Resolutions: by Ann Broughton

 “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11 KJV).

Have you made your list of resolutions for the New Year? It seems everyone has good intentions at the beginning of the New Year, but oftentimes we get lazy and forget about the list. Usually at the top of the list is for people to lose weight and exercise. Well, today I will challenge you to put seeking the Lord and His plans for your life as the number one item on your resolution list. After all, that should be your first priority.

The Wise Men or magi of the Bible certainly put the need to find the Christ child as their number one priority. These men were not even Jews, but were astronomers and had seen the star and had researched that a King of the Jews was to be born. As soon as they saw the star they headed to Jerusalem, which was very far away. It might have taken them many months to get to Bethlehem, as the Bible says that “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11 NIV).  Jesus was no longer a baby but a child and later King Herod commanded that all boys 2 years and under should be killed, so we know that Jesus was a young child. So these men traveled earnestly to find Jesus for a long period of time. They let nothing stop them. Their mission was to see Jesus and give Him gifts.

My challenge to you as we start the New Year is to earnestly seek the Lord with all your heart every day and give Him the gift of yourself in service to others. You have a special gift that only you have, and you must seek the Lord to help you see it and use it for Him. Every day, take time to pray, seek the Lord’s will, read the Bible, and then go out and serve Him in whatever He leads you to do. There is so much need around us that it should not be hard to find a way to serve. People need hope. They need to know that people care for them and that God loves them. So many people are lonely and sad. You can be the one that turns a life from despair to happiness just by caring and sharing what the Lord has done for you. This could be the greatest year ever in your life if you just step out in faith and seek the Lord earnestly.

Dear Lord,

As we approach a New Year, let us strive to earnestly seek you every day. Help us to put seeking you at the top of our to do list every morning, so that we can serve you with the gift you have given us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

One Day At A Time: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NIV).

Are you worrying about what will happen tomorrow or in the future? Is something weighing down your heart so much that it is difficult to find joy in living? Life can bring many trials, sickness, pain, and sorrow, but Jesus knew you would have trials and provided words of encouragement in the Bible to help you make it through those times of doubt and worry. When I feel overwhelmed by life’s troubles, I pray that God will help me to see that this is just a small part of the big picture of my life, and I trust Him that good can come out of each trial that comes my way. Because of my trials, my faith has grown tremendously. I have felt peace in times of great distress, that I know could only have come through the Holy Spirit working in my life.

When you are hit by life’s trials, please know that if you call upon Jesus to help you, he will be there for you. In the gospels you will find that Jesus was full of compassion and was constantly healing those who were sick. He cares about you and your needs. He hears your prayers. He knows your thoughts, worries, and fears. He alone can calm your spirit. It is very necessary that you surrender what is troubling you into the hands of Christ. If you cannot control the situation then you must give it to Christ, and trust him to take care of it. Remember this verse: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:13 NIV). Another verse I cling to when I am in the midst of trials is: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). In my own life, I have seen good come from serious trials. If you trust God he can make it happen. “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 NIV).

Dear Lord,

I know trials will come, but I also know that you are with me during each trial and will give me the peace to get through it. I also know that you can bring about something good even in the worst situations. I trust you with my future and know you will never leave me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Do Not Be Afraid: A devotion by Ann Broughton

“I sought the Lord at all times, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4 NIV).

Is there something you fear? Fear can help you if you are in real danger, because it brings forth a rush of adrenaline to save yourself, but fear about something you cannot control such as the future will end up making you very ill from the stress. If your body is always in a state of fight or flight, you will get adrenal fatigue and become very ill. If you let worry and fear dominate your thoughts a real health hazard can occur.

Jesus wants you to trust Him with your fear, especially if it is keeping you from serving Him. Whenever I am needlessly afraid, I remember David and Goliath. David was not afraid of Goliath even if he was nine feet tall. Goliath told them to send one man to fight him and if he won the Philistines would serve them. David was just a boy, but he knew that God was with him. He set forth with his sling and five stones to meet the giant. The giant taunted him, but David was not afraid because he had great faith in his mighty God to help him. I love what David said, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord” (1 Samuel 17:45 NIV). David ran towards his enemy, spinning his sling and then threw the stone right in the middle of the forehead of the giant, killing him.

