carolinebdavis

[carolinebdavis]

As we reach the final devotion, I would like to leave you with a few affirmations and reminders:

You are loved

You are not alone

There is nothing that you can do to lose God’s love

All sin is equal in His eyes

You are created in the image of God

You are unique

You are beautifully and wonderfully made

Your burdens are not your burdens

This season is temporary

You are safe

You are strong

You are capable of more than you realize

Your identity is not found in worldly labels

You will be okay

He will leave the 99 for you

Take time to rest

You are perfectly, imperfect

You are chosen

You are beloved

You are holy

You have a purpose and a plan

You do not need to earn God’s (fill in the blank)

You will not be forsaken

You are a child of God

[carolinebdavis]

When you feel . . . , read this!

Anxious

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. I not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day as enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

Afraid

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4

“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.” Isaiah 41:10

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4

Peaceful

“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 16:33

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4

Angry

“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” Proverbs 29:11

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19–20

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret — it leads only to evil.” Romans 37:8

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 21:21

Jealous

“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:2

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.” Proverbs 28:25

Hurt

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Luke 6:27

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18

Joyful

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“Now faith in confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Galatians 5:22

[carolinebdavis]

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.” - Jeremiah 23:5,6

With Thanksgiving break wrapping up, it is important to think about what we are actually thankful for. So, what are you thankful for this year? I’m guessing some of us can come up with a lengthy list: financial gains, new relationships, health, or job opportunities, and more.

Others of us might struggle a bit. For those of us who have lost loved ones, or have a chronic illness, or suffered with mental health —perhaps it’s more difficult to find reasons to be thankful.

How about if we go back to the basics? Just think of all that we have to be thankful for on the basis of the Bible verses of our devotion today: 1) We have a God who keeps his promises—Jesus came, just as God promised he would. 2) Our God reigns wisely. 3) Our God always does what is just and right (even when we don’t understand it). 4) Our God is a saving God who brings eternal safety for his followers. 5) As God names himself, he connects himself to us. “This is the name by which he will be called: the LORD Our Righteousness.” 6) And because he is “our righteousness,” in God’s eyes we are absolutely innocent.

Dear God, thank you for giving us so much for us to be thankful for. Help us to give thanks to you, often. Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” - Mathew 24:36-44

A question I urge you to ask yourself is, if Jesus were to come back today, would you be ready?

If not what would you have to do to be ready?

I encourage you to ponder those questions and start doing whatever those things may be.

Rather than getting ready though, try to stay ready, for we do not know when the second coming will be.

Dear God, prepare our hearts and minds for the day that you come again. Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

This past week, while in Nebraska, I had the opportunity of sharing my faith story with 67 youth and adults from around the United States while at the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit. Please be advised that I will be discussing death and cancer.

“Hey y’all! My name is Caroline and this is my faith story. I was born and raised in Lexington, South Carolina and baptized into the church at 2 weeks old. I was the kid that made my parents fear every Sunday during children’s sermon due to uncertainty of what would come out of my mouth next. I grew up going to church every Sunday and then going to my grandmother’s house to eat a meal that she prepared for our entire family. I have always lived a very faith and family centered life. For over half of my life, my entire family has lived on one road, seeing each other at least 4 days a week. In 2013, my grandfather was diagnosed with PSP and I had watched my grandmother so selflessly, care for him. In 2017, the day after Christmas, he passed away and for the first time in five years, my grandmother was free to live the life that she had always dreamt of living with her husband, but instead live with her grandchildren. Less than 4 months later, she was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, putting a pause on those plans. She traveled back and forth to get treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Her biggest dream had always been to go to New York but when the conversation of a family trip arose and she opted for a more family friendly destination. On October 9th, she flew our whole family to Washington DC and just enjoyed spending quality time with each other. Not even a full week after we returned, her health began declining very rapidly. She stopped getting out of her chair and eventually stopped eating. While I had been living with her the entire month, leading up to her passing, the moment I realized how close the end was, I was suddenly not okay. I said I said “I love you” every chance I got and did not leave her side. I watched as a group of her closest friends gathered around her singing her her favorite hymns, witnessed everyone who knew her share their final goodbyes, and on All Saints Sunday, November 3rd at 7:43 pm, she took her final breath. In that exact moment, I felt more regret and guilt than ever before. My biggest role model and the leader of my faith journey was gone forever. I didn’t appreciate the time that I had with her that I could have had to have the deep, faith conversations that I have always dreamed of having with her. My faith was as strong as ever. I watched her handle dying with full faith in the Lord and I felt so close to her when I read my Bible and took intentional time to be with Jesus. I began praying to her as a way to feel connected and I did have my cousins, her dog, and her friends to keep her memory alive but when COVID hit, I was left to grieve alone. I was no longer able to grieve along side other people and my faith began to decline. I still believed and put on a show but I stopped living out my faith and stopped truly following Jesus. While yesterday marked year three without her, I am still grieving and growing in my faith but this is where I am now and I am beloved no matter what.”

