be happy

Those who have suffered will be happier in the Lord. Those who are in need will have joy in the Holy One of Israel.

- Isaiah 29:19 (NLV)

 

We have all faced difficult times, and some have suffered worse than others. However, God promises that our joy will be renewed, deepened, and strengthened when we lean on Him. People have lost loved ones, found themselves unemployed, or dealt with the breakup of a relationship.

In response to these hardships, some people turn to alcohol or drugs, some shut out the world, and others may dive into things they shouldn't when their world turns upside down. It is challenging, but better things will come when you keep your eye on God.

There will be another job, new relationships will form, and loved ones who have passed away are free from pain and suffering. We can still experience moments of spiritual joy and sorrow. Just remember that true joy is found in God, not in worldly circumstances.

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

lights

All this helps us know that what the early preachers said was true. You will do well to listen to what they have said. Their words are as lights that shine in a dark place. Listen until you understand what they have said. Then it will be like the morning light which takes away the darkness. And the Morning Star (Christ) will rise to shine in your hearts.

- 2 Peter 1:19 (NLV)

 

According to science, the distance you can see a light depends on its brightness and the surrounding conditions. In theory, you could see a candle flame from as far as 30 miles away on a dark, clear night. However, factors like atmospheric conditions and the Earth's curvature limit visibility in practice. A brighter light, like a lighthouse, can be seen from a greater distance than a weaker light, like a candle. Being on a higher vantage point, like a mountain, allows you to see farther than being at ground level.

We experienced this firsthand while camping once. A storm came in, and our friends, who had anchored their boat in the lake to sleep, were turned around by the winds and didn't know which way to go to find our campsite. My husband turned on our vehicle headlights to guide them back to shore.

Throughout history, sailors have used the stars to guide them at night, and people have long left lights on in their homes to help them find their way in the dark. When we are stuck in a dark place, we need light to find our way out.

God's word can be that light. It doesn't matter where you are in your darkness—whether you know the entire Bible, just a verse or two, or if you only remember the words to "Jesus Loves Me"—repeat the words over and over, and God's light will break through the darkness.

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

all the ingredients

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

- 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

 

Every recipe has ingredients, and you wouldn't be successful in your cooking endeavor if you left something out. I know someone who forgot flour once when making cookies, and I tried to make a box cake without eggs once. Both the cookies and the cake ended badly.

Substitutions are not always the best way to go either—sometimes replacing butter with margarine can alter the flavor in horrible ways.

According to the Word, to grow in our faith, we need: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, Godliness, kindness and most importantly, love.

Each of these elements mixed together, makes us stronger and better in our faith. If your faith is wavering, maybe you are missing an ingredient. We all forget something sometimes. Revisiting the recipe (the Bible) and finding the missing ingredient will make a difference in the end result (our daily life).

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

everything we need

Jesus has the power of God, by which He has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know Him. Jesus called us by His glory and goodness.

- 2 Peter 1:3 (NCV)

 

Everything.

That is pretty open-ended, isn't it? He has given us everything we need. Sometimes, it's hard to understand because we think we "need" a new car, the latest fashion trend, or the most recent iPhone.

God knows what we truly need, and He gives us everything essential. It may feel like we are not getting what we need, especially when we think of children going to bed hungry. Are they getting what they need? Is God providing for them?

Believe it or not, the answer is yes. People need to listen. God will provide a way to feed families, but sometimes, families need to meet Him halfway.

I have had my “everything” completely ripped away from me, and in those moments, I thought there was no hope. Yet, God knows what we need and provides it. With His help, I am working my way past the hardships, knowing that God will give me what I need, and my hope is restored.

We just need to listen.

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

new leaf

Let your minds and hearts be made new.

- Ephesians 4:23 (NLV)

 

Have you heard the expression "turn over a new leaf"? A quick Google search reveals that the “leaf” in this phrase does not refer to a tree's leaf but rather to the pages in a book. In the 16th century, the pages of a book were called leaves. The analogy of turning over to a blank page and starting anew has been used since the 1500s. Although it hasn't always meant “change for the better,” it has consistently implied a fresh start. When you turn to a new, clean page, you leave the past behind and begin again.

For me, this means it's time to take back control of my life. For all of us, it means we shouldn't let our current circumstances dictate the reality that God proclaims over us through the cross of Christ. If you hate your job, find a new one! It requires time and perseverance, but it is possible. If you are struggling to pay your bills, then examine your spending habits closely. If you buy a $7 cup of coffee every day, that amounts to $210 a month—enough to cover one of your bills.

Put on your new self, be the change, and take charge of your circumstances instead of letting them control you.

I’m putting this into practice now!

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

Attack!

But the Lord is faithful. He will give you strength and keep you safe from the devil.

- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NLV)

 

Protection is something we all seek. Animal mothers protect their young from predators and dangers. Human parents protect their children from injury and mistakes. Law enforcement officers protect us from those who intend to harm us. I've often heard miraculous stories of God sending angels to protect His children in dire situations.

I won't lie—I'm facing difficult times right now. My world is upside-down, and my faith is being shaken. I know my God is a God of love, mercy, and forgiveness, and that He wants me to lean in and press on. Here I am, Lord, leaning and pressing. I am asking for Your strength to fight this enemy. Even in my pain, I see that God is good, and even while I hurt, I know He is there.

I will continue to praise Him because He is faithful. I will seek His peace, which surpasses all understanding. He will give me the confidence to face the obstacles in my path. There is much evil in this world, and today, we can see it everywhere. When we rely on the Lord for our strength, He helps us fight the demons that seek to take everything from us. God will build us up and give us power over evil. All we have to do is believe that He can.

It’s a scary world out there. The thought of always being protected, seen, and loved is one I truly cherish. God loves me enough to protect me, and He loves you that much too.

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

I stopped writing

And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day’s problems; live in vital union with him.

- Colossians 2:6 (TLB)

 

My last “daily bread” was forty-eight days ago, just before I left the country for a relaxing vacation. I had planned to start writing again as soon as I returned, but something inside me changed, and I lost the motivation. It's not that I stopped believing—far from it. I can't pinpoint the exact "trigger," but I felt completely lost.

Then, devastating events began to unfold in my life, leaving me struggling to make sense of and find peace with them. I started questioning my faith, my path, and my relationship with God. I wondered if these terrible things were happening because I stopped writing and sharing the word.

It's time to dig in and return to reading and living His word. I believe that when I let God back in, I will start seeing changes in my world.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible