+Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor

Date: April 3, 2017 at 12:40 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The God Who Is Enough

The God Who Is Enough

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:5-6).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 62

Do you know someone you would characterize as a godly person? Have you noticed

how amazingly simple his or her lifestyle is? The person may have a full schedule with many heavy responsibilities. Trials may be almost overwhelming. Still, instead of stress and tension, you see calmness and simplicity.

The reason is apparent as we reflect on today's verse. When we look to God to be the source of our rest and the solution to our fears, we discover that He is enough! We do not have to be slaves to worry. We can stop searching for people who will listen to our problems and offer their weak sympathy. We can look to God alone and discover day by day that our trust has not been misplaced.

Something is lost. Tell Him. Suffering from burnout. Tell Him. Disappointments shatter dreams. Tell Him. Does this seem too simplistic? Try making the Lord your source of inner rest and strength. See if He does not prove to be far more than you could have thought or even desired.

Insight: Have you tried to lean on the Lord while you are also relying on earthly props? Ask God to reveal Himself to you as the God who is enough.

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Date: March 30, 2017 at 1:58 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Read My Heart, Lord

Read My Heart, Lord

“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. . . . The Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” (Romans 8:26-27).

Scripture Focus: Romans 8:26-27

My heart is overflowing today as I present my prayer requests to the Lord. My list includes people for whom I care most deeply. I carry them on my heart and in my mind, but I honestly do not know how to pray for some of them. They represent staggering needs and complex problems.

I don’t know how to pray and can only cry, “Lord, do whatever will accomplish Your good purposes.” Or “Pour out Your love, Your wisdom, Your resources.” Or “Glorify Your name, Lord, in this situation that is so filled with despair.”

“Well,” you counter, “that certainly isn’t presenting your requests to the Lord.”

I agree. Sometimes the needs are so bewildering that I do not know how to formulate my desires. Furthermore, I'm too weak, too foolish, too earthbound to know what to say. The Holy Spirit is right there to meet this most intimate of needs. He listens to our hearts and knows how deeply we want God's will, but are limited in knowing what it is. He interprets our desires and presents them to our Father.

Insight: The Holy Spirit is listening to your heart right now and is interceding for you. Thank Him!

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Date: March 28, 2017 at 11:48 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Waiting for You

Waiting for You

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

Scripture Focus: Revelation 3:14-22

God has every right to enter our lives. After all, He created us for Himself. In making us in His own image, He gave us an immense capacity to know Him and communicate with Him.

But we were born into the human race that is estranged from God. Our wrongdoings have built a barrier that separates us from the One who made us for Himself. God's immense love caused Him to provide the way for us to be reconciled to Him. And at what a great price! His own Son gave His life for us so that we might become His children.

There can be no question about His right to enter our lives. We belong to Him both by His act of creating us and by His act of purchasing our redemption with Jesus' blood. Still, He does not force His way into our lives. He waits for us to invite Him in.

According to our verse for today, Jesus Christ is in one of two places in your life. He is either standing at the door and knocking, or, in response to your opening the door, He has entered your life and you are enjoying personal fellowship with Him.

Insight: Jesus Christ has made His choice: He desires fellowship with you. What is your choice?

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The Truth
Tuesday, March 28, 2016

"Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart."
Psalm 44:21 NASB


It is a scene enacted countless times every day in businesses large and small. In fact, for many people it is a kind of ritual. These are called "watercooler conversations," because so many take place around a watercooler.

Here, one frequent topic is the latest television programs. In these conversations, men and women discuss what they watched. What they thought of the characters and stories. What they liked, and disliked.

This interaction has become central to social interaction. But what is particularly interesting is that much of what is discussed is not true.

This is a conclusion from a recent study which revealed that 46% of people lie about what they watch on TV. Why? The researchers found that people said they watched a show out of a desire "to fit into a conversation." They wanted to be accepted, or just impress others, and were willing to lie to achieve their objectives.

Interestingly, the researchers found that men were almost twice as likely to lie as women. And younger people were more likely to lie than those who were older.

One analyst described how the findings confirm that many don't "want to be left out of the conversation." Others lie because they wanted to cultivate an image. To encourage others to think about them in a particular way. To appear more sophisticated, or cultured. More up-to-date.

More in tune with trends.

Many people go through life with this attitude. They are willing to lie, or distort the truth, in an effort to fool others. Not just about TV programs but about their accomplishments. Their purchases or lifestyle. Just about anything.
But the Bible gives us another perspective on these habits. People may be able to fool others, but they can't fool God. He knows every secret, every thought.

In your life, seek to be honest with God.

Remember. He knows everything about you.

Today's Inspiring Prayer

Father, search my heart and help me to be clean in your sight. I seek to have a more intimate relationship with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Further Reading: Psalm 44


Date: March 28, 2017 at 1:57 AM
Topic: +DEV+ His Seeking Heart

His Seeking Heart

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

Scripture Focus: Luke 15:1-10

Ten-year-old Holly listened as her Sunday School teacher told Jesus' story of the shepherd who would not rest until he found his one lost sheep. “Jesus is like that strong, caring shepherd,” her teacher said. “He is seeking His lost ones. It doesn't matter how small the sheep is or how far it has wandered away. Each one is valuable to Him.”

Then the teacher asked how we know that Jesus loves each lost sheep. Holly answered, “Well, when the shepherd found the sheep, he scooped it up and carried it all the way home. I did that with my dog when it was lost. I was just so happy to find it.”

“Jesus is seeking lost sheep today,” the teacher explained. “He wants each to be safe in His arms. When He finds one, He is very happy, and so are the angels. Draw a picture of what you think it's like in heaven when the Shepherd finds a lost boy or girl.”

Holly thought carefully. Then she picked up her colored markers and began to work intently. I treasure her drawing. Her angels are exuberantly doing what Holly likes best to do - gymnastics!

Insight: Take time today to thank Christ for loving you and constantly seeking to save each lost person.

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Date: March 27, 2017 at 1:57 AM
Topic: +DEV+ My Shield

My Shield

“But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill”
(Psalm 3:3-4).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 3

There may be periods in our lives when we fit so comfortably with a group of believers that their joy becomes our joy, their faith our faith. Then disaster strikes. We suffer hurts and losses so devastating and so personal that the group faith alone no longer holds us up. We need - oh how we need - a deep and intimate faith-relationship with the Lord. We need a shield to protect us from the pain and humiliation. We need a shield that is tailor-made to the particular battle we are in. But who can make a customized, personalized, made-to-order shield in our emergency?

God can! In fact, He personally becomes your shield. You have Him all to yourself to meet your particular needs. He is available to you as if you alone were the object of His love and care, which you are indeed, if you are trusting Him. His promises are yours today. His goodness and bountiful gifts are available. His heart of love will meet your needs. In His good time He will bring help, and you can give all glory to Him.

Insight: God is closer to you than your need. Look to Him alone to be your shield and protector.

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Date: March 24, 2017 at 2:13 AM
Topic: +DEV+ So Very Close

So Very Close

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:17-18)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 34:15-22

After waiting for nearly an hour for takeoff, our frustration mounted as the flight attendant announced that our flight had been canceled. We would have to disembark and find alternate arrangements to get to our destination.

As I chatted with the passenger seated next to me, I noticed that the change in travel arrangements had shaken her deeply. She began to pour out the pain that gripped her heart. “If only the airline knew how desperately I need to arrive on schedule - to be at the hospital and see my mother before it is too late. If only they could understand and care even a little!”

How I longed to point her to the One who is right there at the place where the hurt is deepest. And if the Lord Himself is near, then all that is good and right is near. He is not at hand either to judge or to make light of the pain, but to bring healing and restoration in His closeness.

What causes you pain today? He waits to draw close and touch your hurt with healing.

Insight: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). He heals broken hearts with Himself.

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Date: March 23, 2017 at 2:24 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Taste and See

Taste and See

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. . . . The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who week the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:8,10).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 34:1-14

Behind our congenial greetings and polite smiles often lies an ancient and dark question. It is ancient because it originated in the Garden of Eden. It is dark because it raises doubts about the One who loves us best of all.

“Is God really good?” The question was originally raised by the serpent with the first woman. And it has been whispered in the hearts of each generation to this day.

It may be whispered again in a phone call with unhappy news, in a disappointment, in a gone-bad business deal, or in a devastating medical report. Any of these may lead us to one conclusion: God has abandoned one of His children!

But the psalm-writer challenges us. When things are at their worst, when the enemy has pushed our backs to the wall and God seems far away, that is the time to take refuge in Him. That is the time to take Him at His word. “Taste and see,” and in so doing we will find that, contrary to the evidence around us, God is there, and He is good.

Insight: God is good. If you would know it from personal experience today, set your heart to take refuge in Him.


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Date: March 21, 2017 at 11:25 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Clean - Really Clean

Clean - Really Clean

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves. . . . If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 32:1-5

Grandma was our resident stain expert. Whatever had soiled our garments or table linens was brought under her scrutiny. After analyzing the stain with her practiced eye, she prescribed the remedy and treatment. Her only requirement was, “Bring it to me right away. Don't wait, and don't try to treat it yourself before showing it to me. Your remedy may just set the stain and make it impossible to remove!”

Grandma was right. And her advice closely parallel's God's remedy for the sin that soils our hearts.

The psalm-writer describes the problems that result from living with unconfessed sin. While he would not even acknowledge it, his dishonesty “set” the stain. He was miserable with the unresolved transgression until he finally admitted the sin and stopped trying to conceal it from God (Psalm 32:5). Immediately God's forgiveness washed over his soul, bringing cleansing and restoring his joy.

Insight: As we confess our sins, God is faithful. He can be counted on to forgive and cleanse us - every single time.

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Date: March 21, 2017 at 1:23 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Joy of Our Hearts

The Joy of Our Hearts

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! . . . Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart” (Psalm 119:103, 111).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:97-112

Reading Psalm 119 is almost like stealing a look at a love letter. The writer of this beautiful psalm is almost euphoric in expressing his love for God's Word. He feasts on it, yet hungers for more. He bathes in its fathomless wisdom, yet craves to return to it. It satisfies him, yet it increases his desire to learn more.

The knowledge he acquires from the Word has given him wisdom that exceeds the knowledge of his teachers. That alone would seem to be enough. But he goes on to tell of blessings that go far beyond the satisfaction of knowing his intellectual needs have been met. Loving God's Word is more valuable than accumulating gold. It's sweeter than the finest of honey. It's better than an inheritance or a generous pension plan. It provides a joy that fills his heart.

The psalm-writer would find it inconceivable for a person to be chronically unhappy and at the same time be filled with God's Word. When we read it with an open heart, the Living God speaks through its pages. And when we respond, He gives joy.

Insight: How's your appetite? As you feast on God's Word, you will experience the joy of knowing that He is speaking to you through it.

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Date: March 20, 2017 at 1:39 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Our Unseen Companion

Our Unseen Companion

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus has given us a job to do. We are not left on earth solely to enjoy the benefits of our relationship with Him. He asks us to be busy serving Him, spreading His Good News throughout our planet.

Some of us are mobile and can go. As we fulfill our mission, we experience Jesus' promise to be with us every step as we go. But what about those of us who are not mobile and cannot go to other parts of the world? Are we to live outside the circumference of His promised presence?

There is a geography of the heart. It’s possible to be so committed to obeying the Master that we direct our whole lives to the goal of spreading the Gospel. Our time and resources, our priorities, our hearts' desires are all focused on obedience. Our prayer interests and what delights our hearts are all related to Christ's kingdom.

For all of us - those who go and those who stay - if our hearts reach out in obedience, we each can know the personal presence of the Master. He knows our deepest desires.

Insight: Ask the Lord to help you give the spread of His Gospel a high priority. Then you will know His personal presence in a new way.
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Date: March 17, 2017 at 2:21 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Known and Loved

Known and Loved

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15).

Scripture Focus: John 10:1-18

The envelope had my name and address neatly typed, and it was graced with a commemorative stamp instead of a meter imprint. I opened it and began to read the letter. After greeting me by my first name, the writer began, “Because of your keen interest in. . . .”

Ah, I thought, he remembered our conversation of a few weeks ago and was sending me the information I had requested. To the contrary! I quickly recognized that the letter had been computer-generated. My name was used, but I was not known.

How different it is with our Good Shepherd. He speaks to the real person within. He knows our deepest hungers, our highest aspirations. He knows our bitter regrets, our frustrated hopes, and our secret dreams. He knows the best and the worst within us, and still He loves us.

As our Good Shepherd, Christ commits Himself to our care. He speaks to us personally and provides for us according to our individual needs and capacities.

Insight: We can never know ourselves better than Christ knows us. He will never give us tasks that are beyond us nor withhold the gifts we need.

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Date: March 16, 2017 at 2:04 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Surrounded

Surrounded

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore” (Psalm 125:2).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 125

Think of yourself as a pilgrim moving through a territory that no map. You come to a mountain range and must deal with life-threatening danger. At times it seems that it's all over. You will never make it to the other side.

But you do, and you descend to a beautiful valley where you are warmed and sheltered from the violent winds. You are protected by the mountains that surround you.

In somewhat the same way Jerusalem was surrounded by natural mountains. The psalm-writer saw this as a picture of God's strong arms reaching out to protect and shelter His own.

We cannot avoid the experiences of life that buffet us. Troubles come to us, as they do to all people of every time and place. We cannot avoid stress and pain. Still we are protected. The Lord, who loves us, has placed us in a protected valley. He surrounds us with His strong love. The storms come, but we are sheltered in the warmth and safety of His love for us.

Insight: The choice is yours and mine today. Let's stop struggling and start relying on the warmth of the Lord's protection.

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Date: March 14, 2017 at 11:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Help, Lord!

Help, Lord!

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (Psalm 34:15-16).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 34

Right now, this very moment, a cruel and evil enemy is on the prowl. And you may be its intended victim. “Be alert,” God warns, “your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Temptation comes in many forms and in unrelenting frequency. The struggle demands our full concentration. Our resistance weakens just as our enemy planned. We wear down, and it seems too hard to say that big NO one more time.

Help is at hand. First, we have the Lord’s word that “the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). We do not have to be defeated.

Then we have our Lord’s reassurance that His eyes are on us constantly. His ears are always tuned in to our cry. He's there for us. There's no panic to get through on heaven's 911 emergency number, no need even to state our dilemma. He hears and will see us through our time of trouble, if we put our trust in Him.

Insight: We do not have strength to withstand temptation. That's why God wants us to call for help, believing that He will never let us down.

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Date: March 13, 2017 at 12:43 AM
Topic: +DEV+ This or That?

This or That?

“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go” (Isaiah 48:17).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 25

Our years in Arizona was the high point in our spiritual lives. The church we attended there throbbed with vitality. The congregation grew week by week. The offering baskets overflowed as we emptied our wallets to pour out our love and gratitude to God. The preaching was uplifting, and our sense of the unity of Christ's body thrilled us.

Sunday evening we always sang together, “Take the Name of Jesus with You.” Then we left the church to go our separate ways. Some of us wished we could have set our spiritual instruments on automatic pilot so we could have lived as we had worshipped.

But we couldn’t. Each of us had to make many personal choices throughout the week. Should we do this or that? Should we go here or there? Should we speak or be silent? The pastor could not be there to remind us of God's Word. Nor at the moment of decision did we have time to search the Scripture for direction. But God was there. He promises to give us moment-by-moment direction as we need it.

Insight: This or that? God will do His part to give us direction. Our part is to keep alert, to be ready to listen and obey.

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Date: March 9, 2017 at 2:35 AM
Topic: +DEV+ God's Searchlight

God's Searchlight

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 16

Much as giant beads of light pierce the darkness as searchlights pan the area, God's eyes constantly roam the earth searching out hearts that are fully committed to Him. And into those hearts He promises to pour His strength.

Note the context in which this promise is given. King Asa had led the people of Judah to remove all evidence of idol worship and to fortify their cities. They sought God with all their hearts, and He was found by them. Then Asa compromised. When the King of Israel began to provoke war, Asa sent treasures from the temple to the king of Syria, with a terse appeal, “Break your treaty with the King of Israel, so he will leave me alone.”

Asa made a critical blunder. God’s prophet spoke. “God promises to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Yet you chose to solve your problem in your own strength.”

Asa’s heart was unyielding toward God. From that point on, his reign skidded downhill. The choice was his, as it is ours today.

Insight: Will we trust our own resources or count on God's ever-available strength? As His eyes scan the earth today, may He find our hearts ready to receive His help.

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Date: March 8, 2017 at 3:15 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Grace to Cope

Grace to Cope

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 4:14-16

Failure! That word can be stamped across the lives of the Children of Israel. Not failure to perform, but failure to believe. God promised spiritual fulfillment, but when the Israelites heard His Word they did not listen with faith. They failed to enter into the blessing God had for them.

We too may fail, but we do not need to. God promises to bless us. When we hear His Word, we need to listen with faith to receive what God is saying. In this matter of our inner response, we may deceive ourselves, but we do not deceive Him. His Word is the divine clarifier. It constantly monitors our hearts, sifting our deepest, most subtle thoughts and attitudes.

God’s knowledge of us need not produce fear. We have Jesus Christ our High Priest, who stands in heaven on our behalf. He represents us as One who has a keen awareness of our need. He knows how feebly the flame of our faith burns. We are aware that we may fail, as did the Israelites of old. Jesus knows our weaknesses, and He never turns away from us but reaches out to help us.

Insight: Christ invites us to come to Him with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace to cope in our moment of need.

