by Jessica Finney
Waiting on God to tell us what He wants us to do is not easy. It says in Isaiah 40:32 "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with eagles, they shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not grow faint."
To me that means that God know our limitations, so sometimes waiting for His timing is just getting us the rest that we need and helping us to get equipped for what He wants us to do. Once He lets us know, it usually is something we would have never imagined.
It also teaches us patience and lets us see how strong our faith really is. I don't know about you, but mine sometimes fails terribly.
I am a planner. I want to know what I am doing about every minute of every day and every year. I start getting worried and nervous if plans aren't going well, even though God has showed me time and time again that some of the best moments are the ones that weren't planned out.
I believe during times like that God is reminding me that it isn't about me, and I need to put my trust in Him alone. His plan is so much better than mine, and His ways are the only ways I should desire.
I always want to be in His will, but I am like a child sometimes and don't want to wait for the answer; I want it now.
But how much better off our lives would be if we just waited on the Lord and loved Him enough to show that we are willing to wait, however long it takes.
Dear heavenly Father, Thank you for guiding us and growing us while we wait on You. Please help me with my faith because I can't do anything without You. Help me to not be impatient and try to get ahead of you. I want to show You that I love You enough that I will wait for your answer. I know that it will be better then I could ever imagine. In Jesus name, amen.
Showing posts with label God's will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's will. Show all posts
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Sunday, January 29, 2012
God Our Motivator
by Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: “For the Lord will be your confidence.” Proverbs 3:26a (NIV)
I was talking to a writing buddy of mine earlier this week, and he mentioned he was not feeling very motivated to work on his writing project. He was looking for reinforcement to know he wasn’t wasting his time. And I realized something. We all lack motivation at some point.
Our daily demands keep us running, and it’s difficult to come up with the energy to put forth in something when we’re not seeing any positive results. In Deuteronomy 5:32, God tells the Israelites, “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” (NKJ) But maybe you’re tripping on stumbling block after stumbling block. Or perhaps you’re working on a task God has called you to do, and you have an expectation for how it will turn out, but it’s becoming nothing like you imagined it would be.
When we get to this point, we often question ourselves. Is this worth it? Am I doing something wrong? Should I do something else instead? And that’s where Satan gets us. Rather than listening to the devil and his lies, we need to focus on God. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37: 3-5 (KJV)
The fact is, what God asks us to do is not always easy. And we are human. We get tired, discouraged, scared. But Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NKJ) And that’s the truth.
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I get tired, and I wonder if I’m wasting my time. Forgive me for when I haven’t trusted in You as I should have. Strengthen me; help me to tune out the world so that the only voice I hear is Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Don’t let the devil convince you to quit. Trust God and God alone. He will be your strength and assurance.
Power Verses:
Zechariah 4:6b “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (NKJ) Psalm 121:1, 2 “I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (NIV)
Romans 5: 3, 4 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (KJV)
This Week’s Verse: “For the Lord will be your confidence.” Proverbs 3:26a (NIV)
I was talking to a writing buddy of mine earlier this week, and he mentioned he was not feeling very motivated to work on his writing project. He was looking for reinforcement to know he wasn’t wasting his time. And I realized something. We all lack motivation at some point.
Our daily demands keep us running, and it’s difficult to come up with the energy to put forth in something when we’re not seeing any positive results. In Deuteronomy 5:32, God tells the Israelites, “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” (NKJ) But maybe you’re tripping on stumbling block after stumbling block. Or perhaps you’re working on a task God has called you to do, and you have an expectation for how it will turn out, but it’s becoming nothing like you imagined it would be.
When we get to this point, we often question ourselves. Is this worth it? Am I doing something wrong? Should I do something else instead? And that’s where Satan gets us. Rather than listening to the devil and his lies, we need to focus on God. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37: 3-5 (KJV)
The fact is, what God asks us to do is not always easy. And we are human. We get tired, discouraged, scared. But Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NKJ) And that’s the truth.
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I get tired, and I wonder if I’m wasting my time. Forgive me for when I haven’t trusted in You as I should have. Strengthen me; help me to tune out the world so that the only voice I hear is Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Don’t let the devil convince you to quit. Trust God and God alone. He will be your strength and assurance.
Power Verses:
Zechariah 4:6b “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (NKJ) Psalm 121:1, 2 “I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (NIV)
Romans 5: 3, 4 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (KJV)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Getting Ahead of God
by Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (KJV)
In the midst of trials, it is tempting to give up on waiting for God to work. Sometimes I am tempted to take matters into my own hands instead of letting God move. When circumstances have me freaking out, I want solutions. I don’t always want to wait patiently for God to show me the answers. But today God directed me to Genesis Chapter 19, and the story got me thinking. Many of you may be familiar with this chapter. It is here we learn about Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who was directed by two angels to flee Sodom with his wife and virgin daughters. This story from the Bible is more known for Lot’s wife disobeying an order to not turn back while fleeing, and she is turned into a pillar of salt. Though that is a good lesson for obedience, that is not what God pointed out to me. I want to focus on the daughters. Verse 14 tells us the men who were to marry Lot’s daughters did not believe Lot was serious when he told them they needed to leave the city. These two men were killed when they refused to leave, which left the two daughters without husbands. We later learn that Lot takes refuge in a cave with the two girls. And the girls, who are left with no marriage prospects, decide to deceive their father so they can bear children. Their plan is successful; the eldest daughter gives birth to Moab, and the youngest gives birth to Ammon. These two boys become the father of the Moabites and Ammonites respectively. And you know what else? These two races become enemies to the Israelites. God was willing to save Lot and his family, and in return, Lot’s daughters gave birth to two races of people who would eventually become enemies to God’s people. Not the picture perfect ending one would hope for.
There is no way for us to know what would have been or could have been if the two daughters had waited for the Lord to bless them in His own time. And that is the lesson for this week. When we take matters into our own hands without seeking God’s will, there is no knowing what kind of damage we may be causing. Or what blessings we may be missing out on. Ezra 8:22 says, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” (NKJV) Therefore, it is imperative that we remain steadfast and faithful. It’s rarely easy, but God loves us and will not forsake us if we are diligent. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).” Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel as if I am drowning in circumstances beyond my control. Sometimes there is no light, and I cannot see, but I trust You are there. You have always been my provider. Please strengthen me, Lord, so I can stand firm on Your promises and please help me to believe all will be okay. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Applications: Sometimes life is just hard, and the answers are hardly ever clear. But God loves us all and does not desire for us to suffer. If you are struggling this week, don’t let the devil fill you with fear. Stand fast on God’s word and watch Him move on your behalf.
Power Verses:
I John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (KJV)
Galatians 3:14 “That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.” (NKJV)
Psalm 84:11, 12 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold form them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (KJV)
This Week’s Verse: Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (KJV)
In the midst of trials, it is tempting to give up on waiting for God to work. Sometimes I am tempted to take matters into my own hands instead of letting God move. When circumstances have me freaking out, I want solutions. I don’t always want to wait patiently for God to show me the answers. But today God directed me to Genesis Chapter 19, and the story got me thinking. Many of you may be familiar with this chapter. It is here we learn about Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who was directed by two angels to flee Sodom with his wife and virgin daughters. This story from the Bible is more known for Lot’s wife disobeying an order to not turn back while fleeing, and she is turned into a pillar of salt. Though that is a good lesson for obedience, that is not what God pointed out to me. I want to focus on the daughters. Verse 14 tells us the men who were to marry Lot’s daughters did not believe Lot was serious when he told them they needed to leave the city. These two men were killed when they refused to leave, which left the two daughters without husbands. We later learn that Lot takes refuge in a cave with the two girls. And the girls, who are left with no marriage prospects, decide to deceive their father so they can bear children. Their plan is successful; the eldest daughter gives birth to Moab, and the youngest gives birth to Ammon. These two boys become the father of the Moabites and Ammonites respectively. And you know what else? These two races become enemies to the Israelites. God was willing to save Lot and his family, and in return, Lot’s daughters gave birth to two races of people who would eventually become enemies to God’s people. Not the picture perfect ending one would hope for.
There is no way for us to know what would have been or could have been if the two daughters had waited for the Lord to bless them in His own time. And that is the lesson for this week. When we take matters into our own hands without seeking God’s will, there is no knowing what kind of damage we may be causing. Or what blessings we may be missing out on. Ezra 8:22 says, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” (NKJV) Therefore, it is imperative that we remain steadfast and faithful. It’s rarely easy, but God loves us and will not forsake us if we are diligent. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).” Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel as if I am drowning in circumstances beyond my control. Sometimes there is no light, and I cannot see, but I trust You are there. You have always been my provider. Please strengthen me, Lord, so I can stand firm on Your promises and please help me to believe all will be okay. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Applications: Sometimes life is just hard, and the answers are hardly ever clear. But God loves us all and does not desire for us to suffer. If you are struggling this week, don’t let the devil fill you with fear. Stand fast on God’s word and watch Him move on your behalf.
Power Verses:
I John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (KJV)
Galatians 3:14 “That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.” (NKJV)
Psalm 84:11, 12 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold form them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (KJV)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Call Upon the Name of the Lord
By Brenda Pickering
This Week’s Verse: Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened."
Devotion: When life gets rocky, when you're unsure what the next step should be, or when you feel you have lost your way, where do you turn?
Many times we don't turn to prayer. Instead we turn to our spouse, a friend, a family member or we keep it to ourselves believing we can or should be able to handle it on our own. I know I have. But, in the times that I have turned to God for the answers, things turned out in ways I could never have imagined if I were on my own!
After I had my second child, I knew we were struggling financially already with only two children, and I felt the responsible thing would be to ensure that we would not have any more children to support. So, when our youngest was about 1 month old, I went in to have a tubal ligation. I had this nagging feeling that we were not finished and that I shouldn't have the procedure after all. However, I decided to ask God to make the decision for us. I told God, I will trust You because if you want us to have more children, you can do anything. As we drove to the hospital, I continued my conversation with God. It'd be nice to have a girl...one that looks like me, or even one with blond hair, but then, neither my husband nor myself have blond hair, so I would take her either way!
I had the procedure that day, with no regrets, no worries.
I had forgotten all about that prayer until a little over a year later, when I realized I might be pregnant! A test confirmed it, and when I went in for some blood work and they later called me back to ask me to schedule an ultrasound, I was worried. They had mentioned a tubal pregnancy, and they wanted to rule that out. At 10 weeks, we discovered there were two little girls in there! God had answered my prayers two-fold. Our girls are 4 1/2 years old now. One has brown hair, and I think looks a lot like me. The other one has blond hair. God has more than taken care of us since we had our two additions to the family. He has blessed us with a complete family, and since then we have been better off financially than before they were born!
Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves when God desires us to ask Him for help? He says if we would only ask, it is ours. James 4:2 states, "You do not have, because you do not ask God."
In Rev. 5:8 it states, "And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people." (NLT) The incense that is so fragrant to Christ is our prayer! We are reading Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala in our life group. On page 82 he writes, "Just imagine, you and I kneel or stand or sit down to pray, really opening our hearts to God and what we say is so precious to Him that He keeps it like a treasure."
Lord, Help us to call upon your name in every situation, good or bad, and throughout our day. Thank you for storing up our prayers like treasures! Amen
Applications: So, when you call upon the Lord, your burdens will be lifted, you are doing what the Lord has asked, and you will be blessed beyond measure! Pray continually!!
Power Verses:
Matthew 6: 9-13, “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’" (NIV)
Matthew 8: 19-20, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV)
I Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
James 5:13-15,"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." (NIV)
Friday, November 5, 2010
With Open Arms
By Bethany Lashbrook
This Week’s Verse: Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” (NIV)
Devotion: Recently, during our “business with God” time at our church, a song hit home with me. I had a light-bulb moment, as some would call it. My AHA moment was envisioning this: I was running through this gorgeous field of grass (yep, sounds a bit like a movie to me too) and my arms were open. I was running towards God.
It made me think how often that I run towards God in this manner? Do I run towards Him every day? Do I smile at Him? Open my arms to Him? Shouldn’t I always be running towards God with my arms open?
My arms being open states two things: One, I want God to take all that I have, all that I am and rescue me from this world. Two, I love Him and am opening my arms to Him.
Often times I am running, but I don’t know if it’s towards God or away from Him. I also find myself running in front of God, or behind Him. This week, I am going to try to run towards God.
If I don’t practice running towards God in the good times in my life, how will I ever make it during the rough times? Practicing this now means a brighter, more secure future later.
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me seek your will and your guidance in my life. Help these women to do the same. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Applications: Have you ever pictured yourself with God? What does your picture look like?
Power Verses:
2 John 1:9 “Anyone who wanders away from his teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and Son” (NLT)
John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” (NIV)
Isaiah 40:11 “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” (NLT)
Friday, March 26, 2010
He Meets Us There
by Kathy Lay
This Week's Verse: Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Devotion:
Anyone familiar with my dad knew that the man enjoyed food. Restaurant gift cards were always a great gift option because we always knew they'd be used with pleasure.
As my brother, sister, and our spouses shared stories the other day as we gathered around Dad, my brother-in-law commented that Dad's chili was always an adventure unto itself because you never knew exactly what he'd throw in. Each dish was an experimentation because Dad was into sampling and dabbling and bringing taste to new heights.
So imagine the difficulty that my brother, sister, and I faced when told that Dad's condition was worsening and that he would never again swallow. The doctors said we should start considering whether we wanted Dad to have a feeding tube. Or not.
At one point in the hospital room I was alone with Dad. He was peaceful at the moment and I decided to take the opportunity to speak with God about the whole feeding tube situation. I didn't want to starve Dad but I didn't want to prolong his suffering either.
From these thoughts I turned to my Bible reading for that day which happened to be John 6. Certain scriptures began to jump out at me and I knew God was speaking to me specifically about this situation. Verse 27 said, "But you shouldn't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I, the Son of Man, can give you. For God the Father has sent me for that very purpose." Verse 35 said, "I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again..." And verse 51 said, "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; this bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live."
Friends, my Jesus had spoken His Will through His Word once again. That's what he does! I felt assured of the following: 1) God would take Dad home before we even had to make the decision, or 2) If we did have to make the decision, we need not worry because Jesus is the only nourishment Dad needed. And He had it taken care of.
It turned out that we did have to make the decision, but the nourishment of His Savior was all Dad needed to sustain him for his journey home to meet his maker.
I envision Dad sitting at the banqueting table right now, enjoying a meal with Jesus unlike anything he'd ever had here on earth and he's grinning from ear to ear and possibly sharing a joke.
And I can see that because the Lord showed me everything would be fine. God met me there in the circumstance.
He always does when we ask him to.
Lord, thank you for bringing my earthly father home to you, my heavenly Father. What a meal you must be sharing! And thank you for always meeting us in our circumstances when we only invite you in. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application:
What circumstance to you need to invite God into right now? Ask Him to meet you there and then go to His Word to see what He has to say.
Power Verses:
Proverbs 8:17, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."(NIV)
Isaiah 58:2, "For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them."(NIV)
This Week's Verse: Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Devotion:
Anyone familiar with my dad knew that the man enjoyed food. Restaurant gift cards were always a great gift option because we always knew they'd be used with pleasure.
As my brother, sister, and our spouses shared stories the other day as we gathered around Dad, my brother-in-law commented that Dad's chili was always an adventure unto itself because you never knew exactly what he'd throw in. Each dish was an experimentation because Dad was into sampling and dabbling and bringing taste to new heights.
So imagine the difficulty that my brother, sister, and I faced when told that Dad's condition was worsening and that he would never again swallow. The doctors said we should start considering whether we wanted Dad to have a feeding tube. Or not.
At one point in the hospital room I was alone with Dad. He was peaceful at the moment and I decided to take the opportunity to speak with God about the whole feeding tube situation. I didn't want to starve Dad but I didn't want to prolong his suffering either.
From these thoughts I turned to my Bible reading for that day which happened to be John 6. Certain scriptures began to jump out at me and I knew God was speaking to me specifically about this situation. Verse 27 said, "But you shouldn't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I, the Son of Man, can give you. For God the Father has sent me for that very purpose." Verse 35 said, "I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again..." And verse 51 said, "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; this bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live."
Friends, my Jesus had spoken His Will through His Word once again. That's what he does! I felt assured of the following: 1) God would take Dad home before we even had to make the decision, or 2) If we did have to make the decision, we need not worry because Jesus is the only nourishment Dad needed. And He had it taken care of.
It turned out that we did have to make the decision, but the nourishment of His Savior was all Dad needed to sustain him for his journey home to meet his maker.
I envision Dad sitting at the banqueting table right now, enjoying a meal with Jesus unlike anything he'd ever had here on earth and he's grinning from ear to ear and possibly sharing a joke.
And I can see that because the Lord showed me everything would be fine. God met me there in the circumstance.
He always does when we ask him to.
Lord, thank you for bringing my earthly father home to you, my heavenly Father. What a meal you must be sharing! And thank you for always meeting us in our circumstances when we only invite you in. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application:
What circumstance to you need to invite God into right now? Ask Him to meet you there and then go to His Word to see what He has to say.
Power Verses:
Proverbs 8:17, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."(NIV)
Isaiah 58:2, "For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them."(NIV)
Friday, February 19, 2010
GPS: God's Perfect Solution
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week's Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track." (MSG)
Devotion:
I love my GPS. I was hesitant about getting one when they first came out. Being raised in the boondocks, I always felt like I could get anywhere on my own by using basic “country living principles.” But now that I have it, I love it!
I love being able to program where I want to go and it will calculate the route, how long it will take me to get there and what time I will arrive at my destination. I love it that I don’t even have to know the actual address of where I am wanting to go. For instance, if I want to go to Starbucks, with just a couple of click, it gives me directions to the nearest one. This week I was going to Urbana so I punched in the address of where I was going and--Viola!--it showed me how to get there.
But my favorite part about the GPS is that even when I get off course and take a different route, it's right there to tell me how to get back on the right course. (Seriously, I love that it does that… I’m not just saying this so it sounds like a cool devotion!)
I think you are probably seeing the analogy by now. God is our ultimate GPS. Through His Written Word, He clearly tells us how to get to our destination. If we get off course, He can help lead us back on track.
Maybe you’ve felt like you know how to get where you are going and decide to do things your way, and go where you want to go. It’s okay. God can help lead you back on track. I am completely guilty of this. So many times, I think I know the way to go, which roads to take, I do things on my own, in my own way but it always ends in a dead-end road.
Fortunately, I have not fallen off of God’s GPS radar. With patience, reading scriptures, and a lot of prayer, God can get me back on the right road. He can bring you back too. Even if you don’t know the way, just take hold of His hand and let Him lead.
Father, we can not thank you enough that you never leave us. You never let go of us. You continue to love us even when we are being unlovable. Forgive us for the times we have been disobedient to You. Help us to get back on course when we seek our own path and get lost because we went out on our own. We genuinely love you Lord. Lead us down the right paths to be better servants for You.
Application:
Have you taken a wrong road in life? We all have. It’s okay. Maybe you are at a crossroad in your life. Seek God’s direction and He can lead you onto the right path. His GPS is there to guide you. I encourage you to read Psalm 25.
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 31:6, "The Lord your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you."(CEV)
Psalm 25:4, "Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow."(NLT)
Psalm 25:8, "The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray."(NLT)
This Week's Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track." (MSG)
Devotion:
I love my GPS. I was hesitant about getting one when they first came out. Being raised in the boondocks, I always felt like I could get anywhere on my own by using basic “country living principles.” But now that I have it, I love it!
I love being able to program where I want to go and it will calculate the route, how long it will take me to get there and what time I will arrive at my destination. I love it that I don’t even have to know the actual address of where I am wanting to go. For instance, if I want to go to Starbucks, with just a couple of click, it gives me directions to the nearest one. This week I was going to Urbana so I punched in the address of where I was going and--Viola!--it showed me how to get there.
But my favorite part about the GPS is that even when I get off course and take a different route, it's right there to tell me how to get back on the right course. (Seriously, I love that it does that… I’m not just saying this so it sounds like a cool devotion!)
I think you are probably seeing the analogy by now. God is our ultimate GPS. Through His Written Word, He clearly tells us how to get to our destination. If we get off course, He can help lead us back on track.
Maybe you’ve felt like you know how to get where you are going and decide to do things your way, and go where you want to go. It’s okay. God can help lead you back on track. I am completely guilty of this. So many times, I think I know the way to go, which roads to take, I do things on my own, in my own way but it always ends in a dead-end road.
Fortunately, I have not fallen off of God’s GPS radar. With patience, reading scriptures, and a lot of prayer, God can get me back on the right road. He can bring you back too. Even if you don’t know the way, just take hold of His hand and let Him lead.
Father, we can not thank you enough that you never leave us. You never let go of us. You continue to love us even when we are being unlovable. Forgive us for the times we have been disobedient to You. Help us to get back on course when we seek our own path and get lost because we went out on our own. We genuinely love you Lord. Lead us down the right paths to be better servants for You.
Application:
Have you taken a wrong road in life? We all have. It’s okay. Maybe you are at a crossroad in your life. Seek God’s direction and He can lead you onto the right path. His GPS is there to guide you. I encourage you to read Psalm 25.
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 31:6, "The Lord your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you."(CEV)
Psalm 25:4, "Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow."(NLT)
Psalm 25:8, "The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray."(NLT)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Like the Snow and Rain
by Kathy Lay
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 55:11, "It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (NLT)
Devotion:
In the past week alone we've experienced some pretty varied weather. From below freezing temperatures and wind-blown snow to a balmy 50 degrees and thunderstorms strong enough to knock out power for hours, we've seen the gamut.
In Isaiah 55:10, the verse immediately preceding this week's verse, the Lord says, "The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry." He then goes on to explain that His Word works the same way.
But sometimes the snow can throw up a caution flag and cause us to seek a different route. Or maybe give up and stay out of the rat-race altogether. Does the Word ever do that to you?
Sometimes the rain is so fierce and unrelenting that it breaks weak objects and seeps through the tiniest of holes and crevices. Does the Word ever do that to you?
Yes? But then sometimes--those blessed other times--the snow, so pure and white, falls gently and peacefully, insulating the earth and quieting the noise in a peaceful, cottony silence. Does the Word ever do that to you?
And sometimes the rain is steady and soft, offering blessed refreshment and cleansing to a parched and dusty land. Does the Word ever do that to you?
The Word IS like the snow and rain. And no matter what the conditions are when it comes, we can always rest assured that God promises it will accomplish all He wants it to each and every time He sends it out.
Power Verses:
Isaiah 55:11, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."(NKJV)
James 1:18, "In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures."(NASB)
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 55:11, "It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (NLT)
Devotion:
In the past week alone we've experienced some pretty varied weather. From below freezing temperatures and wind-blown snow to a balmy 50 degrees and thunderstorms strong enough to knock out power for hours, we've seen the gamut.
In Isaiah 55:10, the verse immediately preceding this week's verse, the Lord says, "The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry." He then goes on to explain that His Word works the same way.
But sometimes the snow can throw up a caution flag and cause us to seek a different route. Or maybe give up and stay out of the rat-race altogether. Does the Word ever do that to you?
Sometimes the rain is so fierce and unrelenting that it breaks weak objects and seeps through the tiniest of holes and crevices. Does the Word ever do that to you?
Yes? But then sometimes--those blessed other times--the snow, so pure and white, falls gently and peacefully, insulating the earth and quieting the noise in a peaceful, cottony silence. Does the Word ever do that to you?
And sometimes the rain is steady and soft, offering blessed refreshment and cleansing to a parched and dusty land. Does the Word ever do that to you?
The Word IS like the snow and rain. And no matter what the conditions are when it comes, we can always rest assured that God promises it will accomplish all He wants it to each and every time He sends it out.
Father, reading Your Word, speaking Your Word, hiding Your Word in our hearts--all of these are ways Your seed is planted. In us, through us, may Your will be done through the beautiful mystery and power of Your Word as You send it out.
Application: To fully rejoice in the power of God's Word, continue reading in Isaiah 55. Read verses 12 and 13 to see the awesome promises resulting from the sending forth of the Word. Claim them in Jesus' Name.Power Verses:
Isaiah 55:11, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."(NKJV)
James 1:18, "In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures."(NASB)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
A LOT to Think About
by Kathy Lay
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 30:21, “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.”(NLT)
Devotion:
Have you ever had times in your life when you’re seeking God’s direction and just don’t feel like you’re getting a clear answer? I know I have. And a thought I’ve had on more than one occasion is that I wish it was as easy to hear God as it is to flip a coin. You know, something like, Okay, God. Heads I take the job, tails I don’t.
Wouldn’t it be great to get such a decisive, clear answer just likety-split like that and know that God landed the coin to point out His will?
That line of thinking is what caused me to be so enthralled the first time I read in the Old Testament about the Urim and Thummim, specific lots that were cast to indicate the Lord’s will. But not just anyone could interpret them; only priests were given the privilege, beginning with Aaron: “Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord”(Exodus 28:30, NLT).
There must’ve been much more to the Urim and Thummim than heads and tails though, because answers sought using them were more than just “yes or no” questions. Research I’ve done reveals that we just don’t know much about how they were used at all. But several commentaries make a point to distinguish the Urim and Thummim from such abominations as devinations or sorcery because of the recognition they were the Lord’s means of providing revelation.
Scriptural examples of the use of lots are interesting. 1 Samuel 14:42 says that Saul told the priest to "'Cast the lots between me and Jonathan—and death to the one God points to!’ The soldiers protested, ‘No—this is not right. Stop this!’ But Saul pushed on anyway. They cast the lots, Urim and Thummim, and the lot fell to Jonathan.”(MSG) It’s worth mentioning that up to this point, Saul had been rash with a goofy oath about his men not eating before getting revenge on the Phillistines. Jonathan hadn’t heard the oath and ate some honey. Saul knew someone had broken the oath because the Lord didn’t provide a clear answer to his previous question (v. 37-38).
The truth was illuminated through the lots, but God used it to illustrate Saul’s increasingly unstable leadership. The people recognized how asinine it would be to kill Jonathan and they rescued him from his crazy father. I’m sure they didn’t soon forget Saul was ready to murder his son for the sake of an oath that was questionable to begin with.
Look what happens later when Saul once again consults God through lots: “He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets”(1 Samuel, 28:6, NIV). Mind you, Saul had just cleared out all the mediums and psychics from the land, but when he didn’t get a response from the Lord right away who did he turn to? A witch from Endor who calls up Samuel’s spirit (v. 7-22). Had God not provided an answer this time to see what other measures Saul might take? Or because no priest was present? Or was his voice not clear because Saul’s heart wasn’t earnest?
Generations later, at the end of Acts 1, the disciples are discussing a replacement for Judas Iscariot and two men are nominated. Verses 24-26 state, “Then they all prayed for the right man to be chosen. ‘Oh Lord,’ they said, ‘you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas the traitor in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.' Then they cast lots and in this way Matthias was chosen and became and apostle with the other eleven."
Now here's the cool part: Right after this event is listed at the end of Acts 1, Acts 2 begins with the arrival of the Holy Spirit! From that point on, believers had (and have!) the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit guiding us. Just as the torn curtain in the temple illustrated our direct access to God's throne room--no priest needed--so too, does the gift of the spirit trump the need to seek direction through lots. Also from that point on in scripture, no other reference to casting lots is made.
Our job, then, when we need a clear word? Simply trust and obey. Don't grieve the spirit by casting verbal lots at God. Gather prayer warriors. Listen for a still, small voice. Seek direction and confirmation through the Word and through life encounters. And be patient. That's the kind of faith the Lord honors.
Father, give us patience and discernment to recognize the varied beautiful ways You speak to us. Help us to know your voice.
Application:
Have you ever considered verbally casting lots with God? The Word promises that the Holy Spirit leads us to the truth (John 14:17). Be alert for the Spirit's promptings through the Word, your prayer time, and your daily experiences.
Power Verses:
John 14:17, "He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."(NLT)
James 1:25, But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action."(MSG)
John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”(NKJV)
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 30:21, “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.”(NLT)
Devotion:
Have you ever had times in your life when you’re seeking God’s direction and just don’t feel like you’re getting a clear answer? I know I have. And a thought I’ve had on more than one occasion is that I wish it was as easy to hear God as it is to flip a coin. You know, something like, Okay, God. Heads I take the job, tails I don’t.
Wouldn’t it be great to get such a decisive, clear answer just likety-split like that and know that God landed the coin to point out His will?
That line of thinking is what caused me to be so enthralled the first time I read in the Old Testament about the Urim and Thummim, specific lots that were cast to indicate the Lord’s will. But not just anyone could interpret them; only priests were given the privilege, beginning with Aaron: “Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord”(Exodus 28:30, NLT).
There must’ve been much more to the Urim and Thummim than heads and tails though, because answers sought using them were more than just “yes or no” questions. Research I’ve done reveals that we just don’t know much about how they were used at all. But several commentaries make a point to distinguish the Urim and Thummim from such abominations as devinations or sorcery because of the recognition they were the Lord’s means of providing revelation.
Scriptural examples of the use of lots are interesting. 1 Samuel 14:42 says that Saul told the priest to "'Cast the lots between me and Jonathan—and death to the one God points to!’ The soldiers protested, ‘No—this is not right. Stop this!’ But Saul pushed on anyway. They cast the lots, Urim and Thummim, and the lot fell to Jonathan.”(MSG) It’s worth mentioning that up to this point, Saul had been rash with a goofy oath about his men not eating before getting revenge on the Phillistines. Jonathan hadn’t heard the oath and ate some honey. Saul knew someone had broken the oath because the Lord didn’t provide a clear answer to his previous question (v. 37-38).
The truth was illuminated through the lots, but God used it to illustrate Saul’s increasingly unstable leadership. The people recognized how asinine it would be to kill Jonathan and they rescued him from his crazy father. I’m sure they didn’t soon forget Saul was ready to murder his son for the sake of an oath that was questionable to begin with.
Look what happens later when Saul once again consults God through lots: “He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets”(1 Samuel, 28:6, NIV). Mind you, Saul had just cleared out all the mediums and psychics from the land, but when he didn’t get a response from the Lord right away who did he turn to? A witch from Endor who calls up Samuel’s spirit (v. 7-22). Had God not provided an answer this time to see what other measures Saul might take? Or because no priest was present? Or was his voice not clear because Saul’s heart wasn’t earnest?
Generations later, at the end of Acts 1, the disciples are discussing a replacement for Judas Iscariot and two men are nominated. Verses 24-26 state, “Then they all prayed for the right man to be chosen. ‘Oh Lord,’ they said, ‘you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas the traitor in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.' Then they cast lots and in this way Matthias was chosen and became and apostle with the other eleven."
Now here's the cool part: Right after this event is listed at the end of Acts 1, Acts 2 begins with the arrival of the Holy Spirit! From that point on, believers had (and have!) the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit guiding us. Just as the torn curtain in the temple illustrated our direct access to God's throne room--no priest needed--so too, does the gift of the spirit trump the need to seek direction through lots. Also from that point on in scripture, no other reference to casting lots is made.
Our job, then, when we need a clear word? Simply trust and obey. Don't grieve the spirit by casting verbal lots at God. Gather prayer warriors. Listen for a still, small voice. Seek direction and confirmation through the Word and through life encounters. And be patient. That's the kind of faith the Lord honors.
Father, give us patience and discernment to recognize the varied beautiful ways You speak to us. Help us to know your voice.
Application:
Have you ever considered verbally casting lots with God? The Word promises that the Holy Spirit leads us to the truth (John 14:17). Be alert for the Spirit's promptings through the Word, your prayer time, and your daily experiences.
Power Verses:
John 14:17, "He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."(NLT)
James 1:25, But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action."(MSG)
John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”(NKJV)
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