Seeds Of Hope Daily Devotional: perseverance

Showing posts with label perseverance. Show all posts

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Get Up and Go On

Little Lola was having a hard time learning to skate. Every time she got up and started to skate, she fell down. The bruises were multiplying and covering all of the available space on her knees and elbows.

A neighbor passing by watched her try and try again. Finally, he approached her and asked, “Why don’t you give up?”

“Because,” she cried with tears streaming down her face, “my father didn’t give me these skates to give up with but to go on with.”

Our Lord gives us His gracious favor and wonder working power to “go on with.” A good example of this is the Apostle Paul. God did not remove His affliction. He promised, however, to demonstrate His grace and power in and through all that he did and wherever he went.

God wants to display His grace and power in our lives through what we believe to be our weaknesses. He wants to give us courage and hope, strength and victory. When we willingly admit our weaknesses and limitations, we are forced to depend upon God for our effectiveness and accomplishments. Surrendering to Him when we need His help forces us to admit our inabilities and His abilities. Admitting our limitations enables us to develop our Christ-likeness, deepen our respect for God’s presence and power in our lives and encourages us to a deeper sense of worship.

Prayer: Father, we truly need Your involvement in our lives. When we are weak - give us Your strength, when we are down - raise us with Your power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Monday, January 8, 2018

He Never Quit!

Even a casual reading of the New Testament tells us that there were those who followed Jesus because they wanted to get something from Him for selfish reasons. We read that when things looked horrible at His trial those who had been with Him for years fled for their lives. In His days of glamour and glory they were close by His side. There were others who wanted to be with Him but they refused to make any sacrifices and went their own way.

A graduate of a Midwestern university was just an average student. He played sports but never made any of the varsity teams. He was never elected to any office and did not make it far up the corporate ladder. When war broke out he was among the first to volunteer. After completing basic training he was sent to a war zone in France.

One day in combat he was serving alongside a soldier in the French army. His comrade was severely wounded and with no thought of himself, he made a decision to get him help. Unfortunately, he did not succeed and was killed on his way to find a medic.

The French Government learned of his act of bravery and awarded him The Croix de Guerre – Cross of War. And his alma mater posted a plaque in his honor that read, "He played with the scrubs for four years – but never quit."

The psalmist said, "We will not turn away from You" by quitting.

Prayer: Give us courage, Father, to stand with You and for You when we are tempted to turn from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 80:18a Then we will never abandon you again.

He Never Quit!

The psalmist said, "We will not turn away from You" by quitting.

Prayer: Give us courage, Father, to stand with You and for You when we are tempted to turn from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 80:18a Then we will never abandon you again.

Friday, July 7, 2017

Don't Give Up!

The endless questions of growing children often become boring and frustrating. There are times when no answer will do and no explanation is ever sufficient. The child persists, refuses to be satisfied with our best answers. The questions never stop.

Perhaps David had times in his life, as we all do, when it seemed as though his “King” would not answer his questions. It seemed as though the Lord stood far beyond and above him, unavailable, unable and unwilling to answer when he called. So, what did David do? He thought that he understood God, did what he knew God expected of him to the best of his ability. Yet we see him standing there in wonder – wanting and waiting to hear a voice, unable to bear the silence.

What was his problem? And do we have this same problem today? Perhaps.

Instant gratification and sudden success do not breed faith in God. But patient expectation and utter dependence on Him does. Perhaps our “fast-food-lanes” and “any-time-bank-tellers” have eroded the importance of waiting and watching and wondering. Hopefully, deep within us we believe that He will answer our prayers and meet our needs. We know that His power is beyond our imagination. David realized this, too.

David had an intimate knowledge of God and knew Him personally. Yet, he asked the who question twice as though His power was not available. But it was! God wanted David to wait and trust and grow.

Prayer: We know, Lord, that Your power is more than sufficient to meet our needs. Increase our faith and trust. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

Don't Give Up!

What was his problem? And do we have this same problem today? Perhaps.

David had an intimate knowledge of God and knew Him personally. Yet, he asked the who question twice as though His power was not available. But it was! God wanted David to wait and trust and grow.

