Encounter Christian Campus Ministry Daily Devotions 2020

April 04 by Ptr. Jair Paul Abarca

A blessed day everyone! This is just a short testimony from our current situation here in Dagupan City right now. And the devotion I've read fits perfectly on what was bugging me since this quarantine and lock down started. We have all heard and seen what other people can do in this time of crisis, and if its not for the good – it would end up getting worse.

So, back to my short testimony. We didn't expect that, of all the Barangays, of all the known streets and of all the known blocks in this city, ours had been put to lock down since Tuesday. I would say that this is a big inconvenience to the majority of the people living along this street, since ours is the only one with the blockade. And they are not allowing anyone to go outside of their house anymore. So that's that.

But I would quote part of this devotion that say, 'His (God's) plans are good even when things aren't looking good." So things aren't looking good right now for everyone, things will never get back to normal, things will take a sharp curve, maybe, BUT God will never stop working for our good (like the Way Maker song by Leeland), and He's the good, good Father, FAITHFUL in everything. So just trust God. And again, to quote, 'don't worry about the consequences of your obedience to God – HE KNOWS BETTER – and He will reward you of your obedience to Him! – Ptr. Paul

So, here's a short devotion for you today:
Timeless Truth by Rashawn Copeland

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
God is speaking this into your life today, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jerimiah 29:11 NLT)

I want each of you to understand one thing. God doesn't operate by time He's timeless meaning he already knows your future before you do.

Timeless trust is what we're all longing for. Trust him, obey Him and don't worry about the consequence of your obedience. A timeless truth: His plans are good even when things aren't looking good.

He has an amazing plan for you.

So how can we hold onto this future and hope that is promised to us?

We can focus on the promises from above.
What hurts us most is when we think about our earthly possessions more than our heavenly position; when we think about what the world says, rather than what God says. But one day we will all realize that we can't take our reputation, our home, nor our trophies to the grave with us. The reality is we're all one breath closer to meeting our Creator as each day passes.

So how do you trust that God is ALL that you need?
You do this when you stop putting your hope in false security that comes from possessions, status, or the corporate ladder. But instead, you put your security and trust in the promises of Heaven.

Paul says it this way in 2 Corinthians 6:10 NLT, "Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything."

In other words, you'll never regret losing it all to gain Him.

So I challenge you, follow the example of Paul and trust God no matter what comes your way. Because if you trust who God is, you can rest assured knowing that He is the rock on which you will always be able to stand and that the opinion of others pale in comparison to His plan and will for your life.

>>>>>>>>>>Life Group Discussion Questions:
1. What can you say about 'trust'? If you want to give a deeper meaning about that word, what is it to you and to your life right now?

2. What do you think are the main hindrances, or obstacles when we put our trust in God?
3. List and share things on how we can fully trust God in the midst of crisis or trials?