WHEN YOUR HEART IS STEADFAST: Devotion for Saturday November 14, 2015

WHEN YOUR HEART IS STEADFAST       Saturday November 14, 2015

Text: Psalm 112:1 – 10         Memory verse: v 7

Our bible reading speaks about the blessedness of the righteous (112:1). He is rooted and established by God so that neither men nor devils shall sweep him from his place. His prosperity shall be permanent. A steadfast heart is secured from calamities which overtakes the wicked. His love for God is deep and true, his confidence in God is firm and unmoved; his courage has a firm foundation, and is supported by God. He is not a rolling stone, but a pillar in God’s house.

We ought to live without fear; our heroes were fearless people who faced dangers and overcome them. This psalm teaches us that fear of God can lead to a fearless life. To fear God means to respect and revere Him as the Almighty. When we trust God completely to take care of us, we will find out that our other fears, even of death itself, will subside. Is your heart steadfast in God?

Food for Thought: Proverbs 1:33

Prayer: God, establish me in honesty and make my heart steadfast in you 

BE STEADFAST: Devotion for Wednesday October 28, 2015

BE STEADFAST      Wednesday October 28, 2015        

Text: 1 Peter 5:9        Memory verse: v 9

Yesterday we read Peter’s caution on being sober and vigilant. Being steadfast in faith means that we should be encouraged to endure our trials because our fellow Christians suffer the same things. We should not desire and reasonably expect a better condition in the world, with respect to freedom from sufferings. Jesus our Lord suffered and said that a servant is not greater than his master (John 13:16). What all other Bible characters suffered is well known to us. We too have our own share of suffering without which, we cannot share His glory with Him (Romans 8:17).

We can get consolations about suffering for the sake of the gospel in the following ways (1) when we see suffering only as the common lot of Christians and there was no evidence that God abandon them during suffering. (2) The fact that others were enabled to bear their trials should be a proof to us that we would also be able to bear sufferings too. If others were sustained, and were brought off triumphantly, it will be an assurance for us. (3) The assurance of Jesus being with us (Matthew 28:20) is enough confidence that we are not alone in suffering (see also Daniel 3:24, 25). The grace is there to support us. Remember Isaiah 59:1, 2. However, we should not invent suffering.

Food for Thought: James 4:7.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to always resist the devil.