Prayer: We know, Lord, that Your power is more than sufficient to meet our needs. Increase our faith and trust. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

What's In A Goal?

Charlie Brown struck out for the fourth time in the same game. In deep despair he cried out, “Lucy! I’ll never make it. All of my life I’ve dreamed of playing in the big leagues. But I know now I’ll never make it!”

“Charlie,” she answered, “choose an immediate goal. When you go out to pitch, see if you can walk to the mound without falling.”

What’s in a goal?

GUIDANCE: Establishing goals provides a process that enables us to accomplish worthwhile projects in life. Great things can be achieved when we know what we want to do. Goals enable us to make plans, solve problems, make decisions and set priorities. Then, at the end of the day, we can sit, review our progress or lack of it, redirect our steps and move forward.

OBJECTIVITY: We all have days when we feel like giving up. But if we have a goal in front of us, we will be able to see progress and see that the struggle is really worth the effort.

ACCOUNTABILITY: If we truly want to make a difference in this world we can find an accountability partner who will work with us to encourage us to “get where we want to go.” Being accountable is difficult without someone looking over our shoulder.

LABOR: Anything that has value and worth will require our hard work, patience, perseverance and prayer.

Prayer: Father, You have given each of us a reason for living and a purpose to accomplish. May we use the talents You have given us to achieve great things for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:13-14 …Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

What Next?

Have you ever eaten a Twinkie? Those moist cakes filled with creamy vanilla? Do you know how they got to the grocer’s shelf?

Jimmy Dewar is the creator of the delicious little treats. He never planned on baking Twinkies. The idea for them came to him out of frustration.

He began by making strawberry shortcakes but ran into a problem. At the end of the season, he had pans but no strawberries. He then decided to create a banana filling which was well received in the stores. But he ran into another problem.

One year there was a shortage of bananas and he was forced to try something else. He thought and worked and experimented and came up with the idea of a vanilla filling. It was and still is a delicious treat and enjoyed by many every day. Besides, the creamy vanilla filling has no season.

That’s the way God works in our lives. When he closes one door He willingly opens another if we are faithful, work diligently and look to Him for guidance. Unfortunately, many Christians look upon difficult days as a reason to become despondent – not dependent upon God.

God’s Word declares, “I have opened a door for you that no one can shut.” Trust Him. He wants you to succeed.

Prayer: Open our eyes, Lord, to see the opportunities that You set before us. May we look to You each day with excitement for the challenges You will bring us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Failing Is Not Fatal

For years Thomas Edison tried to perfect a long lasting storage battery. During this time he conducted thousands of experiments that were unsuccessful. One day one of his employees came to him and said, “Isn’t it a shame that you have wasted all of this time? All of the tremendous labor and time that you have spent on this project has not achieved any results that will work.”

“I’ve got plenty of results,” said Edison. “You see, I’ve discovered several thousand that won’t work!”

To his credit, Edison was able to look at what he was doing as a way of learning and solving problems. When he failed he did not look at it as final. He looked at it as a stepping stone to something else. How fortunate is that person who can see beyond the moment of defeat to the joy of victory!

Often we fail to see God at work in what we are doing. We look for the approval of others believing that our rewards come from them. Scripture reminds us, however, to define success in terms of being faithful to God and what He has called us to do. God rewards us for being faithful to Him, for doing what He calls us to do even when we fail in the eyes of the world.

Struggling through difficult days and trying times proves that our trust is in God and that we look to Him for our rewards. “Fear not, I will strengthen and help you.”

Prayer: It’s natural, Lord, to want the approval of those around us. Often we think that they are the final authority. Remind us, however, that we labor for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Sunday, August 28, 2016

The Next Mile

Eric Severide was a news journalist who achieved much recognition and fame. In fact, he was considered to be an “elite correspondent.”

When he graduated from high school a local newspaper sponsored him and a classmate, Walter Port, to travel by canoe from Minneapolis to York Factory – a journey of 2250 miles. When they came to the last leg of their journey, they were overwhelmed with what they faced – 450 miles through the rugged wilderness.

As they faced what seemed to them to be overwhelming odds, an old fur trader helped them by offering a few words of simple advice: “Just think of the last mile.”

Great advice for them. Great advice for Christians.

We do not know what the journey before us may be. In fact, as we face today or tomorrow or next week, we do not know what we will face. Sometimes we look back and recall unpleasant memories that have left us scared and scarred, perhaps fearful and frightened.

But we are here today and have the promise of Jesus for the rest of our lives: “Be sure of this, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

When we place our trust in the Lord, we have a Guide who has never strayed from the way and a Guard who has never lost or abandoned one of His children.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the guarantee that You are and always will be with us no matter what. May we trust You always knowing that Your grace is sufficient. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 28:20 “Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

From Farm To Fame

Grover Cleveland Alexander is recognized as one of the greatest baseball pitchers of all time. His record of ninety shutouts still stands and his 373 recorded victories has been achieved by only one other pitcher. In 1938 he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

From his earliest days on the farm his only desire was to play baseball and be a pitcher. He actually began his career by throwing apples and stones at fence posts between chores to sharpen his throwing skills.

One day he bought a few baseballs and nailed an old catcher’s mitt to the chicken coop. He would spend every available moment throwing baseballs at the mitt and finally became successful at hitting the mitt nine times out of ten.

During his pitching career reporters piled heaps of praise on him as his record grew and fame spread. But none of them were ever aware of the many hours he practiced with no one watching or helping him develop the skills that would eventually bring him world recognition.

Fame never comes unless one is willing to pay the price it requires. Hard work is God’s plan for all of us. Those who work diligently are the recipients of many benefits in their own lives and the lives of others. God blesses those who develop the skills He gives them.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to take the gifts You give us with great humility and work with all of our might to develop them to bring honor and glory to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

What's Average Got To Do With It?

Someone said that the average man has sixty-nine pounds of muscle, forty-one pounds of bones but only three pounds of brain. (Now that may explain many things!)

Henry Spangler was not average. He was alert.

He worked as a janitor but had problems with dust. Whenever he swept the floor, the dust would rise, causing him to sneeze and cough. His eyes would run and it even caused him to have serious headaches. But he did not quit. He began to think about the dust – not himself. He began to search for ways to suck up dust rather than scattering it through the air. If only, he thought, there would be a way to capture the dust in a container. He asked God to help to solve his problem.

His search finally led him to the idea of a vacuum cleaner. After much thought, he shared his idea with an old friend and asked him to finance the idea and work with him. It resulted in the Hoover Vacuum Cleaner and his old friend was H. W. Hoover.

James wrote, “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask...He’ll tell you.” God can solve any problem we have if we look to Him for His solution.

It’s never the size of our problem but our faith and perseverance.

Prayer: Lord, help us to look beyond ourselves when we have a problem and know that You already have the solution if we simply ask for Your help. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

"Let's Turn It On!"

Thomas Edison worked many years to develop a light bulb. The day finally arrived when his first one was ready to be tested. He turned to his lab technician and said, “Take this downstairs and let’s turn it on!”

The technician was filled with excitement as he left the laboratory. As he ran down the stairs, he slipped, fell and broke the bulb.

Discouraged but not defeated, Edison went on to make his second bulb. When it was finished, he turned to the same technician and said, “Take this downstairs and let’s turn it on!” With the same amount of excitement, but more cautious, he carefully took the bulb downstairs and the experiment was completed successfully.

More often than not, it is easy to give up when things do not turn out as we expect them to. In a moment of despair we find it easier to turn our backs on projects that fail or goals that crumble. But even though we may make a mess of things, God has not nor ever will give up on us. The Lord, speaking through Joshua, said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go!”

What a gracious promise of His presence and power!

Prayer: Lord, may we always work with You to turn every tragedy into triumph and every disaster into a delight that honors You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Joshua 1:1-9 Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Saturday, February 27, 2016

The Warrior And The Ant

Tamerlane was an oriental warrior who had defeated and conquered many armies. His many victories included the conquests of the Mongols, the Turks and the Persians.

Once when it appeared that his army would be defeated by an enemy whose strength he had underestimated, he hid in a manger to avoid being captured. As he lay quietly, discouraged and desperate, he noticed an ant struggling to carry a large kernel of corn over a steep wall. The ant tried the first time and failed. Then the second time – and failed again. Again and again the ant tried with the same result. Each time the ant tried and failed Tamerlane would make a mark in the dirt. The ant tried and failed sixty-nine times. Once again for the seventieth time the ant tried and was finally successful – making it over the top.

Tamerlane was amazed and encouraged at the persistence of the ant. His courage returned, he regrouped his army, engaged the enemy once again and won!

The book of Proverbs warns against giving in to the temptation of laziness. It says, “Take a lesson from the ants. Learn from their ways and be wise!” God used the ant as an example to encourage us to be industrious.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to take each moment that You give us as a gift of Your grace to be used wisely and thoughtfully for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 6:1-11 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

Friday, February 19, 2016

Never Give Up!

Winston Churchill is recognized as one of the most outstanding leaders in the history of the world. He held England together during World War II and brought encouragement and hope to the entire nation and the world.

He attended a preparatory school that was recognized for having high academic standards and making students study and earn their grades by spending hours at their desks and in the library. He is known to have excelled in all of his studies.

Toward the end of his life he was invited to return to the school to address the students. When he was being introduced to the students, the Headmaster said, “Our Prime Minister is one of the greatest orators in the world. Listen carefully and take notes.”

Churchill stood to his feet, gazed intently at the young people who gathered to hear him and said, “Never give up. NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER!” And sat down.

Paul put this another way for Christians: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

Often we work hard for the Lord yet see no rewards. However, we must “Never Give Up!” His reward will come when we need it most.

Prayer: Encourage our hearts, Lord, to know that we may not receive rewards in this world, but surely in the one to come with You in heaven. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Don't Stop Now!

Sometime ago it was my privilege to be the commencement speaker at a high school graduation. At the end of the service, the students came forward and walked up to the headmaster to receive their diplomas. As he shook their hands, he looked into their eyes and said softly to each one of them, “Don’t stop now, keep moving forward!”

Great advice – not only for the graduates but for everyone, every day. Whatever we do, wherever we go, we must keep on keeping on. We must keep forgiving! Keep growing! Keep helping! Keep loving! Keep witnessing! Keep serving! Keep worshiping! Keep working! Keep laughing! Keep moving forward!

If this is important for life in general, it is even more important for the life of a Christian. Paul said that “I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.”

What great advice he offers us. Nothing should ever interfere with nor take our eyes off of knowing Christ. We must focus on Him the same way athletes focus on winning a race because nothing else matters.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to keep moving forward as we strive to grow into Your likeness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:8-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Go On Or Give Up?

During the Olympics in Mexico City some years ago, a runner received a standing ovation – not for winning – but, of all things, for finishing last.

In the heat of the race, he tripped, fell and severely damaged one of his knees. He was in great pain and bleeding profusely when he stumbled across the finish line.

“Why didn’t you quit?” asked a reporter.

“My country did not send me 7,000 miles to start the race,” he answered. “They sent me 7,000 miles to finish the race!”

What courage he displayed. Had he quit, everyone would have understood his problem and pain. Everyone except the runner. He had a quality of character and a state of mind that enabled him to endure great suffering for the joy that would be his by completing the race.

When we face trying times, if we turn to and trust in the Lord, we can complete the race He has set before us. “Be courageous. Be strong,” said Paul. In other words – “Never give up.”

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to keep our eyes on You, our faith in You and find courage through You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

He Never Quit!

We are reminded throughout God's Word that He has given us the gift of choice and its consequences. Nowhere are we told that we cannot choose our destinies. But we are told that our choices determine our destinies.

Even a casual reading of the New Testament tells us that there were those who followed Jesus because they wanted to get something from Him for selfish reasons. We read that when things looked horrible at His trial those who had been with Him for years fled for their lives. In His days of glamour and glory they were close by His side. There were others who wanted to be with Him but they refused to make any sacrifices and went their own way.

A graduate of a Midwestern university was just an average student. He played sports but never made any of the varsity teams. He was never elected to any office and did not make it far up the corporate ladder. When war broke out he was among the first to volunteer. After completing basic training he was sent to a war zone in France.

