Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

1) Fear

Don't be afraid of those who threaten you. Matthew 10:26

Don't be afraid of those who want to kill you.

Fear only God. Matthew 10:28

Don't be afraid. Matthew 10:31

Couldn't be clearer.

2) Your Cross

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me,

you are not worthy of being mine.

If you cling to your life, you will lose it;

but if you give it up for Me, you will find it. Matthew 10:38-39

Couldn't be clearer.

Impossible without His help.

3) Seeking God

The Lord looks to see if there is even one

with real understanding, one who seeks for God.

But no, all have turned away from God;

all have become corrupt. Psalm 14:2-3

Sad commentary.

4) Justice

He will proclaim justice to the nations.

He will not fight or shout;

He will not raise His voice in public.

He will not crush those who are weak,

or quench the smallest hope,

until He brings full justice with His final victory.

And His Name will be the hope of all the world. Matthew 12:18-21

5) Our Way

They keep their promises even when it hurts. Psalm 15:4

Whatever is in your heart determines what you say. Matthew 12:34

You must give an account on judgement day of every idle word you speak. Matthew 12:36

Ouch!

6) Our Promise

The Lord is your security. Proverbs 3:21-26

I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken,

for He is right beside me. Psalm 16:8

God is my Rock, in whom I find protection. Psalm 18:2

Don't forget or turn away from My words.

Don't turn your back on wisdom,

for she will protect you.

Love her, and she will guard you. Proverbs 4:1-6

7) Success

Potiphar noticed and realized

that the Lord was with Joseph,

giving him success in everything he did. Genesis 39:3

He took Joseph and threw him into the prison,

but the Lord was with Joseph there, too. Genesis 39:20-21

The Lord was with him,

making everything run smoothly and successfully. Genesis 39:23

I'm so glad Joseph was human, like us!

We saw Joseph's terror and anguish and heard his pleadings. Genesis 42:21

I'd never seen this before.

The story of Joseph is so compacted in the Bible.

I assumed he "sailed through" being thrown in the pit,

and being unjustly imprisioned.

But we learn from his brothers that there were all these emotions...

terror, anguish, pleadings...

when they were threatening to kill him.

That gives me hope.

Joseph is not some unattainable super-hero.

He was pretty amazing, but only because God was with Him.

And he chose to believe that God was with him.

When interpreting dreams he said,

"I don't know, but God does."

Total reliance on the Father.

P.S. Jim is responsible only for Jim's Blog on ChristianCommentary.com.