Strength and Song Isa. 12:2 #Nightlight #RTTBROS

The David Dilemma #Nightlight #RTTBROS "Trusting God's Call: The David Dilemma"Bible Verse: "And David said, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee." (1 Samuel 17:37, KJV)Devotion: In this powerful verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we witness a remarkable exchange between David and Saul, as David prepares to face Goliath. David's faith in God is on full display here, as he exhibits two key components of trusting in the Lord: action and belief.David's first display of faith comes from his willingness to act on his experiences. He has seen God deliver him from dangerous situations before, and he trusts that God will do so again. By agreeing to face Goliath, David is demonstrating a faith that is grounded in action and reliance on his God-given abilities.Secondly, David's belief in God's power is unwavering. He declares that the battle belongs to the Lord, showing that he trusts not only in his own skills but also in God's ultimate authority over the situation. David's faith is a beautiful example of how we can both take action and trust in God's power simultaneously.So, as we face our own "Goliaths" in life, let us remember the David Dilemma: to act with courage, using the gifts God has given us, while also placing our ultimate trust in His mighty hand.#DavidDilemma #TrustInAction #FaithOverFear Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

limitation Denying Faith #RTTBROS #NightlightFaith That Defies Limitations #Nightlight #RTTBROS Faith That Defies Limitations"Then said Jonathan, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few." - 1 Samuel 14:6 (KJV)Jonathan found himself in a seemingly impossible situation. The Philistines had established a formidable garrison, and the Israelite forces were vastly outnumbered and poorly equipped. King Saul, Jonathan's father, was hesitant and uncertain. But Jonathan saw beyond the physical limitations to the unlimited power of God."There is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few." These words reveal the heart of true faith—a recognition that God's ability to work is not constrained by human limitations. Jonathan understood that victory doesn't depend on the size of the army but on the size of our God.How often do we find ourselves looking at obstacles rather than opportunities? We count our resources, measure our abilities, and conclude that certain challenges are simply beyond us. We forget that the God we serve specializes in doing the impossible through those willing to step out in faith.Jonathan didn't say, "The LORD will definitely work for us." He said, "It may be that the LORD will work for us." This wasn't doubt but humble dependence. Jonathan recognized God's sovereignty while still being willing to act. His faith wasn't presumption; it was courageous obedience with an open hand.The results were remarkable. With just his armor-bearer by his side, Jonathan launched an attack that triggered a chain reaction, resulting in a great victory for Israel. What appeared to be a foolish risk became a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness.Where in your life do you need to declare, "There is no restraint to the LORD"? What impossible situation are you facing that requires Jonathan-like faith? Remember, God is not limited by your limitations. He delights in showing His strength through our weakness.Let us be people who, like Jonathan, are willing to step out in faith, recognizing that our God is not constrained by numbers, resources, or human impossibilities. May we have the courage to say, "Come, and let us go," trusting not in our own strength but in the unlimited power of our God.#FaithOverFear #NoRestraintToGod #VictoryInJesus Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Trusting His Heart #RTTBROS #Nightlight Trusting His Heart #RTTBROS #Nightlight Trusting His Heart: How Understanding God's Love Deepens Our Faith"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8 (KJV)Have you ever found yourself questioning God's presence in difficult circumstances? I was doing a devotion with my family yesterday, and as I went through verses about who we are in Christ, the Holy Spirit showed me something profound: our ability to have genuine faith is directly connected to our understanding of God's love. When life's challenges arise—whether illness, financial hardship, or relationship struggles—our trust often wavers, not because God has abandoned us, but because we struggle to believe He truly has our best interests at heart.The depth of God's love extends far beyond our human comprehension. In the Old Testament, the concept of "loving kindness" reveals God's consistent care for His people, even when they strayed. Similarly, the New Testament's "agape" love demonstrates a profound commitment—what I'd define simply as God looking out for our best interest. This divine love was perfectly displayed when Christ willingly suffered on the cross, not because we deserved it, but because God saw something worth redeeming in us.Our faith journey often resembles the Israelites' pattern in Scripture. When they turned from God, He allowed discipline in their lives but always sent prophets to guide them back. When they cried out from bondage, He responded with grace and deliverance. This cycle repeatedly demonstrates that even when circumstances seem bleak, God remains faithful. As I meditate on these biblical accounts, I begin to recognize this same pattern of faithfulness in my own life.The world frequently questions how a loving God could permit suffering. This challenging question has no simple answer, but as believers, we can rest in the truth that God does not author evil. Rather, as Romans 8:28 assures us, He works all things—even painful experiences—together for good. I'm reminded of Corrie ten Boom, who discovered God's love even in a concentration camp. She learned that God's love extends even to places as horrible as that. We too can witness His presence in our darkest moments when we maintain faith in His character and promises.My ability to trust God grows stronger as I experience His faithfulness firsthand. Each time I witness Him working through difficult circumstances—providing unexpected resources, opening doors, or bringing comfort in grief—my confidence in His love deepens. When I read Scripture and observe how God consistently demonstrated care for His people, I develop the assurance that He is equally devoted to me today, regardless of external evidence.For many of us, including myself at times, faith struggles stem from uncertainty about God's intentions. We question whether He truly wants what's best for us when our prayers seem unanswered or our circumstances remain unchanged. I've known different people, and I've been there in my own life, struggling with faith because I did not trust that God truly was working things to my best interest. Yet Scripture consistently reveals that God's definition of "best" often differs from our own. His perspective encompasses eternity, while ours remains limited to the present.Today, I encourage you to take time to meditate specifically on God's love. Beyond the familiar John 3:16, explore passages that speak of being "rooted and grounded in love" and knowing Christ's love that "passeth knowledge." As you reflect on these truths, allow them to transform your faith. Remember that we did nothing to recommend ourselves to God; He chose to love us because of who He is, not because of anything within ourselves. As I heard a preacher say yesterday on the radio, we certainly did nothing to recommend us to God for him to love us..#FaithFoundedInLove #GodsPlanInPain #VictoriousThroughTrust

Rest In Prayer #Nightlight #RTTBROS Peace Beyond Understanding: Finding Rest in Prayer"And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad." - 1 Samuel 1:18 (KJV)Have you ever carried your burdens visibly on your face? In 1 Samuel, Hannah's countenance reflected her deep sorrow. Yet after prayer, something remarkable happened: "her countenance was no more sad."Hannah teaches us powerful lessons about prayer. Though still childless when she left the temple, her heart and face were transformed.The Power of Honest PrayerPrayer isn't just requests; it's sharing our hearts with God. When we bring our true feelings to Him—our disappointments and deepest longings—something shifts within us. We may face the same circumstances, but with a renewed heart.Faith Before FulfillmentHannah believed God heard her before seeing evidence. Faith isn't waiting for results; it's believing God has already set things in motion when nothing seems changed.Moving Forward While WaitingHannah "went her way, and did eat." She returned to normal activities with a renewed spirit. Sometimes our strongest testimony is simply handling daily responsibilities with joy while waiting.God's Concern for Our EmotionsScripture specifically mentions Hannah's countenance because God cares about our emotional state, not just physical needs. He wants us to experience peace even amid unfulfilled desires.Prayer:Heavenly Father, like Hannah, I bring my deepest desires before You. Help me rise from prayer with a changed countenance, regardless of my circumstances. Grant me faith to walk forward without worry and sorrow. May others see transformation in my life through Your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.#PrayerChangesEverything #FaithOverFeelings #CountenanceOfJoyBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Freedom In The Spirit #rttbros #nightlight

