Be a lay leader

From EVERYDAY IN HIS PRESENCE

THE BEST DEFENSE My eyes are always on the LORD, for he rescues me. PSALM 25: 15 NLT What are sound biblical principles you can practice as you face the difficulties of your life?

First, recall past victories. Recounting times when the Lord has come to your aid will fortify you for your present challenge.

Second, examine your motivation. What is really driving you in this trial—your goals or your devotion to the Lord?

Third, reject discouragement. Well-meaning people can sometimes quench your faith. Listen to and obey the Father, who will never fail nor forsake you.

Fourth, recognize the real purpose for the battle. Nothing touches your life unless it first passes through the Lord’s protective hand. This means there’s a benefit for you in this challenge if you’ll set your heart to learn from Him.

Finally, rely upon God’s power for victory. Trust the Lord so much that the victory already is decided in your mind. You know your all-powerful, all-wise, perfectly loving Father would never let you down.

Friend, trust in the Lord, obey Him, and count on Him to deliver you. He is your best defense no matter what you face.

From EVERYDAY IN HIS PRESENCE...Dr. Charles Stanley

RESURRECTION POWER

God has fulfilled this promise . . . in that He raised up Jesus. ACTS 13: 33 The empty tomb is a beautiful reminder to you that all that God has promised you is true. Nothing— not even the grave— can prevent Him from keeping His word to you (Isaiah 55: 11). Friend, Jesus has risen from the dead! Sin—the most violent force that keeps you shackled —has been defeated. Death— the most painful foe you could ever face— has lost its grip on you. Your most brutal, insurmountable enemies were conquered, and the very power of the resurrection is yours forever as a child of the living God (Ephesians 1: 18– 21). So today, consider: What stands in the way of God fulfilling His promise to you? Are there obstacles greater than sin and death that block your path? What problems do you face that require more power than was available at the resurrection? You know the answer— the challenges before you are no match for the Lord. So trust Him and be assured that He will faithfully do all He has said.

If we are the body?

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THE LOVE OF THE CROSS

THE LOVE OF THE CROSS
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ROMANS 5: 8 Whenever you struggle with whether or not God truly loves and accepts you, realize it is time to go back to the cross. Spend time thinking about how profound the Savior’s love is for you that He would endure such terrible suffering— how deep, forgiving, sacrificial, and unconditional His divine and unfailing care. Though the Lord rightfully could have judged the sinfulness He saw on earth and destroyed all humankind, He didn’t. Instead, He graciously decided to pay the eternity-shaking price for the sins of every person— whether we acknowledged His provision or not. Jesus did this voluntarily (John 10: 17– 18). Nothing you did earned this gift of salvation, and there’s nothing you can do to lose it (Ephesians 2: 8– 9). So if you’re struggling because you’ve sinned and wonder if you’ve gone too far for God to love you anymore, take heart. You cannot stop Him from caring for you. He loved you at your worst.

From Everyday in His Presence by Dr. CHARLES STANLEY