Daily Dose 6-30-13

Acts 20:22-24 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Paul faced as many hardships for the cause of Christ as others endured at his hand as he tried to prevent the spread of Christ’s message. He persevered despite shipwrecks, beatings and imprisonment. He was close enough to God to discern what seemed to be conflicting messages from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit compelled him to go to Jerusalem, yet warned him that he would face many hardships including the possible loss of his life. Have you felt compelled by the Spirit to do something for the cause of Christ that was later dismissed because of the risk? Think of Paul, pray for the same discernment he had, and be bold! Paul faced beating, imprisonment and death. Often, the biggest obstacle we face is tripping over our pride as we face rejection or ridicule.

Father, I want to do what You intend for me to do to further Your Kingdom. Give me discernment to know how to be most effective and back it up by giving me the courage to follow through. I love you! Amen

Daily Dose 6-29-13

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

There are times when the battles of life leave us beaten, scarred and brokenhearted. If we take our pain to His throne, our Father takes us in His lap and lovingly begins to dress our wounds. He calms our whimpering spirits with His gentle touch and sings over us to comfort. He slowly and methodically addresses each hurt until it is only a battle scar to remind us of His love; and how to help another who may experience the same injury. We often want to run away from Him when we need Him most. We are angry that He did not answer our prayer the way we wanted, or that He allowed us to endure the hardship to begin with. That is when we run the danger of infection of our souls. Without the healing touch of the Father, our wounds fester and harden our hearts. Instead of our scars being used to bring healing to others, we inflict further pain. Take your hurt to the throne. Jesus has opened the way for you to enter and receive the care of the Father.

Great Physician, I come to You for complete healing, not just a bandage over a dirty wound. There are many brokenhearted souls around me now. I beg for You to draw them close and begin Your process to mend their broken heart and dress their wounds with Your love. Use me as Your assistant however I may join You. I love You! Amen