Trouble Tree #RTTBROS #nightlight

Trouble Tree    #RTTBROS  #nightlight

 

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

I came across this powerful story 

“I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one-ton truck refused to start.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss. Afterward, he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. ‘Oh, that's my trouble tree,' he replied 'I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning, I pick them up again.' 'Funny thing is,' he smiled,' when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before. THIS ONE IS WORTH SENDING ON. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance. We all need a Tree!"

The verse from 1 Peter captures the essence of "hanging your troubles on the tree" and asking God to handle them. Just as the plumber cast his work troubles on the tree at home, we can cast all our cares upon the Lord, trusting that He cares for us. The story is a good reminder that even when life gets difficult, we can choose joy and peace through faith in God.

 

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Growing Pains #RTTBROS #nightlight

Growing Pains   #RTTBROS  #nightlight

 

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend Pro 27:17 

Growing Pains 

God loves us deeply, just as we are. Yet His love also compels Him to mold us into the people He knows we can become by His grace. As Charles Spurgeon said, “God has designed us to grow.” Everything in God’s creation grows and develops, including us.

While God cares about our struggles, He cares even more about the character and maturity that can emerge from difficult seasons. He wants to use all of life’s circumstances, pleasant or painful, to stimulate our growth into the stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). God is firmly on the side of who you can become in Him.

We might prefer comfort over the growing pains that come with change and maturing. But spiritual growth is not optional for the follower of Jesus. Through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, God develops emotional stability, mental acuity, physical discipline, and spiritual vibrancy in us. He uses relationships, trials, teaching, and time in His Word to transform us incrementally into the image of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).

In the King James Version of the Bible, Proverbs 27:17 reads, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend". 

Some say that the meaning of "iron sharpens iron" is that believers have an impact on each other when they interact. In other words we are on the side of who the other person can become, we are rooting for them to grow and change and we grow right alongside them.  Some ways of sharpening one another include: 

Calling out sin

Encouraging each other

Lifting one another up in prayer

Allowing others to see weaknesses or problem areas.

Let's appreciate the people God sends our way who care enough to confront us and help us grow.  Don't be bitter when the try to make you better.

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God Blesses the Broken Road #RTTBROS #Nightlight

 God Blesses the Broken Road #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

Scripture: Romans 8:28 (KJV) - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Devotional Message:

The concept of "God blessed the broken road that lead me straight to you" is beautifully illustrated in the life of David, the shepherd boy who became the King of Israel. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, David's journey ultimately led him to fulfilling God's purpose for his life.

David's early life was marked by a series of unexpected twists and turns. He was the youngest of Jesse's sons, overlooked and underestimated by his own family. However, God had chosen David to be the future king of Israel. Through a divine appointment, David was anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). This was the first step on the broken road that would lead him to his destiny.

After being anointed, David faced many trials and tribulations. He was sent back to the fields to tend sheep, while his brothers went off to war. It was during this time that he developed a deep intimacy with God, writing beautiful psalms and strengthening his faith. David's broken road was a path of preparation, where he learned to trust God and rely on His guidance.

One of the most significant moments in David's life was his encounter with Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior. While the entire Israeli army trembled in fear, David, fueled by his unwavering faith in God, stepped forward to face Goliath. With just a sling and a stone, David defeated the giant, showcasing God's power and faithfulness (1 Samuel 17:45-50). This victory propelled David into the public eye and set him on a path towards kingship.

Despite his anointing and victory over Goliath, David's journey was far from smooth. He faced persecution, betrayal, and even had to flee for his life from King Saul, who sought to kill him. During this time, David wrote many heartfelt psalms, pouring out his emotions and seeking God's guidance and protection. It was through these trials that David's character was refined, and his dependence on God grew stronger.

In due time, David's broken road led him to the throne of Israel. He became one of Israel's greatest kings and a man after God's own heart. Through his experiences, David learned to fully rely on God, acknowledging that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Just like David, our lives may be marked by unexpected twists and turns. We may encounter brokenness, disappointments, and setbacks along our journey. However, we can take comfort in the assurance that God is with us every step of the way. He can turn our broken roads into paths that lead us straight to Him and His purpose for our lives.

Let us trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to work all things together for our good. May we seek His guidance, lean on His strength, and believe that He will bless our broken roads, leading us to a place of fulfillment and purpose. Remember, God's plans for us are greater than we can imagine, and He is faithful to bring us to our desired destination.

Avoid The Crash 2 Cpr 5:7 #RTTBROS #nightlight

Avoid The Crash 2 Cpr 5:7  #RTTBROS  #nightlight

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 2 Cor 5:7

The following explains how we can gain emotional stability in time of trials and suffering:

"While piloting a plane in a thick fog, a pilot cannot be sure of his direction unless he gives full attention to his instruments. When flying through a thunderstorm, the turbulence will throw him about, and the darkness within the clouds will threaten to disorient him. Sometimes he will feel as though he is going up or down or turning around. But he cannot depend on his feelings. Only the gyros can be trusted, so the pilot must hang on to the controls in the turbulence and discipline his mind to concentrate on the instruments while he flies through the storm.

The parallel truth for the Christian in troubled times is clear. Undisciplined feelings…can cause a crash unless one keeps himself stabilized by the facts of the Word of God…Every promise in the Word of God is like a gyro giving information to stabilize him in a specific situation…With daily practice one learns not to panic but to believe a specific truth from the Bible fitted for his own unique circumstances. By experience one learns not to fight his feelings, but to look away from them to the “instrument panel” of the Word of God which is utterly dependable.

One discovers that if he will just hang on in the worst of the turbulence, no matter how disrupting, his mind and heart steadied by the great truths of the Word and his eyes intently fixed on God Himself, he will eventually break through rain-black clouds to soar once more in the clear, tranquil atmosphere."

Gloria Okes Perkins, “Fly by the Instruments,”

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2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back Psalm 37:23-24 #RTTBROS #nightlight

2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back  Psalm 37:23-24  #RTTBROS  #nightlight

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)

In our walk with God, it's easy to get discouraged when we stumble. We take two steps forward in our faith, only to suddenly take one step back into old habits or sin. We pray, read scripture, serve in church, then suddenly fall back into anxiety, anger, or apathy.

It's easy to get down on ourselves and wonder if we'll ever make steady progress. But this passage gives us hope. Even when the "good man" falls, he will not be utterly cast down, because the Lord upholds him. God views us not based on a moment of failure, but the overall trajectory of our walk with Him. The word "ordered" also reminds us that it's God charting our path, not our own shaky strength.

What do we do when we stumble? First, repent, ask forgiveness, and gratefully receive God's mercy. But dwelling on guilt slows our pace. The best response is to humbly get back on the path, knowing God uses our falls to teach dependence on Him alone. By His strength, one step back only serves to propel us two steps forward as we learn and grow.

The next time you take one step back after two steps forward, remember God upholds you. Place your hope in His power, not your own. Keep your eyes on the loving Creator charting your steps. No matter the stumbles on the journey, He who began a good work in you is faithful to carry it to completion.  Our falls do not change God's delights or derail His plans when we rely wholly on His hand.

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Robbed A Thanksgiving Devotion #RTTBROS #nightlight

Robbed A Thanksgiving Devotion  #RTTBROS  #nightlight

 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

The great Bible commentator Matthew Henry lived out this verse after a thief stole his wallet. Rather than rage or despair, Henry responded with grace and gratitude. First, he thanked God that he had never been robbed before. Though now deprived, Henry reflected on years of provision and safety. Second, though robbed of his purse, the thief did not take Henry’s life or possessions; many suffer far worse violations. Third, Henry lost little of value, acknowledging that earthly wealth can disappear quickly. As Job endured much worse calamity yet still praised God saying, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21 KJV). Finally, Henry thanked God that he was a victim of robbery, not a perpetrator of it.

Charles Spurgeon once preached, “A grateful heart will see good even in the darkest days.” Despite his loss, with grace and wisdom Henry saw blessings to be thankful for. May we emulate his godly perspective, as Spurgeon exhorted: “Come, my heart, begin your hallelujahs...Boast thyself in God...Bless the Lord throughout this day; bless Him while you live.” God uses all circumstances for our growth if we respond rightly.

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Devoted To Prayer #RTTBROS #normankissinger #nightlight #NK

Devoted To Prayer #RTTBROS #normankissinger #nightlight #NK 

If you are involved in ministry in any significant way you will be attacked by the enemy to discourage or distract you.  This will happen in a prayer ministry as well.  In Acts 6:4 we are allowed to glimpse the importance of prayer in the early Church.  Deacons were appointed to do the physical ministry so the apostles could give themselves to the ministry of Prayer and the ministry of the Word.

    So deepening out prayer life and digging into the Word to minister into the lives of others is paramount. We are better at getting the gospel out but we have lost the art of effective prayer.

   For me it is easier to preach then to pray.  The disciples never asked Jesus to teach them to preach they did ask instruction from him on prayer.

     What can you change in your schedule to make prayer a priority?

     How can you spend more time in God's Word.

 

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