#justfiveminutes by Jesse Atwood

Woooooo.... this one is a doozy. It boils down to one question: Do I trust GOD? If I am to grow my GOD CONFIDENCE, how can I do that if I do not TRUST HIM? No matter what I SEE, no matter what I FEEL, no matter what happened or didn't happen-- will I say: AND I TRUST YOU!

“Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out.” Psalm 55:22-23 MSG

Have had several unplanned HIATUSES... so this is just a quick word addressing that and reiterating my goal as I share my personal devotions through #justfiveminutes. Thank you for your time!

Today is a different kind of devotional. Instead of focusing on one verse, I will read Psalms 103:6-8 in the Message Version. It's what I needed. And maybe it's what you need today. Main point: He loves you and HE WILL MAKE EVERYTHING RIGHT. 

Today I will be as transparent as ever because after I read 1 Samuel 17:48, I knew that I was not David-like. “As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.” And the seven words that shook me were DAVID QUICKLY RAN OUT TO MEET HIM! David quickly ran towards danger, towards evil, towards opposition, towards the problem, the issue-- He didn't hesitate. Why? Because HE KNEW GOD and KNEW GOD'S WORD. 

I wasted seven years of my life not talking to my brother. Thankfully, in the middle of the pandemic during the summer of 2020, my brother and I reconciled. This devotion is taken from a journal entry about three months after that and it's after I ran across Philippians 4:2 NLT that reads.... "Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.” I encourage you, if it is in your power, your control-- SETTLE YOUR DISAGREEMENTS QUICKLY!

Although the previous two devotionals may have seem hopeless or bleak, here's the SOLUTION: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13 NLT. Once we acknowledge that we can't figure it out on our own and we can't on own accord be good, we can open our hearts to GOD who GIVES US THE DESIRE AND THE POWER TO DO WHAT PLEASES HIM! God is sooooo good!

Love it when GOD just lines everything up. This verse pairs perfectly with yesterdays devotional. Romans 7:18 NLT: “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.” Not only am I not built to figure it out on my own, I also can't do GOOD or be GOOD on my own. Let me tell you this: If any verse of scripture describes my struggle to a T it's this one... "I WANT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, BUT I CAN'T!

This devotional was originally written as a journal entry on August 22, 2021, during a time where I was just struggling. And I came to acknowledge that I was struggling because yet again, I was trying to DO IT ALONE knowing that GOD DOES NOT INTEND FOR ME TO RELY ON MYSELF. Proverbs 3:5 MSG puts it plain and simple: "Do not try to figure out everything on your own."

Philippians 4:5 NLT “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” In varying translations, the word considerate also translates to reasonableness, graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, patience and gentle spirit. I mean it all boils down to BE KIND!

Back to 1 Corinthians 10:13 one last time in the Message Version: "All you need to remember is that (Promise #1) God will never let you down; (Promise #2) He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; (Promise #3) He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” Point. Blank. Period. 

Reason (PROMISE) #2 that we should CULTIVATE GOD CONFIDENCE is because HE WILL NEVER LET YOU BE PUSHED PAST YOUR LIMIT. To some of us that feel we have been through it-- wether mentally, physically, financially, emotionally-- this is an awesome promise to encourage us to not give up. 

Yesterday I set my goal for 2022 to CULTIVATE GOD CONFIDENCE... today lets talk about why we should. 1 Corinthians 10:13 in The Message Version says: "All you need to remember is that GOD will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it." That's three beautiful, powerful reasons aka PROMISES. Let's focus on #1: GOD WILL NEVER NEVER NEVER LET YOU DOWN!

Happy New Year! My goal for 2022: Cultivate God-Confidence! Let's dig into 1 Corinthians 10:12 in The Message version that says: "Forget about self-confidence; it's USELESS. Cultivate God-Confidence." Those are some powerful words that go against not only "worldly thinking" but also logical thinking. BUUUUT HE never intended for us to rely on ourselves and trust our selves and have confidence in ourselves. Let's face it, we've failed so many times why would we try to rely on ourselves?

When you read the word of God and you encounter words like "therefore" and "however," you should read the previous verses to see why those words are being used. Same with the word "THEN." When I read Philippians 4:7 and it started off with "Then you will experience God's peace" immediatly I asked, what is it that I have to do to experience God's peace? So I back tracked to the previous verse and here are the four disciplines that I need to work on to be able to experience the peace of GOD: #1) Don't worry about anything. #2) Pray about everything. #3) Tell HIM your needs. #4) Thank HIM for what HE has done. 

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, SLOW TO SPEAK and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 NIV... So part two of James 1:19 says that we are to be SLOW TO SPEAK. Today, I encourage you to choose your words carefully. Don't be so quick to share whatever comes to your mind. Not everyone wants to or needs to hear our opinion.

Just one thought today... JUST ONE THOUGHT: Be QUICK TO LISTEN... That's it. Simple, right? And and I say listen I don't mean sit there quietly for your turn to speak and give your opinion. No, I mean: Listen with your ears, your eyes, your heart. Today, LISTEN to your coworker, your friend, your family member, your classmate... JUST LISTEN.

The Message version in 1 Peter 4:8 says that "The world is wrapping up" AND BOY IS IT EVER! A few weeks into a new year and things keep getting scarier and crazier. So here's the advice that 1 Peter 4:8 gives: Do not take things for granted. And today, let's take a moment and be thankful for blessing big and small. TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED! Call that loved one. Apologize. Help. Change. Start. Whatever it is that you have been postponing, DO IT TODAY!

Simple notion. Difficult execution. HE tells us in Luke 9:23 MSG that "Anyone who intends to come with me must let me lead." And then without skipping a beat, HE hammers the thought: "You are not in the driver's seat-- I AM." For some of us, giving up control brings on anxiety. BUT, who better to give control to then GOD? I encourage you today to get out of the driver's seat and buckle up on the passenger's side. LET HIM LEAD YOU!

Ever heard people say (or maybe you've said)-- "I need a vacation from my vacation!" Yea, we know what they mean. They didn't get any rest. They were going, going, going. Well in Mark 6:31, after the disciples have returned from preaching, healing, freeing throughout the surrounding areas, Jesus tells them "Come away by yourself to a desolate place and rest a while." He recognized that even though they were doing THE LORD'S WORK, they still needed time to separate themselves, to focus without distractions and just rest. Take some time today-- even if for just a few seconds-- and REST.

Psalms 147:2 in The Message version says, "HE heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds." We can trust HIM with those precious hurts, those secret hurts, those deep cuts, those words that stung, those actions and deeds that ripped us, that scared us, that left us alone dazed confused... Because HE IS GREATER THAN OUR BROKENNESS. 

There is so much going on in the world... IT IS CRAZY! But guess who is GREATER THAN ALL THE CRAZINESS? God. 1 John 4:4 tells us, "Greater is HE that is in us than he that is in the world." So today I just encourage you, GOD IS GREATER. I hope that brings you some comfort today.

If there were ever at time when we need a reminder to stop being selfish and self centered and to think about others it is now. Amidst this unprecedented global pandemic, TODAY stop.... breathe.... listen... and think about others. Find ways to show love and to do good works.

Ever been hit by a song or scripture right in the heart? Yea, double whammy for me: Listened to the song "Run To The Father" sung by Cody Carnes and read Matthew 11:28 that says, "If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest." Today I encourage you to put those burdens at HIS feet.

Humor me here and read James 1:2 in three different translations:

Such a great promise found in Jeremiah 29:13... "You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, YOU WILL FIND ME." It's not like HE is playing Hide and Go Seek with us... He has made several ways for us to FIND HIM. We've just got to do it.

There is a difference between REACTING to something or someone and RESPONDING. And I've got to learn and re-learn that difference every single day. Proverbs 15:1 says: "A GENTLE ANSWER makes anger disappear, but a rough answer make it grow." 

Moving on to the second chapter of 1 Peter... Starts off with an EXCLAMATION POINT! It tells us... SO CLEAN HOUSE! And then gives a short four item list of things to clean out: MALICE (the DESIRE to do evil), PRETENSE (giving false INTEnTIONS), ENVY (desiring others people's possessions or position, and HURTFUL TALK. 

Continuing on in 1 Peter to the next paragraph in The Message Version... We must live my life with a deep consciousness of GOD... of who HE is, of what HE has done for us,  of HIS many blessings, of HIS love, of HIS mercy and of HIS grace.

Today I want to encourage you: if you are living a sloppy life, an "I don't care" kind of life... let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness! 

This third part gels with everything else we've been talking about: BE TOTALLY READY! We already talked about two ways to be ready: #1) SO ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES and #2) PUT YOUR MIND IN GEAR... Here's the third way: Don't lazily slip back into your old grooves of evil. We have got to be vigilant and keep our relationship with HIM vibrant. One way I try to keep things fresh is by reading scripture in different translations. Another? By listening to Praise and Worship songs in Spanish. Like "Do It Again" by #ElevationWorship song in Spanish titled "Lo Haras Otra Vez" 

Continuing to break down this powerful section of 1 Peter 1 and focusing on THE MIND. Such a spiritually logistically important area. The Message version tells us to PUT OUR MIND IN GEAR. How? By controlling what we dwell on.  If it's not TRUE or HONORABLE or EXCELLENT or COMMENDABLE or PRAISE WORTHY... then WE DON'T THINK ABOUT IT.

Lets hit the ground running... I've been reading and listening to 1 Peter on repeat for a week going on two weeks. (Did you know that on the @Youversion Bible App you can hit the PLAY button and listen to Bible. Great for when you're working out, driving, cleaning, whatever.) So let's break these verses down starting with the first five words: SO ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES!

Fifth and Final Part of #HopeWeek. You ready to be encouraged? Did you know that when we place our HOPE in GOD we reap the benefits? Unfailing LOVE, full REDEMPTION and renewed STRENGTH. Those three alone are worth it!

Today I want to talk about ANCHORS... Our HOPE is an ANCHOR and first off we have to make sure we have then RIGHT ANCHOR and then that we are anchored to the RIGHT PLACE.

In Part 2 on #HopeWeek... Let's talk about how GOD IS OUR HOPE. We can make our hope people, places and things but people are imperfect, places and situations change and things just fade and disappear. So why not make GOD YOUR HOPE? Psalms 71:5 syas, "Lord GOD, you are my HOPE. I have trusted you since I was a young boy."

In the fifth and final part of the Colossians' Prayer found in Colossians 1:9-11, we learn to pray "that GOD will strength [us]  with HIS own great power so that [we] will be patient and not give up when troubles come." Be encouraged today! HIS fullness, HIS power, HIS strength lives in you in our so that you can endure, persevere, to not give up. And in the end, we will be happy and give thanks to our heavenly FATHER.

In PART 4 of the Colossians Prayer found in Colossians 1:9-11, we learn to pray that we will grow in the knowledge of HIM. We are to everyday, every hour, every minute grow in HIM... learning that God is loving, faithful, just powerful, mighty, righteous, compassionate, gracious, forgiving, good, holy, merciful, mighty, fair, HE is our refuge, our help and HE is also with us.

In PART 3 of the Colossians' Prayer (Colossians 1:9-11), we learn to pray "that [our] life will PRODUCE GOOD WORKS of every kind." That means emotional, physical, financial, mental and spiritual good works. And they only way to produce good works is if we abide in HIM and HE abides in us.

Each part of the Colossians' Prayer builds on itself... Part one we talked about getting WISDOM so we can be CONFIDENT IN HIM and now we learn we have this CONFIDENCE will "help you live in a way that brings HONOR to the LORD and PLEASES HIM in every way."  

Breaking down the prayer found in Colossians 1:9-11. This first part prays "that God will make you completely sure of what HE wants by giving you all the WISDOM and SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING you need."  Be encouraged that HE gives us WISDOM without measure, freely, liberally, without a second thought... why? So then we can be CONFIDENT IN HIM.

God is soooo meticulous. From every hair on our heads being numbered, cataloged, reported, recorded and accounted for to every tear kept in a ledger to every toss and turn we have during our sleepless night. Why? Because HE SEES YOU and HE CARES FOR YOU and HE LOVES YOU! 

Been a way for a whole month! But back at it. Amid all the craziness, uncertainty, sickness, lack, confusion and doubt... HE IS STILL GOD! And HIS Word still stands. And Philippians 1:6 says, "that the GOOD WORK God began in you will CONTINUE until HE completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again." Be encouraged! 

