The Grace of Strength-Devotional

Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 TIMOTHY 2:1

EVERY trouble is an opportunity to win the grace of strength. Whatever else trouble is in the world for, it is here for this good purpose: to develop strength. For a trouble is a moral and spiritual task. It is something which is hard to do. And it is in the spiritual world as in the physical, strength is increased by encounter with the difficult. A world without any trouble in it would be, to people of our kind, a place of spiritual enervation and moral laziness.

Fortunately, every day is crowded with care. Every day to every one of us brings its questions, its worries, and its tasks, brings its sufficiency of trouble. Thus, we get our daily spiritual exercise. Every day we are blessed with new opportunities for the development of strength of soul.

PRAYER

Lord, help us today to exercise our faith and strengthen our soul so that tomorrow we will be stronger, wiser, and more aware of your awesome devotion to us, as well as our developing devotion grows for you.

Amen.

Instant Messaging-Devotional

-Isaiah 65:24

24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

I heard a story recently of a missionary on the field in one country while her daughter was also on the mission field in another country. They communicated as often as they could via instant messaging. Checking in daily, exchanging stories, prayer requests, and experiences via the world of internet exchange.

Prayer is much the same thing as instant messaging. God is on one end of the communication, and I am on the other. Sometimes I fail to connect, and the messages cease to flow. But God is always online, waiting for me to return. I only need to make a connection. Have you IM'ed HIM today?

PRAYER

Loving God, thank you for always being there for us. Help us to enjoy your presence, peace, and comfort in knowing you are only an instant away. Amen.