Your Safe Place

(This devotion is from Our Daily Bread)

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

My daughter and I were arranging to attend an extended family gathering. Because she was nervous about the trip, I offered to drive. “Okay. But I feel safer in my car. Can you drive it?” she asked. I assumed she preferred her more spacious vehicle to my compact one so I responded, “Is my car too cramped?” “No, it’s just that my car is my safe place. Somehow I feel protected there.”

Her comment challenged me to consider my own personal “safe place.” Immediately I thought of Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” In Old Testament times, the walls and watchtower of a city provided warning of danger from without and shielding for its citizens within. The writer’s point is that God’s name, which stands for His character, person, and everything that He is, provides true protection for His people.

Certain physical places promise longed-for safety in moments that seem dangerous. A sturdy roof overhead in the midst of a storm. A hospital offering medical care. The embrace of a loved one.

What is your “safe place”? Wherever we seek safety, it is God’s presence with us in that place that provides the strength and protection we really need.

Dear God, thank You that no matter what worries and concerns we have today, when we think about You, we find safety in Your presence.

Angels in Charge

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…

Psalm 91:11

In her book of Bible illustrations, Ruth Peters re-tells the story of a little boy who asked his mother if he could take his baby sister out to play.  She had just begun to walk alone and could not step over anything that lay in the way.  His mother said, “Yes, if you’ll be careful not to not let her fall.”  The man who originally tells this story says, I found them at play, very happy, in the field.  I said, “You seem to be very happy, George.  Is this your sister?”  “Yes sir,” he replied.  “Can she walk alone?”  “Yes sir, on smooth ground.”  “Then how did she walk over those big stones between here and the house?”  “Well, mother told me to be careful she didn’t fall, so I put my hands under her arms and lifted her up when she came to a stone so she wouldn’t hit her foot against it.” 

Beloved, the Bible declares that whoever trusts in God, whoever makes God their dwelling place, will be secure in him.  Trusting in God is more than mental assent, it is more than going to church and engaging in Bible study, it is even more than giving to the poor.  Trusting in God means living a life of absolute dependence and commitment to God, even when one’s life is falling apart.  It is daring to live a life that causes people to ask questions about the God you serve.  It is daring to believe that he will save you from the pit of fire; it is daring to believe that God will rescue you from the lion’s den; it is daring to believe that God’s promises for you will come to pass at whatever age he so pleases to fulfill them.

When Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, God commanded his angels to guard him then.  This same Almighty and loving God who watched over Jesus as he was tempted, will watch over you and will give his angels charge over every aspect of your life today.  The angels assigned by God will bear you up lest you dash your foot against a stone.  But just as Jesus trusted in God’s word in that wilderness, you must trust in God’s word for you in your wilderness.  You must trust that God’s word for you is true even when everything inside of you is screaming for you to let go of him.

Like the little boy and his sister, God’s angels will be there to lift you up over the stony parts of life, lest you dash your foot.  Remember that as you shelter in God, he has charged his angels to lead and lift you over every difficulty that you are facing or will ever face.  You are not alone; you will never be alone; take shelter in Him.

Sheltering God, thank you for your loving presence which offers me protection from every difficulty I could ever face.  Thank you for the assurance that your angels are with me in the pit of fire and in the lion's den, and in whatever else I might confront today.  I ascribe majesty, glory and honor to you only, because you are worthy.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

When it Doesn't Work

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

Job 13:15

What’s a believer to do when Christianity doesn’t seem to work?  What’s a believer to do when pain, disappointment, depression, financial hardship, illness, persecution and a host of other problems invade one’s life?  What’s a believer to do when praying, confessing of sin, fasting and holding on to the word, appear to make no difference to the current struggle?  What indeed is a believer to do when all our Christian formulas fall flat?

Many heroes in the Bible found themselves confronting similar dilemmas; among them Job.  If anyone had the short end of the stick, he did.  Yet even in the throes of his suffering, Job held on to hope, and would not curse God.  Job continued to nurture his faith in God even as his problems mounted, and even as his wife and friends encouraged him to take matters into his own hands, by cursing God and dying.  In God’s time, faith won and his struggle was vanquished.

Job’s story reminds me of a story I once heard.  It is the story of an Eskimo who owned two husky dogs that he had trained as fighters.  He would roam from village to village encouraging people to bet on the dogfights he staged., One dog was darker than the other, so he took turns betting on either the lighter or darker husky to win each match.  Somehow, he always picked the winning dog and reaped huge profits.  Finally, someone asked him, “How do you always know which dog will win?”  The Eskimo replied, “Whichever dog I am feeding is the one that will win,” he replied.

As you confront life’s challenges this week, what will you feed?  Fear, anger, or disappointment?  When the formulas fail you, what will you feed?   Job teaches us to feed faith, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.”  Amid your struggle, choose to defend God’s goodness, his love and his mercy toward you.  Let those who bet on your demise be put to shame.  As the prophet Isaiah reminds you, “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear (Isaiah 59:1).”  He who created you, is always for you, even in the deepest, thickest darkness.

Jesus, remind me each day, not to walk by sight or by feelings, but by your Spirit.  Destroy all the false formulas that I have embraced and teach me to trust only in your word.  Remind me today, that greater is he that is on me than he that is in the world.  I declare my problems are defeated through the blood of Jesus Christ, my LORD and my Savior, Amen.

God Listened-God Listens

Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.”  God heard Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman while she was out in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her.

Judges 13:8-9

With all the shocking news headlines bombarding us each day, it is becoming difficult to find anyone who will stop and listen.  It seems that everyone has an opinion about everyone and about everything.  Civil discourse has become an ancient relic of yesterday, and listening has become an abandoned art from the past, left lying crumpled on the noisy highway of modernity.

The arena of listeners may be barren but God still listens.  He listened in the days of the ancient Fathers and he listens today.  When Manoah received word that his barren wife was soon to be with child, he prayed to God seeking instruction on how to raise the child and God listened (Judges 13:9).  Manoah said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born (vs. 8).” And despite what seems like unbelief, God sent the angel a second time to confirm his instruction to Manoah and his wife.  This same God is in control of everything concerning you.  You don’t need someone else’s opinion on the matter and you don’t need to be anxious about it either.  Go ahead and tell God about your problems, because he is listening and he wants to hear from you.  He is ready to confirm his promises concerning you during your barren situation.  He is ready to cut through the noise to get through to you.

Others may be too busy with their barren situations and with their opinion-sharing to truly listen to you, and you may be too consumed with unbelief to hear him, but fear not, God says in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  In other words, amid all the mean tweets and the noisiness of the airwaves; amid the roaring winds of hurricanes, rumblings of earthquakes and terrors of falling mountains; amid the cracking foundations of marriages and mutinous sounds of teenage rebellion; amid every barren situation and environment of unbelief, amid every disconcerting sound and unnerving movement in our modern lives, God is listening.

God is listening for the sound of your heart, as you open up to him and to his Holy Word.  God is listening for the sound of your voice, as you raise up your praise, your worship, your prayers and your petitions to his Holy throne.  God is listening for the sound of your footsteps, as you move in obedience towards him in response to his call upon your life.  And God is listening for the sound of your groaning spirit, as you prepare to give birth to his promise in you.  God is listening because he cares deeply for you.

Heavenly Father, you listened to Manoah; you listened to Moses; you listened to Job, to Hannah, to Elijah and to the children of Israel, and I know beyond a shadow of doubt, you are listening to me and to all those who call upon you today in Spirit and in truth.   I commit my situation to you and I thank you for your intervention by faith. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray.  Amen.

Relinquish Your Rights

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

From the time we are young, many of us are raised to advocate for our rights.  Some toddlers stomp their feet on the floor in anger demanding their rights, teenagers are in a hurry to grow up so they can exercise their rights, and adults sue each other day and night as they advocate for their rights.  Amid such a “rights leaning” culture, it can be challenging to remember that Christ has given believers another way; a heavenly example.

Paul reminds the Galatians, that he has been crucified with Christ.  Paul has died with Christ and he no longer lives, but the life he has he lives by faith in the Son of God.  Paul was willing to humble himself so that Christ would be glorified in his life. Even Jesus himself gave up his rights.  Philippians 2: 5-6 encourages Christians to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage (a thing to be grasped,….) rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant….”  If the apostle Paul, a servant of the Lord, and Jesus who is God were willing to humble themselves, how much more should we follow their example; we who have been washed in Christ’s blood and born of his Spirit?  Through baptism, the old man in us dies and we are raised to new life, and through the infilling of his Spirit, God transforms and renews our minds.

In the midst of a world that may be constantly trying to pull you down, it can be challenging to practice humility, but ask God for grace to exercise it anyway, because God’s word is very clear.  Luke 14:11 reminds us, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Are you dealing with a situation at home, at work or at church that has left you festering with anger?  Do you feel as though your rights are being trampled on?  Then do something counter-cultural, “humble yourself in the sight of the LORD that HE (not you, not your boss, not anyone else, but God) may lift you up (Luke 14: 10; Proverbs 25:7).”  The world may ridicule you, but continue to persevere in prayer because your situation is within the jurisdiction of his care and power.

Loving God, I relinquish my rights.  Give me grace to walk in genuine humility, not just today but every day.  Give me strength to esteem others as better than myself.  Fill me with your Spirit, that I might follow your example and bring you glory and honor in everything I do.  Teach me how to seek your approval rather than the approval of man.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

It is Time to Stretch

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided.

Exodus 14:21

One dictionary defines “to stretch” as to extend oneself to full length or extent.  If you’ve ever tried stretching yourself, you know that it takes some effort if you are doing it correctly.  Quite often it causes some discomfort to those muscles that are not frequently used.  However, the more we stretch, the easier it gets and the more fit one becomes, allowing one to do more than they could before.  I would venture to say, any kind of stretching performed regularly becomes second nature.  This is true of physical stretching, but also of spiritual stretching.

As Moses and the army of Israel approach the Red Sea, they are confronted by a major obstacle.  They must use a group of muscles they have never used before to overcome the situation before them.  At this point, the Israelites are frightened and crying out to Moses, their leader, to do something.  This is their normal reaction to any threat.  They can see Pharaoh’s soldiers bearing down on them on one side and the body of water, that is the Red Sea, on the other.  There is no way out.  They’re trapped.  The Bible describes the situation as dark.  A darkness brought on by the pillar of cloud.  In their season of trouble, the angel of God is before, behind and between the army of Israel.  In other words, God’s presence is positioned wherever his people need him.  As the Psalmist notes in Psalm 139:7, “Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

God Almighty, is present and orchestrating every move, but for the miracle to happen, Moses must stretch; Moses must exercise a group of muscles he has never exercised before.  Moses stretches out his hand over the sea (vs 21) and when he does the rest is history.  Dear friend, could it be, that God has allowed such darkness to come over your life for his purposes?  Could it be that the very thing you fear, is an instrument of his will?  Could it be that the huge obstacle before you is intended to extend your faith, and to lead you into the next level of your relationship with God? 

It is time to stretch your faith over your situation.  It is time to stretch your faith over that circumstance that causes your heart to palpitate with fear.  It is time to exercise that part of your faith that has lain dormant, so that God Almighty can do what he does best.  The same God who triumphed over Israel’s enemy is before, behind and between you and the situation you are facing.  His love has hemmed you in, but you must exercise obedience and stretch, and then wait and watch his mighty power work miracles on your behalf.  The more you stretch, the easier it will be to trust that he is in complete control no matter what the circumstances around you may look like, and that he will avenge every injustice and thwart every threat directed at you in his time.  Now stretch!

Heavenly Father, greater is he that is on me than he that is in the world.  Teach me to walk in obedience before you and to believe, despite my unbelief.  I know you are in control of my life and that you can perform any miracle without me, but thank you for inviting me to stretch my faith, and to participate with you in your story.

Hope in God Alone

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

When confronted with a decree that went against his conscience (Daniel 6), Daniel, got down on his knees three times a day and prayed, giving thanks to God.  Later, surrounded by lions in that den, Daniel had only one option, he knelt and prayed.  Daniel understood that whether he lived or died, his hope was in God alone.

When Hannah could not bear the shame and humiliation of her barrenness (1 Samuel 1:6) she prayed.  The Bible records that her lips were moving but her voice was not heard.  Eli thought she was drunk (1 Samuel 1:13).  Hannah understood in that moment of her desperation, that her hope was in God alone.

What desperate situation are you facing today?  Perhaps you are feeling cornered like Daniel, or empty like Hannah.  Maybe you’ve turned to friends, and their counsel has left you feeling judged and confused.  Or could it be that you have no friends and are feeling all alone?

Paul, writing to the Philippians says: do not be anxious.  Cast aside anxiety, that’s for unbelievers.  Instead, bring every situation to God in prayer.  Petition God as Daniel and Hannah did, with thanksgiving.  Make your requests known to him.  And when you have done so, you will have the peace you need.

There are many situations in the world right now that may have left you feeling cornered and anxious.  I encourage you to hold on to hope, but your hope must be in God alone.  It should not be in your boss, in your spouse, in your children or in your friends and relatives or anything else under the sun.  The only hope that matters is hope in the God of heaven.  God’s ear is inclined to those who fear, worship and hope in him.  He promises them the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).  May this hope and peace be yours today and always.

Loving God, my hope is in you alone.  I present to you these situations that I now name… (fill your requests here).  Grant me the peace that surpasses all understanding through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Then give me the strength to speak of this hope to those I meet today.  Amen.

He Chose You

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2: 9-10

As little children, we learn that to be chosen for the winning team is something special.  We are proud to wear the winning team’s jersey, participate in the winning team’s chants and attend the winning team’s events and celebrations.  So naturally, even as adults, everyone wants to be on the winning team.  It’s “cool” to be on the winning team and to receive all the attention, accolades, and trophies the world offers.  Often, members of the winning team bristle with muscle and dexterity.  In fact, their winning depends on it.

The truth is that being on the winning team comes at a cost.  There are many sacrifices that one makes to achieve excellence.  Being on the winning team comes with a whole set of responsibilities that the spectator does not have.  Those accolades come at a price: sacrifices, hours of practice and travel, injuries, discipline, and whatever else one needs to do, to deliver optimum performance.  Being chosen for the winning team can be an exhilarating experience, but also a lonely and isolating experience, and besides those shiny, coveted, earthly trophies can be stolen or lost or even worse, one may be asked to give them back.

Peter tells God’s elect that they are on heaven’s winning team (1 Peter 1:1).  Peter reminds them that they are a royal priesthood (set apart for special purposes), a holy (think pure) nation, God’s special possession (cherished and loved).  So far so good.  He urges them to be strong in their faith as they encounter persecutions that they might shine God’s light into the dark world they’ve left behind.  Heaven's winning team delivers not because of brawn or brain, but based on its relationship to God.

There’s a lot of darkness in the world today and God is calling believers everywhere out of this darkness onto his winning team.  God reminds his elect, that they have been chosen, but being chosen comes with responsibilities.  Beloved, you are on this winning team.  You are part of the royal priesthood, you have been called to walk in holiness, you are God’s special possession (adored and loved).  The world around you may be dark, but he has called you out of it into his light, that you may declare his praises.  As part of heaven’s winning team, God gets the glory, you do not.  You don’t get to parade the streets with your trophy in your hands.  Your trophy is imperishable, secured through him who first loved you.  You win through him, your ultimate Captain and your achievements are etched forever in God’s book of remembrance.  Sometimes the path might be tough, sometimes lonely, but rejoice today and be glad, Jesus has secured the win, your prize is secure and there are no take backs!

Father, thank you for choosing me.  Now give me the strength, discipline and wisdom I need to deliver for the team.  Thank you that my win is secure through you.  I give you all the glory.  Amen.

God's Plans For You

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

Have you ever set off on a path with high hopes and suddenly found yourself facing some trouble?  It could be as simple as driving from one destination to another, but somehow you find that you are lost and driving around in circles.  Or, it could be as complicated as a marriage that starts off with great hopes but runs into a sticky spot.  It could be something you have been praying for, but with each passing year, there seems to be no answer.  In those sticky moments, it is easy to give up and give in.

The exiles found themselves in a sticky spot.  They were God’s chosen people but disobedience led them into captivity.  They must have felt forsaken and forgotten in that foreign place, surrounded by a people who worshipped foreign gods.  What kind of plan was this?  What good could come from their current situation?  Amid their despair, the prophet Jeremiah brings them a message from God.  God’s plans for them cannot be thwarted by earthly circumstances; despite current appearances God’s plans are to prosper them, not to harm them.

Dear friend, this very moment you may be experiencing your very own “Babylon.”  The burdens and stresses of this human life have a way of weighing us down and a making us feel as though we are all alone, forgotten.  They have a way of making us feel as though all hope is lost.  They have a way of making us feel as though we are driving around life in circles with no destination in sight.  But here is the truth, what God has declared for his people endures forever.  And what he said to the exiles, applies to our situations as well, if we will only believe.  We may not see what’s ahead but God does, and many times we may not know why we have to wait for an answer for so long, but God does and he declares today, “I know the plans I have for you," … "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The children of Israel found God in that sticky place and you will too, if you keep your eyes fixed on him.  Trust God even now and hold on to his unchanging word.   No matter how strong the storm and no matter how long the wait, lean on him because he will not fail you.  Let his word anchor your faith as you wait for him.  He truly is a good, good father who keeps his end of the bargain.  His love for you is unconditional and your future in him is secure.

Dear Father, thank you for loving me, just as I am.  I know your plans for me are for good and not for evil.  Give me the strength and the faith I need to hold on to your promises for me.  I cast my eyes and my hope on you and not on the circumstances surrounding me.  In Jesus’ Holy name I pray.  Amen.

And Without Faith

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

By faith Abel brought God a better sacrifice than Cain did and was commended as righteous (Hebrews 11:4).  By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death (Hebrews 11:5).  By faith, Abraham when called to go to place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went (Hebrews 11:8).

Biblical faith is a firm conviction or firm persuasion in God and in his holy word.  Elsewhere someone has defined it as, “…the act whereby a person lays hold of God's resources, becomes obedient to what He has prescribed and putting aside all self-interest and self-reliance (emphasis mine), trusts Him completely. It is an unqualified surrender of the whole of one's being in dependence upon Him. It is wholly trusting and relying upon Him for all things. It is not just mental assent to the facts and realities of truth, it must come from a deep inner conviction, because dear friend, even the demons believe (James 2:19).  Our faith must transcend that of demons.

Are you walking by faith?  Have you truly put aside all self-interest and self-reliance?  Are you firmly persuaded that God is for you?  Are you convinced that Christ’s sacrifice has redeemed you from sin, once and for all?  Are you resting in the assurance that Christ, through his resurrection has conquered death on your behalf?  Are you obeying his call to walk in holiness as you journey to a place that you will later receive as your inheritance?  Have you taken ahold of all the resources of heaven as you walk in victory no matter what your circumstances?  Has your expression of faith transcended that of demons?

The Bible teaches that “…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6).  You cannot please God merely by works of service, even though these are commendable.  If you want to please God, “walk by faith and do not shrink back (Hebrews 10:38).”  Remember these heroes of the faith, did not even receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth (Hebrews 11:13).  God the Father is ready and willing to lavish this kind of conquering faith upon you.  It comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).  Are you studying the Bible daily?

Dear LORD, thank you for your Holy Word.  It is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.  Help me to grab ahold of it daily that it might nourish and strengthen my faith in you.  Remind me, lest I forget, that it is the sword that causes the enemy to retreat.  I want to please you Lord, with a faith that is completely surrendered to your will and to your way.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

The Power of Prayer

“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray….”

2 Chronicles 7:14a

Someone has said that if you don’t brush your teeth for one day, someone might have a sneaking feeling that you have bad breath.  If you don’t brush your teeth for a week, then friends will start putting some distance between you and them.  However, if you go for a month without brushing your teeth, then it’s plain and simple, no one will want to be around you.  You will have no friends.  The same can be said for a Christian who does not pray.

Without prayer, Satan (yes, he’s real, not always at fault, but real) gains a foothold in our lives and begins to wreak havoc.  The lack of prayer begins to affect our thoughts, our speech, our desires, our actions and even our judgments as we are left exposed to the machinations of the enemy.  Good begins to look bad, exclusive and old fashioned; while bad begins to look good, inclusive and politically correct.  Jesus not only teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6:5-15, but on many occasions in the New Testament, he took time to pray to model to believers that we always ought to pray.  And in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul reminds the Thessalonians to “pray without ceasing,” giving thanks in all circumstances.  Writing to the Ephesians in the letter to the Ephesians, chapter 6:12, Paul again reminds the Ephesian Church that their struggle is not against, flesh and blood but against the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world. In other words, pray.  We cannot win spiritual battles with earthly weapons, we can only do so with spiritual weapons.

Dear believer, what do you see when you look around you.  Do you smell the sweet aroma of prayer that changes our world or do you smell something else, something akin to poor spiritual hygiene?  The drumbeat of hate, divisiveness and otherness seems to be increasing all around the world, even in our churches.  The culture of incivility is becoming the norm.  Even Christians seem to be falling prey to the divisive tactics of the enemy.  It’s us versus them.  It’s time to brush our tee…, ooops!  I mean, it’s time to pray.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5a we have this warning: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power.” Sounds familiar?

Yet here is hope, God also reminds us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, that “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. “Beloved, do not underestimate the power of prayer.  It is your most powerful spiritual weapon.  God has put it at your disposal 24/7.  Use it.  It is time to pray for our families, communities, nation and our world.  There’s only one posture that frightens the devil and his agents, a Christian kneeling in prayer.  We have seen how destructive he can be, now let’s make him quake.  Pray!

Father in Heaven, I need you, we need you, the world needs you.  Come in your mercy and intervene on our behalf.  Without you, we are destroyed.  Do not forsake us, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Instill in us a desire to obey your command to pray without ceasing.  Thank you for the help of your Spirit who intercedes for us before your Holy throne.  As we pray, destroy every stronghold of the enemy wherever it may be found, so that the world might know you are God and you reign.  Amen!

God Uses Broken Things

And he went out and wept bitterly. 

Luke 22: 62

In this era of camera readiness and selfies, it is common to put our best foot (best face) forward.  The internet is riddled with “perfect poses” and “perfect noses.”  But is this who we really are?  Where is the rest of the story?

I was critical of the selfie culture until recently when a friend offered to help me declutter my home.  As generous and as rare as this offer was, my immediate thought was, “No way, it’s a complete mess.  I’m not letting anyone see that side of me.”  As soon as this thought crossed my mind, it became clear to me that at one level or another, we’re all projecting our selfies on others.  We’re all inclined to put our best foot (best face) forward, and because of this human tendency, this is how we approach God.

Peter was not immune to this behavior.  He had told Jesus that he was ready to go to prison or death (Luke 22: vs 33), but after putting his best foot forward, he stumbled.  After denying the Lord three times, Peter was ashamed and remorseful he wept bitterly.  He couldn’t even do so near the people who were still sitting in the courtyard, so he “went out.” He decided to separate himself from the rest of the crowd.  Peter was broken, and weighed down under the heavy burden of conviction.  What Peter forgot, was that the Lord who created him already knew that he was flawed.  The Lord had even warned him prior, that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed.

Sin and the accompanying emotions of guilt and shame have a way of driving a wedge between us and those close to us, especially those of the family of faith.  The realization that we are “broken,” ‘flawed,” and “inadequate” can cause us to “go out (separate, shut out)” physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. But God is in the business of using broken beings, messy beings, and imperfect beings.  Think Jacob, Moses, and David among many others.  God does not want our selfies; God wants us, just as we are.  Vance Havner (1901-1986) puts it this way: “God uses broken things.  It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume.  It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.

Dear friend, are you broken?  Then open wide and let God see every chip and jagged edge.  That’s how his light gets in.  This week, I am opening my garage.  No more selfies, because what happens in the physical translates in the spiritual.  And if an earthly friend can handle your imperfections, how much more will your heavenly Father do so, when you come to him in full honesty?

Gracious Savior, here I am broken, flawed and imperfect, but you knew that already.  No more hiding, and no more dodging; melt me and mold me in accordance with your will, so that I might serve you without shame or pretense.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Dream Thieves

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.

1 Corinthians 10:11

Do you have a dream inside of you?  Then commit it to God, and trust him to bring it to fruition.  Joseph had a dream too, but before it could come to pass, he faced ridicule and sabotage and it’s quite likely you will too.  Dream thieves can descend like an army of worms or like a swarm of locusts and within a short while they are gone leaving you devastated.  But sometimes dream thieves are insidious, they creep in like a cancer, co-existing with the host while spreading quietly in your soul before metastasizing and delivering the fatal blow.  Other times they are sneaky, they appear harmless, even helpful, smiling to your face, but all the while working against you and hoping for your downfall.

I remember, when I became pregnant in 2006.  It was the most amazing and most thrilling time of my life.  I cherished every second of it and yet, the dream thieves came calling with unsolicited opinions.  My attending doctor, a wise old man, gave me one important piece of advice, that I continue to apply to other situations of my life.  He said, “Stuff your ears with cotton buds for the next nine months, don’t listen to them.”  I did as he advised, and went on to enjoy nine carefree, blessed months with no morning sickness, no cravings, no complications, just bliss and deep gratitude.  And even though I was no spring chicken at the time, I didn’t miss a single day of work.  Favor!  I trusted that the God who allowed this pregnancy, would protect the new life within me to the very end.  In this case, he did.  I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, who is now 10 years old.  God brought the dream to fruition.

Joseph had a dream too.  When the dream thieves came calling, Joseph declared what he believed God’s purpose for him was, despite the circumstances (Genesis 37: 5-11).  Naturally, his brothers hated him for it and tried to sabotage the dream.  Secondly, Joseph maintained his integrity.  Genesis 39:4b states, “Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.”  Joseph conducted business with integrity, even resisting the advances of Potiphar’s wife.  Lastly, Joseph lived a God-dependent life even amid adversity, believing that his future rested in God’s hands.  In other words, he plugged his ears from all other distractions.  In due course, his dream came to fruition.

Dear friend, entrust your dream to God and it will come to fruition in his time and in his way.  Do not listen to the dream thieves; their purpose is to distract you, but God will use your circumstances to strengthen your faith if you look to him.  The Psalmist notes (Psalm 75:6-7), “For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the example of Joseph. I give my dream to you knowing that you who has begun this good work in my life will bring it to completion in your time and in your way.  Amen.

The Groom is Coming

The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.

Romans 13:12

No bride shows up to her wedding unprepared.  No bride puts on torn, wrinkled or soiled garments to meet her bridegroom.  Every bride wants to look her best for her groom.  Her appearance is the canvas that communicates the future she envisions; a beautiful life adorned with the fulfillment of every dream.  I remember preparing for my own wedding in 2000.  I left no detail to chance.  I fussed over the venue, the officiant, the bulletin, the dress, shoes and accessories, the bridesmaids, the food; you name it and I was all over it.  The day had to be “perfect.” 

I am divorced now.  After all the energy and attention, I put into that one event, the marriage didn’t last. It frayed and swayed before lumbering to an ugly end.  The wedding dress ended up in a heap at a Goodwill store; the marriage license has since been reduced to shredded paper and the promises made all lie shattered and forgotten; vague memories of some distant, unrecognizable past.

Jesus has lovingly chosen the church to be his bride.  We are getting ready for another wedding, a heavenly union that will last forever; no throwaways here. Jesus is coming for a bride that is pure and spotless.  He is coming for a bride that is ready for an eternal commitment.  Fortunately, we do not have to get ready for this event on our own.  The Holy Spirit is there to help ready the bride for the bridegroom.  It doesn’t matter how torn, wrinkled or soiled your garments are, there is cleansing through the blood of the lamb.

But Paul writing in Romans communicates an urgency.  The day of salvation is at hand; the groom is coming and the bride must ready herself for the marriage ceremony by removing the deeds of darkness and putting on the shining armor of right living.  The bride's focus must no longer be on the event alone, but on the eternal marriage to the bridegroom who has lovingly chosen her.

Beloved, are you ready for the groom?  Too many of us in the church today, have misinterpreted grace as a "license to sin" (Romans 6:1).  Too many of us are parading around in torn, wrinkled and soiled garments as we await the groom.  Paul makes it clear, because of God’s grace toward us, “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.  Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh (Romans 13:13).”  Paul is not addressing non-believers but rather, believers like us.

The groom is coming and he has left no detail to chance.  He has purchased your freedom with his blood and is ready to wash your garments so you will be pure and spotless at the day of his appearing.  Will you let him?  Will you receive him?  Will you yield to him?  This is one marriage you can count on because his promises are as beautiful as they are perfect.

Dear Lord, I want to be a bride who is pure and spotless. Forgive me for taking your grace so lightly.  Cleanse me of every sin that hinders, known and unknown so that I will be ready for you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Leave Everything and Follow Me

“Truly I tell you," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields-along with persecutions-and in the age to come eternal life.

Mark 10: 29-30

Abraham left everything to follow God’s call on his life.  Moses left everything to pursue the calling that God had placed on him.  Noah left everything to follow God’s purposes for him and his family.  The early disciples left their boats, their families and their trade to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22).  In every circumstance in the Bible where someone made this daring decision, God’s presence and favor increased in their lives; but so also did persecutions, temptations and miscalculations.  Brethren, what is God asking you to leave behind today to follow him? 

When God asked the rich young ruler to sell everything and give to the poor and then “come follow me.” The rich young ruler went away sad and grieving because he had much property (Mark 10: 17-27).  Having money and property is a blessing if it is held in right perspective, but if it becomes and idol that stands between you and God, the idol needs to go.

When the Lord asked Abram to, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.  “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” The Bible states, “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him;” Abram did not make excuses he went believing by faith that God was leading and God was in control.

Which of these two stories describes your situation?  Only one response pleases God; but it’s a response that must be made with earnest prayer and guidance by the Holy Spirit.  Matthew 6:24 says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”  Today God says, “Leave everything and follow me.”  What will you do?

Heavenly Father, I need your guidance today, to know what you want me to do.  Guide me by the power of your Holy Spirit, so that I will make a decision that brings glory and honor to your Holy and Precious name.  Amen.

God Still Speaks!

He who has ears, let him hear.

Matthew 11:15

One of the most common questions I hear Christians asking is this, “How will I know when God is speaking to me?”  This is a logical question.  We live in a very noisy world and it can be difficult to identify God’s voice in the midst of the cacophony of noises.  Turn on the radio or television and you will hear about and see some of the strange practices that are taking place among Christians.  There are those who chase after modern day prophets hoping that they will receive revelation from these shepherds about what God is saying to them; other teachers promote manmade rituals and formulas that they claim will guarantee clear communication from God.  I’ll share a word of caution here, poetically taught by my pastor, “Those who follow sheep, get poo-poo on their feet.”  Instead follow the Shepherd, he talks to his sheep all the time concerning his redemptive purpose; and his sheep know his voice.

 The Bible is filled with examples of God speaking to ordinary people at different times, revealing his will to them.  We know he spoke to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden; He spoke to Abraham, Moses and Joshua among others on a number of occasions in the Old Testament.  Hebrews 1:1 indicates that after the fall, God spoke to his people through the prophets in the Old Testament, and has now spoken to New Testament believers through his Son, Jesus Christ. God is a God who still speaks to his people through the Holy Spirit and he is capable of doing so in any way he chooses.  If we listen diligently to his Word, we too will soon discover that God’s voice is entwined all through scripture.

 In Matthew 11:15, Jesus strongly urges a generation, where many had lost the art of listening to God and lacked spiritual understanding, to pay attention to what God was saying.  There is urgency in the admonition, “He who has ears, let him hear.” This same urgent admonition is relevant to our generation.  Sadly, many are distracted by all the sheep noises surrounding them, others have lost the art of listening and all the while, God is urging us to listen to his Word.  He is urging us to seek his wisdom in dealing with the indigestible chaos of our world.

Today, we have the privilege of seeking him afresh and hearing him speak even through this devotional.  How can we hear God speak?   We can hear God speak when we spend time reading his Word.  It becomes a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).  When we pray under the guidance of his Spirit, he helps us distinguish his promptings (Ephesians 6:18).  When we worship him, we are ushered into his glorious presence (Exodus 25:22) and when we deliberately rest quietly before him, God’s will for our lives slowly comes to the surface as we live out the Christian faith.  Without God’s voice, we are left confused and disempowered.  But the more we learn to detect God’s voice, we are emboldened and courageous no matter what we face.

 Where are you today, are you listening? Can you hear him now?

 Loving God, thank you for your Word through which you speak to me, and to all believers.  Remind us of the urgency of the present time in our lives, and give us wisdom to redeem this time through the work you have entrusted to us.  Remind us again, that we are in the world but not of the world.  Continue to guide us through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Whatever it Takes!

When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

Luke 5:19

Four men were carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.  The four men noticed the paralyzed man’s need, and they knew that out of all the people present, only Jesus would do.  They were committed to doing whatever was necessary to get him the healing he needed. 

Friends, do you know of anyone who lives in a constant state of paralysis?  Do you know of anyone who is paralyzed by addictions, by anger, by greed, selfishness, by fear, by sexual immorality, by helplessness, by self-righteousness, by political correctness, or by any of the hundreds of things that run contrary to a life of faith in Jesus Christ?   Have you done anything about it? 

Notice also that the man was outside the house; not inside where Jesus was.  He was close to; in proximity to; but not in the presence of the Great Physician.  In verse 19, Luke says, “they could not find a way to do this (bring him to Jesus) because of the crowd.”  What kept him outside?  The crowd.  How many people do you know who call themselves Christians but seem to dwell “outside the house?”  How many of them stay outside “the house” because of “the crowd?”  Because they are afraid of what people will think and say about them? Because they are afraid to run contrary to popular opinion on an issue?  Because they want to fit in and not cause waves?  Because they are afraid to lose friends, privileges or any of the many temporal benefits the world has to offer?  At any point any of us could be just as guilty and equally paralyzed.

The four friends did not just stand by; they got together to do something about the paralyzed man’s situation.  When they could not find their way into the house because of the crowd, they went up onto the roof of the house, and lowered the man down to Jesus.  They took all measures necessary, (including removing shingles from the host’s roof), to get the paralyzed man into the presence of the Lord.  In turn, Jesus honored their faith.  He not only healed the man, but he also forgave his sins, freeing him from all that had held him back and sending him home.

Beloved, this is what Jesus wants us all to do.  He stands ready to heal and he wants us to do whatever it takes, to bring people "into the house” where his presence dwells.  Jude 1:22-23 says, “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

Jesus, himself, showed you what he was willing to do to get you into the house.  John 3:16 reminds you, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Jesus offered up his very life so that you might be set free from bondage to sin and death.

Today, the Holy Spirit says to you, what are you willing to do to get those living in paralysis into the house of God?  What are you willing to do to ensure that others receive the heavenly healing that sets people free and puts them on a path towards home with the Savior? 

Eternal Father, thank you for your healing power which is availed for all who call out for your mercy.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit and lead me to those who are paralyzed by the darkness and deception of this world.  Give me a heart that is relentless in bringing them to you.  Even today, transform me into someone who is willing to do “whatever it takes,” then lead me to someone who needs your healing and help me point them to you.  May your Kingdom come.  Amen!

The Promise Keeper

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so, through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 1:20

Anyone can make a promise, but keeping the promise is the hard part.  Spouses break promises they have made to one another, parents break promises they have made to their children and vice versa, even best friends break promises.  But God in heaven is steadfast, and his promises are “yea and Amen.” 

I was reminded of this aspect of God’s character a few days ago as I sat gazing at the sunset.  I was mulling over some detail concerning my life when I lifted my eyes to the sky and saw a beautiful rainbow brilliantly displayed against the clear blue.  The scene excited my physical senses but also ignited my spiritual senses.  Nature reminded me that the God of the Israelites is my God.  The rainbow reminded me that what God says he will do, he absolutely will do.  In Genesis 9: 11 he says to Israel, “I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth."  God is not a man that he should lie; we can count on him to keep this promise.

Depending on your source, there are more than 3500 promises in the Bible.  God has a promise for every situation you have faced, are facing or will ever face.  And no matter how you feel on any given day, Paul reminds us, that God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ, and the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Today, God says in Isaiah 43: 1b-3a: 

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Fear is the enemy’s weapon; the prayer of faith is your shield and God’s Word is your sword.  No matter how many times the devil comes against you, he is a defeated foe and he knows it.  God has promised you victory, but you must take up your weapon and fight.  Let this day, be your day of triumph over every principality and power that has come up against your family, your finances, our friendships or even your faith.

Immeasurable God, I believe that you have already fulfilled every promise you have made to me through Jesus Christ, my LORD and my Savior.   Teach me to walk by faith and not by sight.  I confess my unbelief and declare victory in every area of my life, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Call Him, Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

Matthew 6:9b

As Americans celebrate Father’s Day today, there will be those who will wake up with holes in their hearts.  There are fathers who died, fathers who left and fathers who stayed but are emotionally absent.  But there is One who is the Father of all; the Heavenly Father who loves all his children equally, and without whom there would be no human father worth celebrating.

He is:  Almighty, having power beyond compare; He Believes in you; Is Compassionate towards you and is Jealously Devoted to you; He is Eternal, existing beyond the physical realm; Forgiving every sin; Gracious, extending unmerited favor to you; He is Humble, not considering equality with God as something to be grasped; Immortal, unconstrained by natural laws; He is the God of Justice who promises to avenge any offenses impugned on his loved ones.

He is:  The All-Knowing God, who responds to his children before they speak; He is Love made perfect at Calvary; Miraculous in his interventions into the affairs of man; Never-changing, from age to age, the same; He is the Overcomer, who conquered sin and death and will soon return in his glory accompanied by the saints.  He is our Peace in times of storm; the One who leads us by Quiet waters.  This Father provides Rest for every weary soul.

He is: The Savior of the whole world; Truth personified; United with God the Father and the Holy Spirit; Victorious in every situation; Wisdom is his name; He is worthy to be eXalted today and every day; He Yearns for you and is Zealous for you.  Call him, Father, and celebrate him because today he calls you his child.

Let that hole in your soul be filled by the Good Shepherd who knows you by name (John 10:3).  Yield to him as he opens his loving arms to the child in you, and as he extends his love to your children and their children, to the third and fourth generation.

Father, on this special day, I yield to you.  Take my heart, my life, my soul.  Let me be totally devoted to you.  Thank you for loving me.  In your precious name, I pray.  Amen.

Just Go!

Now the Lord said to Abraham, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.  And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing."

Genesis 1:1-2

There are times when you just have to go!  There are occasions when you know beyond a shadow of doubt that the time is right and the time is now.  The world will not get it, your loved ones will not get it, but if you know God is speaking to you, step out in faith; just go!

When a comfortable retirement seemed a more sensible thing to do, God instructed Abraham to leave what was familiar, comfortable, and routine and go to a new place, a new culture, and a new people.  God instructed Abraham to sacrifice everything he had acquired in life for a greater blessing from God.  Obeying God’s command meant that Abraham would become a source of blessing to others.  Abraham, was obedient.  He got up and he went as God instructed.  The Bible records that Abraham had no idea where he was going to. The future was not clearly outlined for him.  The t’s were not crossed and the i’s were not dotted.  The only thing Abraham knew was the character of the One who sent him.  Abraham knew that God was good and God was faithful and that this same God who called him out from his people, would be with him every step of the way in this new adventure.

Someone asked me recently, how can I be sure that it is God speaking?  John 10:27 says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”  Pursuing an intimate relationship with God: reading his word, waiting in his presence and seeking godly counsel are some specific ways we can know the master’s voice.  Abraham’s faith and trust were based on his relationship with God.  Abraham knew he could trust God to lead him and show him the way.  He did not need the complete plan in advance.  Abraham may have wrestled with basic human emotions such as doubt and fear; but faith in God, won the day.  Abraham trusted in God’s character and so he took his family and his belongings, and he moved to the new land just as God had instructed him.  Ultimately, God rewarded Abraham for his obedience.

God reserves this same blessing for those who trust in him today.  God reserves this blessing for you too, dear friend.  Perhaps you have been wrestling with embracing change in your life but have been afraid to leave your old life behind because no one “does that!”  Perhaps, God has been saying to you, “Go…from your routine, comfortable and predictable life to new horizons I will show you so that you might be a source of greater blessing to others” and you’ve been responding, “Not yet, I’ve got to figure this out.”  John H. Sammis (1887) seems to suggest that happiness in Jesus is achieved when we simply: "Trust and obey, for there’s no other way; To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Scripture says, “The just shall live by faith (Romans 1;17); It is time for believers to “Go!’’ Is God speaking to you today?  Do you hear his voice?  Do you trust him?  Then, all you have to do is obey him.  The experience will probably be challenging, for the testing of your faith, but the journey will draw you closer to him, and as he was with Abraham so he will be with all who trust in him.  Just go!

 Almighty God, forgive us for times we have worried needlessly about a future we cannot control, instead of seeking your direction.  Grant us courage to trust and obey you even when we do not understand. In Jesus' name, Amen.