This devotional inspired by a tweet I read... yes, a tweet. A pastor tweeted about the PRODIGAL SON and it gut punched me. I went back to the story in Luke 15:11-20 and re-read it. And I've realized that HE doesn't care what brings you back to him, whatever brought you BACK TO YOUR SENSES, HE stands with arms open wide ready for you to come on back home!

Listen, you can try and do it on your own. Or focus on the job or someone else to be able to get you through whatever it is you need... But inevitably they will fail you. And you will fail yourself. I know I've failed myself many many times.  You know who will NEVER fail you? The LORD. So count on HIM. Put all your hope in HIM.

Coming back to Psalms 27:9 but this time focusing on the first part of the verse: You've always been right there. Be encouraged today that no matter how sad, messed up, hard, crazy or confusing it gets... HE IS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!

Last part of this series. Today I'm reading Day 6 of John Eckhardt's bible study titled "Destroying the Spirit of Rejection" found on the YouVersion Bible App. And keep this question in mind: Why? Why seek freedom from the fear of rejection? The answer is this: Because those around you need you to blaze a trail to freedom so you can lead them there yourself. Point. Blank. Period.

Reading from DAY 5 of John Eckhardt's excellent bible study titled "Destroying the Spirit of Rejection" found in the YouVersion App. Brothers and Sisters, don't you realize YOU HAVE AUTHORITY?!?! Experiencing freedom from the fear of rejection takes hard work, blood, sweat, tears, prayer, energy... it takes us being vigilant and aggressive. But you got this! Be encouraged today... YOU GOT THIS!

Continuing on using the Bible Study by John Eckhardt titled "Destroying the Spirit of Rejection" found in the YouVersion Bible App... You are not alone in this fight for freedom... Psalms 27:9 says, "You've always been right there for me."  And that is TRUTH!

Good stuff! Again, reading from "Destroying the Spirit of Rejection" a bible study by John Eckhardt found in the @youversion app. Today I'm reading from Day 3. Be encouraged! HE CHOSE US. So when you feel like the whole world has turned its back on you, the most important person HAS CHOSEN YOU!!!

Guys, this one is hitting home freshly. I will be sharing from the bible study I found through the @youversion app titled "Destroying the Spirit of Rejection" by John Eckhardt. This is GOOD stuff. If you happen to be struggling with rejection or know of someone who does. 

Need a mantra to get you through those tough times? 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that, "The Lord is not being slow." And boy has that helped me here recently. Be encouraged, although HE isn't making it happen according to your timeline, HE isn't being slow they way we view slowness. HE is actually being patient. With who? WITH US!

This is 100th Devotional! So let's READ THE WORD, THINK ABOUT IT, TALK TO GOD ABOUT IT and ACT ON IT together! Today let me just encourage you as you face problems, troubles, setbacks and obstacles that HE DOES EVERYTHING AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME!

Come on, be honest: Do you get tired of doing the right thing? Of doing good? The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:9 to "not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don't give up." 

Continuing on with #BeTheLight and talking about how EASY it is to be a light in this world. We make it more complicated. Isaiah 58:10 tells us to , "Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon."

It's like an extension of devotionals 12 and 13... However, instead of IN THE LIGHT, now we are talking about BE THE LIGHT. John 8:12 Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." So today's challenge is BE THE LIGHT! 

The Savior of the world, God's son, Jesus Christ himself lives in you?!?!? "Don't you realize that Jesus Christ lives in you?" (2 Corinthians 13:5 ERV) That means HIs power, His Presence, His healing, His love, His mercy, His joy, His strength, His wisdom and so much more is inside of you!

Philip has been walking, living, learning, growing with Jesus for close to three years now. That's 24/7 with the Son of God himself. And yet Philip still says to Jesus, "Show us the Father. That is all we need." And Jesus answered him, "Philip, I have been with you for a long time. So YOU SHOULD KNOW ME."(John 14:8-9 ERV). Guys, WE SHOULD KNOW HIM! And one of the best ways to get to know HIM is doing these four things daily: READ the WORD. THINK about it. TALK to GOD about it. And ACT on it.

