God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Charles Spurgeon's morning devotion for July 24. "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord."

--Exodus 14:13

These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master's word to him is, "Stand still." It will be well for him if at such times he listens only to his Master's word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions. Despair whispers, "Lie down and die; give it all up." But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in His love and faithfulness. Cowardice says, "Retreat; go back to the worldling's way of action; you cannot play the Christian's part, it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles." But, however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine fiat has bid thee go from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither death nor hell shall turn thee from thy course. What, if for a while thou art called to stand still, yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater advance in due time. Precipitancy cries, "do something. Stir yourself; to stand still and wait, is sheer idleness." We must be doing something at once--we must do it so we think--instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something but will do everything. Presumption boasts, "If the sea be before you, march into it and expect a miracle." But Faith listens neither to Presumption, nor to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, but it hears God say, "Stand still," and immovable as a rock it stands. "Stand still";--keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Go forward."

For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

2 Corinthians 1:5

From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever!

Romans 11:36

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

God uses what you have, not what you don't have. They started with five loaves and two fish. They didn't go beyond what they had; That was their starting point.

-- Unknown

Trust in the LORD with all your heart;      Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do,      And he will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later.

Romans 8:18

See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks.

Hebrews 12:25a

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

I lie here in the darkness. The walls are closing in, when morning seems a world away and all the fears begin. I call upon you, Jesus, to walk me through this night, and peace will fall within these walls, my Savior and my light.

-- Sheila Walsh

Have courage for the great sorrows of life      and patience for the small ones. And when you have finished your daily task      go to sleep in peace. God is awake.

-- Victor Hugo

I pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.

Colossians 1:10-14

Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is the faithful God who for a thousand generations keeps His promises and constantly loves those who love Him and who obey His commands.

Deuteronomy 7:9

Oh Lord my God, when the storm is loud, and the night is dark, and the soul is sad, and the heart oppressed; then, as a weary traveler, may I look to you; and beholding the light of your love, may it bear me on, until I learn to sing your song in the night.

George Dawson, Little Book Of Prayers

Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-- My Savior and my God!

Psalm 42:5

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2