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Date: March 7, 2017 at 1:46 AM
Topic: +DEV+ My Shepherd

My Shepherd

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-2).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 23

As a teenager I traveled by train across Canada from Ontario to Alberta. Wide-eyed with excitement, I sat with my nose pressed against the window. Even during the night I peered into the darkness, hoping to capture every possible glimpse of the pristine northland and the sweeping prairies.

My companion missed the beauty because she was occupied with getting organized. Throughout the three-day trip, she packed and repacked her carry-on luggage, expecting that soon she could sit back and enjoy the view. She never did.

Like this woman, we may become fretful when life does not conform to our tidy plans. When we focus only on our frustrations, we miss the thrill of a spiritual adventure with our Shepherd.

As you read Psalm 23, notice its constant reference to the present. Right now you can have fellowship with the Lord. There is no need to wait till you put your life together. He accepts you as you are and is available to care for you, no matter how cluttered and out of control your circumstances may be.

Insight: Do you believe that the Lord is your Shepherd today? Trust Him and place yourself in His care.

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Date: March 5, 2017 at 10:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Strength for Today

Strength for Today

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. . . . Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:29, 31).

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:25-31

God's man trembled on the brink - of what? That was part of the problem. He had no way of guessing what could possibly be ahead for him.

The man was Moses. God was sending him back to Egypt to lead a nation of slaves out of bondage. “Who am I for such a task?” Moses gasped. He was unknown by the slaves, and he was a wanted man in the court that was holding the slaves in their misery. The assignment seemed to defy logic.

God answered, “I will be with you.” Moses' inadequacy was not a problem to God.

Moses then asked, “And who are You?”

God replied, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14).

Though the exact meaning of this name is hidden in mystery, we know it refers to God's eternal, dependable nature. Promises He gave Moses were based on His never-changing character.

We too can know the reality of God’s presence. He has promised us strength for today to accomplish the work He has for us to do. We can count on His strength because we can count on Him.

Insight: God will always give us the strength to do what He asks us to do. We can count on that.

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Date: March 2, 2017 at 11:01 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Our Ever-Present Help

Our Ever-Present Help

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear. . . .The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46: 1-2, 11).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 46

Our cowardly hearts yearn for a life without trouble. But God does not guarantee that. What He does promise is that He will be our refuge and strength while we are experiencing trouble. When we learn to count on His promise, we will not be gripped by terror even in time of disaster.

Services we depend on - telephone, electricity, water, fire and police protection - may all fail. One resource remains untouched by catastrophe: God. Nothing can cut us off from Him.

The psalm-writer describes the worst: natural disasters on land and sea, international crisis of war and political upheavals. Even when the catastrophe is beyond human intervention, and we are surrounded by total chaos and devastation, God is there. His promise is not that He will come when we call on Him in desperation, but that He is already there even as the disaster strikes. And He is there, not as an onlooker nor even as a compassionate rescue-worker. He is there to be our personal refuge and strength.

Insight: Don't wait for a disaster to strike before you count on God to be your ever-present help. He is your refuge today.

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Date: March 1, 2017 at 1:22 AM
Topic: +DEV+ A Happy Ending

A Happy Ending

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him. . . . Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37: 4-5,7).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 113

A couple taught in a school for children of missionaries, but being surrounded by children all day did not satisfy their longings. The wife especially wanted the blessing of children of their own.

Prayerfully they discussed with friends the wisdom of starting a family later in life. They acted on the advice they received and began exploring adoption. Not one but two would enter their home. Days in court were hard, expensive, and time consuming, but now, after several years of parenting, the children have become legally theirs. In a beautiful way God “settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children” (Psalm 113:9).

Two believers who are committed to God in their life service for Him also turned over their inner desires to Him. They waited and followed His leading - now their desires are fulfilled and their home is filled with exceeding joy.

We never need to conceal our heart desires from God. He knows them and will work out His will for us as we delight in Him.

Insight: Joy comes when we get what we really want and have waited for God to provide it His way in His time.

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Date: February 28, 2017 at 2:00 AM
Topic: +DEV+ How Jesus Loves Me

How Jesus Loves Me

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).

Scripture Focus: John 13:31-35

Most of us tend to be careless about Jesus' clear command to love others as He has loved us. Ironically, His disciples let it go right over their Heads. They simply changed the subject!

To discover how we are to love others, we need first to know how Jesus loves us. He totally accepts us exactly as we are, even when we're not a pretty sight. He's never too tired to give us His undivided attention.

