When Your Challenges Seem Overwhelming

This last year has brought me and my husband enormous challenges of all sorts, more than we’ve ever experienced in such a short time before. 

I know other Christians are also dealing with increasing trials and testing.

Why does God sometimes allow life to come at us so hard?

I don’t pretend to know all the answers, but 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 

This doesn’t mean we need to be thankful for all circumstances. But because we have the Lord, we can be thankful in all circumstances, knowing difficulties can build our faith. If we love God and seek His purposes, He promises to use our hardship for good:

“We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 

If you’re facing increasing challenges, join me in reading, reciting, and memorizing passages like those below:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

God's Word is alive and powerful, giving us wisdom to persevere (Hebrews 4:12; Romans 12:12). 

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For more encouragement, see We're More Than Overcomers! 

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The World's Definition of Loving Others and God's Definition

Loving God and loving others sums up the entire gospel (Matthew 22:37-40).

 

“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
 

Loving God means obeying God's commands. And loving others as ourselves also means obeying God's commands. It means being gracious, forgiving, considerate, helpful, honest, and kind (Ephesians 4:32). 
 

It applies to crime: If you don’t want someone stealing from you, you don’t steal from them (Mark 10:19).
 

It applies to marriage: If you don’t want your spouse cheating on you, you don’t cheat on your spouse (Romans 13:8-10).
 

It applies to abortion: If you wouldn’t give up your life to make things convenient for another person, you don’t expect your unborn child to give up theirs for your convenience (Exodus 20:13).
 

It applies to the gospel: If you would want someone to confront you and warn you of Hell, you’ll confront others and warn them of Hell (Romans 1:16). 
 

Culture wants us to see this second commandment upside down. 

 

They want us to believe that loving others means approving their behavior, no matter what they believe or how they live. They want us to rejoice with those living lifestyles that damage their souls. They want us to see all religions as good, even when they mock our God and lead their followers to Hell. 

 
That’s the world’s definition of loving your neighbor, not God’s. 

  
Let’s follow God, not man.

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To address a similar misunderstanding, see Do We Really Need to Love Ourselves before We Can Love Others? 

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Mary Was Promised Soul-Piercing Pain & Incredible Joy

After Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple to fulfill the purification rites required by the law (Luke 2:22-35). 

While there, the Holy Spirit came upon a righteous man named Simeon and he prophesied that Jesus would be God's salvation, a light to all nations. What joy Mary and Joseph must have felt. But Simeon went on to say that many would oppose Christ. Turning to Mary, he said, “a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 

Their baby was the long-awaited Savior whose words and purposes would bring Him rejection and suffering. And their love for Jesus would bring them soul-piercing pain. 

When we love Jesus, we also become vulnerable to ridicule, scorn, and Satan's attacks, sometimes even soul-piercing pain. This is especially true in our current anti-Christian, pro-Muslim, pro-liberal world, where Scripture is increasingly defined as hate speech (source, source). 

We are warned of this in 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 3:12-13, Philippians 1:27-30, 1 Peter 2:20-21, and 1 Peter 4:12-16.

But like Mary and Joseph, we also experience incredible joy and eternal rewards. So let's stand firm with Jesus against our godless culture, reminding ourselves:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” Matthew 5:11-12

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For more encouragement, read about some Christians who have given much and been blessed beyond measure: Divine Appointment in Timbuktu! and Alone in a Foreign Land: "Don't Give Up!"

Check out the Wisdom for Life devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. 

You can also sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes. Find out more HERE.

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The Most Important Thing to Do on Christmas Day

Let me encourage you to do something important on Christmas Day. 

It's so easy, during the holidays, to get completely caught up in the flurry of shopping, decorating, meal planning, baking, travel arrangements, guest preparations, etc.

But it's so important to find a quiet spot to sneak away, even if it's only for 5-10 minutes, to talk to Jesus on His birthday, to ponder the importance of His coming to save those who believe and follow Him.

Christmas is a perfect day to read Luke 2:1-20 and consider the miracles involved in Christ's birth. Consider how the shepherds must have felt when the angel told them of Christ's birth and a large group of angels began praising God. And consider the faith of the shepherds. (See Unto Us.) 

Then read Philippians 2:5-11 and consider the humility and sacrifice of Christ—God becoming man to save us.

Finally, read Revelation 19:11-16 and consider the strength, justice, righteousness, and power of our Lord when He comes again. This gives us a side of Christ we rarely consider. Yes, He is the humble shepherd, but He is also the valiant warrior of our faith. (See Jesus Will Overthrow Him with a Breath.)

Let's never forget that Christ's birth is like no other birth.  

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Why Hugs Tell Us Something About Our Wonderful Creator

Oxytocin is a hormone God created to bless us. It's released during sexual intimacy but also in friendly hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and even when we pet our dog. But it does more than enhance our relationships. It also:

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  Increases generosity, empathy, and trust
• Reduces fear, stress, depression, and physical pain
• Lowers blood pressure
• Improves sleep

It’s good for us physically and emotionally.

I am fascinated by the complex, specific ways God has created our bodies for friendship, family pets, love, marriage, and parenthood (John 1:1-3). Oxytocin is not an accident of evolution but a part of God’s intelligent, loving design.

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11 KJV

It's an indication that we are designed for community, meant to interact with other human beings, not simply on social networks, but face-to-face. It means we need each other to be healthy.

Even though humans seriously misuse God's blessings, let's rejoice in their healthy and purposeful use. I appreciate the way friendly hugs are often part of Christian fellowship.

Let's remember to thank God for all the little blessings in His creation and never take them for granted.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us” 1 John 3:1 KJV

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You might also enjoy Dogs Tell Us Something About Our God and 6 Benefits of Kissing Our Spouse.

Resources: Oxytocin – Harvard Health; 6 Interesting Effects of Oxytocin 

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If you aren't a Bible Love Notes subscriber...why not? Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes HERE.

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The Rise of Mini-Crimes Among Middle-Class Americans

In the article “The United States of Fraud,” the author explains that many Americans are committing mini-crimes: cheating on self-checkouts, returning used clothing, shoplifting small specialty items, stealing small items from their employers, etc.

 

These people, who are otherwise law-abiding citizens, see their mini-crimes as “Robin Hood” acts, stealing from the rich to give to the poor (i.e., themselves). They think big businesses and rich people owe them something.

 
This sentence in the article spoke volumes: “Human beings are hardwired for fairness, and when we see an injustice, we instinctively want to rectify it.” 

Not true. These acts aren't about justice or fairness.

Humans are born with a conscience, demonstrating “that God’s law is written in their hearts” (Romans 2:15). When people justify selfish mini-crimes, they prove they've lost that conscience and changed their view of good and evil. 

 

They're driven by worldly passions and desires, and “love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15-17). 

Instead of doing what’s right, they do what’s personally beneficial, judging big corporations for injustice while committing injustice themselves.
 

Don’t let any of these lies entrap you, dear Christians. Maintain your conscience by standing firm on biblical truth and personal integrity. If you are born of God, you'll be faithful in both the little and the big areas: 

 

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10

 

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For more on this important subject, see Can We Afford It? and Saved by Shoplifting. 

 

A perfect way to improve your biblical discernment. 

 

Lies in Disguise, available: 

From the publisher—Lies in Disguise.  

On Amazon. 

And in the UK—CLC-UK or Eden UK.

 

 

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Why Genuine Believers Are Like Palm Trees

Palm trees are unique. They're resilient, have a long lifespan, and they're very fruitful.

No wonder Psalm 92 says: 

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (vv. 12-14). 

I especially like the part about bearing fruit in old age since I'm in my 70s. And verse 15 adds some additional insights:

“They are living memorials to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (v. 15 AMP).

Romans 12:1-2 helps us further understand our role as “living memorials.”

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

In response to Christ's wonderful, merciful love we dedicate ourselves to His purposes in our lives. 

Let's make sure we are drawing our nourishment from God's Word, prayer, and godly fellowship so we can become resilient, fruitful palms.

For a short Bible study on this devotion, check out today's Bite Size Bible Study HERE.

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I also encourage you to read these one-minute devotions: 

4 Benefits of Reading the Psalms

Taking Our Emotions to the Lord in Psalms

 

And to read more about the unique nature of the palm tree, see The Palm-Tree: Fruitful to a Great Age.  

 

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4 Ways to Be More Optimistic

Optimism...

Some people seem to be born with it and others without it.

But the Bible offers four tips for becoming more optimistic no matter our temperament:

1. Be thankful!
“Be thankful in all circumstances.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Even in the midst of our greatest difficulties, we can be thankful by focusing on the Lord's love and grace. (See Practicing Gratefulness.)

2. Put others first.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Thinking about the needs of others gives us a purpose beyond our difficulties. (See Beatin' the Blues.)

3. Focus on the positive.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things... And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

Dwelling on the good—even something as simple as nice weather or a good meal—can give us relief from our negative thoughts. (See Avoiding a Half-Empty Faith.)

4. Remember Jesus!
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus in John 16:33 

Remind yourself that whatever happens, you have Christ! Our earthly sorrows don't compare to the perfect joy of our eternity with Christ. (See Inhale His Presence.) 

If we follow these principles, we'll have a more hope-filled, optimistic attitude toward life.

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💙 Please check out the Bible Love Notes devotional, Wisdom for Life. It features one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and is on sale at reduced prices on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.  

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Why Christ Said We Need Healthy Eyes

Consider the way God uses “eyes” to illustrate important truths. 

In Matthew 6:22-23, we read:

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Christ explains that if our eye causes us to sin, it’s better “to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell” (Matthew 18:9)!!*

Lustful eyes destroy faith.

“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

When Saul encountered God in Acts 9:1-18, he went blind. When he was saved, “something like scales” fell from his eyes so he could see physically and spiritually. And Paul’s mission was “to open [Gentile’s] eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God” (Acts 26:9-18).

Sin is like a log in our eyes, changing our views of right and wrong (Matthew 7:1-5).

When we are struggling with this life, we must “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Eyes as used in these passages reflect our desires, our actions, and our thoughts, many of which are related to the things we see…what gets our attention, what is our focus, and what affects our views.

What are your eyes fixed on today, dear Christian? 

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* This is a metaphor. Jesus was not telling us to poke out our eyes. He was making an important point with a word picture we could understand.

Our spiritual vision is so important. I encourage you to read my devotion about the time I got my first pair of glasses in 6th grade: Even the Dirt Is Clean and Don't Forget Your Glasses.

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Straw, Grain, Fire, Hammer

Speaking God's Word is necessary to break down the lies all around us.

It's like fire and a hammer:

“Let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. ‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?’”

This quote is from Jeremiah 23:28-32, where God explains His view of those who claim to speak His Word when they actually lead “people astray with their reckless lies.” 

False teachings are like straw that blows in the wind.

God's Word is like blazing flames of truth that turn straw to ashes (1 Corinthians 3:19-20).

It's also like a hammer that effortlessly smashes hard rocks of false teachings (2 Corinthians 10:4).

It can be difficult to speak truth in our current culture. We need to pray for a heart like Jeremiah, who spoke God's truth even when he was rejected by family, government, and the majority of people.

He said, “The word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long. But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:8-9).

Let's never quench that fire, dear Christians.

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I really admire Jeremiah. Why not read High Five, Jeremiah and Our Race Is Getting Faster and Harder.

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