took her hiking, asking if we could please stay on the path.) 

I could have been an explorer–-except in cold climates. I’m daring, not stupid. I’m more of a warm weather, beach explorer. More than once, my husband has had to reel me in. The echoes of his warnings still ring in my ears: No, Stacy, you can’t do that. Don’t taste that! There might be parasites. Get off of the lava!! Don’t swim after the sharks! Moray eels don’t like you all up in their face. You went where? By yourself? Are you crazy? 

This dare-to-be-me personality of mine has come at the cost of other people’s judgment. When I became a pastor, I was called sinful, uppity, and a woman with an agenda to take over. That’s a lot of names for someone that just wanted to love God’s people. 

As the only female to play and coach in a baseball league, I was labeled with words that would today be considered homophobic and sexist. Even now, when I stand up for a righteous cause, I learn a whole new set of words that describe how others think of me. 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 NIV 

In him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12 NIV 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV 

I guess I just take these verses to heart. If the Bible says we are free, ’nuf said. We have the freedom in Christ to be all that He has created us to be. Why don’t we act like it? 

Freedom isn’t always safe. Quite the opposite. It can be messy. It costs us something. It cost Christ everything to give us our freedom. He definitely didn’t live a life of safety. If you think about it, a safe life isn’t a free life. We’re bound to be held captive by something or someone—maybe even our own fearful desires for safety. 

When we are doing what God has called us to do or be, it can be scary. People will judge us. They will make their opinions known. It can hurt. But God is much more concerned with our character than our comfort. It is scary to step out into the great unknown of his calling. Nope, it might not be safe out there, but it is good because God is good. His ways are good. His plans for us are always good. And sometimes we find out that even though scary, it can be a lot of fun. 

“I prefer a dangerous freedom over a peaceful slavery.” --Thomas Jefferson 

Amen! Me too! We are free! We have been set free from religious laws, opinions, judgments of others, and the lies of the enemy, because of the unsafe thing Christ did for us on the cross. 

No, He is not safe, but He is good! 

Father, sometimes You call us to step out into the great unknown. You want to stretch and grow us into the people you created us to be. It can be scary out there. Forgive us for not trusting You. Just like You grew a little shepherd boy into a great king, You want to make us into something great. Help us to trust that the plans You have for our lives are good and we don’t have to be afraid.

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

Want My Opinion? 

By Anne Peterson 

Fools have no interest in understanding, they only want to air their own opinions. - Proverbs 18:2 I’ve been reading through Proverbs again. And I’m telling you, Solomon really has nuggets of wisdom for all of us. I hardly start reading and I need to stop and write down some of those verses, so I do. Things I wasn’t aware of, things I need to work on. 

God said in Philippians 1:6 that “he who has begun good work in us, will continue that work until the day of Christ Jesus.” The work started the moment we trusted in what Jesus did on the cross. We are works in progress. 

I’m glad God doesn’t show us all he’s going to do in us all at once. It would be overwhelming. Instead, he shows us a little at a time. 

Proverbs says fools have no interest in understanding, they only want to air their own opinions. That hurt. I considered myself an understanding person, but the second part of that verse rings so true with me. It’s important to me that others know what I think. Boy, I can see the pride just oozing in that sentence. 

I quickly realize this is something I do often. And sadly, I do it with my husband a lot. I’m wondering if it has been one of the reasons we’ve had some disagreements. Okay, I know it is. Another verse in Proverbs 12:15 says, “Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.” 

If I listened more and spoke less two things would happen. First, I would be airing less of my opinions, which I already acknowledge would be good. Secondly, I would become wise because I would spend more time hearing what others have to say. Kind of like what it says in James 1:19. To be quick to hear and slow to speak. 

Reading God’s Word is so helpful when we want to relate well to others. God gives us so many instructions on how to do it. 

Sometimes when I speak, I have this urgency to make sure my listener knows what I’m trying to say. Maybe this is because in my family of origin, we were not really heard as children. But just because we know why we act a certain way doesn’t give us the right to continue it. Our reasons should not become our excuses. I’m an adult now, responsible for my words and actions. 

I’m so thankful that we have God’s Word to help us in our lives. 

If I follow what God instructs, I will reap the benefits. And so, I am committed to doing just that. I have on the listening end of those who share all of their opinions. I must say at those times I have felt like what I thought mattered little. I do not want others to feel that way, nor do I want my husband to feel like that. 

God is revealing how much pride I still have. I know God is at work in me and will be, till I see Jesus. But I can respond to the truth he shows me in his Word. I can be intentional about changing. 

Romans 14:19 tells us to pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Refusing to air all my opinions and becoming better at listening to my spouse would be upbuilding. When a person feels heard they feel they have value. 

I confess there have been times I’ve felt what I had to say was more important than what he had to say. 

What God has to say 

Lord, I pray that you help me with that. Thank you, Father for your Word and how it can help us in our relationships. Thank you Lord. Help us to be good listeners. I pray this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

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

When Faith Wavers 

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:5-8 NIV 

If we believe that God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised, why do so many of us habitually waver in our prayers? Instead of exercising bold faith, we come to the Lord “hoping” He will hear us and answer our requests, but we’re just not sure He will. With this kind of thinking, we cannot expect to receive anything from Him. 

One reason we are so prone to doubt is that we fail to see God at work in our circumstances. We asked, and nothing happened. But the Lord is not some cosmic bellhop who jumps in response to our requests. He sees past, present, and future and knows the right time for every answer. His invisible hand is already at work on our behalf—arranging situations to accomplish His will, opening hearts, and preparing us to receive what He wants to give. 

Another cause for uncertainty is ignorance. If we don’t know God’s ways, we will be disappointed in His response. All too often our prayers are accompanied by expectations of how He will work. When He fails to intervene according to our timetable or anticipated method, we start to doubt. But placing our faith in the Lord and trusting in His good and perfect ways gives us stability as we wait for His answer. 

To overcome doubts, spend time in the Word to learn God’s principles and ways. Then you’ll begin to grasp what He wants to achieve in your life and how He goes about it. Examine your past from a biblical perspective—faith will grow as you see the unexpected ways He answered your prayers. 

From Dr. Charles Stanley

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

A Christian’s Response to Racism and Injustice 

by JOEL MUDDAMALLE

Director of Theological Research

 

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV) 

The most important voice we need to hear to instruct us on racism and injustice is the voice of Jesus. In Matthew 22:37-40, we hear Jesus answer the Pharisees' question of what is the greatest commandment. His response masterfully and intentionally answered their question by connecting two commandments that flow into each other: 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” 

Love the Lord your God. 

Love your neighbor. 

Our love of God requires and compels us to love our neighbor. A love of God without a love of our neighbor is a fractured love of God to begin with. Jesus emphasizes the importance of these two truths by saying that both of these commandments are the hinge that the law (the writings of Moses) and the prophets (the rest of the Old Testament) hang on. 

To fully understand the weight of Jesus’ word, we have to rewind and look at the past. We could turn to so many places in the Old Testament (Amos, Zechariah, Leviticus and Deuteronomy), but one of the most helpful places for us to start is Micah 6:8. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” 

The prophet Micah speaks out on behalf of two types of people: those who are in poverty and those who are in the margins of society. Micah is dealing with both racism and social classism, which are both offensive to God. Micah responds by calling the people of God (and calling us today) to walk humbly with God, do justice and love mercy. 

Walk humbly: This is an image of walking hand in hand in intimacy with a father. As a child, when we walk in the shadow of our parents, hand in hand, we are humbled by their presence, and we live and act as a result of that humility. 

Do justice: The Hebrew word for justice is “mishpat,” and it deals with a legal decision. This speaks of having systems and structures that are not morally bankrupt but reflect the righteous justice of God. Love mercy: As a people who’ve experienced extravagant and undeserved mercy, we should pour out extravagant mercy onto others, even if it’s undeserved. 

Jesus teaches us that these three characteristics mentioned in Micah 6:8 should be embodied and reflected in the lives of Christians as we relate to our neighbors. 

Who is our neighbor? Every image bearer of God. In other words — all of humanity. As Christ-followers, we love God with every ounce of our being, and we’re then sent out to love our neighbors to be a reflection of the love, mercy and justice of God. This is what can be referred to as the “Law of love” (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8; John 13:34-35). 

Jesus is telling His people today to walk humbly, do justice, love mercy and love all of humanity. Will we listen to His voice and instruction? 

Let Us Pray...

Lord, thank You for teaching us so clearly what it means to love our neighbor through Your Word. Thank You for the gift of the Scripture and how it has the power to instruct and guide us in every situation and circumstance. Empower us through Your Spirit to live a life of love that serves as a sign and symbol of the goodness of the gospel to our neighbors that may not know You. Help us, Lord, when things are hard. Remind us to lean into You through Your Word by the power of Your Spirit and not on our own understanding. Stir our affections for You, King Jesus, and be with us as You’ve promised. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

TRUTH FOR TODAY: 

Galatians 5:14-15, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” (ESV) 

James 2:8, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.” (ESV)

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

A Prayer for Taking the Next Step 

By Alisha Headley 

“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 or be dismayed.” - Deuteronomy 31:8 

Sometimes we allow fear from stopping us from taking the next step. Maybe you feel God calling you to step into a new career, into ministry, a new relationship, new church, new city, or a new group of friends. Maybe you feel so strongly that God has spoken to you, but the fear of the unfamiliar seems to far outweigh the action of taking the next step. You believe God is trustworthy, yet you’re content with where you’re at, so you sit back and stay where you are rather than take a bold next step. Do you know every hero we read about in the Bible did not know what was on the other side of that next step as well? 

We know the ending to their stories, but at the time, they did not. 

In today’s Scripture, Joshua’s life helps us understand that he was given assurance before He led God’s children to their promised land. Before he took the next step, God told him: 

“I will go before you… 

I will be with you… 

I will not leave you nor forsake you… 

do not fear or be dismayed” 

Joshua did what he knew he could not do. Like us, he was told in advance he’d be able. Joshua never faced anything so frightful or potentially disparaging that God didn’t see him through it. 

Isn’t it encouraging to know that whatever that next step you feel the Lord calling you to, He has already gone before you and is faithful to not leave you? 

Never Alone 

He will be with us throughout the entire journey, one step in front of the next. God is faithful when we walk by faith with Him, just as Joshua did along with many other heroes in Scripture. 

We are appointed, equipped, and empowered. We don’t have to take the next step alone. Rest in the assurance of His faithfulness. Through Christ, we can absolutely, unequivocally do anything God places in front of us. Grab onto the hem of His garment and find the faith to go where He leads. 

Dear Lord, 
We thank you that no journey ahead of us is too far out for you. That you know the plan, and every step in between. Father, thank you that we have nothing to fear with you leading the way. We thank you for promising us that you go before us giving us assurance before we take the next step. You are aware that we needed this confidence and assurance to rest in before we embarked on the unfamiliar. Thank you, Lord, that you have given us examples of men and women in the Bible like Joshua that have already paved the way proving their inadequacy yet your mighty power. We ask you Lord for boldness and faith to take the next step you have called us to take. Help us to trust you more, help us in our unbelief. We choose to believe you are able when we are not. We choose faith over fear as fear is not from you. We thank you in advance for your provision and for your care as we boldly take next steps. Thank you for your love of every detail of our lives down to every step we take. We love you Lord, and we trust you who has already gone before us. 

In Jesus’ Name, 
Amen.

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

DO YOU WANT TO GET RICH? 

Some years ago, a good friend of mine and I were having a spirited discussion about God and money.  Toward the end of the conversation, my friend emphatically said, "Well, I know one thing... there is nothing wrong with wanting to get rich!" 

Oh really?  What did the Apostle Paul tell Timothy? 

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.  1 Timothy 6:9-10 

Is there anything wrong with wanting to get rich?  YES! 

1.  If you want to get rich, it reveals an unhealthy view of riches. 

So many people think the answer to most all of their problems is money.  They think, "If I just had more money, then I could do anything I desired to do... and then I would be happy."  Money does not make a person happy.  Take it from King Solomon, the man who had so much money he made Bill Gates look like a street beggar, "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money" (Eccl. 5:10). Angela Kelly won $72 million dollars in Britain's biggest lottery win.  I guess her life is full of joy and peace now, right?  WRONG!  Since her big payday she lost her boyfriend, gained 14 pounds, has been hounded by friends looking for financial help, and now lives like a virtual recluse.  Her neighbor said, "She was perfectly happy before she won the millions.  Winning that money has really ruined her life.  She has totally lost her sense of purpose."  Amazing! 

You know what really satisfies in life?  A deep walk with God.  Solomon asked, "For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?"  Nobody! 

2. If you want to get rich, it reveals a potential love of riches. 

God warns us about loving money.  Money is amoral, neither good nor bad, but "the love of money is the root of all sort of evil" (1 Tim. 6:10).  Jesus said it is impossible to serve God and serve money.  It is impossible to love God and love money. 

Now don't get me wrong; it is fine to have money... as long as money does not have you.  How can you tell if you have money or if money has you?  Are you able to give generously and cheerfully to the Lord's work?  Tithing (giving 10% of your gross income to the Lord's work) not only builds your faith, it protects your heart against money becoming a destructive idol in your life. 

3. If you want to get rich, it reveals a shortsighted view of riches. 

Riches are uncertain and unstable at best.  They are here today and gone tomorrow.  Does money talk?  Yes.  It says, "Goodbye."  Mike Tyson won $300 million dollars as a boxer... and filed for bankruptcy in 2003.  Former box office heartthrob, Burt Reynolds filed for bankruptcy in 1996 with over $10 million in debt.  He went through money like "White Lightning" (a little Burt Reynolds movie humor). God tells us "not to fix our hope on the uncertainty of riches" (1 Tim. 6:17).  We are to "fix our hope on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." 

Riches surely do not profit in the day of wrath (Prov. 11:4).  When you die, you leave behind all that you have and you take with you all that you are.  According to Jesus, the only way to make your money last for all eternity is to invest it in heaven's bank, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21). 

My friend, let me encourage you to be content with what you have. It is certainly not wrong to have riches... just do not long for them or trust in them! 

Give generously, live simply, love unconditionally, trust God implicitly, and enjoy the blessings He will bring as a result! 

Love, 
Pastor Jeff Schreve, 
From His Heart Ministries

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

Those Guys Still Exist 

By Leslie J. Barner 

“I don’t understand what’s wrong with guys these days.” My dad was expressing his frustration with young men. 

“When I was dating your mother, I would bring her flowers, come in and talk with her parents, open her car door, pull out her chair. I would treat her the way a woman should be treated.” 

In defense, I responded, “That’s old fashioned, Dad. Those guys no longer exist. And some girls don’t want to be treated that way.” 

Truthfully, that was exactly how I wanted to be treated. 

It was how Dad had always treated my mom and his four daughters. It made me feel valued, protected, and cherished. 

Then a young man named Aubrey came into my life. 

On our first date he opened my car door, pulled out my chair, stood when I stood, sent me flowers, and asked to meet my parents. 

“Dad! They do still exist!” I told him over the phone. 

He and Mom couldn’t wait to meet him. 

A year later, Aubrey and I were married. And even after 38 years, he still makes me feel like the most desirable woman on earth. 

But I’ve learned how important it is for me to make Aubrey feel cherished and deeply loved too. Matthew 7:12 challenges me to treat him the way I want to be treated. 

I’ve enjoyed encouraging him, telling him how handsome and sexy he is, how special he makes me feel. 

He loves when I surprise him with a chocolate candy bar with nuts, or a juicy ribeye steak with rosemary roasted potatoes. Or when I lay my head on his chest while talking in bed, or wrap my arms around him from behind when he’s cooking. Or when I simply hold his hand while we watch television together. 

I’ve found that showing each other how much we love and cherish each other, in addition to saying, “I love you,” is essential for protecting our marriage, growing closer together, overlooking each other’s shortcomings, and going the distance. 

Husbands, click here for more on cherishing your wife. 

Wives, click here for more on cherishing your husband. 

The good stuff: “Above all, keep loving each other earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) 

Action points: This week, spend a few minutes during a meal talking to each other about some of the things that speak love to you. Then be intentional about putting that discovery into practice.

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

Why Keep Praying When There Is No Answer? 

By Rick Warren 

“Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT). 

Why should you remain persistent in your prayers when you don’t get an answer? Here are four reasons. 

Persistent prayer focuses your attention. 

When you pray a prayer request over and over, it’s not to remind God. He doesn’t need to be reminded! It’s to remind yourself that God is the source of your answer and all your needs. 

If every prayer you ever prayed was instantly answered, two things would happen. First, prayer would actually begin to hurt you because sometimes we pray for things that are not God’s will, or we make mistakes because we see with a limited perspective. Second, you’d never really develop a deep relationship with God, because he would become just a vending machine. If every time you prayed you instantly got results, all you’d think about is the blessing. God wants you to think about the Blesser. 

Persistent prayer clarifies your request. 

A delayed answer gives you time to clarify exactly what you want and to refine your prayers. When you pray persistently to your heavenly Father and you say something over and over again, it separates deep longings from mere whims. It says, “God, I really care about this.” 

It’s not that God doesn’t want to answer your prayers. He does. It’s just that he wants you to be certain what you really want. 

Persistent prayer tests your faith. 

James 1:3-4 says, “When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (NLT). 

The only way you can grow to spiritual maturity is to have your faith tested. One of the ways God tests your faith is by delaying some answers to your prayers. 

Persistent prayer prepares your heart for the answer. 

When you make a request of God, God almost always wants to answer in a greater way than you’ve prayed. Sometimes God denies your prayer request because you’re thinking and asking too small. He wants to give you something bigger and better. 

But first, he has to prepare you for it. So God uses delays in answering prayer to help you grow, to help you get ready, and to help prepare you for a bigger and better answer. 

Remember, “God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20 NCV).

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

A Prayer for When You Feel Stuck 

by J. Scott McElroy 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 NIV 

Does it ever seem hard to make progress in your life; to reach goals (even daily ones) and fulfill your calling? You seem to be going in the right direction, making a little progress… and then you get bogged down. That stuck feeling surfaces again. Maybe it's caused by distraction, fear, or something that's just hard to put a finger on. 

I’ve experienced this feeling more often than I care to admit. 

I think I have a pretty good handle on my personal calling and the work God has prepared for me (Eph 2:10), but getting there or letting him take me there can be a struggle. I can get stuck along the way. 

A few weeks ago God unexpectedly shined some light on my dilemma. 

I’d been leading a book study of Finding Divine Inspiration for several weeks with a sweet group of ladies here in Indianapolis. In response to one of the chapters, we took a few minutes to quiet ourselves and listen for God’s voice. I find these exercises very fruitful; it’s often surprising how easily we’ll hear God’s still small voice if we just get quiet for a few minutes. 

I wasn’t thinking about this stuckness issue as I sat there silently, but God decided it would be a good time to talk about it. What he showed me felt like an instant mini-revelation, and I impulsively laughed out loud at his wisdom and grace. 

He took me back to a recent moment when my wife and I were working on our bathroom, preparing to turn our upstairs into an Airbnb. Danielle volunteered to repaint all the cabinets under the sink, and she did a wonderful job. A little too wonderful, in fact. She painted the drawer --including the sides—a nice, thick, shiny coat of white enamel. It looked like new. 

This is the kind of drawer that slides in and out on a hard plastic rail, so the sides of the drawer must make contact with that rail when you open it. You can see where this is going. 

When I put Danielle’s pristine drawer in the slot after the paint dried, it immediately got stuck. Would not budge. The beautiful new paint had completely gummed up the simple slide system. 

I’d spent over an hour chipping away at the layers of paint on the sides, taking it back down to the bare wood and uncovering the plastic strip the drawer slides on. 

As I sat in silence during the book study exercise, that scene played out in my imagination and God reminded me why the drawer got so quickly and completely stuck. It was because unnecessary layers of paint were added to it. Danielle thought she was making the drawer look nice and clean by adding those layers on. But they weren’t necessary, and in fact they were detrimental to the intended operation of the drawer. 

God was telling me that I often get stuck because I add unnecessary layers; to projects, to my day, to my work, to my routine. I add them because I think I know what needs to be done, or how something needs to look, or because I’m craving comfort or “balance,” or because I’m not ready to go on to the next thing. I add an unnecessary layer when I decide to read one more internet news story and then spend 10 minutes in the click-bait rabbit hole. When I get distracted by a task that seems more fun than the one I need to be focused on. When my priorities get jumbled, I overdo the preparation phase on a project, or when I spend unnecessary time and energy in order to impress people. Yep, without a doubt unnecessary layers contribute extensively to that feeling of stuckness. And often those layers create a situation I have to deal with; scraping off the gook before things can function properly. 