Jesus is firm when we’re taking a wrong path, but He is never harsh. When tragedy or scandal enter our lives, He stays by us. He is never fickle.

Jesus is not afraid of intimacy. He even longs for it. He continually lifts us up before His Father in prayer. Though Jesus is high and exalted, He calls us His friends. He puts our well-being before His own - even unto death.

Why did Jesus give this command? He wanted the world to stand amazed as they took note of the startling resemblance between Christians and their Lord and Teacher.

Insight: Think of how much Jesus loves you. Then ask yourself, Will people observe His love in my words and actions today?

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Date: February 27, 2017 at 2:42 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Love Given and Received

Love Given and Received

"Leave her alone,' Jesus replied. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me" (John 12:7-8).

Scripture Focus: John 12:1-8

Calculate your annual income. Imagine that you invest that amount in a rare imported perfume. You hide it away, sensing that someday you will use it for a very special expression of love.

This is how it was for Mary. At a dinner given in Jesus' honor, a feeling of urgency built within her heart. She must express her love for Jesus. She must do it in a way that would communicate the depth of her gratitude to Him.

Mary slipped away to get her perfume. Opening the container, she poured the precious oil onto Jesus' feet, and in a moment the house was filled with the fragrance. Judas, who was treasurer of Jesus' group of twelve disciples, pretended to be horrified. He protested that the perfume should have been sold and the money used to feed the poor. He really wanted some of the money for himself.

Jesus defended Mary. She had seized the appropriate moment to give her love, and He had received it. He had read her heart as she poured out her love with reckless abandon.

Insight: Mary's love broke through the confines of what is prudent. How do you express your love for Jesus?

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Date: February 24, 2017 at 2:48 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Test of Love

The Test of Love

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Scripture Focus: Romans 5:6-11

We read that love bears all things (see 1 Corinthians 13:7, KJV). Someone has said that love can be measured by our willingness to be inconvenienced. How have we inconvenienced God?

Because He loves us, Jesus gave up His mighty power and “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7). He left His glorious place in heaven to suffer the torturous death of the cross. God the Father experienced the horror of separation from His beloved Son. In all of eternity they had never been separated. But, as Jesus hung on the cross, all our sins rolled on Him, and God had to turn His back on His Son. The Father abandoned Jesus during the time of His greatest suffering. The agony of that separation is more than we can imagine. Jesus gave up His relationship with His Father and suffered the hell we deserve. Jesus endured it all because of His love for you and me. It was the ultimate inconvenience.

Insight: If we weigh God's love for us by His willingness to be inconvenienced, we discover His love is beyond our ability to measure.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,
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Date: February 23, 2017 at 3:25 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Living in Love

Living in Love

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love” (John 15:9-10).

Scripture Focus: John 15:9-17

When Jesus speaks of love, He speaks in the past, present, and the future.

Past: As My Father has always love Me, so have I loved you.

Present: So live today in that sphere of perfect love. And as you obey My commandments today,

Future: You will continue to live in that sphere of My love.

Present: I have told you this so that My joy may constantly pervade your life. Love each other,

Past: As I have loved you.

What a beautiful blending of past, present, and future, of receiving love, giving out love, and enjoying new capacities to give and receive love!

Jesus gives us two responsibilities if we will live in His love. First, to obey His commands, and second, to reach out and love others. We may start by taking time to listen or by running an errand for another. But when we obey and take that first step, we will sense that the warmth of His love is filling our beings.

Insight: Our love-hungry hearts long to enjoy Christ's love to the full. We taste it when we obey Him and love others.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,
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Date: February 21, 2017 at 10:33 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Enfolded in Love

Enfolded in Love

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken . . says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10).

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 54:1-10

She is known as Julian of Norwich, a gentle lady born in 1342 who lived in a cell attached to St. Julian's Church in Norwich, England.

What could a person so far removed from our world have to say to us today? Simply this. During a severe illness, Lady Julian's heart was opened to receive insights into God's character, insights that transcend time and culture. God's love so filled and overwhelmed her that she devoted the rest of her life to sharing what she had seen and learned.

“He is our clothing,” she wrote. “In His love He wraps and holds us. He enfolds us for love, and He will never let us go.”

God’s never-failing, all-encompassing love is not subject to the winds that so quickly affect human love. Friends may grow distant. Family members may allow differences to become barriers. The one dearest to you may betray a commitment made in God's presence, but God will never vary in His commitment to you. God's love will never fail. His promises can never be withdrawn.

Insight: God's compassion is based on His character, not on your conduct. He enfolds you in His love today.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,
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