Steve

“God does not give us overcoming life—He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength.”
― Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

“Week 24 Day 4 Give a Second Chance Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Psalm 71:20 From every piercing sorrow That heaves our breast to-day, Or threatens us to-morrow, Hope turns our eyes away; On wings of faith ascending, We see the land of light, And feel our sorrows ending In infinite delight. Given the responsibility to decide the fate of a court-martialed soldier, would you be willing to give a second chance? As commander in chief, Lincoln was ultimately the one to decide whether or not a young soldier would live or die. Often the convicted soldier would not be much older than a child, not even eighteen years old. At the behest of some of his generals, Lincoln stood firm in his desire to give the younger men a second chance. “I am unwilling for any boy under eighteen to be shot,” he demanded. These young men, according to Lincoln, deserved to learn a lesson by which to live, not die. Many of them ultimately became good husbands and fathers, and some of them even became great military leaders. Lincoln’s forgiving attitude gave them the chance to begin again. Do you help other people start over, or are you eager to put an end to them?”
― Thomas Freiling, Abraham Lincoln's Daily Treasure: Moments of Faith with America's Favorite President—Devotional Readings with Insights of Wisdom and Courage from US President Abraham Lincoln

“MAY 24 CHOOSE HIS PEACE “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” JOHN 14:27 When you focus on what you can accomplish instead of God’s power, your life will be characterized by defeat and frustration rather than victory, peace, and joy. Perhaps you are discouraged right now. Maybe you’ve been disillusioned by unmanageable circumstances and delayed dreams. But this is a sure indicator that you’re relying on the wrong foundation for your hope and security. There is only one source of true peace—the Lord God Almighty, who holds the entire universe together. The tranquility of soul He gives is not dependent upon circumstances but upon your personal relationship with Him and your faith in His perfect power, wisdom, and love. So today and every day, you have a choice. You can either dwell on your limited resources and negative circumstances, or you can choose to trust God. Friend, surrender to Him—because with the Father as your focus, you can face every day with His indescribable peace. Lord God, I choose to focus on Your wisdom, power, and love instead of my circumstances. Thank You for being my peace, amen. ​​ In His presence . . . find true peace.”
― Charles F. Stanley, Every Day in His Presence: A Daily Devotional for Finding Peace and Purpose (365 Devotions - Inspiration for Every Day of the Year)

“As has been said, the gospel commands us to give up ourselves to Christ, to be accepted through Him, and to be ruled by Him; for He is the "author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:9). Unspeakably solemn it is to know that He will yet come "in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel" (2 Thess. 1:8). Only that faith is of any value that produces sincere and loving obedience, and only that obedience is acceptable to God which issues from faith in His incarnate Son. The design of the gospel is to bring us to both. Faith is the vital principle, obedience the necessary product. Faith is the root; obedience the fruit.”
― Various Puritans, Puritan Prayers & Devotions