Additionally, I think my problem with stuckness has a lot to do with communication. 

If I’d told Danielle more specifically what to paint on that cabinet, it would have saved us both time and energy. When I don’t take the time to communicate and consult with God about my day or my work and instead automatically follow what I think is right, it’s easy to add unnecessary layers. The Bible tells us he’ll reveal things to us when we ask him (Jer. 33:3; Prov. 16:3; James 1:5) or even—as in my case—when we just get quiet for a moment and listen. Sometimes spending just a few minutes listening for his voice can save hours of extra work and stuckness. 

God’s given me a new, very effective tool against stuckness: Keep in regular communication with him and keep asking him and myself, “Will this thing I’m doing or thinking about doing add an unnecessary layer to my life or work?” Give it a try. 

What are some of the unnecessary layers you tend to add? 

Let's Pray: 

Lord, We humble ourselves before you and confess that we often go our own way instead of consulting you on our plans. And sometimes we feel stuck, as a result. Thank you for your grace and mercy towards us, to give us wisdom and understanding in how to avoid adding unnecessary layers to our lives. Please give us a listening ear to your guidance. Please give us the strength to overcome the temptation to add unnecessary layers and encourage us with a new sense of freedom. Enable us to live the life of faith that you created us for! 
In Jesus Name, Amen!

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

Triumphant Faith

from Streams in the Desert

This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).

It is easy to love Him when the blue is in the sky,
When summer winds are blowing, and we smell the roses nigh; 
There is little effort needed to obey His precious will 
When it leads through flower-decked valley, or over sun-kissed hill. 

It is when the rain is falling, or the mist hangs in the air, 
When the road is dark and rugged, and the wind no longer fair, 
When the rosy dawn has settled in a shadowland of gray, 
That we find it hard to trust Him, and are slower to obey.

It is easy to trust Him when the singing birds have come, 
And their canticles are echoed in our heart and in our home; 
But 'tis when we miss the music, and the days are dull and drear, 
That we need a faith triumphant over every doubt and fear.

And our blessed Lord will give it; what we lack He will supply; 
Let us ask in faith believing--on His promises rely; 
He will ever be our Leader, whether smooth or rough the way, 
And will prove Himself sufficient for the needs of every day.

To trust in spite of the look of being forsaken; to keep crying out into the vast, whence comes no returning voice, and where seems no hearing; to see the machinery of the world pauselessly grinding on as if self-moved, caring for no life, nor shifting a hair-breadth for all entreaty, and yet believe that God is awake and utterly loving; to desire nothing but what comes meant for us from His hand; to wait patiently, ready to die of hunger, fearing only lest faith should fail--such is the victory that overcometh the world, such is faith indeed.
--George MacDonald

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

How to Cry Out to God 

29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:29-30 NIV 

The phone rings, and you answer. A sullen voice informs you of a tragedy. Your heart is so heavy that you feel as though you could die. What do you do? 

Bad news, danger, and pain all cause us to look for help. As believers, we dwell with the almighty God, who is able to aid us. At those moments when we are sideswiped by life’s circumstances, we should cry out to Him. 

In the Bible, crying out refers to speaking audibly with great emotion concerning an urgent need. God invites us to use this form of prayer to communicate that we desperately need His mercy. It takes both faith and humility to share our heart’s concern aloud. Crying out, then, is a way for God’s children to express trust in the Lord’s ability and willingness to help. By calling upon Him with such urgency, wealso lay down our pride and any attitude of self-sufficiency. 

The Word of God assures us that our Father hears our cries and responds. In Psalm 3:4, for example, David wrote, “I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered from His holy mountain.” When we call aloud for help in Jesus’ name, we invite His power into the situation. Remember that there is strength in just speaking His name. 

When we cry out to God, He may remove the problem immediately, yet we often have to wait for His perfect timing. Harsh circumstances might even be allowed to remain for His good purposes. But we can always count on His comfort and presence, which enable us to live with joy and hope. 

From Dr. Charles Stanley

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