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Anchor

User-friendly devotionals with audio

  • 13 Oct

    He’s Always There

    By Maria Fontaine

    Audio length: 14:23
    Download Audio (13.1MB)

    I find great comfort and inspiration in a beautiful poem by Annie Johnson Flint written in 1919 titled “What God Hath Promised.” Before reading the poem, I thought it would be helpful to reflect a bit on her life story.

    Early in Annie’s life, arthritis began to show itself. She saw several doctors, but it steadily grew worse until it became difficult for her to walk at all. She was obliged to give up her work as a teacher.

    Picture, if you can, the hopelessness of Annie’s position when later she finally received the verdict of the doctors of the Clifton Springs Sanitarium that henceforth she would be a helpless invalid.

    Although crippled, she did not consider herself helpless and that she could do nothing but bemoan her lot. She believed that God had laid her aside for a purpose, even though that purpose was obscure to her at times. She also believed that He had work for her to do, and she put her very best into the writing of her poems, rendering this ministry unto Him.

    The result has been that her verses have an unusually deep appeal to human hearts. Out of the crucible of suffering, she was able to administer that comfort to others wherewith she herself had been comforted of God.

    For more than 40 years there was scarcely a day when she did not suffer pain. For 37 years she became increasingly helpless. Her joints had become rigid, although she was able to turn her head, and in great pain write a few lines on paper.

    No one but God and she knew what suffering she endured as the disease became worse with the passing of years and new complications developed. But through it all, her faith in the goodness and mercy of God never wavered. There were many times, no doubt, when her soul would be burdened with the mystery of it all and why she was called to endure such suffering. In that respect she was human like the rest of us, but the marvelous thing is that her faith never faltered, and that she was at all times able to say, “Thy will be done.”—Rowland V. Bingham1

    What God Hath Promised

    God hath not promised skies always blue,
    Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
    God hath not promised sun without rain,
    Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

    God hath not promised we shall not know
    Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
    He hath not told us we shall not bear
    many a burden, many a care.

    God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
    Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
    Never a mountain rocky and steep,
    Never a river turbid and deep.

    But God hath promised strength for the day,
    Rest for the labor, light for the way,
    Grace for the trials, help from above,
    Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

    We know that God has promised to keep us and there is nothing too hard for Him.

    Jesus doesn’t necessarily take all our troubles away. Instead, in His love, He always sees the beauty to be brought from the ashes, the wisdom to be brought from the failure, the strength to be gained from the weakness, and the joy that the sorrows of the night seasons will bring in the morning.

    He walks through our troubles and struggles with us, helping us to gain the good things that His power and love can bring out of even the worst hardships and suffering. He said, “With men, it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).

    His promises come to life in hard times. In times of struggle or suffering or grief, His promises become more clearly the foundation of our prayers.

    Something that stands out to me throughout the Bible is the importance of giving thanks. Jesus can bring the greatest good from any situation for His children. Praise is the voice of faith, and when we express our faith by praising and thanking Him, it expresses our trust in Him that we will receive the answer to our prayers that He knows is best.

    I’d like to share a few of the verses on God’s power in times of trouble that Peter and I often claim in our prayer times.

    * * *

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:6–7

    Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.—Psalm 55:22

    “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”—Jeremiah 29:11

    “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”—Hebrews 13:5

    “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”—Isaiah 65:24

    You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.—Isaiah 26:3

    “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”—Isaiah 41:10

    The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.—1 John 4:4

    For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:38–39

    This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.—1 John 5:14–15

    Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.—Hebrews 4:16

    Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.—1 Peter 5:7

    Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.—Joshua 1:9

    “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.—Isaiah 54:10

    Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.—Psalm 119:165

    “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”—Isaiah 43:2

    Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.—Jeremiah 32:17

    “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”—Jeremiah 32:27

    For nothing will be impossible with God.—Luke 1:37

    Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”—Mark 10:27

    I can do all things through him who strengthens me.—Philippians 4:13

    And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:19

    God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?—Numbers 23:19

    And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.—Romans 8:28

    “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33

    “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”—John 16:24

    In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.—Romans 8:37

    You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.—Hebrews 10:36

    The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.—Exodus 14:14

    The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.—2 Thessalonians 3:3

    Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16

    “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.—2 Kings 6:16–17

    “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”—Luke 22:42

    Originally published October 2022. Republished on Anchor October 2025. Read by Debra Lee. Music by Michael Fogarty.

    1 Rowland V. Bingham, “Annie’s Story,” Bible Memory Association International,  http://www.homemakerscorner.com/ajf-annie.htm.

  • Oct 10 Do You See Eternity?
  • Oct 8 Reflections on Friendship
  • Oct 6 Empowered by His Grace
  • Oct 3 Trust God in the Storm of Chaos
  • Sep 30 Citizenship in Heaven
  • Sep 25 The Presence of Peace in Our Lives
  • Sep 23 Kindness in Action
  • Sep 18 The Effects of Christianity: The Value of Human Life
  • Sep 17 Go Time
   

Directors’ Corner

Faith-building Bible studies and articles

  • 14 Oct

    1 Corinthians: Chapter 14 (verses 1–25)

    At the end of chapter 13, Paul wrote that “now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). In chapter 14, he goes on to emphasize the importance of love in the use of spiritual gifts in united worship.

    Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1).

    In encouraging the Corinthians to pursue love, Paul makes the point that love is of first importance, and believers should prioritize it. Love is the foundation that should guide all that we do and what we aspire to. We are called to make love our guiding principle in all our actions and interactions. Love is not referring simply to an emotion—it is a choice and a commitment to act in alignment with God’s will.

    Paul links the pursuit of love with earnestly desiring the spiritual gifts. Previously in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul taught that all spiritual gifts are given by the Spirit, and they are given for the purpose of serving others in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7–10). In this chapter, he encourages the Corinthians to exercise the gifts of the Spirit in their united worship—in particular, prophecy—for the edification of others and the building up of the church.

    For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2).

    One who speaks in tongues speaks unintelligible words that others cannot comprehend without someone who can interpret what is spoken. Because of this, those who speak in tongues do not speak to others but rather to God, and the mysteries they utter cannot be understood by others.

    On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation (1 Corinthians 14:3).

    While speaking in tongues in prayer is a proper and good practice, in this passage Paul was focused on spiritual gifts for the edification of others. In this context, he promoted prophecy as a means for the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort of the believers. Prophecy in the early church was similar to preaching in churches today. As one Bible scholar put it,

    Prophecy in the early church resembled contemporary preaching in many ways. It was a message from God to his people, delivered in the language of the people. Prophecy benefited people in countless ways and was used in the service of love.1

    The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church (1 Corinthians 14:4).

    Paul continues his comparison by pointing out that when a person speaks in tongues, it only builds up or edifies himself, as it is a form of personal communion with God. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this, and as Paul suggests later in this chapter, there is a place for speaking in tongues for self-edification. However, in public worship, the gifts of the Spirit are to be exercised for the building up of the church. Such corporate edification takes place only when what is spoken can be understood by the congregation.

    Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up (1 Corinthians 14:5).

    While Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians to exercise the gift of speaking in tongues, he would rather that they prophesy, unless someone interprets the message spoken in tongues so that the church can benefit.

    Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? (1 Corinthians 14:6–8)

    Paul used the term “brothers” here (or “brothers and sisters” in other translations) to soften his words and to help the Corinthians to avoid becoming defensive. He began by presenting a hypothetical scenario of a visit he might make to see them, stating that such a visit would not benefit the Corinthian believers unless he brought some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching. The only benefit from a visit from Paul would be the teaching he would impart to them.

    Second, Paul uses an example from music as an illustration. It is not possible to discern a tune being played on a flute or harp unless there is a distinguishable series of notes. Third, he referred to a bugle used as a call to battle, noting that the signal will not be understood unless the bugle gives forth a clear call; otherwise, it will have failed its purpose. Paul uses these illustrations to point out that tongues without interpretation do not reveal anything, communicate knowledge, or provide instruction. Rather, they are like an instrument which is out of tune, making sounds that benefit no one.

    So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air (1 Corinthians 14:9).

    Paul concluded that one needs to communicate clearly for the edification and upbuilding of others, which he directly applied to the Corinthian situation. The implication is that the Corinthians practiced speaking in unintelligible tongues, which ultimately was nothing more than speaking into the air.2

    There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me (1 Corinthians 14:10–11).

    Paul emphasized that while there are all sorts of different languages in the world, their purpose is to communicate with others. If someone doesn’t understand what is being said—if they don’t speak the same language—then the listener and the speaker are like foreigners. Their attempts to communicate with one another will fail and will ultimately benefit no one.

    So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12).

    Paul approved of the Corinthians’ desire to pursue the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. However, he issued a call to them to strive to excel in the ones that edify and build up the church.

    Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:13–14).

    Having pointed out the limitations of tongues, Paul noted that when someone prayed in tongues, their prayers involved only their spirit, and not their mind. Therefore, it would be more beneficial if the person also prayed to interpret the tongues so he would understand and benefit from the message.

    Paul concludes that tongues without interpretation cannot be understood by anyone, including the one who is giving the message. If Paul didn’t understand what he said when praying in tongues, how could anyone who heard him understand and benefit from it?

    What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also (1 Corinthians 14:15).

    Due to the limitations of praying in tongues, Paul determined to pray, sing, and praise with both his spirit and his mind. While singing and praying in tongues was appropriate in private prayer and worship, this was not the case in public worship.

    Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up (1 Corinthians 14:16–17).

    Paul emphasized the importance of clear communication during worship, and makes the point that if someone speaks in tongues without interpretation, those who do not understand the language cannot join the prayer.

    I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue (1 Corinthians 14:18–19).

    While Paul personally experienced the blessings of this gift in his private worship, in public he would rather speak five words that could be understood by those listening than thousands of words in tongues. His focus was on words that served to teach and instruct others, thereby honoring God.

    Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature (1 Corinthians 14:20).

    Once again, Paul refers to the Corinthians as brothers, which likely expresses the intensity of his appeal to them. By chiding them to not behave like children in their thinking, Paul implies that the Corinthians’ focus on speaking in tongues revealed their spiritual immaturity.

    At times, Scripture commends childlike attitudes in believers, such as when Jesus highlighted the trust of a child as an example of faith (Mark 10:15). Here, however, Paul states that believers should be as innocent as infants in regard to evil; in other words, believers should be inexperienced in and separate from evil. Of course, Christians are not to be naïve about evil, as Jesus told the disciples to “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). But Paul insisted that believers should be mature in their thinking in regard to Christian doctrine and practice.

    In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers (1 Corinthians 14:21–22).

    Paul paraphrased Isaiah 28:11–12 to highlight the Corinthians’ need to think correctly about tongues. In this passage, Isaiah warned northern Israel that God would exile them to a place where He would use unknown languages and foreigners to speak to His people. However, despite this punishment, they still would not listen to the Lord.

    If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? (1 Corinthians 14:23)

    After making the argument that uninterpreted tongues in united worship is unprofitable for the congregation, Paul moves on to highlight how it can hinder evangelism by alienating non-believers. He presents a hypothetical scenario in which outsiders and unbelievers attend a public gathering at which the whole church is speaking in tongues. Someone who had no knowledge of Christianity would think they were out of their minds and could end up walking away without hearing the gospel message.

    But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you (1 Corinthians 14:24–25).

    Paul contrasts the previous scenario with one of a non-believer entering into a worship service where messages are being given in prophecy in intelligible words that the outsider can understand. The effect would be quite different, as the visitor would be convicted by the message, and God would speak to the person through it. The visitor would discover him- or herself to be a sinner, and would worship God and recognize His presence in the congregation.

    In the words of one Bible commentator,

    These new converts would be so astonished at the word of God proclaimed in the Christian assembly that they would proclaim, “God is really among you.” … The conversion of the lost is part of the purpose for Christian gatherings.3

    (To be continued.)

    1 Richard L. Pratt, Holman New Testament Commentary—1 & 2 Corinthians. Vol. 7 (B&H Publishing Group, 2000), 244.

    2 Leon Morris, 1 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 7, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (InterVarsity Press, 1985), 767.

    3 Pratt, Holman New Testament Commentary—1 & 2 Corinthians.

     

  • Sep 30 The Life of Discipleship, Part 4: Relationship with God
  • Sep 16 The Life of Discipleship, Part 3: Abiding in Christ
  • Sep 2 1 Corinthians: Chapter 13 (verses 1–13)
  • Aug 12 The Life of Discipleship, Part 2: Loving God with Our Whole Being
  • Jul 29 1 Corinthians: Chapter 12 (verses 12–30)
  • Jul 15 The Life of Discipleship: An Introduction
  • Jul 1 1 Corinthians: Chapter 12 (verses 1–11)
  • Jun 17 1 Corinthians: Chapter 11 (verses 17–34)
  • May 20 1 Corinthians: Chapter 11 (verses 2–16)
   

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