Man-Oh-Man! It's New Year's Day! With a new year comes new resolutions or goals or whatever you want to call it. And maybe you're setting the target a little lower because you think you can achieve what GOD actually wants you to do... But guess what? YOU CAN DO IT! Why? Because HE is with you. Says so in Exodus 3:12. Moses says, "I'm not a great man." And God replies, "You can do it because I will be with you."

There's that gospel song that says "Trouble won't last always" and it's not just a feel good thing to say. HIS WORD tells us that "Nevertheless that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever." Be encouraged! 

It's a resounding chorus of people yelling out loud "Don't hurt yourself! We are all here!" No matter how dark or lonely or hard it is.

Although today we will concentrate on Ecclesiastes 4:12, we will read through verses 9-12 to get a better idea as to why #LifeIsBetterTogether... 

Kicking off a three-part devotional on the importance of brotherhood/sisterhood/friendships aka accountability partner. Using the two guys walking to Emmaus after Jesus was crucified and rose again as a jumping off point. Luke 24:13-15 reads, "Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them."

Ephesians 3:20 says, "With God's power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of." Why live a life unplugged from the source of love and power and creativity and knowledge and greatness? Let HIS power work through you so HE can do MUCH, MUCH MORE! (w/song "Waymaker" by Sinach)

It's time to do some SELF-EXAMINATION and REFLECTION. As Matthew 7:5 so joltingly tells us "Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye." (w/song "Here's My Heart" by Casting Crowns)

Philippians 4:12-13 ERV "I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do." Be encouraged today! HE is the secret to making it through any situation. (w/song "He's Always There" by CeCe Winans)

We are going into the HOLIDAY SEASON and it's not always easy for some... but James 1:2 says "Dear Brothers and Sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." Be encouraged today! (w/song "Joy" by For King And Country)

Love Proverbs 16:3 because it gives us a simple instruction and a HUGE blessing... "Turn to the Lord for EVERYTHING you do, and you will be successful." (w/spontaneous worship by Steffany Frizzell Gretzinger)

Just a little something different the Friday before Thanksgiving... Pronouncing a blessing over someone is important and powerful because our words are powerful... I pray Psalms 20:1-5 ERV over your life: 

Psalms 23:4 tells us that "EVEN IF I WALK THROUGH A VALLEY as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me."

Just a short two part devotional on being IN THE LIGHT.  Luke 11:36 NLT really hit me hard... well, specifically just three little words sent me into deep reflection: NO DARK CORNERS... "If you are filled with the light, with NO DARK CORNERS, then your whole life will be radiant, as thought a floodlight were filling you with light."

One last part to the series THE MIND... Ephesians 4:22 says, "LET THE SPIRIT RENEW YOUR MIND and attitudes."  

"Brothers and sisters, continue to THINK ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected." Philippians 4:8 ERV

Part four of THE MIND series... I re-listened to SEASON ONE and that first episode "Be Careful How You Think" focused on the first part of Proverbs 4:23: "Above all, be careful what you think because YOUR THOUGHTS CONTROL YOUR LIVES." And this time around, that second part gut punched me.

Third part of series focusing on THE MIND and OUR THOUGHTS... "And we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. WE ALSO CAPTURE EVERY THOUGHT and make it give up and obey Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5 ERV

Continuing on talking about THE MIND and OUR THOUGHTS... "And we TEAR DOWN EVERY PROUD IDEA that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5 ERV

Wrapping up the "Bottom Of The Barrel People" series with a tough verse of scripture. Hebrews 5:8 says, "Jesus was the Son of God, but he still suffered, and through his suffering he learned to obey whatever God says."

Ever feel like everyone has forgotten about you? Including God? You are not alone BUT THERE IS HOPE... Because HE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!

Today we are focusing on the first part of 2 Corinthians 12:9 that says MY GRACE IS ALL YOU NEED!

I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But the Lord said, "My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power." 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 ERV Today we are focusing on that second part: ONLY WHEN YOU ARE WEAK CAN EVERYTHING BE DONE COMPLETELY BY MY POWER.

Starting Season 2 of #JustFiveMinutes with a five part series on hardship and headaches... #BottomOfTheBarrelPeople is for those of us who know troubles and hard times intimately.  Psalms 71:20 says, "You have let me see troubles and hard times, but you will give me new life; you will lift me up from this pit of death!"

re-uploading season one before kicking off a whole new season of short daily encouragements