Daily Devotional: Thursday, Feb 4

Speaker: Paul Diaz

Theme: Joy & Peace

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Just the Same by Northwest University; Happy Day by Tim Hughes; How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin; Hosanna by Hillsong United.

Read:    II Timothy 2:1-13; Philippians 4:4-7

Think: Terrorism.   September 11, 2001.   Earthquake.   Tsunami.   Wildfire.  Tornado.

The above words have power to illicit an emotional response.  Most of us can picture a scenario for each, and it is not pleasant.  Our emotions range from discomfort to intense fear.  The town of Port-au-Prince in Haiti may come to mind.  It has become a "tent city."  Although some buildings are standing, the people are choosing to sleep outside rather than risk the chance of a roof collapsing on them.

I agree with Pastor Paul's statement, "Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God."

From every disaster, stories are uncovered about people who rise up and do amazingly courageous deeds.  I am reading the story of one such person---Todd Beamer.  His wife Lisa wrote the book, Let's Roll, inspired by the tragedy of United flight 93 that was hijacked by terrorists on 9-11.  Though this flight crashed and killed all aboard, those aboard saved countless lives by thwarting its attack on the White House and surrounding area.  Much of what we know about that horrific event comes from a 15 minute conversation Todd had with an FAA operator.  In the midst of terror and certain death, Todd remained calm and relayed detailed information to the operator. 

Todd KNEW Jesus as Lord and Savior.  He lived for Jesus to the very end believing the promise of Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

Do:  If peace is the opposite of fear, in what area of life do you need the peace of God?  Today decide to turn over one fear and let God replace it with His peace that passes all understanding.  Take a minute to go back and re-read II Timothy 2:1-13. 

Pray:  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that you have overcome the world.  May we believe you have the desire and power to replace our fear with true peace.   Help us to trust you more and to know you as our Lord and Savior.  AMEN

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

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