Think about it. From navigating through the internet, to our cell phone pick up, to cable connection, to satellite communication, there is a push for receiving faster information through technological advances.

Today, we are told {7 out of 10} Americans are facing FINANCIAL ANXIETY. Can we have God’s PEACE in these TROUBLED DAYS? With a resounding yes, the Bible declares that JESUS can be TRUSTED to see us through to victory as we put our FAITH in Him.

1. Daniel foresaw that we will not be able to “STOP TROUBLED TIMES” but can “SPREAD TRIUMPHANT TRUTH”! (Dan 12:1) – “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”

Technically speaking, this passage of Scripture is during the tribulation (Rev 6–18), which comes after the rapture of the Church (1 Thess 4:13–18). The focal point is the nation of Israel – more specifically the “Day of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer 30:7). Yet, at the same time, we are facing days of tribulation even today. Please understand, it will intensify. But the “Good News” is that we can share “TRIUMPHANT TRUTH” during troubled times! Are you doing it?

2. Daniel foresaw that we would not be able to “STOP JUDGMENT DAY”, but can help others to get ready! (Dan 12:2–3) – “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

3. Daniel foresaw that while we would not be able to “stop the NEED for SPEED” we can look forward to that great getting up Morning! (Dan 12:4–13) – “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

Conclusion: “But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” (Dan 12:13)

The NEED for SPEED is upon us – like it or not. Instead of trying to stop the inevitable, as God’s people we need to start sharing truth, preparing for the Judgment Seat of Christ, and finally, looking to the sky because Jesus is coming again.

Can any mother relate to having to forgive over and over again? Miss Eve and a host of other Mamas have had to cross this bridge. Have you? For a moment, imagine how Eve felt. Do you think the devil was whispering in her ear that God could not be trusted? Is the dirty devil tempting you right now?

2. Moms who will not back down, but will bow down when it comes to spiritual warfare! (Matt 15:21–25) – “When Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil… he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.”

Conclusion: “Deborah arose a mother in Israel” (Judges 5:7). CHARACTER COUNTS! Thru a series of events, her leadership—character—traits can be observed as she was able to read people, see down the road, believe God, and give Him PRAISE & GLORY.

Introduction: Mothers are special! God made them with multiple abilities. We are told women have more nerve endings than men. {That’s why my wife says I’m getting on her nerves!!} But on another note, Solomon writes about a godly woman {You might wonder if she ever sleeps?}.

1. She’s a compliment! (Prov 31:10-12) – “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life” 

2. She’s constructive! (Prov 31:13-17) – “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”

3. She’s consecrated! (Prov 31:28-30) – “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”

Conclusion: What a woman with balance! Her priorities are fixed. Her mission is clear. Her influence is powerful!!

No wonder she’s called a priceless jewel in the hand of the Lord.

Today’s devotion will share spiritual insights and disciplines that should move every believer toward being more dependable.

Get the picture. Paul is in prison. Why? Because he had been preaching and teaching the Word of God. He took the known world during his day by storm, refuting false teaching but at the same time proclaiming biblical truth. It literally shook up towns, cities, and provinces for the glory of the Lord! People were being saved, churches were being built, and the gospel was spreading like wildfire! Of course, persecution followed as well.

Meanwhile, one of the assembly of believers located in the area of Philippi were directly involved in this great movement of God. So while being incarcerated and awaiting martyrdom, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write a letter that is included in the canon of Scripture to a specific Church called Philippians. There were two GIANT-KILLERS and FAITHFUL SERVANTS who were recommended by the flaming evangelist Paul and used by the Lord in a mighty way.

Who were these “TRUSTWORTHY” soldiers of the cross?
Timothy and Epaphroditus were their names.

(Philippians 2:19–25) – “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state… Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.”

(Philippians 2:17) – “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”

Apparently, the believers in this special Church had been spiritual partners with the aged, old soldier Paul—ministering to his needs while faithfully serving Jesus Christ.

Are you faithfully serving Jesus Christ?
What changes do you need to ask God to make in your life?
Rearrangement of priorities? Crucify the flesh?

(Philippians 2:29) – “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation.”

Interestingly enough, the word “reputation” is ἔντιμος (pronounced en’-tee-mos). It means honorable or precious. Furthermore, it has to do with holding in high esteem.

How about it?
Do you want to be TRUSTWORTHY?
Would you like for our great God to be able to DEPEND on you?

Let’s face it—we can certainly DEPEND on Him!
Shouldn’t He be able to DEPEND on us?

Serving Him by serving His Church is His divinely orchestrated method. Ultimately, every follower of Jesus Christ should be ready to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of SERVING. This devotion will focus on SERVING with PURPOSE.

1. Greatness is found in Servanthood! (Matthew 20:26–28) – “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

2. Purpose is discovered in Serving others! (Philippians 2:1–4) – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

3. Unity in Serving! (Ephesians 4:1–3) – “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Did you see the word “love”? That is the key. Humility, charity, and unity are the key ingredients in serving. Are you lacking any?

Conclusion: Once we discover our PURPOSE through SERVING, then we become a useful tool in the MASTER POTTER’S hand. His hand then forms and shapes us into a worthy vessel meet for His use. All for His glory!