One day in combat he was serving alongside a soldier in the French army. His comrade was severely wounded and with no thought of himself, he made a decision to get him help. Unfortunately, he did not succeed and was killed on his way to find a medic.

The French Government learned of his act of bravery and awarded him The Croix de Guerre - Cross of War. And his alma mater posted a plaque in his honor that read, "He played with the scrubs for four years - but never quit."

The psalmist said, "We will not turn away from You."

Prayer: Give us courage, Father, to stand with You and for You when we are tempted to turn from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 80:18a Then we will not turn away from you;

Friday, May 24, 2013

Give Up? Why Not!

People are like weather reports: they change frequently and are not always reliable. Over the years the prescription for predicting the weather has changed dramatically. Now, when weather persons make their reports it is usually in “percentages.” They are always correct because they leave room for variations in their predictions as to what may or may not happen.

God is not that way. If He declares it, we can depend on it. “Trust in Him,” said David. We have all trusted in family and friends only to be disappointed. Not that they intended to deceive us or disrupt our lives, it’s just that they are as human as we are and have the potential as well as the probability to be wrong. “People are still people,” Dean Edwards often said. “They are as human today as they were in Eden.”

Our ability to trust, however, fluctuates. It seems to come and go depending on the situation. That’s why he added “at all times.” Our trust in God is to be constant and continual, not casual and conditional. Some of us have a fair-weather faith. If we do not get the answers we want when we want them we usually rely on our own strengths and strategies and the results are usually second best rather than God’s best.

And we prove to Him that we trust in Him when we pour our hearts out to Him. It’s like emptying a jar of water by turning it upside down and letting every drop fall to the ground. We must “let go and let God” have all of our wishes and wants, our sighs and sorrows.

Prayer: Lord, give us courage to trust in You at all times for all things in all situations without hesitancy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Monday, September 17, 2012

The "In" In Winners

It was the end of the football season and Ryan received a trophy for rushing for over 1,500 yards - the most in the history of his high school. On the way home his father said, “I’m proud of you, Son. I never won a trophy!”

“Dad,” he asked softly, “did you ever try?”

Some never win anything in life because they never begin anything in life that is worthwhile. They wander aimlessly from one interest to another because they are unwilling to do what is necessary or make the sacrifice to become a winner.

Others do not win anything because they give in to doubts and difficulties. They lack the determination to seek help or advice from others who faced the same problems but refused to give in and persevered until they achieved their goals.

If we want to win, we need to begin where the Bible begins - with God. Moses wrote, “In the beginning God...” When we begin any project or attempt to achieve any goal we can count on God to be with us to guard us and guide us, to uphold us and sustain us.

Before we begin a task or work toward any goal we need to stop and pray earnestly and sincerely asking God to guide us, guard us and give us His wisdom and strength. If we rely on Him in all things for all things, He will lead us from one victory to another.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we know that we can do all things through You and for You, if we remain in You. May we overcome all obstacles in life as we follow You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Dig Deeper!

Henry was caught up in the gold rush. Shortly after arriving in California he found a mine, staked a claim and began digging. One day he found some ore, became excited, and believed he had struck it rich. He knew without any doubt that fame and fortune would soon be his.

He kept digging for a few weeks but eventually became discouraged and wanted to quit. Finally, a stranger approached him and offered to purchase his mine. In a moment of frustration he agreed to sell his rights for $11,000.00.

The new owner was excited about his purchase and began to dig where Henry stopped. And he kept digging for years and years. Eventually the Comstock Mine produced 340 million dollars of gold!

Wanting to encourage the church in Galatia, the Apostle Paul wrote, “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up for we will reap a harvest of blessings at the appropriate time.”

We have all faced those times in our lives when we become discouraged and distressed at doing what we believe is the right thing to do. No one offers a word of thanks or encouragement and there are no visible results to accompany our hard work. But Paul reminds us to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. Giving in or giving up or giving out is the sure way to forfeit the blessing that God will award us for being faithful.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we be faithful to You in what You ask us to do. Protect us from allowing discouragement to destroy us and doubt to defeat us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.