[carolinebdavis]

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

This isn’t my favorite beatitude, but it’s an important one.

As a Christian I like to focus on all that I gain by following Jesus: eternal life, a restored relationship with God, a life of meaning and purpose, a heart of worship, His friendship and guidance, peace that surpasses understanding.

But Jesus has always been honest that following Him on the path of right choices will sometimes cause suffering.

Even small choices can require sacrifices. Giving the right of way to the car merging into your lane. Returning the money when a cashier gives too much change. Biting your tongue and changing the subject when someone starts to gossip.

I may never face such heroic choices, but in whatever ways I endure persecution or sacrifice for Jesus’s sake, He assures me that in the midst of it, I am still blessed.

As I follow in His steps, He is on this road with me, and He is able to bring glory to God and further His kingdom even in the midst of persecution.

Dear God, guide me to make good decisions in Your name and steer me away from bad. Be with me as I may be persecuted for my faith in You but thank you for reminding me that it will all be worth it when we reach the doors of Your Kingdom. Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” – James 1:14 (NIV)

Each of us faces temptation. The interesting thing about temptation is how easy it is to say no to some temptations, but not to others. For example, it’s easy for me to say no to stealing, but I struggle with gossip. Another person may struggle sexually but have no desire to lie. Each of us is tempted in different ways.

It’s easy to see a person struggling with temptation and begin to judge them. The truth is, however, we are all tempted. We might not always be tempted in ways that are visible to others, but we are all tempted to sin.

So when we see others sinning, it’s good to remember to not become critical of that person. We all mess up, we all sin and we all make stupid decisions. That’s just part of life and not being perfect. When we see others facing temptation, we should look for ways to encourage them or help them.

Recently, I was facing a situation where I was being tempted and a good friend began to hold me accountable. It made all the difference in the world. I was asking God for help and He put someone in my life to help me.

So if you’re struggling with temptation today, don’t be discouraged. Ask God to send someone to help you or a scripture to encourage you. If you’re not facing temptation, ask God to show you ways you can help someone who is struggling.

Dear God, please be with us in the midst of our temptations. Thank you for loving us and saving us from our temptations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” - Psalm 139:14

When I was in the 7th grade, I went to the eye doctor and began to choose my next pair of glasses and each pair I tried on only made me feel worse about myself.

Those made my nose look weird and those make my face look fat.

I eventually just broke down crying in the middle of the eye doctor’s office because of how ugly I felt.

My mom asked me, “Whose are you”.

I immediately felt guilty when I realized who she was referring to.

I just called God’s artwork ugly.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” - Genesis 1:27

I would be the first person to hype up someone else or shut down another person’s negative self talk but it is so hard to be kind to ourselves.

Next time you catch yourself saying mean things to yourself, remember the words, “If it is enough for Jesus, it is enough for me”.

Heavenly Father, remind us how much you love us and help us to love ourselves as we are your beautiful art. Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:1-4

In Matthew 7:1–4, Jesus exposes our desire to condemn others without examining our own hearts before the Lord. When we look for flaws in others without bothering to search for our own wrongdoings, we are exhibiting pride. Jesus warns us against such hypocrisy.

We are being measured, not by others, but by God. When we judge one another, this builds anger and unfaithful desires in our hearts, which affect us spiritually and can be detrimental to our relationships. Instead, we must live by faith and begin to live in Christ instead of in judgment. When we get ourselves right with the Lord, we are better able to help our brothers and sisters in Christ–not in judgment, but in love.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

In God’s eyes, sin is sin, no matter what the person has done. If it is against His commands, the law condemns us as sinners. Therefore, we are all in need of God’s grace through his Son, Jesus – the true atonement for our sins. Without Christ, we all fall short of God’s standard of holiness. However, by trusting in Jesus as our Savior, we can be transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit to live in obedience, faith and love.

When we live by faith, we see that God has taken care of everything and that we need not worry about other people’s sin but rather should focus on how to deal with our own. Confronting our sins brings us into closer relationship with God and empowers us to abide in God’s word. We have been crucified with Christ, and because of that, he lives in us forever. Therefore, instead of rushing to judgment, be quick to help one another and show each other the true hope you can savor by living in Christ.

Heavenly Father, help us to see the best in people and to be Christ-like, wherever we go and show Your love to the world. Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” - Mark 12:31

God looks at the sunset and is amazed at it’s beauty.

God looks at puppies and is amazed by it’s beauty.

God looks at the sea and is amazed by it’s beauty.

God looks at a flower and is amazed by it’s beauty.

God looks at you and is amazed by your beauty.

It is so easy to look in the mirror and point out each and every flaw but God only sees pure beauty.

It’s hard to believe that we are of equal beauty in God’s eyes and we will never comprehend it.

I urge you, next time you look in the mirror, try to see what God sees. Look at yourself as Hid beautiful and perfect masterpiece.

Heavenly Father, help us to view ourselves the same way you do; beautiful. Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I must be honest, sometimes it's the "all" in that verse that gets me. Most of us can be thankful, for lots of things, at lots of times, but in "all" circumstances? That can be tough.

What about when you find yourself suffering illness, or defeat, or you're walking through huge loss...what about when a loved one leaves this world too soon and you still can't see past your tears...or when you've been praying for your prodigal loved one to come home and it seems like the prayers are unanswered...what about when you're discouraged, disillusioned, and struggling with disbelief...or when you're overwhelmed, overextended, and just fighting being over-stressed...what about when the needs mount high and the way doesn't look clear...or when people are cruel, life seems unfair, and the enemy's breathing down your back...what about when the storms come, and the car breaks down.

We're gaining strength. We're gaining perseverance. We're being reminded that true joy is never based on how we feel or our outside situations. We're understanding that God's ways are bigger, His thoughts are higher, and we can be assured that He holds us in His hands.

And He is with us.

Always.

No matter what you might be facing, the good news is this, you woke up. He's given us today. And if we're still here, living and breathing, may our every breath bring honor to Him.

Be assured my friend, you never fight the battles alone. Stay strong. Choose joy. Choose to be grateful in it "all." For He is building greatness. He's working things out for good. He hears our prayers, He sees all, and knows all. He has purpose for our pain, and brings hope for our tomorrows...

Heavenly Father, help us to give thanks and rejoice in Your love in ALL circumstances, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” - Deuteronomy 8:3 (NIV)

Might God be using these humbling circumstances to get you to a place of deep and unshakable trust in Him?

If God sees big things ahead for you, and I believe He does, then He must remove all hints of pride. Even if pride is but a tiny thorn in your heart now, when you’re given a bigger position with more recognition, that pride grows from a thorn to a dagger with the potential to kill your calling.”

In the Old Testament, we see God revealing this same kind of pride-stripping process by feeding the children of Israel manna in the desert for the purpose of humbling them. It was crucial that God prepare them to trust Him as they stepped from the desert into their destined Promised Land.

“Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” - Deuteronomy 8:2

Here are three things we can take away from today’s key verse:

God is our provider.

The children of Israel were used to looking down at the ground in Egypt and working the land to provide for themselves. They trusted their own hard work for their provision. Now, they’d need to look up and trust God for His provision.

God’s provision is what we need but not always what we want.

This manna God provided wasn’t like the normal food the Israelites were used to providing for themselves. But God knew it was perfect nourishment for those in the desert. He knows our needs better than we do. God is more concerned about our ultimate good than our temporary pleasure.

God’s provision protects our heart. Our desires have the potential of corrupting our heart.

Man-made bread is not what gives the fullness of life God desires for us. Man-made success, riches and popularity are the same way. They won’t fulfill us like we think they will. Only the Word of God can seep into the hungry places of our souls and make what’s dead and discouraged become fully alive and deeply satisfied. We must want Him most of all. And then He’ll see our hearts are prepared and trustworthy to handle other things.

May we all choose to trust Him and let that be the lens through which we process our circumstances. May we see how God isn’t trying to break our hearts but rather make us ready for what He sees just ahead.

Lord, thank You for always having my best in mind. Search my heart for any shred of pride, and help me live a life of humble and complete surrender to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” - 1 Corinthians 12:31

The Bible teaches us that walking in love is the most excellent way to live.

God is love, and when we walk in love, we are walking and living in Him.

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” - 1 John 4:16

Love is more than a word we use when speaking to other people. It is seen in our actions, especially in how we treat other people.

Jesus gave us one new command, which is for us to love one another just as He loves us. As we show that love, others will know that we are His disciples

God’s love for us required Him to sacrifice His only Son, and if we truly want to love people, there will be times when we will also need to sacrifice for them.

According to 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, love is not self-seeking; it is patient, kind, humble, and not envious. It does not dishonor others, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, and doesn’t delight in evil. It rejoices with the truth. It always believes the best of everyone, and it never fails.

If we focus on loving God and loving other people, we will live the life that He desires for us to live.

Father, I want to walk in the kind of love You show to me, but I need Your help. Teach me what love is and how to show it to other people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” - Mathew 19:30

I would be lying to myself and you all if I said that I would not be upset if I were to receive significantly less pay for far more work.

While that is human tendency to be upset, we shouldn’t be. Another person’s journey, salary, experiences, life is not something that should be compared to our own.

In other words, “stay in your own lane”.

What we forget is that Jesus’ life and death are a prime example of it all.

Jesus died for us all. Those that attended church every Sunday, those that attended twice a year, those that don’t drink, party, smoke, cuss, and those that do.

None of us deserve it but we all get the same end reward.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23

Another thing to remember is that God is not an equal God.

Yes, you heard that right.

He is not a God of equality, but a God of equity.

We are not all blessed with the same story. Each of us have our own but they are all perfect in their own way.

Heavenly Father, please help us to remember your ultimate sacrifice when we start to envy someone else’s journey or reward and help us find value in our own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” - Ephesians 4:2

We are commanded to love one another as Jesus does.

There is not one person Jesus does not love and did not come to save - this includes everyone you lock eyes with, walk past on the street, hear about in the news, live next door to, stand behind in line at the grocery store, or sit next to in the waiting room.

When we actively love those around us, putting their needs before our own, we are taking the same amazing love that Jesus has poured out to us and becoming a living, breathing, beautiful display for humanity.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” - Mathew 5:43-45

Let’s make it our prayer today to ask God to help us actively love others - to actively walk across the street to help our neighbors, to actively cook a warm meal for a friend in need, or to actively visit a nearby nursing home to love on the elderly.

Let us ask Him to lead us to places where He wants us to shine His light and ask Him for the courage and strength to share His love with all who surround us in our daily lives.

And, maybe when we do this, we will guide people to His beauty and they, too, will begin to actively love others and then, who knows how many lives will be impacted?

Heavenly Father, let Your light and Your love shine through us to everyone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” - Psalm 56:3

This verse does not say, “I never struggle with anxiety” but it does say that when I do, God is there to hold my hand.

All feelings of sadness, fear, worry, anger, frustration are completely normal and natural but we are not meant to experience those feelings alone.

We are called to cast all of our burdens onto Him because He cares for us.

Next time you feel anxious, I urge you to lean into your faith and what you do know to be true.

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” - Psalm 94:19

You are loved. You are safe. Everything will be okay.

Heavenly Father, take our worries and anxieties. Help us battle the normal emotions that we feel and feed us the truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

[carolinebdavis]

“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

As we are now in the month of October (cancer awareness month), I take time to reflect on the life of my grandmother that passed away in November if 2019.

After her passing, I had a number of people tell me that God just needed another angel. But this really bothered me. It bothered me because my God is not a selfish God.

She didn’t die because God was getting lonely and needed some company. She died because of evil and sin and death that is in our world.

God did not give her cancer. He was not trying to test her. He was not trying to teach her a lesson.

Another thing that I always hear when people pass is, “Oh, but they are in a better place now”.

While yes that is true, that does not take away from the pain that we are feeling on earth.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18

It is okay to be sad and grieve the loss of a loved one but we need to remember that God is always there for us. God is sad with us. He doesn’t like to see His own children sad and broken.

Dear God, be with us as we experience death and loss. Thank you for the gift of eternal life that we may one day reunite with them again in Heaven. In Jesus name, Amen.