Jesus Only is Our Message

NO OTHER GODS®

CHOOSE
Today's Scripture
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 NIV

Thoughts for Today
In the book of Exodus we find the Ten Commandments God gave Moses. The first one is this: "You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3

This commandment calls for an undivided faithfulness to God.

The Lord is peace. In Him, we can find completeness . . . safety . . . rest . . . harmony . . . and so much more.

Consider this . . .
God created us in his image, so our relationship with him is the core of human need and affects all of us. There is a vacuum in every human heart that only God through Christ can fill. Ecclesiastes 1:1-10 describes everything as meaningless apart from God.

People try to fill the emptiness in many ways. In our chaotic world, people are searching for answers. Many are on a spiritual quest. They turn to New Age or Islam or various other "solutions." But the Bible makes it clear that to find God, we must turn to Jesus Christ.

God our Savior . . . wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity-the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 NLT

We all have a choice. We can choose any number of paths to follow. But if we want to find unconditional love, real answers, and everlasting life, we must follow the path to God through his son, Jesus Christ. Whom will you choose? Will you join Joshua and say, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord"?

Prayer
God, I do need answers. I need peace. And I know I need forgiveness for so many things I have done. I believe the Bible and what it says about Jesus. I've come to realize he is the only way. I choose now to receive forgiveness and love through him. I will turn to you in his name for all my answers. Amen.

RELY ON HIM
Today's Scripture
"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Thoughts for Today
"You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3
We are missing out when we allow other gods in our life. When we rely on other people or things to meet our needs.

We rely on retirement funds and then the company we've worked for all these years goes bankrupt . . . We rely on our job and then the downsizing begins . . . We depend on a person to provide our happiness and then they leave or disappoint us . . .

God brings people and opportunities into our life to bless us. But they are not our source. He is. And when we start depending on anyone or anything other than God as our source, they become the "other gods" in our life.

Consider this . . .
What a blessing that we can depend on God. That he is our source. That he loves us . . . unconditionally. That he will never leave us nor forsake us. That we can do all things . . . through Christ.

No matter what happens around us or even to us, we don't need to be afraid because God is our source. He is our strength. He makes all things possible.

"Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you."

Rely on him. Trust him. You will never be disappointed.

Prayer
Father, forgive me for allowing other gods in my life by depending on people and things instead of you. Help me to refocus on you. Help me to rely fully on you and no other. In Jesus' name . . .

SELF-RELIANCE
Today's Scripture
"We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us." 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Yesterday we discussed relying on other people and things instead of God. Sometimes we make ourselves a god by relying on self instead of God. And how foolish is that? Compare his strength to ours. Compare his wisdom to ours. Compare his power to ours. No matter how talented or educated or strong we may be, it pales to nothingness compared with God.

In today's scripture, the apostle Paul tells about an extremely rough time he and his co-laborers experienced. They didn't think they would live through it--but they did. And they learned a valuable lesson: "We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God." He goes on to say God rescued them and would continue to rescue them from anything they faced because their confidence was in him, not themselves.

Consider this . . .
Are you experiencing difficult times? No matter how hard you try, you can't turn things around? Good! You have an opportunity to learn the same lesson Paul learned. Stop relying on yourself--and learn to rely only on God. You will learn how freeing it is to have the weight of responsibility off your shoulders. Do things his way and in his strength, not yours.

You will still have problems and challenges, but with God in control, he will make all things possible. He will bring good from every circumstance. As you place your confidence in him alone, he will continue to rescue you.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

Prayer
Lord, I give up. And I give it all to you. I've been trying to do this my way. I've been depending on myself instead of placing my confidence in you, and I'm not doing very well. Forgive me. I submit it all to you and will rely on you for guidance and strength. I will trust your plan.
In Jesus' name . . .

IS SIN IN CONTROL
Today's Scripture
"Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So, use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God." Romans 6:12-13 NLT

Thoughts for Today
"You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3
When sin controls our life, it becomes our god. And this happens all too often to everyone--including Christians. Sadly, the statistics on divorce, po*******hy, adultery, and similar behaviors are not that different in the lives of Christians. And then there are the everyday so-called "little" offenses: gossip, anger, lying. You get the idea.

Today's scripture warns us not to let sin control the way we live. When we give in to sinful desires, our body becomes an instrument of evil to serve sin.

Consider this . . .
Jesus paid a great price to give us new life. Now we must give ourselves completely to God. Then instead of our body being an instrument of sin, it becomes an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.

How does your life look? Is it controlled by po*******hy or alcohol or drugs? An adulterous relationship? Anger? Perhaps it's gossip. Success at all cost. Gambling. Pride. Are you ready to let God regain control of your life? Are you ready to be free of the sin? Sin hurts you. It hurts those you care about. And most of all, it displeases God and separates you from him.

God wants to help you, but you must make a choice. Will you ask for his help today?

Prayer
Father, forgive me for this sin in my life. I know I've let it take control. I am ready to give it up, but I need your help. In Jesus' name . . .

DISTRACTIONS
Today's Scripture
"And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Word; Then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless." Mark 4:18-19 AMP

Thoughts for Today
"You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3
Anytime our relationship with God is strained or sidetracked, this commandment is broken.

We have discussed the distraction of sin, but sometimes behavior that may seem good in itself can become a distraction from our personal relationship with God and what he has called us to do. Hobbies are good . . . but they can distract us. Doing well in school or our career is a good thing . . . unless it distracts us from more important things. Friends and relationships can be good . . . until they draw us away from what God wants us to focus on.

And then there is serving God. Are we listening to his voice, doing what he wants us to do when he wants us to do it? Or are we rushing ahead on our own, or getting fully involved in a ministry that seems good, but maybe isn't what God is calling us to. And full-time ministry can be a great distraction. Ministers can get so caught up in putting out fires, making their church better, planning programs . . . that they don't have time for God. The words of Jesus in today's scripture make it clear that distractions can make our lives fruitless.

Consider this . . .
Where are your priorities? Are you putting your personal relationship with Christ first? Are you spending as much energy in pursuing him as you are pursuing success or other relationships?

Getting sidetracked from God and his plan for us can prevent us from being all he has called us to be and doing what he has called us to do. And it can be exhausting.

Think about it. Do you need a priority adjustment?

Prayer
Father, I've been so busy I've been distracted from my relationship with you. I know you have a good plan for me. Help me get back on track. Above all, help me to know you better.
In Jesus' name . . .

DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT:

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
Today's Scripture
"He who trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on the Lord shall be compassed about with mercy and with loving-kindness." Psalm 32:10 AMP

Thoughts for Today
Childhood rejection often hinders our spiritual and emotional growth. This is often referred to as arrested development. Since children learn to internalize pain, they may carry it into adulthood, accepting it as normal behavior. They learn the three childhood rules: don't talk, don't trust, don't feel.

Adult characteristics of arrested development include self-doubt, self-hatred, isolation, low self-esteem, uncontrollable anger, and barriers (self-protective techniques learned in childhood). Without God's help, these characteristics can cause much sorrow in marriage and family relationships.

Consider this ...
Did you experience a time of rejection in your childhood or as an adult that has been a stumbling block for you? To begin a healing process, you first need to recognize and admit your need for help.

Everyone's wound is different. Each one's wound is his own. But no matter what causes the pain, the answer remains the same: Jesus Christ. Today's scripture states that if we rely on Him, the Lord will surround us with His mercy and loving-kindness.

This week we will look at Joseph and see how he overcame disappointment and rejection by trusting in God.

Prayer
Father, I see that some of my struggles may be from rejection. Help me overcome by learning to lean on you and experience your mercy and loving-kindness. In Jesus' name ...

REJECTION
Today's Scripture
"You need not be afraid of sudden disaster . . . for the Lord is your security."
Proverbs 3:25-26 NLT

Thoughts for Today
In Genesis 37, we read that Joseph's half-brothers were jealous of him. He was his father's favorite--in fact, his father, Jacob, had made him a beautiful many-colored robe. He told Jacob some of the bad things his siblings did. And he had dreamed that one day his family would bow down to him.

When Joseph was 17 years old, Jacob sent him out to find his brothers, who were a distance away tending their flocks. When the brothers saw Joseph coming, they plotted to kill him. On Joseph's arrival, they ripped his beautiful coat off him and threw him into a dry cistern. Later, they sold him to a passing caravan of traders traveling to Egypt. That quickly, Joseph went from being a favored son in a wealthy family to slavery.

Consider this . . .
It would be difficult to imagine greater rejection. And yet, as we continue to read about Joseph's on-going trauma and disappointments, we will find that he did not panic. He did not become bitter. He recognized that his security was not in his family or inheritance or anything else--it was in the Lord. And the Lord never left him.

Whether we experienced rejection in our childhood or are dealing with current problems, we need to recognize that our only security is in Jesus. He loves us unconditionally. And no matter what may be happening around us, He will never leave us or forsake us.

Prayer
Father, I thank you that no matter what has happened to me or what my current circumstances might be, you are always with me. Thank you that I can depend on you--you are my security. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus' name . . .

GOOD RESULTS
Today's Scripture
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 NLT

Thoughts for Today
While still in prison, Joseph correctly interpreted dreams for two of Pharaoh's imprisoned servants--his cupbearer and chief baker. As the dreams had predicted, the baker was executed, and the cupbearer was restored to service. Two years later, Pharaoh had two dreams that disturbed him, but no one could tell him what they meant. The cupbearer remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh about him. Pharaoh immediately sent for Joseph, and, with God's help, Joseph told him what the dreams meant. God was warning that famine was coming, and preparations needed to be made. Joseph was immediately released from prison to become Pharaoh's top official and took charge of the preparation.

When the famine came, it was widespread and even affected Jacob and his family. Joseph's brothers, the ones who had sold him into slavery, traveled to Egypt to find food. Joseph still loved them. He forgave them and provided for them. He arranged for his father and all the family to move to Egypt. Pharaoh promised them the best of the land.

Joseph had trusted God through many years of hardship, and God worked all those painful circumstances for good. Good for Joseph personally. Good for Jacob's family. And good for His chosen people in the generations to come. They would grow in Egypt from a few to millions.

Consider this ...
God's plan is always perfect. You may have suffered rejection. You may have experienced disappointments and hardships for years. Or you may have recently entered a time of difficulty in your life. Get hold of today's scripture and hang on to it. No matter what has happened. No matter what is happening now. No matter what is to come. If you will trust God, He can--and will--bring good from it.

Remember, He loves you. You may not understand your circumstances. You may not see how any good could possibly come from what has happened. But, like Joseph, if you will keep your eyes on God and trust Him, good will come.

Prayer
Father, I don't understand why this has happened to me. Help me to stop asking, "Why?" Forgive me for feeling sorry for myself. Forgive me for the anger. Help me to trust you to work out all the details of my life in Your time and in Your way. In Jesus' name ...

FORGIVE
Today's Scripture
"But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives." Genesis 45:5 NLT

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." Genesis 50:20 NLT

Thoughts for Today
From a human perspective, Joseph had every right to be angry with his brothers. Their hostile actions toward him had led to many years of hardship. Now he was in a position of authority and strength that entitled him to do whatever he wanted to his brothers. Get even time. He could have had them imprisoned or put to death.

But Joseph didn't see things that way. He served God and saw things His way. He realized that God had used all these difficult circumstances to save lives. He recognized that his brothers had meant to harm him. But he also recognized that their actions were part of God's plan for good.

Joseph loved his brothers. He forgave them and wanted only good for them. Joseph's attitude opened the door for God's healing and blessing for all concerned.

Consider this . . .
Perhaps someone has treated you unfairly. Maybe they have rejected you or been unkind or even abusive. From a human perspective, you have every right to be angry with them and want revenge. But God is a God of forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. If God, who is perfect and holy, is willing, and even eager, to forgive us, how can we refuse to forgive others?

Only when we let go of unforgiveness and bitterness, do we open the door for God to heal. Only then will we be able to begin to see things from His perspective--that He can bring good even from actions that others meant to be harmful.

Prayer
Father, Thank You that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me for unforgiveness and bitterness. Help me let go of them and forgive those who have hurt me, even as You have forgiven me. Help me see things from Your perspective and trust You to work all things for good. In Jesus' name . . .

MOVING BEYOND BAD CHOICES
Today's Scripture
"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT

Thoughts for Today
God loves us so much that he gives us the freedom to make choices. Some are of little consequence, but others are life changing. This freedom of choice dates to Adam and Eve. They made a bad choice, and sin entered the realm of mankind.

The freedom to make choices brings responsibility. We have all made poor choices at times and have suffered the consequences of those bad choices. The good news is that no matter what poor choices we may have made in the past, there is always hope for a better future. God knew that we would make some bad choices, but he loves us so much that he sent Jesus to pay the price for our sin and to provide a way for our relationship to him to be restored.

Some people go through life carrying the load of some wrong choices they have made in the past. They believe they have messed up so badly that nothing good can ever come of their lives. Do you ever feel this way?

Good news! If you want to be set free from the past, Jesus is the answer. He has already paid the price for your sin ... for every wrong choice you have ever made. Talk to him. Ask him to forgive you and to help you make better choices from now on. He is ready, and he is more than able.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NIV

Consider this ...
Remember, you are very special to God. He loves you no matter what you have done. He is there for you. He wants you to put the past behind so that you can become all that he has designed you to be. Ask God's forgiveness ... learn from your mistakes ... and look forward to a future filled with hope.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for forgiving my sins. I have made so many wrong choices. Help me now to put them behind and to look forward to the future you have planned for me ... one filled with hope. In Jesus' name ...

WITH THE SITUATION IN OUR COUNTRY:

TRUST IN THE LORD
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. Prover 3:5-7

Thought for today.
What does it mean to trust: it is a firm belief or an assured reliance in the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something

A lot is happening in our country but that does not mean God does not exist. All we are seeing now is the foundation laid by some wicked leaders, which the trend continues and the only saving grace is to trust in the Lord in other not to suffer the same fate as an unbeliever.

Consider this ...
We need to put our trust totally in God, obey, do His will, and believe, and rely on the character, ability, and strength, of God. Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. Any alternative you choose aside from God will lead to regret because only God has a permanent and perfect solution.

Prayer
God my heart is divided because of the situation in my country, Lord I am putting my trust in you from now on please care for me, let my trust in you take me to the limelight, and let me not be part of the people that we suffer for the innocent bloodshed by the wicked one in my country. In Jesus' name...

LEAN NOT ON YOUR UNDERSTANDING
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NKJV

Thought for today.
What we’re told not to lean on is our “own understanding,” meaning conclusions based primarily on our perceptions. Because our understanding simply will not bear the full weight of reality. It was never intended to.
When we choose to lean on our understanding, we act as if we are smarter, wiser, and more authoritative than God.

Consider this ...
Remember prophet Jeremiah was King Zesekiah's counselor. The King agreed to follow the Godly advice of Jeremiah but he in turn changed his mind which resulted into his tragic end. Then they killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, put out the eyes of Zedekiah, bound him with bronze fetters, and took him to Babylon. 2King 25:7
Never think you can outsmart your creator, the one who knows your end from the beginning and own the blueprint of your life.

Prayer.
Lord, I embrace your wisdom today to understand you more. Help me by your spirit not to lean on my own understanding but rather allows your will for me in Jesus' name.

IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM
But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Luke 6:46 NKJV
If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15 NKJV

Thought for today.
What does it mean to acknowledge: it means recognizing the rights, authority, or status of someone or something, which is certainly more intense than the way we typically think of acknowledgment. If you’re acknowledging someone’s authority, you’re acknowledging that they have power over you.
Acknowledging God is not a surface tip of the hat, but rather a life-altering change.

Consider this ...
To acknowledge God is to recognize in all our dealings and undertakings God’s overruling providence, which ‘shapes our ends, rough hew them as we will.
We have so many Christians today denying God in their businesses, works, and endeavors. This makes us not see the sovereign power of God in most of what will do, we need to change and start acknowledging Him fully in our hearts.

Prayer.
Father, I know I used to deny you because of the situation around me, please help me with your Holy Spirit to stand firm and immovable in You in Jesus' name.

HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATHS
O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Jeremiah 10:23

Thought for today.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Although we all know this verse, often it’s hard for us to completely trust the fact that God has a perfect plan for our lives. As a result, we try to do things our way, and it usually turns out a disaster.

Consider this ...
If we want to walk on the path that God has planned for us, then there are a couple of things that we need to do.
- Identify yourself with Christ- To know where we are going we have to know who we are.

- Submit your whole self to God and trust Him.
James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil,...
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in and rely confidently on .....

-Pray and spend time with God
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. .....

-Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal things to you then listen and obey
John 10:14-15; 27 I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me, .....
When we ask the Holy Spirit to reveal something to us, He will, and we have to listen.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit.

-Protect yourself from the words of others
1 Samuel 17:8-11 The Israelites were intimidated by the words of Goliath they were not protecting themselves against his words they were "terrified"

Remember God has a plan for your life and it’s up to you to walk in His ways so you can fulfill it. Never let the enemy knock you off track and distract you from all that God has planned for you!

Prayer
Father, I have always been knocked off the track because I refused you to lead me, Lord, as from now on, continue to lead, direct, and take me to your promised land for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen

DO NOT BE WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil Proverb 4:7
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverb 14:12

Thought for today.
We have been dealing with the book of Proverbs 3:5-7 since Monday. Today we are rounding everything up with a King in the Bible called Nebuchanezer.
To be wise in your own eyes is to be, in your estimation, self-reliant and self-sufficient, refusing even God’s help.

In Proverbs 3, Solomon exhorts his son to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly. In verse 5 Solomon gives counsel regarding trusting the Lord instead of one’s understanding, and in verse 7 he says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil” (NKJV). Those who are wise in their own eyes do not fear or trust the Lord. Instead, they think all they need is found within themselves. May even cut short cut to achieve their desires, especially our youths.

Consider this ...
Great sorrow awaits the one who is wise in his own eyes (Isaiah 5:21). The warning to not be wise in our own eyes is for our benefit. The story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 illustrates the folly of considering oneself full of wisdom and glory. King Nebuchadnezzar boasted of his mighty power and thought it was by his wisdom and strength that he had built Babylon (verses 29–30). While the boast was still in his mouth, Nebuchadnezzar lost his senses, was driven away from society, and ate grass like an ox, just like God said would happen (verses 31–33).

Nebuchadnezzar remained in that state until he acknowledged “that the Highest is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes” (verse 25). Nebuchadnezzar learned a powerful lesson. After his sanity returned, the king proclaimed, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he can humble” (verse 37).

It is wise to heed Scripture’s warnings: “Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them” (Proverbs 26:12). Yet there is great hope for the one who returns to the Lord (Zechariah 9:12). We need to see ourselves as we are. This requires humility, which requires that we realize we are not God and recognize that everything we have is from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). We know that we are not wise in and of ourselves, and we trust in the One who is.

Prayer
Father give me wisdom through your Word and discipline. “Do not let me be wise in my own eyes” help me to imbibe the principle of godliness designed for my good. Let me be part of those who are not wise in their own eyes and who choose to fear the Lord so that this promise: “This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:8) will be my portion. In Jesus' Name. Amen

ARE YOU CONCERNED?:

A LOOK INSIDE
Today’s Scripture
"Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart."
Psalm 26:2 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Are you concerned about someone close to you? Perhaps you have a loved one with a life-controlling problem and you want more than anything to fix the problem, to help that special person. Life-controlling problems are not limited to substance abuse or gambling or po*******hy. They could be any behavior or relationship that has become a controlling force in their life.

This week we will not look at what the person who concerns you should do. Rather, let's look at some things you may need to prayerfully examine in your life to help you find more effective ways to live out your concern.

Consider This . . .
Think about the person you are concerned about and trying to help. How is your role as a concerned person affecting important areas of your life? Consider the following and any other parts of your life that are being affected:

Your relationship with God
Your relationship with family and friends
Your health
Your job

Your recreation
Your finances
Your church involvement
Other significant areas of your life

Ask God to help you see the situation through his eyes. To test your motives and your heart. To see how your life is being affected.

You cannot "fix" your loved one. In fact, you may do more harm than good by trying. God wants to work through your willing heart to help, but he does not want your life to be adversely affected in the process. Turn to Jesus. Ask him to enable you to see some more effective ways to show your concern. To help you trust in his strength and his love and submit to his plan.

Prayer
Father, help me to honestly examine how my life is being affected by my loved one's problems and the ways I'm trying to help. Help me to trust fully in you and your ways. In Jesus' name . . .

COMFORT AND HOPE
Today’s Scripture
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT

Thoughts for Today
If you are concerned about a person with a life-controlling problem, you have most likely experienced hurt, disappointment, and rejection from the one you care so much about. You probably sometimes feel as if there is no hope. The Bible has a great deal to say to us about the healing God wants to bring to us in our wounded condition. He offers us comfort and hope in Jesus. These are important truths to keep in our heart and mind. And as we understand them better and experience them more fully, God can use this comfort and hope to begin to heal some of our hurts.

As we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can take comfort from Jesus, our Shepherd, because he is close beside us and will protect us.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 NLT

God's love for us is unconditional. Unfailing. Take comfort in his love.
Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
Psalm 119:76 NLT

Take comfort in knowing that God's mercy begins afresh every morning. He is faithful.
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT

Consider this . . .
No matter how much we've been hurt or how hopeless life seems, hope is always available when we turn to the right source. Meditate on these scriptures and others like them.

Place your hope in God the Father.
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.
Psalm 39:7 NLT

Place your hope in Jesus.

Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
Philippians 4:13 CEV

Place your hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV

Place your hope in the Word of God.

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.
Psalm 119:114 NLT

Prayer
Lord, thank you for the comfort and hope you give me. Forgive me when I depend on other things or people or even myself instead of you. In Jesus' name . . .

HEAL THE HURT
Today’s Scripture
"Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops." James 5:13-18 NLT

Thoughts for Today
When we are hurt and frustrated by the actions and words of someone we care about, someone with a life-controlling problem whom we are trying to help, prayer is at the very heart of healing the hurt. In today's scripture, James offers insight about when and how to pray:

Pray when we are in trouble.
Pray when we are sick and call other mature Christians to pray for us.
Pray in faith; pray believing God will answer . . . and he will.
Pray for one other. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Pray earnestly; don't stop praying. God answers the prayers of men and women just like us.

Consider this . . .
Notice that James talks about things we can do, things others can do for us, and then what God will do.
What we can do:

Pray.
Ask the elders (mature Christians) to pray for us.
Confess our sins to one another.
Pray for one another.
What others can do for us:

Pray for our healing.
Bring us back to the truth.
What God will do:

Raise us up.
Make us well.
Forgive us.
Answer our prayers.
Remember, you are not alone. Allow God to heal the hurt. Allow him to guide you to truth.

Prayer
Father, help me get my focus back on you. I know I need to stop dwelling on my hurts and frustrations. Help me be faithful in prayer and put my hope in you. May the Holy Spirit guide and comfort and strengthen me. In Jesus' name . . .

FORGIVEN AND FORGIVING
Today’s Scripture
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

Thoughts for Today
This week we've been looking at some ways to deal with the hurts that often come when we are concerned about someone we care about who has a life-controlling problem. We've discussed that healing comes through experiencing God's comfort and focusing on our hope in Christ . . . through prayer and open communication with God . . . and through the caring ministry of other Christians. Today and tomorrow we will talk about the healing that can come through the act of forgiveness.

Consider this . . .
You may feel you can never forgive the person who has disappointed you and hurt you deeply. How can I forgive someone who has done that? The better question may be how can we not forgive him or her when Jesus has forgiven us for so much more. We certainly do not deserve Jesus' forgiveness. And yet he gave his life to pay the penalty for our sin. He gives us forgiveness as a gift.

Matthew expressed this well with the parable of the unforgiving debtor in chapter 18, verses 21-35. Our debt to God is great, and he has forgiven us. We are to forgive the person who wrongs us (a much smaller debt) just as God has forgiven us. All through the Scriptures we find these two ideas connected: we need God's forgiveness, and we need to forgive. We are forgiven and need to be forgiving.

Prayer
Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you that because of his sacrifice, I have been forgiven. Help me never withhold forgiveness from someone who has hurt me. In Jesus' name . . .

FORGIVING MYSELF
Today’s Scripture
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Think for a moment about the hurting places in your life and some of the injuries you have experienced in your role as a concerned person. Have you responded with any of the bitterness, anger, or other behavior described in verse 31 of today's scripture? Have you been able to forgive your loved one for any pain he or she has brought to your life?

If not, begin right now by turning the bitterness over to God and asking him to help you forgive.

Consider this . . .
Another area of forgiveness that gets to the heart of our role as concerned persons is our willingness to forgive ourselves. Verse 32 tells us that God has forgiven us—but we need to show ourselves the same kindness and compassion we are to show others.

Our tendency is to carry a lot of blame for our loved one's problem. But God says if we have confessed our sins, then he has forgiven them and made us clean and pure in his sight. Then those sins are behind us and forgotten. We need to acknowledge his forgiveness and not continue blaming 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 1:9 NIV

How about you? Are you carrying a load of blame? Have you forgiven yourself for any wrongs you may have done that have contributed to your loved one's problem? If you have confessed that sin, God sees you as righteous. You need to let it go.

Prayer
Father, I know you don't want me to condemn myself. I believe you have forgiven my sin. Help me to forgive myself as well as the one who hurt me. In Jesus' name . . .