thoughts by Alec Niemi Archives - Page 2 of 7 - Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Published August 17, 2020

For the Good of Others

During a conversation I had with a hitchhiker that I had picked up the other day I was intrigued by his desire to criticize his Christian landlord.

“If that is what being a Christian is then I don’t want any part of it,” he would say as he elaborated on things his landlord did.

No matter how I tried to steer the conversation to his need for Christ as his personal Savior he always came back to how much he didn’t like the way his Christian landlord treated him.

After arriving at his destination we sat in the car for a while longer. He remarked that our conversation was softening his heart and he would have to learn to be more forgiving towards his landlord.

I thought WOW, here’s a guy with a desire to be more forgiving to the man that was causing him to stumble and yet missed the truth about the ultimate forgiveness available to him through Christ.

My prayer for us this week

“Lord God our Father, whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we do it all for Your glory. Help us as we try not to cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God and help us try to please everyone in every way. For we are not seeking our own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. In Jesus name amen.” 1 Corinthians10:31-33

By Alec Niemi
used by Permission

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Protection and Direction

Today’s reading is in Psalm 105. It is about the Lord’s wonderful work on behalf of Israel. In it is reference to the cloud of covering that the Lord gave the Israelites to shelter them from the hot sun during the day and the fire that He gave for light at night as they wondered in the wilderness.

From this passage we are reminded of the need to be thankful for the grace that has been bestowed upon us through the covering we have in the blood of Jesus. He is now giving us the ‘protection by day‘ and ‘light by night‘ that we need.

His Grace:

–Saves us… “For by grace we are saved through faith, it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8-9

–Gives us strength... “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness“. 2 Corinthians 12:9

–Guides us... “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with my eye“. Psalm 32:8

–Provides for us… “But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

–Renews us… “but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

–Gives us rest… “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

–Lights our path… “the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness,” Psalm 18:28.

My prayer for you this week: Thank-you gracious and mighty God for your ‘protecting’ cover by day and the ‘directing’ fire by night. And also for your ‘providing’ loving arms that carry us all the time. In Jesus name, amen. Psalm 105:39

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/

God’s Peace

While reading Psalm 116:12-19 this morning I was reminded again of God’s goodness and love to us. My thoughts echo the psalmist’s and I pray that yours do too.

“How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the house of the LORD—in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.”

My prayer for you:

“Heavenly Father we love you. You heard our voice; you heard our cry for mercy. Because you turned your ear to us, we will call on you as long as we live. In Jesus name, amen.” Psalm 116:1,2

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

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The Art of Listening

Published March 16, 2020

The Art of Listening

In a sound test lab a couple of trained audiophiles were listening to a classical music piece. Their job was to listen to a new speaker design that was being developed. They were to evaluate the quality of the sound being generated. To do this they would take one of their favorite pieces of music that they had listened to many times before. While listening, one of the men turned to the other and excitedly said, “Wow, these things are so clear that this is the first time I have ever heard the sound of the conductor turning the page of music!”

The trained human ear is still the best equipment for testing the quality of sound.

We too need to train our ears to hear the sound of the Master as He turns pages in our lives.

“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Matthew 11:15

‘And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.”
Mark 4:24

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

My prayer for us

“Heavenly Father, we receive your words and treasure up your commandments with us, making our ears attentive to wisdom and inclining our hearts to understanding; yes, we call out for insight and raise our voice for understanding, we seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, in hope that we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. In Jesus name, amen.” Proverbs 2:1-5

by Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

Young Businesswoman with Her Finger on Her Lips — Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

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Pat on the Back

Published March 11, 2020

Pat on the Back

“Give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve done such a great job!”

Ever notice how difficult it is to give yourself a pat on the back?

It takes someone else to do it for us. When we do it ourselves it becomes a self proclamation and is boasting. Scripture tells us…

“Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3

“If we are going to boast then let’s boast about the Lord… My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice.” Psalm 34:2

“Heavenly Father please let those who boast – boast in You. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom You commend. Amen.” 2 Corinthians 10:17,18.

by Alec Niemi
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A Guide for Our Steps

Published March 1, 2020

A Guide for Our Steps

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

It is so encouraging to know how to delight the Lord. Just walk in the steps He sets for us!!!

As we go out this week let’s remember to act with courage and do well that we might experience His light and Joy.

“Act with courage, and may the Lord be with those who do well.” 2 Chronicles 19:11

“Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.” Psalm 97:11

“Heavenly Father may our steps be established by you and our acts of goodness strengthened by you so that you might be delighted and that we might enjoy your blessing and joy. In Jesus name amen.”

By Alec Niemi
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Confidence

Published February 25, 2020

Confidence

The dictionary defines confidence as the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; and the state of feeling certain about the truth of something.

We read that, “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. Hebrews 11:1

It is exciting to know that we can rely on God for the ‘something‘ He did in sending ‘someone‘, namely his Son Jesus, and be ‘certain about the truth’ of this to establish our faith in the salvation of His atoning work on the cross.

My prayer for us this week

“Lord God, our faith is in you. Since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And we run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. We consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that we will not grow weary and lose heart. In Jesus name, amen.” Hebrews 12:1-3

by Alec Niemi
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Hope

Published February 9, 2020

Hope

“Hope you had a good week.”

“Hope you have a wonderful time.”

“Hope you make it.”

Hope, hope, hope…

Hope is an interesting word. It can be used as a noun, as a feeling of expectation. It can be used as a verb, in wanting something to happen or to be the case. It is also seen as a virtue, as a belief in a positive outcome in one’s life. For a follower of Christ It is a spiritual gift from God and is used primarily as a noun, that God is our ‘hope‘, rather than a verb, ‘hoping’ that God will give good things and make life happier.

Building our hope on the Rock of Righteousness gives us peace through the storms of life as well as in the good times.

I trust that your ‘hope‘ is Christ.

“Oh Lord our creator and Heavenly Father, thank you that we can find rest for our soul in You alone; our hope comes from You. You alone are our rock and our salvation; you are our fortress, We will not be shaken. Our salvation and our honor depend on You oh God; You, our mighty rock, our refuge. We trust in You at all times; we pour out our hearts to You, for You are our refuge. Amen.” Psalm 62:5-8

Have a great week

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

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The Root of the Problem

Published September 22, 2019

The Root of the Problem

Beautiful meadow lands sprawl along the flowing river. The land is covered with grasses to feed the animals and trees to shade them as they rest. However, tangled canopies of wild blackberry bushes, some over twelve feet high are taking over acres of the meadow lands. Under this canopy is beautiful soil where grasses grew and animals ranged but the land is becoming useless because of the blackberry bushes.

This large canopy of bush is created by a few main roots and long runners that climb all over everything including the shade trees.

Pushing through the blackberry bushes with a front end loader drops the canopy and pulls the runners away exposing the ground beneath it. A few passes with the machine quickly opens a large area of ground that can now grow the grasses that were being smothered out.

Our lives are similar. We let things grow into our lives that can smother us. When we let sin root itself in our lives it produces branches that can take over everything else and makes our Christian walk unproductive. By getting to the root of the problem we can clear out the bad things and get on with the things the Lord would have us do.

“Lord and Heavenly Father please help us prepare our minds for action that we would keep sober in spirit, fixing our hope completely on the grace to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, we will not be conformed to the former lusts which were ours in our ignorance, but like You, the Holy One who called us, will be holy ourselves also in all our behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” In Jesus name amen.” 1 Peter 1:13-16

by Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

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It’s in the Response

Published August 25, 2019

It’s in the Response

Jesus was at Peter’s house when Peter’s mother got a fever. Jesus healed her and her ‘response’ was to get up and serve him.

Later that evening when others who were sick were brought to him he drove out evil spirits from those who were possessed and healed many others who were sick. Their ‘response’ was to bring in more people to see the show.

And he moved on… Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Matthew 8:23-25

He calmly responded in word and action, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26. His ‘response was one of action.

Jesus had been very busy showing the disciples his power and authority and yet they missed it. Their ‘response was fear and worry.

We have been told not to worry but rather give the situation to God… “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:6-7

Notice the sequence of our response? Humility, patience, action.

My prayer for us

“Lord Jesus thank-you for your ‘response’ to all our needs. You give us salvation, you give us eternal life, you give us the way and you give us peace! This week we humble ourselves, give you the storms in our lives that you might rebuke the winds and the waves and give us your calm. Our ‘response’ is to say thank-you, thank-you, thank-you… and let you know that we are waiting, ready and willing to serve you as you lay out the action plan you have for us. In your precious and holy name, amen.” Matthew 8:26

By Alec Niemi
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Struggles

Published August 20, 2019

Struggles

Struggles: Yes we all go through them. Sometimes we know why and probably most often we don’t. James tells us to…

‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,’ James 1:2.

James tells us to consider it all joy when we go through them. But it can be a real struggle.

James continues on in verse three...

‘because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’

Does that means so the at we can struggle better? Verse four gives us the answer.

‘Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.‘

This gives reason for the struggles, that we might grow from the experience. And then in verse twelve we get the results.

‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.’

Be blessed my friend!

“Heavenly Father, whatever happens, we are committed to conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. We will stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose us. We do this as a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that we will be saved—and that by you our God. For it has been granted to us on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him… In Jesus name amen.”

Philippians 1:27-30

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

Philippians 1:27-30 (NIV)

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,^[a] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

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God is Always Near

Published July 14, 2019

God is Always Near

I just can’t get enough of the view of the mountain.

Every morning when I get up it is the first thing I look for. Some days it is hidden in the clouds but this morning it was there. The fog spread across the valley floor but rising above it are the snow-capped peaks of Mount Baker. A reminder that even though I don’t see it all the time it is still there in all its’ splendour.

My prayer for you

“I pray that you are trusting in the Lord, making you like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever because as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds you now and forevermore. I ask the Lord to be good to you, for you are good and upright in heart.” Amen. Psalm 125:1-4

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

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Doing Good

Published June 28, 2019

Doing Good

He was staggering along the side of the road with his thumb out hoping for a ride. My first thought was to drive on by… but instead we stopped and picked him up. Climbing into the car, he slurredly told how he had been on a two week drunk and was now going to go pick up a case of beer to help him sober up. He informed us that he was an alcoholic and he needed to figure out how to get over it. He thought that maybe Miracle Valley, the local rehab center, could help. When I said that God was the only real help he asked, “Are you one of them?”

When I informed him that I was the new Pastor he told us he had thought several times during the last couple of weeks of coming over to the church to see if there was anyone to talk to. I gave him my phone number and told him to call anytime and I would visit him. After inviting him to Sunday service we dropped him off at the local store.

The service had just started and in walked the man I had given the ride to. “Welcome,” I said and shared how we had met as I introduced him to the congregation. Later in the service he spoke up and thanked everyone for the welcome saying he had never received such a warm welcome in his life.

After the service a man walked up to him and asked,

“Do you remember me? I pulled you out of the water a few years ago, saving your life.”

He looked at the man for a moment, and as the memories returned his face lit up. He turned to me and excitedly told me that this man had saved his life.

“Come on down stairs and join us for lunch and you can tell us the story.” the man told him.

Our new friend joined us for lunch and discovered there were several more people from the community that he had seen or met before.

Before he left, he promised to attend our Wednesday night Bible study.

My prayer for you

“I pray that your love is sincere and that you hate what is evil; clinging to what is good. That you are devoted to others in brotherly love and honoring others above yourself. Not lacking in zeal, keeping your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. That you are joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, sharing with God’s people who are in need and practicing hospitality. Amen.” Romans 12:9-13

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

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Strength for the Task at Hand

Published June 22, 2019

Strength for the Task at Hand

“David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.” 1 Chronicles 28:20

I’m trusting that the weight of the tasks before you this week are not too burdensome. I have been encouraged by David’s charge to Solomon and it is my prayer that you are too.

Jeremiah reminds us,

“...This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD’S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:21-24

And the Psalmist says,

“…put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” Psalm 130:7

Remember:

“We can do everything through him who gives us strength.” Philippians 4:13

My prayer for us this week

“Thank-you our Creator God for giving us the courage and stamina to accomplish the tasks you set before us each day. We put our hope in you, giving thanks for your unfailing love. In Jesus name amen.”

by Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

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Power, Love and Self Discipline

Published June 18, 2019

Power, Love and Self Discipline

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God… For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…” 2 Timothy 1:6-8

How quickly we can get that run down feeling when continually being faced by those we tend not to like.

But we don’t have to like ‘em, we just have to love ‘em. That love has to come from God because in our own strength we may not have the power or self-discipline to do it.

“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” Philippians 4:13 (The Message)

My prayer for us this week

“Lord please help us keep the flame of power, love and self-discipline fanned that we might not be ashamed of the testimony about you. In Jesus name amen.”

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

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“Give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve done such a great job!”

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“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

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“Hope you had a good week.”

“Hope you have a wonderful time.”

“Hope you make it.”

Hope, hope, hope…

Building our hope on the Rock of Righteousness gives us peace through the storms of life as well as in the good times.

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‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,’ James 1:2.

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I just can’t get enough of the view of the mountain.

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“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God… For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…” 2 Timothy 1:6-8

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