Daily InsPirational MOments with Rev. Dr. Precious Prothro

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Our Peace Is Found in God

We had a wonderful time at VBS last night. Our night one theme was “God, Our Peace.” During our discussion, we shared the areas where we need God’s peace in this season of our lives.

We often say, “Everyone is going through something,” but last night reminded us just how true that is. Some needed peace while waiting for healing. Others needed peace for difficult decisions, job concerns, family situations, or mental and emotional struggles. Different circumstances, but the same need, and that is that we all need God’s peace.

One way we experience that peace is by trusting God. When we stand firm in our faith, believing in the care of our Shepherd, we can experience a peace the world cannot fully understand.

Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

What a powerful promise, and what a difficult command. To face worry, uncertainty, or fear, yet place it into God’s hands and rest in His peace, is not always easy. We desire to do it. Sometimes we do it well, and other times we find ourselves taking our burdens back. That is part of being human.

The good news is that God remains faithful even when our faith wavers. As we continue reminding ourselves and one another that God is the true source of our peace, we learn to rest a little easier. We can do what is within our power to pursue peace and keep peace with others, but lasting peace is found only in Him.

Whatever you are facing today, may your heart be reminded that God’s peace is not the absence of problems; it is the presence of the Shepherd walking with you through them.

Lord, thank You for being our peace. When our hearts are anxious and our minds are overwhelmed, help us to trust You more completely. Teach us to rest in Your word, knowing You are with us through every season. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Good Shepherd Leads Us

Freshly cut grass looks so beautiful. Some pastures seem so inviting—perfect for a picnic, a quiet conversation, a yoga class, or simply sitting in the sunshine. People use grassy areas for all sorts of reasons.

The problem for me is that I am allergic to grass. So, I often admire it from a distance, but if I have to be in it, I make sure I’m prepared.

As I read Psalm 23 this morning, that came to mind. Verse 2 says, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” and that really hit home. 

Life moves quickly. Responsibilities, distractions, worries, and endless to-do lists can crowd out the stillness our souls desperately need. Yet our Good Shepherd knows exactly what we need, even when we don’t recognize it ourselves.

David understood that. He experienced danger, hardship, temptation, and uncertainty, yet he confidently declared that the Lord was his Shepherd. He knew God was not only able to provide but also able to lead him to places of rest, peace, and restoration.

The Shepherd leads His sheep to green pastures because that is where they are nourished. Likewise, God leads us to places where our souls can be refreshed. 

Sometimes we resist slowing down. Sometimes we are so focused on the chaos around us that we overlook the peace God is providing. But our Shepherd knows where true rest is found. 

The Shepherd doesn’t always remove us from the valley before He gives us rest. 

Sometimes His peace comes before our circumstances change. Sometimes He restores our souls while we are still walking through difficult seasons.

The world may offer temporary escapes, but the Shepherd offers lasting rest. Green pastures are more than beautiful places; they are reminders that our souls were created to rest in Him.

Today, remember this: We are not alone. We are not without. The Lord is our Shepherd, and because He is good, He faithfully provides what we need and lovingly leads us where our souls can find rest.

Lord, thank You for being our Good Shepherd. Lead us to the places where our souls can find true rest. Help us trust Your guidance, receive Your provision, and find peace in Your presence, even when life feels chaotic. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Pass Me Not

Throughout the night and into this morning, this hymn has been in my spirit: “Pass me not, O gentle Savior, hear my humble cry; while on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by. Savior, Savior…”

What a prayer!

Each day we wake up is a blessing, but each day also brings new trials. There are so many of us calling on the Lord for different reasons—some for healing, some for strength, some for wisdom, some simply for peace.

Our God is so great that He hears every sincere prayer. He may not answer in the way we expect or according to our timeline, but He answers according to His perfect will.

Isaiah 59:1 reminds us that God’s ear is not too dull to hear us, nor is His hand too short to save us. He is attentive to His children.

So today, pray with confidence. You do not have to wonder whether God hears your request. Jesus reminds us that our Father knows what we have need of before we even ask. Prayer is not informing God; it is trusting God.

So lift your hands, open your heart, and be ready to receive whatever God chooses to do. His answer may be “yes,” “wait,” or “I have something better,” but you can rest in knowing that He has not overlooked you.

He has not forgotten you. He will NOT pass you by. 

Lord, thank You for hearing every prayer we pray. Strengthen our faith to trust Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your will. Keep our hearts open to receive what You have for us today. Our arms and hearts are open to receive whatever Your will is for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What Are We Really Hungry For?

I have been told that we are supposed to eat for nutrients, energy, and to keep our bodies functioning properly. Many of us, however, eat to be filled, choosing foods that bring us comfort or simply taste good. I don’t think that is necessarily wrong. But if it is not handled properly, we can develop an unhealthy relationship with food.

That has been one of my areas of focus on this health and weightloss journey. I am learning to pay attention to my body’s signals and to stop eating when I am full instead of continuing to eat just because the food tastes good.

I thought about that yesterday when our pastor mentioned Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

He told us that the focus is not on being filled because God’s word already promised that. The focus should be that we never lose our hunger and thirst for righteousness. As we continue seeking Him, one scripture, one prayer, one act of mercy, one act of humility at a time, God faithfully fills us. And the more He fills us, the more we will desire Him.

So today, let us focus less on the filling and more on the pursuit. Let us cultivate a heart that longs to know God more, to become more like Christ, and to walk in righteousness each day.

As we keep seeking Him, we can trust His promise. He will satisfy our souls while continuing the good work He has begun in us.

As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

May we never lose our hunger for the One who alone can truly satisfy.

Heavenly Father, thank You for satisfying every spiritual need. Help us never lose our hunger and thirst for Your righteousness. Draw us closer to You each day, and let our desire to know You grow as You continue Your work within us. May our lives reflect Your goodness and bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Word Still Stands

I do not like seeing books on the floor. Something about that feels wrong to me. Maybe it is because of my love for words and reading. Maybe it was something I was taught growing up. Whatever the reason, I have always believed books, especially the Bible, should be handled with care.

Of course, I know our treatment of the physical Bible is not the measure of our relationship with God. A Bible can sit perfectly preserved on a shelf and never be opened. What matters most is whether God’s Word is written on our hearts and lived out in our daily lives.

The Bible was written by human authors who were inspired by God, but its message is far more than human words. While it was written in particular times, cultures, and circumstances, its truth and authority are not confined to those moments. God’s truth has never depended on changing opinions or cultural trends.

Whether there are passages we struggle to understand, passages we wrestle with because of culture and historical context, or passages we wish were easier to accept, God’s Word still calls us to righteousness and holiness. God’s truth has not changed simply because the world has.

Isaiah 40:8 reminds us, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

We live in a world where promises are broken, opinions change, and truth often feels negotiable. Yet God’s Word remains trustworthy. It does not shift with culture or circumstances because God’s character does not change.

II Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” That means Scripture was never intended only to encourage us. It was also given to teach us, correct us, shape us, and train us to become more like Christ.

As my pastor often says, “the Word of God is designed to be lived.”

May we be people who do more than admire the Bible. May we read it, believe it, obey it, and allow it to transform us day by day.

Lord, thank You for Your unchanging Word. Help us to receive it with humble hearts, to trust it even when it challenges us, and to live it with faith and obedience. May our lives reflect Your truth and bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

You Don’t Fight Alone

I don’t remember being afraid of fighting when I was younger. During my grade school years, I had family, both blood relatives and my community, who I knew would come to my rescue if I needed them. I felt the same way in high school, even though the reasons for and frequency of fights had changed. In both seasons, I knew I wasn’t fighting alone. I always had people in my corner who would step in and protect me.

I feel that even more deeply in my spiritual life.

Jon Reddick sings, “There are angel armies I have yet to see. I believe there are prayers I’ve never heard surrounding me. There’s strength that’s not my own when I am weak… I know that I don’t fight alone.”

We wake up each day not knowing what we will face. We don’t know what to expect naturally or spiritually. One thing we can be certain of is this: we are not alone.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be moments when we feel alone or even lonely. There may be times when it seems as though God isn’t hearing our prayers. In those moments, we must keep trusting and remind ourselves of Deuteronomy 31:8:

“And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”

Whatever you face today, remember that you do not fight alone. Even when people are absent, God is present. Even when help isn’t visible, God is already at work. Take courage, stand in faith, and keep moving forward. The Lord is with you.

Lord, thank You for never leaving us to fight life’s battles alone. Strengthen our faith when we feel weak, remind us of Your presence when we feel isolated, and help us walk confidently, knowing You go before us and stand beside us. In Jesus’ name, amen.