Leading In The Dark #Nightlight #RTTBROS Leadership in the Darkness: The Stockdale Legacy"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." - Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)When Admiral James Stockdale was held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for seven years, he became the senior ranking officer among the prisoners. Despite brutal torture and isolation, he established an elaborate communication system using tap codes, allowing prisoners to encourage one another. His leadership was so profound that when soldiers were thrown into isolation, they would ask themselves, "What would Stockdale do in this situation?" Years later, when these men were freed, many attributed their survival to Stockdale's influence—a man they sometimes couldn't even see but whose character transcended the prison walls.The prisoners couldn't see Stockdale in their darkest moments. They couldn't hear his voice or feel his presence. And yet, his example gave them strength when their own was depleted.Timothy Keller captured this truth perfectly when he said, "True leadership has little to do with position and everything to do with disposition. It's not about the power you wield but the example you set when the cost of doing right is high."Like Stockdale, we can influence others even when separated by walls of circumstance. Your unseen faithfulness may become the lifeline someone else needs to survive their own prison. Your quiet integrity might be the answer to someone asking, "What would a follower of Christ do?"Prayer: Lord, help me lead through character when no one is watching. May my example transcend the walls that separate me from others, becoming strength for those I may never meet. Amen.#InvisibleInfluence #PrisonToPromise #LeadershipLegacyBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Prayer Shield #MorningGlory #RTTBROS My Family's Prayer Shield: Standing in the Gap"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." - James 5:16b (KJV)I've discovered a missing piece in my role as husband and father. God has been stirring me to rise early before work, using those quiet moments to cover my wife and children in prayer. Reading Stormie Omartian's "The Power of a Praying Husband" convicted me deeply - I had neglected this vital aspect of spiritual leadership in my home.Each morning as I pray over my sleeping family, I feel God's presence strengthening me for the day ahead. I'm learning that my role isn't just provider and protector in the physical sense, but intercessor in the spiritual realm. These dawn prayers have become my first act of love each day.I've noticed subtle changes already. There's a different atmosphere in our home - more peace, more patience. I find myself more attuned to my wife's needs and more sensitive to my children's hearts. My own anxieties about their futures have diminished as I entrust them daily to the Lord's care.Job rose early to offer sacrifices for his children (Job 1:5), and I now understand the power of this spiritual discipline. My prayers create an invisible covering that follows my family throughout their day - a shield of faith against whatever challenges they may face.This commitment to consistent prayer isn't always easy. Some mornings are harder than others. But I'm determined to maintain this practice, knowing that my family deserves my best spiritual leadership.I'm no longer content to delegate the spiritual atmosphere of our home to chance. Through prayer, I'm actively participating in God's protective work in our lives. This may be the most important work I do each day.#PrayerWarrior #SpiritualLeadership #FamilyFaith

The Nevers #Nightlight #RTTBROS The "Nevers" of Life: Finding Faith Beyond Fear"For with God nothing shall be impossible." - Luke 1:37 (KJV)When the "nevers" of life bombard our hearts and minds, it's easy to surrender to despair. "I'll never find a job." "This will never get better." "I'll never have the child I long for." These statements aren't just expressions of doubt—they're declarations of defeat that can suffocate our faith.But the Bible reminds us that God specializes in demolishing our "nevers." When Mary questioned how she, a virgin, could possibly bear a child, the angel responded with one of Scripture's most powerful promises: "For with God nothing shall be impossible." This wasn't just encouragement for Mary—it's a timeless truth for every believer facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.Our human reasoning often tells us to abandon hope when prayers remain unanswered. The minutes turn to hours, hours to days, and days to years. We begin to drive nails into the coffin of our dearest longings. Yet it's precisely in these moments of waiting that our faith is refined and strengthened.God's timing rarely aligns with our expectations, but His promises never fail. When we're tempted to believe the lies that whisper "never," we must instead cling to the God who declares "I will.""God's plan for your life is bigger than your disappointments, greater than your dreams, and beyond your wildest imagination." - Adrian Rogers#FaithOverFear #WaitingOnGod #NeverSayNever Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

The Battlefield #Nightlight #RTTBROS The Battlefield of Prayer: Unleashing God's Power in Your Life"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" — Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)There's a profound truth that God often brings into our lives people with complementary personalities and gifts. My brother Norman and I exemplify this divine design. While I'm an extrovert and quick thinker, he's an introvert and deep thinker. I tend to fly by the seat of my pants, while he carefully plans ahead. This complementary relationship isn't accidental—it's God's way of making us more complete together than we could ever be apart.This principle extends beyond our podcast partnership. We see it in marriage, business relationships, team sports, and throughout the Church. God strategically places different personalities together so that in our weakness, another's strength can shine. Together, we become a more complete reflection of Christ's body.Norman has been digging deep into the concept of prayer, developing tools and practices to help believers pray more effectively. For me, prayer has always been my weakest area. Study comes easily—it's invigorating and engaging. But prayer? Prayer is hard work. It demands discipline and persistence.This morning, God awakened me thirty minutes before my usual time. I felt His gentle nudge to walk through my home, stopping to pray at each of my children's doors, and then over my wife as she slept. Afterward, I spent time in prayer for myself, addressing the weak areas of my life where I desperately need God's strength to be manifested.Currently, I'm navigating circumstances that leave me feeling somewhat helpless—situations where I cannot change what others think or do. Yet I have one tremendous advantage: I serve a God who holds both my best interests and the interests of the other person in His loving hands. He can work actively in ways beyond anything I could hope or imagine.Consider this: if we have access to this prayer power, and Satan is actively trying to prevent us from praying by making it difficult, perhaps that's precisely the arena where we need to focus our energy. It's striking that immediately after Paul describes the armor of God for believers in Ephesians 6, he transitions directly to prayer. This suggests that prayer is the battlefield where spiritual victories are won.Sometimes we achieve physical victories in our lives, but they prove temporary because the spiritual victory hasn't yet been secured through prayer. Perhaps prayer is difficult precisely because God receives the glory when victory comes through prayer, whereas we take credit when we accomplish something in our own strength."God help us!" indeed.What might change in your life if you became a person of prayer and God began to manifest the miraculous in your situation? What about your marriage? How would your relationship with your children transform? What about your business or job? What about your roles and goals in church? What if you committed to praying for leaders around you, whether in your community or church?In other words, what might God do if His power was unleashed in our situations through a more effective prayer life?As E.M. Bounds once wrote, "Prayer is not preparation for the battle; prayer is the battle." And Charles Spurgeon observed, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work."The armor of God are all defensive and offensive weapons. But prayer activates them all. Prayer is where we stand in God's strength against the enemy's schemes.Today, I challenge you to consider where your prayer life stands. Have you relegated it to a mere ritual, or is it the beating heart of your spiritual warfare? When was the last time you allowed God to awaken you early, to lead you into intercession for those closest to you?#PowerOfPrayer #SpiritualWarfare #VictoryInChrist

Peek-A-Boo #Nightlight #RTTBROS  Veiled but Present: Finding God in Seasons of SilenceScripture teaches us that our journey with God includes both moments of clear communion and seasons where His presence seems hidden. Like infants who must learn that objects continue to exist even when out of sight, we too develop spiritual maturity by trusting in God's unchanging nature even when He feels distant.The Lesson of Object PermanenceJust as a child gradually discovers that a parent hiding behind their hands during "peek-a-boo" hasn't vanished, believers must cultivate the spiritual understanding that God remains constant regardless of our ability to perceive Him. In Hebrews 13:5, the Lord promises, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This divine commitment transcends our fluctuating emotions or circumstances.The Silent TeacherConsider Job, who cried out, "Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!" (Job 23:3). Throughout his trials, God's apparent absence wasn't abandonment but rather a profound teaching moment. Like a teacher who remains silent during an examination, God's temporary withdrawal often serves to strengthen our faith and reveal our true character. Finding Peace in His PermanenceIsaiah 45:15 acknowledges this divine pattern: "Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour." Even in His concealment, God remains our Saviour, working purposefully through seasons of silence. These times invite us to develop a deeper, more mature faith—one that rests not on feelings or immediate answers but on the bedrock truth of God's unchanging character.When we cannot see God's face, we must remember that He hasn't disappeared—He is cultivating in us the spiritual maturity to trust His permanent presence even when it feels veiled. Like the Psalmist, we can declare, "When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek" (Psalm 27:8).In your own seasons of divine silence, remember that God is not absent—He is teaching you the profound spiritual lesson of His permanence, preparing you for deeper relationship and greater purpose.Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros