WIN’s Daily Devotion

A God You Can Count On

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:4-10

On the basis of God’s character, what assurances can we depend upon every single day?

1. God will extend His loving kindness to us. Sending His Son to die in our place proves the Father’s love for us, and His unchanging nature confirms that He will love us forever (Psalm 100:5; (1 John 4:10).

2. The Lord will help us do what He requires of us. He provides not only the spiritual wisdom to carry out our tasks but also the inner strength to complete them. We will receive from Him everything that we need. (Hebrews13:21).

3. God will limit the temptations and pressures He allows in our life. Like a master craftsman, He knows what force can be applied to shape us into Jesus’ image without breaking us (2 Corinthians 4:8).

4. God will strengthen and protect us so we do not have to compromise or yield. Though we are weak, He understands how strong we can be when His divine power is working in us. And the Holy Spirit gives us the spiritual strength to say no to temptation (1 Cor. 10:13).

5. Our Father will forgive our sins. He stands ready to receive our confession, forgive us, and bring us back into fellowship with Him—every time (1 John 1:9).

In addition to these blessings for our days on earth, we also have assurances about the future. We can trust that life does not end when our earthly body dies (2 Cor. 5:8), that we will live in heaven forever, and that Jesus Christ will return someday to set all things right.

Life certainly has trials (John 16:33). But when challenges press in, think about all the reasons we can depend upon God.

Thank You Father for always, always, always being there.

WIN’s Daily Devotion

God Knows Our Needs

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 44:11

Today’s passage presents an interesting paradox. Paul promises the Philippians that God will supply all their needs (v. 19) yet admits that he has experienced times of want (v. 12). To reconcile these two statements, let’s consider God’s divine viewpoint.

Paul wrote these words from a prison cell—a place of great physical discomfort. From a human perspective, we would all agree that God should have provided for Paul by relieving his suffering. But instead, the Lord taught him contentment in this difficult situation. Although his physical discomfort remained, a greater need for a changed attitude was met.

A change of heart toward ongoing suffering is a huge challenge. On our own, it’s impossible, but the Lord promises to strengthen us through Christ. By living in dependence and submission to Him, we gain His power to overcome our negative, sinful attitudes and learn contentment in all kinds of situations.

Our problem is not that the Lord won’t provide for us, but that we so often fail to understand what our deepest needs are. God sees from an unlimited perspective and works for our eternal good, providing for us according to His good purposes from the limitless supply of “His riches in glory.”

Instead of merely pleading with God to take away your difficulty, try asking Him to strengthen you through it. Although He may not always deliver you from trials, you can count on Him to work in you to produce contentment, no matter what your external needs may be.

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:10-19

Father help me to trust Your timing and Your work in my life.

WIN’s Daily Devotion

How to Listen to God’s Word

So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.   Nehemiah 8:2

 How is it that two people can sit in the same pew, hear the same sermon about the same portion of Scripture, and walk away with two different reactions? One is joyful and the other unaffected. I think the reason is that some people do not know how to listen to the Word of God.

Nehemiah 8 is an amazing scene of God’s people coming together to hear His Word. Remember that they didn’t have individual copies of Scripture to read. For generations, the events of Genesis though Deuteronomy were passed down from parent to child. Moreover, the people had been in captivity for many years. This was the first time most of them heard the Word read. Imagine their excitement as they listened attentively for the Lord to speak to them.

The Israelites were hungry for God’s Word. Are you? Do you listen eagerly and with an expectant mind and heart? The length of a person’s attention span is directly related to the intensity of his hunger for something. If you crave to know more of God, then your mind is going to be fastened on what He’s saying through your pastor or your personal reading. And the reality is that nothing in the world matters as much as what the Lord has to say.

So many things clamor for our focus but few truly deserve it. The Lord is worthy of nothing less than our undivided attention. He has something to say to every person. So whoever listens to God’s Word with an open heart and alert mind will receive from Him.

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 8

Thank You Father for Your Word, help me to listen to all You have to say to me.

Making A Difference

The amazing work that only our God can do!

There is a lady who attends one of the services at a detention center where we minister, she will be incarcerated for the next 10 years. Through God’s grace she has a new lease on life. Let me share part of a letter she has written to us . . . . .

Dear Dianne and Kathy,
  I want you to know how appreciative I am of you. Pray for me, because I will be entering some prison in S.C. with no funds whatsoever.  I depend on that fact to keep me strong and independent in my ways.  I surely appreciate self-maintenance in a whole new way.  I will attend any and every program available to correct and shape a new life and self. I shall try to keep you up to date on my progress.  I don’t know how soon I will be on my way but I will go ……and wish me the best of luck.  I will continue working towards my certificate in the ministries and hope to go as far as I can go in it.  I wish only the best for you.  Thank you for everything.   C.M.

We are so excited for this young lady, she is accepting the opportunity God has put in front of her, the opportunity to change her life and live for Him, even though her situation isn’t ideal, she recognizes that He is there and He has a purpose for her. Please join us in praying for her as she continues her journey.

We serve an amazing God!

 

The Unforgotten Ones

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The Unforgotten Ones

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OUR LOGO

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Just added our LOGO the star: represents WIN (Women In Need) with the scripture Proverbs 11:30 which says, ” The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”