GPS-Monsters Are Real

JUN 02  / Sunday – Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Overview: When Christ returns, sin, death, and Satan (i.e. our “monsters”) will be vanquished. And only a resurrected, living Jesus can return. God wins.

03 / Mon – Worry  |  Read Proverbs 3:5-7 / Matthew 11:28-30

There is plenty to worry about these days, which has been true ever since Adam and Eve blew it. Worry can take up a lot of space in your mind and soul, squeezing out the beauty that is still around you. Such as our relationships, nature, and, most importantly, the beauty and love our Lord and Savior has for us. Has worry sometimes seemed to overtake you? Was it hard to pull out of? Can you turn it completely over to God? He has a path and a plan for you.

04 / Tue – Disappointment  |  Read Psalm 34:1-7

Who hasn’t been disappointed? It’s impossible to avoid. We didn’t get the gift, job, attention, healing, or any number of things we wanted. It can make us feel sad, lonely, and sometimes angry. It can be easy to wonder why, forget that God has the situation in His hands, and then try to manage things on our own. What has been a disappointment that you vividly recall? Is there one now that you have difficulty turning over to the Lord? Make today that day and let Him reveal His purpose and plan for turning disappointment into His glory.

05 / Wed – Fear  |  Read Proverbs 3:25-26 / Isaiah 41:10

Fear is a powerful emotion that can motivate someone to action or paralyze them. It can result from something sudden like an accident, a health scare, or a life situation that gnaws at our minds slowly and puts down roots that can be hard to dislodge. Is there anything going on in your life that keeps you ‘stuck’ in a place of fear, that consumes your mind, maybe keeping you awake at night? Although it might sometimes seem easier said than done, will you trust the Lord to be at your side and uphold you with his righteous right hand.  He loves you and wants to hold you close.

06 / Thu – Promise  |  Read Rom 8:28-29 NLT

A promise is a person’s pledge, their word to someone else that can definitely be counted on.  However, because of our human sinful nature and this fallen world, many promises made are not kept. It’s a hard thing to experience and some people are not able to move on from this hurt. God’s promise of eternal life is real and will always stand, from the moment we repent and believe in Christ.  What does a promise not kept feel like, either for the giver or receiver? Have you embraced God’s blessed assurance that God will never leave you or forsake you? He won’t.

07 / Fri – Grace and mercy  |  Read James 2:13 / Luke 6:36

They deserved it! Has that sentiment ever crossed your mind? It can be satisfying to think that way sometimes. Thankfully, Jesus does not. He gives us His imperfect children, grace (forgiveness we don’t deserve), and mercy (taking upon Himself the punishment we do deserve).  Is there someone you need to let ‘off the hook’ with grace and mercy? Have you ever had to ask someone for it? God is the source when you need it from Him and when you give or receive it from others.

08 / Sat – Hope  |  Read John 13:36 / Colossians 3:1

Good heavens! Most everyone has heard it or said it and it is true. Heaven is good. And it is real. We can lose sight of this wonderful hope sometimes as we walk through our lives, encumbered by worry, fear, disappointment, illness, and grief. It can even make prayer difficult and make living for God’s glory a tall order. Has your life’s walk been difficult sometimes? Maybe right now? If it’s hard to pray, do it anyway. The Holy Spirit will bring your groans to God for you. God is with you and for you. Forever.