When you are facing a fear that keeps you from living a life of peace that God wants you to have or a fear of serving God in some way, remember David. Approach it with the same words. “I come against you fear in the name of the Lord. I give this fear to the Lord, knowing He will help me to stand with confidence knowing “God is love. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment” (1 John 4:16, John 4:18 NIV) “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV). God wants you to face your fear with his might and power. God is with you just as he was with David.

Dear Lord,

I give you my fear knowing that you want me to trust you to give me the strength to accomplish your will. Help me to step out in faith, just like David, and know that I can do all things through you who gives me strength.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Do Not Be Discouraged: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).

Have you ever gotten discouraged doing what you believe to be the Lord’s will? Maybe you have not seen results, and wonder if you need to give up. I love the above verse because God has a good work for all of us to do for Him, and it is up to us to fulfill it. If you have read the Bible, you must know that there are many people who wondered if they were up to the task God had for them to perform.

One of my favorites is Esther. (Esther 1-10) Here was a Jewish young woman, who God used to save the nation of Israel from annihilation. She was afraid to ask the king to help, but her guardian told her, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:12-14 NIV). Now, first she had all the Jews fast for her and then she approached the king. He could have very easily had her killed for approaching him without being summoned, but instead he let her speak. She asked the king to spare her people, and he did.

God has put you where you are for a reason, and you must be His witness. I know it can seem hopeless at times, but God began a good work in you and will be faithful to complete it. He knows that you are the one to help those around you to see how God works in a person’s life who has committed his life to Him. We are to be different by showing self-control, encouraging others, and being concerned about other people’s welfare. You are to show others grace and mercy, just as Christ showed His mercy to you, a sinner.

Always remember that God has a specific purpose for your life, and he has given you the ability to achieve it.

Finally, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

Dear Lord,

Help me to not grow weary in doing your will, even when I get discouraged. I know you have a purpose for my life that I need to fulfill with your help.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Walk Humbly: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 NIV).

Are you humble? Do you often show compassion to others who are suffering? Being humble does not come naturally. I think we are born with an innate selfishness. As a teacher, I can tell you that little children want their way a lot. It is interesting to watch them line up for recess. They all argue about who is going to be first. You see each one of them think that they should be number one. It is rare to see a child let someone ahead of them in line. I believe we are all geared to think of ourselves as more important than anyone else. This is why Jesus said, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30 NIV).

God wants you to be humble. He wants you to care for others and put their needs before your own. I am constantly reminded of what Jesus said in regards to helping others. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew: 25:34-36 NIV).

Dear Lord,

Help me to be humble. Help me to remember that your ministry was one of servitude, and that I am to be your servant on earth. Let me see through your eyes, and show your love and care to others.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

God is Our Refuge: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

Are you in need of a refuge? Are you facing issues that seem overwhelming? According to Merriam-Webster dictionary refuge means “shelter or protection from danger or distress.” God is our refuge when life throws distress in our lives. David, who wrote Psalms, understood distress and trouble as he was constantly running away from Saul who was trying to kill him. He knew fear, but did not give in to it. He trusted in God to lead him and believed the promise that he would be king one day. He trusted in God.

God is also there for you. He is only a prayer away and will be a refuge in your storm. There have been many times in my life when I needed God to be my refuge. I prayed for him to surround me with his love and give me peace when I felt extremely stressed. Every time I prayed for him to fill me with peace, it always happened. It felt like my worries were lifted from my shoulders, and peace just filled my soul. It is so very true, my friend, that God can surely give you the refuge you need when you have let life’s worries burden you so much that you just want to give up. He loves you and wants you to go to him in prayer and believe that he can bring you the peace you so dearly want. Trust him with your problems and believe that he is able to help you. God truly is your refuge.

Dear Lord,

I know that you are my refuge and that you will help me to have peace in the midst of my troubles. I trust you with my life and all the needs I have. I know you will never leave me or forsake me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Make a Difference, a devotion by Ann Broughton

Jesus said: “This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:17 NIV)

I would like to urge you to make a difference in someone’s life every day. Jesus commanded us to love one another. I would urge you to say the prayer that is found in the book, Detox for the Overly Religious by David Putman, “Jesus, show me your way and I will follow.” If you are sincere, then God will guide you to people who need encouragement and love. If a name comes to your mind, then call that person. Once when I was driving somewhere a name kept coming into my mind. I called that person and she asked how I knew that she needed someone to talk to. God works in mysterious ways and we must be open to ways He urges us to help others. When I go to the store I look for ways I can help others or compliment them. One girl said that I had made her day. You can make someone’s day too just by being aware of those around you and helping them in some way.

As Christians, we must show others love, just as Jesus said we must do. We must display to others the fruits of the spirit also: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control” (Galatians 5:22). If everyone did this, then our world would be a better place.

One person can make a difference. I saw on TV that a child told his mom that he wanted to help the homeless so he asked people to donate items for a bag to give the homeless. His idea took off and many people helped him to help others. If a child can do this so can you.

Make it a point this week to help someone every day. Ask God to show you someone you can help, and then act on it. Remember everyone has a need of some sort. You need to be the one to make a good difference in someone’s life.

Dear Lord,

Help me as I go through my day to be aware of those who need a helping hand or an encouraging word. Help me to truly love others as you commanded. Help me never to dismiss an urging to call someone when a name comes to my mind. Help me to always strive to do your will and to display the fruits of the spirit to others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Guard Your Words: By Ann Broughton

Guard Your Words: By Ann Broughton

“Set guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141: 3 NIV).

Do the words you speak show others the love of Christ? Words are very powerful. Spoken cruelly they can ruin reputations, cause hurt, destroy self-esteem, and cause arguments. Spoken with love, words can boost self-esteem, bring encouragement, promote a positive mind set, and fill a person’s soul with peace. Now what kind of words would you like to speak? What do people think about you because of the words you speak?

I love the book of James because it is full of wisdom, especially about the tongue. James says the tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8) “Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing” (James 3: 10 NIV). He is correct. As Christians, we need to be a witness of Christ with our words. We must choose them wisely so that our words are not deadly poison to anyone. Think before you speak and ask yourself, “Would the Lord approve of what I am saying?” Ask yourself, “If the person I am talking about was standing right here would I say this?” You cannot take back words. Once they are spoken they cannot be taken back. It is so important that you think before you speak. Let your words offer hope, love, and kindness. If you have hurt someone with your words, tell them you are sorry. What is very sobering is what Jesus spoke about our words and judgment. “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37 NIV).

So this week, think before you speak. The Holy Spirit will help you to choose words that will be beneficial to others. Remember that you are Christ’s ambassador in a world that needs His hope and love.

Dear Lord,

Help me to speak words that are beneficial to others. Help me to speak with your wisdom. Help me to be known as a person who speaks words of encouragement.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Do It All In The Name of the Lord: a Devotion by Ann Broughton

“ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” ( Colossians 3: 17 NIV).

I recently read a book that encouraged readers to make a list of things they are thankful for and then make a list of goals in regards to your Christian life. I was encouraged so much when I wrote about all the ways God has helped me during trials. I wrote about the many blessings I have in my life. I keep that list in my Bible so I can look at it when I feel tempted to feel sorry for myself.

I would like to share with you a list of what I wrote for my goals. Now this does not mean I have accomplished all of them, but reading them on a regular basis, keeps me accountable.” I will: trust God with my life and future, trust God with the lives of my family members, do whatever I can to be God’s ambassador, read the Bible every day, pray and believe that my Father in heaven hears my prayers and will answer them, use my talents and abilities for the Lord, and be thankful for the many blessings God has given me.” This is only a part of my list, but you get the idea.

As Christians, it is so important to do everything in the name of the Lord. I would encourage you to make a list of things you are thankful for and a list of goals that you want to accomplish for the Lord. Every day is a new day in which you can be a witness of Christ’s love to others. Be kind, show compassion, encourage others, and share your faith when given the opportunity.

Dear Lord,

Help me to always put you first in my life. Help me to do and act the way you would want me too. Help me to remember that I have the Holy Spirit within me to help me do your will.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Give Your Burdens to the Lord: a devotion by Ann Broughton

" Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (2 Peter 5:7 NIV).

Are you feeling anxiety or feeling burdened by stress? Life is filled with unpredictable events that can fill your soul with great stress and burden your heart. What do you do when your life is overwhelmed with anxiety? Do you wallow in the stress or do you give it to God and let Him handle it? It is very easy to let fear swallow you up so that you cannot even think straight. But if you are a Christian, there is another option that will give you peace.

One of my favorite verses is one that Jesus spoke to his followers: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). I have learned when I am burdened due to things that are out of my control, the only way for me to find peace in my soul is to to give my burdens to God and leave them in his hands. I can honestly say that I have found true peace in my soul every time I do this. When I worry, stress, and beg God over and over to fix it, I do not have peace. Only when I completely surrender the things that I am anxious about is when I find total peace. Jesus promised that we would have peace through the Holy Spirit. “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14: 26-27 NIV). This peace is available to you if you pray and ask God to help you.

Please trust me when I tell you that God’s peace will fill you up if you ask him to help you. Just pray and give him all your anxieties, fears, and burdens and then you will feel his peace fill your soul. I have felt this peace many times after surrendering my burdens to the Lord. I know you will find this peace also.

Dear Lord,

I cast all of my burdens, fears, and anxieties into your arms, knowing that you love me and that you do not want me to carry these on my own. Thank you for filling me with the peace that only you can give.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

God Has a Purpose for Your Life: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).

You might be thinking that God has no purpose for your life right now. God does have a purpose for your life. It does not matter how old you are. I just listened to my favorite Christian music station and as soon as I turned on the radio I heard, “If you have a pulse, you have a purpose.” As long as you have breath in your body, you can serve the Lord in some way. I keep remembering the lady who John Ortberg described in his book. She had been in the nursing home for many years not being able to walk. In spite of her condition she told everyone around her about her friend Jesus. She never complained about her life. If she could have this wonderful Christian attitude and be a witness in her condition, surely we can show others Jesus’ love also.

You are so important as a witness for Christ. You have talents and abilities that can only be used by you. Do not lose hope, but continue to remember that what you do in Jesus’ name will not be done in vain. One of my favorite verses is: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ( Galatians 6:9 NIV).

So this week concentrate on using your talents and abilities to serve the Lord where you are. If you are at work, do your job with a Christlike spirit. Show compassion, love, and be encouraging. Be aware of people who need assistance and help them. Smile and say kind words to those around you. Many people just need to know that someone cares about them. And always remember, your purpose is to be a representative of Christ to others.

Dear Lord,

Help me to believe you have a purpose for my life, and that it is up to me to use my abilities and talents to show your love to others. Help me to not grow weary in doing good, knowing that you will give me the strength to carry on your will for my life.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

God is With You in Your Crisis: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them” (Psalm 145: 18-19 NIV).

I have recently gone through a crisis and can testify that God was with both my husband and I during the last six weeks. On Nov. 25^th my husband fell down some steps and broke both arms. He had to have surgery and a plate and screws were put in his wrist to stabilize the bones. I am not a good person in a crisis. I usually panic, cry, and become hysterical. This time I was completely calm and drove him to the hospital emergency room. I prayed all the way there for my husband and that God would help us both. God helped me remain calm in a situation that was out of my control. I could not have done it on my own. His surgery went well and then came six weeks of healing and not being able to take care of himself. I had to take care of all of his needs since he could not use either arm. I am not a nurse and never wanted to be one, but was thrust into the role. I prayed a lot for God to help me. He gave me the strength I needed every day to help Rick with his needs, and I did not even have a fybromyalgia flare during that whole time, which was a miracle.

Now I cannot say that I did not ask God why this had to happen. But when I did, I was reminded of Job, which I was so glad I had read. Job lost his children, his animals, and was covered in sores. Job did not know why all of this occurred but still refused to curse God. He did cry out to the Lord though and wondered why all of this was happening. God answered by asking him questions that Job could not answer. Such as, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” (Job: 38:4 NIV). Job was humbled and this is the verse I love the most. “Then Job answered the Lord: “I am unworthy-- how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.” (Job 40:4 NIV). You see Job was being tested to see if he truly loved the Lord. Sometimes we do not know why bad things happen to us, but we must trust God to be there for us and love us in the midst of our crisis.

Rick and I felt God’s presence every day. He gave us strength, patience, and peace in the midst of our problems. I knew it would not help to question why it happened, because accidents happen. I did know that my God was big enough to help us through it and He did.

We all have to go through some sort of crisis as we walk on this earth. Please know that if you trust in God, He will not fail you. He will give you peace in the midst of your crisis and fill you with His strength.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the peace that only you can give during a time of crisis. Thank you for the strength to carry on even when our own strength is failing.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen