Exodus 15:22-25
Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them.
When walking through the desert, water is a great necessity. The effects of dehydration can be severe. In the above verse, Israel found themselves having to trust God for their most basic needs.
Sometimes in life we go through wilderness experiences. In the natural we can plan ahead to have the necessary food and water. But in our life-journey we occasionally run into unexpected droughts. These are the times we must trust God to feed our souls.
Grumbling and complaining about the situation that we find ourselves in is not the way out. The solution is to walk in faith. We know God will not fail us – He will see us through. Why then would we want to wallow in self pity, when in reality, that only makes matters worse?
You must seek the Lord, especially if you are going through a hard time right now. Spend some time in His presence, and obtain spiritual refreshment. Let Him strengthen your inner man. Renew yourself before His throne. In that way you will always have an abundant supply, no matter how bad the situation.
Tags: Bible, Christian, complaining, destiny, devotion, distractions, drought, encouragement, faith, fear, God's faithfulness, grumbling, overcoming, power, prayer, presence of the lord, problems, refresh, renewal, revival, self pity, spiritual, strength, trust, victory, wilderness
II Kings 1:9-10
Then he sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. The captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on the top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king says, ‘Come down!'”
Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men.
There is a peace that comes from being on a mountaintop, or even a hilltop. It seems easier to seek the Lord in these places. The sights and sounds all combine together to make your spirit more open to God. Elijah was in such a place. He realized that the place of prayer was a place of power before God.
Sometimes, in our Christian walk, we experience a spiritual mountaintop. It is a place where God gives us special clarity about what’s ahead. It is an intimate place with the Lord and usually we don’t want it to end too quickly.
In this verse the king ordered Elijah to come down from his mountaintop. He even sent a contingent of soldiers to move Elijah off of his God-given assignment. Unfortunately for the captain and his men, the power of God worked to remove the distraction from the prophet’s path.
In our daily lives, it is the distractions of society that order us out of the presence of the Lord. We need to learn to remain on the mountain (at least in our hearts). If we can continue our focus on the Lord. Then, even when we must leave the place of prayer, His peace still remains.
Take the time today to find that place of peace with the Lord. Spend quality time in His presence, then continue to meditate upon Him throughout the day.
Tags: Bible, Christian, clarity, devotion, distractions, Elijah, encouragement, enemies, fellowship, intimacy, meditate, mountain, mountaintop, peace, power, power of God, prayer, presence of the lord, spiritual mountaintop, strength, trust, victory
Luke 8:22-25
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Being out in the open water in a storm is very risky. Even with all the modern equipment that boaters have today, it is no easy thing to navigate in a raging storm.
In this passage, the disciples are crossing a lake and a huge squall engulfs them. The wind is against them and the waves are filling the boat. Imagine their terror when they realize they’re not going to make it.
Yet all the while, Jesus was with them. That was a factor that, apparently, none of them considered to be important. When they woke Him, Jesus showed Himself to be in control of the forces of nature.
Never forget that truth in your times of struggle. The Lord is in control of the winds and the waves. We have got to remember that, even when the road ahead seems hopeless. I can rest assured that nothing will touch my life, except that which will help me. I need never fear for the future.
Remember to place yourself in His care each and every day. The Lord has already walked the road ahead and is well able to bring you through. Trust His wisdom and grace to handle each situation that arises.
Tags: assurance, Bible, Christ, Christian, devotion, disciple, encouragement, enemies, faith, fear, forces of nature, God's faithfulness, God's wisdom, grace, hope, Jesus Christ, overcoming, problems, protection, storm, struggle, trust, victory, wind
Exodus 15:27
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.
Every so often I find it, when I’m hiking. That place where the view, the temperature, the shade, the water, everything lines up for that “perfect spot.” I know that one is coming, just ahead, maybe around the next corner. It is the search for those spots that keeps me hiking.
It is because of this that I can take the cold, the rain, the bugs, and other trail problems. Just knowing that once in a while I’ll find an Elim on the path gives me hope.
Our journey through life should be no different. I’d like every day to be an Elim type day, but I know that won’t happen. As a matter of fact, it would probably make for a very boring life. We know that we’re going to encounter problems. But just when we need it, up comes a day that makes all the others worthwhile.
We must live in hope, the expectation that there are good days ahead. The only guarantee of an Elim, however, is if we follow the trail mapped out for us by the Master. His Word, the Guide for your life, brings you out to the best spots on the trail of life.
Meditate on His Word to you today. Allow it to sink deep into your heart. Only then will it guide your steps and take you to those perfect spots in Christ.
Tags: Bible, calling, Christian, destiny, devotion, distractions, Elim, encouragement, expectation, faith, God's faithfulness, God's will, hiking, hope, meditate, Moses, overcoming, path, perfect spot, problems
Job 39:1-4
“Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn? Do you count the months till they bear? Do you know the time they give birth? They crouch down and bring forth their young; their labor pains are ended. Their young thrive and grow strong in the wilds; they leave and do not return.”
It is amazing to think about it. When we are in the woods or at a zoo we may see a deer, a moose, or a bear. But how often do we think about how they live in the wild? They grow up, they find mates, and then bear their young – repeating the cycle again and again.
With no help from man, they understand instinctively what they were born to do. They know how and where to forage for food. They build their dens and protect themselves and their families from the elements. God has placed in the very core of their being the ability to live and thrive in a wilderness setting.
We could learn a great lesson from them if we would only listen. They teach us to find our place in God’s kingdom, then live out our lives in devotion to that call, whatever it may be. We need to find and accomplish the Lord’s will for us as individuals – this is where our fulfillment is found. We need to be who we were created to be.
Take the time today to praise God for such a diverse and wonderful animal kingdom. It is truly a precious gift that God has made mankind the caretakers over. Give God glory for His awesome kindness towards us. Seek to hear from God concerning your purpose. Strive to know and accomplish God’s plan for your life.
Tags: animal kingdom, animals, Bible, calling, caretakers, Christian, destiny, devotion, encouragement, faith, fulfilled, fulfillment, God's kingdom, God's plan, God's will, life cycle, prayer, purpose, wilderness
1 Peter 1:15-16
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
To be “holy” means to be “set apart.” It means that we see ourselves as reserved exclusively for God’s use. I am no longer a part of a crowd, headed for destruction. Through Christ, I have been singled out to serve the Lord.
Having a special time and place to meet with the Lord each day, helps to reinforce that mindset. As I make a break with the general population and come away to His presence, a change starts taking place. I am transformed from just a tiny drop in a huge bucket to a unique servant of the Most High God.
It is God’s desire to work in me through my own particular personality, strengths, and weaknesses. He has a calling for my life that no one else can accomplish quite the way I could. There is a destiny and a purpose set-aside just for me. I am special in the eyes of God.
Make that break from the pack today. See yourself as set apart, holy to the Lord. Don’t settle on just being a number or a statistic on somebody’s role somewhere. Start today seeing yourself as God sees you, as a chosen and unique vessel exclusively for the Master’s use. Armed with that knowledge, you can come boldly into the awesome presence of his holiness. Receive from the Lord today all that you need for fulfilling your destiny in Him.
Tags: Bible, calling, Christian, destiny, devotion, disciple, distractions, encouragement, fellowship, God's will, holiness, holy, Holy Spirit, personality, prayer, presence of the lord, purpose, servant, set apart, strengths, transformed, unique, weaknesses
2 Samuel 22:31-37
“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”
It is God who blesses us with all good things. It’s always the right day to give thanks for the beautiful sunrise, for that parking spot close to the door, and for the the large tax refund. A prayer of thanksgiving is always appropriate when you see the night sky that seems to stretch on and on forever before you, taking your breath away.
Most people are so ungrateful to God. Something big has got to happen to them in order for them to praise the Lord. We need to learn to praise Him for all things, big and small. We need to acknowledge that He is our victory in every problem and situation that arises. It is the Lord who guides us forward down the clear, broad path at our feet.
All these things and more come from our heavenly Father. Take the time today to thank Him for some things you don’t usually think of throughout the day. It will make the day ahead that much more awesome.
Tags: Bible, Christian, devotion, encouragement, God's faithfulness, God's love, gratefulness, praise, prayer, protection, strength, testimony, thank God, thankful, thanks, thanksgiving, ungrateful, victory
Genesis 42:1-5
When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?” He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”
Then ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him. So Israel’s sons were among those who went to buy grain, for the famine was in the land of Canaan also.
Many people down through the ages have had to deal with famine. Sometimes it’s a dry weather pattern. It might be poor farming techniques. Whatever its cause in a particular area, its effects can be devastating. We have all seen pictures of famine victims from around the world and maybe have even sent some money to help relieve the suffering.
The Bible speaks, however, of an even greater famine that is experienced by His people. I’m talking about a famine of the Word of God. It seems that these days, it’s not a famine of availability but a famine of receiving.
In the above verses Jacob’s sons were willing to take a wilderness journey of many weeks in order to satisfy their physical hunger. With us – if it’s not handed to us on a platter, we are not willing to strive spiritually.
We need to take the initiative to hear from God’s Word. Are we willing to put forth the effort to receive a feeding that will last throughout time and eternity? Avoid a famine of the soul. Spend quality time in prayer, read the Word, and hear from God that your spirit may be full.
Tags: Bible, Christian, devotion, encouragement, famine, famine of the word of God, God's word, Holy Spirit, prayer, soul, spiritual striving, strength, word, word of God
I love the Fourth of July. It’s one of my favorite holidays. Picnics with family, outdoor fun, not to mention fireworks at night. Even more than that, I thank God for a nation where I’m granted the freedom to do all these things without fear.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
We are called to be free. Freedom is something that God wants for all humanity. Unfortunately, what most people consider freedom is not the real thing. Society thinks that freedom is the ability to do what I want, whenever I want. Their opinion is that freedom means that I can feel good all of the time.
That’s a very selfish definition. Freedom is not all about me. Our founding fathers gave selflessly in the cause for freedom. It was definitely not about their personal good, but the betterment of all that drove them to resist the most powerful nation on earth at that time. Many lost their lives to win this precious gift for us.
There are still those in the armed forces and public safety positions that lay their lives on the line each day, so that we can continue to live free. Freedom is more of a responsibility than a pleasure. I have to put as much into it as I receive from it.
That is what Paul was trying to tell us in the verse above. Freedom is not all about indulging my every desire, but the ability to serve one another unhindered. We need to listen to his exhortation. As believers, we have not only been blessed with our spiritual freedom in Christ, but our physical freedom in the USA.
Let’s live out that freedom responsibly. Not in the granting of our every desire, but in seeking the blessing of all through a life of service. Live free. Be a blessing to all those around you. And thank God for the freedom we share.
Tags: Bible, calling, Christ, Christian, Christian witness, devotion, encouragement, fellowship, fireworks, founding fathers, fourth of July, freedom, God's will, independence day, love, responsibility, serve one another, service, testimony
Mark 1:35-39
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Many times Jesus would leave a house to find a solitary place to pray. Most of the time He would leave while it was still dark. I’m sure that He didn’t even tell anyone He was leaving. It must have been much later when the disciples started their search.
When the disciples finally caught up with Him they rebuked Him for “getting lost.” It is amazing to me that in reply Jesus ignores their complaints and simply tells them what He had heard from the Father – the next step in their ministry to Israel.
Do you need to know the next step in your life? If Jesus needed to seek God in that way, I assume that the same has to be true for us. We desperately need a Word from the Father to complete our task.
Find that peaceful place today. Go before the Lord in the stillness that surrounds you and open up your soul to Him. Spend some time just listening for His still, small voice to your heart. Then answer the call in obedience to His will.
Tags: Bible, calling, Christ, Christian, destiny, devotion, disciple, distractions, encouragement, fellowship, God's will, Holy Spirit, intimacy, Jesus Christ, next step, prayer, presence of the lord, revival, seek God, solitary place, solitude, still small voice, word from God
The Spirit and the Word 