Encouraging Words for the day | Christian devotionals - Hopeful Heart

The Father will not neglect

31/10/2013

Would you be sad if someone that you love so dearly suspects you and questions your motives? Yet in difficult times, we often suspect our Heavenly father. We ask Him how much longer do we have to bear with such a situation.

Although we know that all things work out for good to those who love Him, it is hard to maintain our peace in tough times, we tend to worry and complain instead. We spend more time to crack our heads thinking of a solution, running in our minds the things to say instead of praying. We forgot that our Father wants the best for us, He promises us a hope and a future. Only He knows what is good and what is bad for us.

The things or people that we desperately long for is not always good for us. Only God sees the complete picture. He is the sovereign One. He knows all that you're going through. He knows what you really need more than you do. He can see through our hidden motives and intentions that we ourselves do not know of. So don't hide anything from Him, just be honest, come to Him in prayer and ask for His mercy, help and guidance today. Our loving Father will not neglect.

Luke 11:11-13
Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

- Diven

In desperation, we seek

30/10/2013

Take a look around you and you will notice how this world is creating desperate inhabitants. Is it good or bad or did God created us to desire him the most when in desperation?

Most people seek out answers when they are in desperation. Desperation creates in our soul a vacuum that cannot be created in any other condition; it focuses our soul to see things we weren’t able to see when we are not in desperation. It is a time where our soul becomes very vulnerable, a perfect time to let God come to our lives and be God.

In desperation we want to trust someone who will give us answers. In desperation, we desire peace; we look for answers that will ease our worry mind and soul. In desperation we realised that we are just a mere mortal. This is a humbling yet a great reminder that God is indeed in control. When we are at our most vulnerable times, God will always be available for us.

Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen; I will be exalted in the earth

- May Inu

The peaceful rest you can have

29/10/2013

There are some things good without being perfect. You do not need to have a whole regiment firing outside your room to wake you; it is quite enough that your alarm clock rings.

It is not necessary to fret about everything; it is quite enough if the devil gets your mind rasped with one little worry, one little thought which destroys your perfect peace. It is like the polish on an exquisite table top. One scratch will destroy it and so your rest can be destroyed by a very little thing.

Perhaps you have trusted in God about your future salvation; have you trusted Him about your present business or earthly cares, your money and your family? What is meant by the peace that passed all understanding? (Philippians 4:7). It does not mean a peace no one can comprehend. It means a peace no amount of reasoning will bring. You cannot get it by thinking.

There may be perfect bewilderment and perplexity all around the horizon, yet your heart can rest in perfect security because God knows, He loves, He leads.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- A.Simpson

Workaholics vs Lifeaholic life

28/10/2013

The differences between a workaholic and a lifeaholic? Lifeaholic is a metaphoric term to identify a person who is in love with life; who embraces life to the fullest.

A lifeaholic embraces the flows of life; its beauty, its sorrow, its peace, its joy, treasures his surroundings and its simplicity. They are grateful for everything this life gives and throws at them.

These are the common traits that differentiate workaholic and lifeholic:

A workaholic works long hours but a lifeaholic works regular hours.

A workaholic has very superficial friendships, in and out of work but a lifeaholic treasures their friendships as their greatest wealth and they make time for it.

A workaholic has no interests outside of work but a lifeaholic on the other hand has pleasurable interests/ hobbies outside his work.

A workaholic doesn’t take vacations but a lifeaholic on the other hand takes time for themselves and others. They allow themselves to take afternoon naps, holidays, second honeymoons, regular family picnics, and weekly day-offs with delight.

A workaholic sees life as a race and not a journey but a lifeaholic looks forward to the mystery and gift of what every new day may bring; they are realistic with their planning yet flexible to embrace any changes.

Now the choice is completely yours, which life would you choose?

Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

- John W.

The lost and found home

24/10/2013

After telling the story of the lost sheep and the lost silver coin, Jesus ends up by telling us the story of the lost son. The interesting thing about him is that he knew he was lost, and knew his way home. The shepherd sought the lost sheep, the lady with the lamp sought the lost silver, but nobody went looking for the lost son.

Only when he had squandered his inheritance and ended up in a pigpen do we read: 'When he came to his senses, he said... I will...go back to my father and say to him: 'Father, I have sinned'...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him...the father said to his servants, Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was...lost and is found...'

Believer or backslider, though you have walked away from God, He is waiting to welcome you home. Your place at the table is reserved. He has a ring of sonship that identifies you as His own, and a robe of righteousness to cover your shame. The Prodigal Son's joy didn't return until he came back to his father's house. So, you have a decision to make. Though you're disappointed in yourself and ashamed before the God you've failed, you can come back home. And you can come today.

Luke 15:24 NIV
...[My] son...was lost, and is found...

