Rescue Me, O Lord A devotion by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me” (Psalm 71:2 NIV).

   Are there times when the storms of life seem to engulf you so much that you have no hope? Let me tell you about the disciples’ trip on a boat and how they learned rather quickly that Jesus is the one who can calm the storms.

   The disciples went on a little boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is 680 feet below sea level and the mountains that surround it are over 2000 feet high. So when the cool air from the mountains meets the warm air of the sea a strong storm can occur. One such storm occurred without warning while the disciples and Jesus were crossing the sea. (Matthew 8:23-27) The waves were being swept over the boat. Jesus was sleeping during this whole event.

  I have been on a boat on Lake Erie when the waves were pretty high.

I can’t even imagine sleeping with the waves rocking the boat like that. It would be twice as bad if there was a storm with thunder and lightning. But you see Jesus knew the source of His strength. He had spent enough time in prayer talking to God so that He could remain at peace in any situation. So when the disciples woke Him up and declared that they were going to drown if He didn’t save them, He gave them a lesson on faith. First, He rebuked them and asked them why they were afraid. After all the miracles they witnessed, they still didn’t believe that Jesus had Godly power. Jesus rebuked the winds and waves and everything became calm. The disciples were amazed. Are you?

    So if you have faith in God, you should know that God will help you during your storms of life. These storms can be from within you or brought on by others who have left you reeling with hurt and sadness.

But you see God is bigger than all the storms that envelope you in life. He is the one who can calm your soul in ways that nobody else can.

It is so important to pray and ask Him to help you when you are in the midst of terrible doubts. He will erase your fear and give you peace.

Dear Lord,

I know that the storms of life will surround me, but I know that you are bigger than these storms and can still my soul. Help me not to be afraid, but to have the faith to know that you will never leave me or forsake me when my life is tossed with despair and fear.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

  

Run From Temptation By Ann Elaine Broughton

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NIV).

   Do you have an escape plan ready when temptation rears its ugly head? I hope you do because it is a given that temptation will come your way and you must have a plan in order not to give in to it. 

Escape plans are part of our routine in life. When you go to the theater there are big arrows on the screen informing you of where the exit doors are in case of an emergency. When you are on a plane, the flight attendant goes through a long speech about escape procedures in case of an emergency. Have you noticed how many people really pay attention to them? Most people don’t even listen to the escape plan.

They should because it might just save their lives.

   God has given us an escape plan in the Bible in order to confront temptation and win. Following God’s plan will literally save our lives also because sin separates us from God. Are you ready? First it is important to realize what tempts you and avoid it if at all possible. If you can’t, then you must decide what to do. Joseph when tempted by a woman, ran. That might be a good idea for you too. Run away from temptation so you won’t get caught in sin. Also, Jesus recited scripture when he was tempted by Satan. He said, “Away from me Satan!” (Matthew 4:10 NIV). Remember that God always has an escape hatch waiting for you. “And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand under it” (1 Cor. 10:13 NIV). Look for the way out and pray with all your heart that you can be strong in God’s strength and not give in and sin. Remember “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NIV). The Holy Spirit can give you the strength you need to overcome temptation.

Dear Lord,

I know that temptation will come to me. Help me to not give in to it.

Give me your strength to stand up to it. Help me to run away from sin and into your arms.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Be Reconciled By Ann Elaine Broughton

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 23-24 NIV).

  Jesus wants you to be reconciled with whoever you have something against. That is a tough one isn’t it? But Jesus spoke these words and He was pretty adamant about it. He said that you are to leave your offering and go and reconcile right then. This verse follows His speech in regards to the fact that you should not be angry with your brother or you will be subject to judgment. He went on to say that if you call someone a fool you will be in danger of the fire of hell. Being angry and having arguments are not pleasing to God. Jesus’ whole message is about loving one another as you love yourself (Matthew 19:19 NIV). If you love someone you try very hard to get along and talk about problems in a calm manner. Anger only escalates a bad situation and causes hurt feelings. It is so important for you to pray for help with this, if you have an issue with anger. God can help you control this.

   So if you are in need of reconciliation. I would urge you to do this as soon as possible. God wants you to be at peace, and you cannot be at peace if you are having a disagreement with someone. Pray and ask God to give you the right words when you speak and ask Him for guidance on how to go about it. You could even go to your pastor for some ideas on how to reconcile with someone you have had a disagreement with, especially if the person is a family member, spouse or a friend. Please know that you cannot have a right relationship with God either if you are holding a grudge against someone else.

Dear Lord,

Please help me to do what you would want me to do in regards to my relationships. I know you want me to love them as I do myself, but sometimes it is hard. Help me to view others through your eyes and love them as you do.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

  

Remember What God Has Done For You By Ann Elaine Broughton

“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land” (Psalm 143:5-6 NIV).

   Are you going through a trial at the moment or know someone who is? The above verse can give you comfort. I have had many trials in my life and every time God has given me the strength and faith to make it through them. I prayed with all my heart and found peace in the midst of a crisis. When I am in a difficult situation I recall how God helped me through those tough times. I survived and learned valuable lessons about faith through it all. It gives me comfort to know that my God will never forsake me.

    Does your soul thirst for God? Have you ever been so very thirsty that you couldn’t wait to get a cool drink? That is how we are to thirst after our Father in Heaven. When we are in trouble He wants us to go to Him as one who is thirsty for His comfort. He alone can quench the deep thirst that our spirit longs for. When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, he told her: “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14 NIV). You see the drink that Jesus gives you fills you with the peace that only God can give in the midst of trials. Thirst after God with all your heart, and He will meet your needs.

    I would encourage you to remember all the ways God has helped you in the past and know that He will get you through whatever you face today. Seek Him with a thirsty soul, ready to drink up all the peace and love He has to give you. He will never fail you in this respect.

Dear Lord,

When I am going through a trial, help me to remember all the times you have helped me. Help me to thirst after your love and peace as one who is in a parched land. Thank you for never failing me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen