Today's Daily Devotional

[Jenny Lynn]

Ranger Bugsy,
I hope you do not mind I have missed seeing the daily devotional pop up on the active, lately posted to threads here at ArmyRanger.com, so I am bumping especially since some may have joined recently.

I know I have been at the end of my rope so to speak many times and found the following on the internet awhile back that I hope you do not mind I post here on this thread (yes it is long but I did not want to cut any of it off)

1. to be able to share it I think it is pretty powerful and if in posting it; it helps one person it is well worth it

2. to serve as a way to bump this awesome thread

Thanks, Jenny

WHEN YOU’RE AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE!

Story: A man traveling alone had stopped at a scenic mountain overlook to set up
camp. It grew dark while the man was gathering firewood, and he accidentally
ventured too close to the edge of the precipice and fell into the abyss below. Just
before he reached the bottom, he grabbed a small tree growing out of a crevasse.
Hanging on for dear life, he began calling for help.
“Is anybody up there?” he called again and again.
After several hours, his cry was answered, “Yes,” a deep voice said. “I am here. Can
I help you?”
“You sure can,” the man called. “Get a rope and rescue me.”
“If you have faith I can save you,” the voice replied. “”Do you have faith?”
“Yes, I’ve got faith,” the man yelled, “but hurry up before I fall!”
“If you have faith,” the voice said, “do as I say, and you’ll’ be all right. Just let go of the
tree.”
After a few moments of silence, the man cried out, “Is there anybody else up
there?” – adapted from Overheard At The Country Café, Editor, Mike Beno, Reiman Pub. Greenville, WI, 1998,
pg.114
Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation in which you did not know
what to do?
• Nothing you say is working?
• Nothing you do will get you through?
Sometimes we refer to this as “being at the end of your rope.”
The enemy would love for you to think that you are the only one that that has
ever been in that condition!
The truth is that all of us at some time or other have found ourselves at the point
where we did not know what to do.
Even the great apostle Paul experienced a time when he had literally “reached the
end of his rope” (in more ways than one).
Acts 9:22-25, NKJV
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who
dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.
24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and
night, to kill him.
25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a
large basket.
Here we see Paul had reached the “end of his rope” in trying to minister his new
found Gospel. Some people actually wanted to kill him.
• Possibly he had more enthusiasm than knowledge.
When You’re At The End Of Your Rope! - 2
• It certainly seems that he had more knowledge than people skills!
But we also see Paul at the end of a rope in a basket being let down outside the
city walls because his life was being threatened!
• Has God ever helped you get out of a desperate situation?
• Have other people ever helped you out of from the trouble you were facing?
Tonight, I want to share several very simple truths that will help you know what
to do when you get to the end of your rope…
#1. WHEN YOU’RE AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE, STAY CONNECTED!
A. The truth is, Paul had to depend upon the connections he had with
other people to get out of the tough spot he was in!
B. Jesus Himself said that we are to stay connected to Him… and through
Him, we are also connected with each other!
John 15:5, NKJV
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him,
bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
1. We must stay connected to God just as a branch must stay
connected to the vine.
2. God is our Helper in time of trouble!
C. It is important it is to hang around the right people. You better have the
right people holding the rope your hanging on to!
1. Some people can’t help you… and some people won’t help you.
3. Humor: When one person tried to help someone else and later the man
said, “It was as helpful as throwing a drowning man both ends of the rope.” -
Arthur Baer, http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quote ... 27360.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
4. Making it through life often depends upon the people you know!
D. We need to understand that we are built for connection! We need each
other!
E. In Acts 4:23 when Peter and John got into trouble, they went to their own
company! They went to those that they were connected to in the faith!
#2. WHEN YOU’RE AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE, KEEP DEPENDING ON
GOD AND BELIEVERS.
A. We are not made to stand alone… we were created to depend upon
God and one another.
Proverbs 3:5, NKJV
When You’re At The End Of Your Rope! - 3
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding;
1. When you’re at the end of your knowledge, depend on what God
knows.
2. When you’re weak, depend upon His strength!
3. When you’ve run out of answers, trust Him for the words to say!
B. Sometimes we will reach the end of our rope… but when we know the
right people, we can ask them to throw us their rope and help us
through!
1. Their prayers are like the rope that we need to pull us through!
2. Their encouraging word is like a rope that lifts us up!
3. When others add their faith to yours, it is like a rope that holds you
steady in the storm!
#3. WHEN YOU’RE AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE, DETERMINE TO
PERSEVERE!
A. You can persevere and hang in there through life’s difficulties because God
will strengthen you!
Philippians 4:13, NIV
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
B. "When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." – Former US
Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, http://www.quotedb.com/quotes/3058" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
C. Van Crouch says, “Stay in the game. It’s too soon to quit.”
D. What should we do as we persevere through life’s difficulties…
1. Know that your harvest is coming!
Galatians 6:9,10, NKJV
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we
will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
2. Keep on doing what you know to do… stay hooked up with others
of like faith…
Galatians 6:10, NKJV
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially
to those who are of the household of faith.
3. Keep on saying what God says about your situation… maintain a
confession of faith!
Hebrews 10:23, KJV
When You’re At The End Of Your Rope! - 4
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for
he is faithful that promised;)
• The woman with the issue of blood kept on saying, “If I touch
His garment I shall be whole.”
• The Syro-Phoenician woman kept on askng and saying what
she wanted from Jesus.
• Blind Bartimaeus kept on calling upon Jesus, “Jesus, Son of
David, have mercy on me.”
• Mark 11:23 in the Johnson Paraphrase says, “Truly, anyone
who speaks to that mountain yonder saying, “Dump yourself in the
lake,” and does not become separated from the statement he
makes, that person will actualize his statement. When anyone’s
expression in prayer is congruent with his inner being, his desire
will be actualized.”
CONCLUSION . . .
Persevere in your confession of faith!
Persevere in reading and meditating on the Word of God!
Hebrews 10:35,36, NKJV
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God,
you may receive the promise:
You may be at the end of your rope, but God has plenty of resources coming
your way!
I want to pray for all who are at the end of their rope, and need someone to add
their faith to theirs…

[The Warriors Mom]

Jenny Lynn that was very well written out. Thank you for that. I have been at the end of my rope many times and only God has been there to pull me out. God Bless you Honey for this post. Love The Warriors Mom

[Bugsy]

July 13, 2009

The Outcome of Discouragement

READ | 2 CORINTHIANS 7:9-10


As we saw yesterday, discouragement is a common problem. It may start with a divided mind but can easily turn into blaming others and wallowing in anger. Sadly, its effects don't stop there.

For one thing, if you regard the one who disappointed you as the cause of all your troubles, you might distance yourself or even end the relationship. On top of that, when disappointments are allowed to build up without resolution, a deep loss of self-worth could result. This obviously could deliver a critical blow to your ministry and interactions with others, since no one likes being around critical, self-hating individuals.

As these pressures develop, there will be obvious effects in your personal life. If you allow your mind to be twisted by the deceptions of discouragement, your words and actions will surely follow.

A dangerous drift in your spiritual walk is the ultimate consequence of discouragement. God will seem distant, uncaring, or perhaps even absent, because you've built such high walls around yourself. Things that were once cornerstones in your life--like worship, Bible study, and prayer--easily fall by the wayside. Before long, you will be surrounded only by your disappointments and negativity, unable to see anything of positive value at all.

Discouragement can eat away at a believer's relationships and productivity. Don't allow disappointments to build up and take such a toll on your life. Psalm 40:2 is a wonderful reminder that the Lord can lift you out of the "miry clay" and "set [your] feet upon a rock making [your] footsteps firm."

[Bugsy]

January 14, 2009

Spiritual Causes of Discouragement

READ | 1 Chronicles 28:20

Even when we pay attention to the external causes of discouragement, such as relationships, its more subtle intrusions into our lives can take us by surprise. So let’s look at some spiritual causes.

1. Satan: a primary instigator. The Enemy’s purpose is to cause us to lose heart, think poorly of ourselves, and focus only on the negative.

2. An area of weakness in which Satan has a stronghold—like a tenacious bad habit. This can be especially discouraging because it feels as if we cannot escape the Devil’s grip, regardless of what we do.

3. Unanswered prayer. When a prayer is answered “no” or “not now,” we can lose hope. Sadly, some quit praying altogether.

4. Prayerlessness. Failing to understand God’s sovereignty and timing can lead to this tragic result. When He answers prayer in an unexpected way, some believers get so surprised or irritated that they give up on praying altogether. However, cutting off communication with the Lord is a sure way to move into deeper discouragement.

5. The feeling that you can’t please God. This is a tragic consequence of a works-based faith, wherein we believe the Lord’s favor is tied to our good works. What a misguided error! Our Father’s love is based on His own grace, not our deeds.

It certainly isn’t easy to face all the spiritual situations that drain our joy and energy. However, it’s crucial that we identify these causes, no matter how painful the process may be. Once we can clearly see the problems, we can begin to learn how to avoid or correct these trouble areas.

[The Warriors Mom]

Oh thank you so much Ranger Bugsy because son you were speaking directly to me tonight. God Bless you, The Warriors Mom

[garyedolan]

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.


Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

[Jenny Lynn]

Ranger garyedolan,
thank you for posting Desiderata, that is indeed powerful. Jenny

[Bugsy]

July 15, 2009

An Ordinary Person

READ | Matthew 4:18-20

The apostle Peter was an ordinary person who lived in an extraordinary time. His was the generation during which Jesus lived on the earth and died for the salvation of mankind.

Peter (who was originally called Simon) met the Lord through his brother Andrew (John 1:40-42). When Jesus invited him to become a disciple, he immediately left his fishing trade and placed himself under Christ’s authority (Matt 4:20). He became a passionate follower who consistently demonstrated an eagerness to be near the Savior and in the middle of whatever was going on. Whether meeting Jesus on the water during a storm (Matt. 14:27-29) or speaking to Him during His transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-5), Peter was devoted to his Master’s service.

In the beginning, the former fisherman was quick to speak and to act, and this impulsiveness created problems for him. For example, when Jesus was talking about His imminent suffering and death, Peter objected, as if he knew better than the Lord. Christ’s rebuke was swift and direct (Matt. 16:21-23). The apostle learned from his mistakes and was later given great responsibility. He’s a good example of how we should let go of personal desires, wholeheartedly embrace Jesus’ way, and walk closely with Him (Mark 8:34)

The Lord chooses unexceptional people like Peter and you and me to build His kingdom. He asks His followers to love Him above all else and fully commit to obeying Him. When we do, He will accomplish more through us than we could ever imagine.

[Bugsy]

July 17, 2009

Waiting for God to Answer

READ | Psalm 17:1-6

Yesterday we learned several reasons why a prayer may seem to go unanswered. Consider one more: unconfessed sin. The Lord has promised to forgive transgression once we admit our action is wrong and turn away from it (1 John 1:9). If we only give lip service to our confession or refuse to change ungodly ways, petitions will not be granted. An unrepentant heart always hinders our prayer life.

What about those times when our heart is right and what we ask is in line with God’s will, but He remains silent? Sometimes He waits because our longing for Him is in danger of being replaced by our desire for something else. Certain petitions—such as a request for a spouse, a baby, or a loved one’s healing—generate strong emotions in us. Unless we are careful, these desires could divert our attention from God. He will not share first place with anyone or anything. Instead, He patiently waits for our focus to return to Him before He answers.

At other times, the Lord uses delays to prepare us for future service or greater blessing. Or, He may want to strengthen our trust. Strong faith means believing Him even in trials, persevering while we wait for an answer, and being confident that He always keeps His promises.

Prayer is the communication link between us and our loving heavenly Father. Let’s not allow “static” to block His message to us. Instead, we must confess and turn from all known sin. Then we will be able to hear God’s voice and obediently carry out whatever He asks.

[panthersix]

Do we have to confess to our wives?

[DrD]

Do we have to confess to our wives?

I think you are supposed to, Ranger panthersix, if the sin is against her. :(

Shana

[panthersix]

Do we have to confess to our wives?

I think you are supposed to, Ranger panthersix, if the sin is against her. :(

Shana

Please cite your references doc!

[Jenny Lynn]

Do we have to confess to our wives?

I think you are supposed to, Ranger panthersix, if the sin is against her. :(

Shana

Please cite your references doc!

Dr D..... ruh oh they're a prepared bunch around here I tell you.
Jenny

[DrD]

Indeed they are a prepared bunch, Jenny!!

Ok, Ranger pathersix... I give... I was bluffing you. I have no proof.

Shana

[Jenny Lynn]

Just got off a rough call with an old friend and she found some peace in my reciting this to her, so I thought I'd share it with my family here at ArmyRanger.com:

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

During times of trouble or despair, I recite this poem to myself and find it helps alot.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

saw the following on the web where I cut and pasted the prayer from:
Pointers for Prayer : Sometimes Christians are called to turn the world upside down. To bring the exact opposite of what we find in our world. St. Francis' prayer is a bold one, asking for strength to give of ourselves to meet the needs of others. He recognises that it "is in giving that we receive", that as we give of ourselves, we receive the peace and blessing of our risen Lord Jesus. We cannot earn eternal life, but that we are pardoned from the sins that block our claim on it.
Think about the situations that you are involved in that require peace, consolation, hope, light and joy. Then, if you're bold enough, pray the prayer!

ah c'mon I dare you, much like Robert Conrad in those old battery commercials