- Unknown Author

Incomprehensible yet it is the greatest love of all

23/10/2013

And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the Lord shut him in (Genesis 7:16)

Does God have power to create the animals again if they all got perished because of the great flood? Sure He does. Then why He asked Noah to put the animals in pair inside the ark? I believe that God wants to teach Noah about human responsibility. Since He created Adam, He let Adam to be in charge of all His other's creation: the animals and the vegetation; God cares about the animals, though He let all of them perished and left only a pair of each. He wants the "new creation" come out from the "old one".

So here is the message of Salvation: God sent Jesus to pay for our sin when He could have just created the new creation out of nothing just like He did when He first created the world. But He chose to create the "new creation" out of the "old creation", chose to draw us to Him with His never ending loving kindness. This is kind of love that I never understand, but it is kind of love that I put my hope and trust in. It is incomprehensible but I know it is the greatest love of all.

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:8)

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17)

- Jenni Wang

Hope is available

22/10/2013

Father, during these uncertain times, please help me to wait in confidence. Help me to hope, knowing that you know my own resilience and limit. Help me to see what I don’t see for my human ability is limited. Please reassure me that You hear every prayers uttered and that You will provide for my needs.

When people blasphemed your Name, help me to stand strong in my values, help me to hold my head high not fearing what they may do or say about me. Help me to believe that You care for my loved ones too. Please comfort them in the times of their pain and sorrow for there is only so much I could do.

Feeling weighed down much? The words of Psalm 119 could give us encouragement. When our soul “clings to dust,” the Word of God could revive us (v.25). When our soul is filled with sorrow, we can find strength in His words (v.28). Hope is available in Jesus and guidance will come through the Holy Spirit and knowledge and strength are found in God’s Word.

Let’s find our hope, guidance and help from one source. It is all in God’s Word.

Psalm 119 : 25-31 NLT
I lie in the dust, completely discouraged; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your principles. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful miracles. I weep with grief; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws. I cling to your decrees. LORD, don't let me be put to shame

- Irene Soon

Facts vs Feelings

20/10/2013

We walk by faith, not by appearance – 2 Cor 5:7

By faith, not appearance; God never wants us to look at our feelings. Self may want us to; and Satan may want us to. But God wants us to face facts, not feelings; the facts of Christ and of His finished and perfect work for us.When we face these precious facts, and believe them because God says they are facts, God will take care of our feelings.

God never gives feeling to enable us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to encourage us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to show that we have already and utterly trusted Him. God gives feeling only when He sees that we trust Him apart from all feeling, resting on His own Word, and on His own faithfulness to His promise.

Never until then, can the feeling (which is from God) possibly come; and God will give the feeling in such a measure and at such a time as His love sees best for the individual case. We must choose between facing toward our feelings and facing toward God’s facts.

Our feelings may be as uncertain as the sea or the shifting sands. God’s facts are as certain as the Rock of Ages, even Christ Himself, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

- Anonymous

Our True Rest

17/10/2013

We who are saved find rest in Jesus. Those who are not saved will receive rest if they come to Him, for here He promises to "give" it. Nothing can be freer than a gift; let us gladly accept what He gladly gives.

You are not to buy it, nor to borrow it, but to receive it as a gift. You labor under the lash of ambition, covetousness, lust, or anxiety: He will set you free from this iron bondage and give you rest. You are "laden," yes, "heavy laden" with sin, fear, care, remorse, fear of death; but if you come to Him He will unload you. He carried the crushing mass of our sin that we might no longer carry it. He made Himself the great Burden-bearer, that every laden one might cease from bowing down under the enormous pressure.

Jesus gives rest. It is so. Will you believe it? Will you put it to the test? Will you do so at once? Come to Jesus by quitting every other hope, by thinking of Him, believing God's testimony about Him, and trusting everything with Him. If you thus come to Him the rest which He will give you will be deep, safe, holy, and everlasting. He gives a rest which develops into heaven, and He gives it this day to all who come to Him.

Matt 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

-Daily devotional by Spurgeon-
- Jo Voon-

That is My job

16/10/2013

A parishioner asked his pastor, 'Do you ever feel down?' 'Sure,' he responded. 'What do you do about it?' the parishioner said. 'I get up again. Being down isn't my problem - staying down is. I'm either up, or I'm getting up. I've learned not to park in between.' Although feeling down is universal, sociologists warn us to guard against its two most common causes: fear and fatigue. Let's look at them:

Don't let fear cause you to abandon your hope and your vision. Instead, stand in God's presence, cry out to Him, and watch Him rescue you. Throughout the Old Testament, God reminded His people of His track record of goodness. He wanted them to remember it and take courage. But sometimes fear would cloud their memory and they'd begin to doubt. Sound familiar? So He told them, 'Do not be...discouraged...the battle is not yours, but Mine (2 Chronicles 20:15). In other words, 'You don't have to defeat the foe, that is My job. I'm in charge; trust Me to work it out.'

So remember Who's in control of your circumstances today. Stand in His presence, believe His promise!

2 Chronicles 20:9

'...We will stand in Your presence...cry out to You...and You will hear us and save us.'

- Bob Gass (2013)