GOD’S WORD FOR AUGUST 20

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

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EVERY KNEE BOWS

Isaiah 55:11

So will My word be which goes out of My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.

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D.L. MOODY

Sometimes it looks as if God’s servants fail.  When Herod  beheaded John the Baptist, it looked as if John’s mission was a failure.  But was it?  The voice that rang through the valley of the Jordan rings through the whole world today.  You can hear its echo upon the mountains and the valleys yet.  “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  (John 3:30).  He held up Jesus Christ and introduced Him to the world and Herod had no power to behead him until his lifework had been accomplished.

Stephen never preached but one sermon that we know of, and that was before the Sanhedrin:  but how that sermon has been preached again and again all over the world!  Out of his death probably came Paul the greatest preacher the world has seen since Christ left this earth.  If a man is sent by Jehovah, there is no such thing as failure.

ERWIN LUTZER

God never allows us to see all the good we have done in the world.  John the Baptist, Stephen, and thousands of other believers died not knowing their future impact.  That also is true of us who are believers.  We too will die, oblivious to the impact we have had.  That is why I  frequently quote Revelation 14:13 which speaks of the blessedness of the  departed saints and says, “their deeds follow them!”

Yes, God is able to take what appears to be failure and turn it into good; and most of the time in this life, we do not know what the good actually is or how evil will be turned into good.

Don’t underestimate the eternal effect of an ordinary life lived for the glory of God.

PRAYER

Father, today, I trust You to use me in ways that might seem insignificant to me, but bring You glory and bless others.

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Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

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Genesis 50:20

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.

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Galatians 6:9

    “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

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Isaiah 43:19

    “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

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Isaiah 61:3

    “And provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

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Revelation 21:5

    “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”

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Jeremiah 29:11

    “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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Psalm 25:4-5

    “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

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Romans 15:13

    “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.”

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Psalm 30:11-12

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me;

You have untied my sackcloth and encircled me with joy,

That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.

Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

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