July 7
Trouble
“I, even I, am He who comforts you.”
Isaiah 51:12
An economy that can’t seem to get going. Rebellious teenagers. An unfaithful spouse. A devastating illness. Life often brings trouble our way. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed we struggle to merely stay afloat.
Difficulty during times of trouble should come as no surprise to students of the Bible. Jesus Christ said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have problems.” That doesn’t sound like a very optimistic outlook. However, He goes on to say, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Now, that message is positive indeed.
Trouble. Difficulty. These things are a reality in this life. Jesus Christ promises us that He has provided victory over those things which cause us so much pain. Trusting in Him is the key to overcoming these problems.
Why not evaluate your present struggles from a Biblical perspective—from Christ’s perspective? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
July 6
Doubts About God
“And He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’”
Luke 8:25
Do you ever have doubts about God?
Most people do. Let me share with you what has caused me the most doubt through the years—the first four words of the Bible, “In the beginning God.” For, I wonder, how could God always exist? Where did He come from? What did He do before creation?
But “In the beginning God” also enriches my faith. For the Bible also says, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God and the Word became flesh.” The Word is Jesus Christ and because of Jesus’ life, I can see what God is like. Because of His death I can see and experience His love. Because the evidence of His resurrection is overwhelming, I can believe in God’s power to do anything.
If Jesus rose from the dead, I can live with the questions I can’t understand about God—like Him always existing—‘cause He is God and I’m not. We all have doubts about God, but Jesus is the reason I can believe in God.
Daily Devotional
As President of the Southern Baptist Convention, I see part of this role as being a pastor to the many pastors and ministers within our convention. Starting today, I will include on this website an encouraging daily devotional that has been written with the non-believer or unchurched in mind. And yet, I hope they can be an encouragement to you, the long-term mature believer, as well. Since they were written primarily for those who are not connected to God, I hope they can be useful to you for sermon ideas or illustrations that will help you connect your non-Christian friends with that personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
