God's plans are often far different than ours. The disciples planned on Jesus to be king. When he was crucified, those plans were dashed. But God had a better plan.

You might feel your plans are dashed. Have you considered that God may have a better plan? Let discuss that today in our audio devotional.

KEY PASSAGE:

Psalm 46:1-3, 8-10 (ESV)

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”

RESOURCES:

Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com.

Connect with Jon at jon@freshfaith247.com

How do you treat the ones closest to you? Are you patient with them or do you constantly fire orders their way? We’re called to treat others with respect. Remember, Jesus died for them. They are God’s masterpiece whom he loves dearly.

Jesus shows us how to be patient with those we have every reason to put down. We'll explore this touchy topic in our time together today.

KEY PASSAGE:

Luke 7:44-50 NIV

And turning to the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

RESOURCES:

Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com.

Connect with Jon at jon@freshfaith247.com

I sat and listened as one person after another spoke words that made me squirm. The more they talked, the more uncomfortable I felt. I was troubled. Each one said things that infringed on my rights. The tension in my soul began to strangle me. By the end of the day, after listening to such distressing words, I slumped exhausted into my car and drove home.

Think of a time you’ve felt crushed by the words of others. Whether you were personally attacked or overwhelmed by opposing viewpoints, words easily penetrate your soul. They can bring you down.

How does this relate to patience? We'll dig into that today.

KEY PASSAGE:

John 15:5-11 ESV

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

RESOURCES:

Take the Free PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT. It only takes 3 minutes. Download it at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com.

Connect with Jon at jon@freshfaith247.com