In Psalm 54 God is our deliverer. He always brings us through what we are facing and walks with us through every situation. What are you facing today? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In Psalm 55 we see Davids condition. He is in anguish over facing His enemies (terrors of death), distraught, fear and trembling has overwhelmed him. This is part of what he faced in His assignment as King. This was an assignment from God and David was God's choice and His favorite king. Many assignments we would not have chosen. That's why He is God. He places us to serve where He wants us. We would never be capable of carrying out these things on our own. If you are overwhelmed in the assignment facing you take it ti the Lord in prayer and ask Him to bring you through. 22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
In Psalms 56 David faced the probability of death from the Philistines. God was faithful to sustain him and deliver David from his enemies. In the midst of this Davis says: 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise- 11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
In Acts 21 we get a glimpse of Paul's intense understanding of his assignment. He was determined to go to Jerusalem even as the disciples "through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem." Then the prophet Agabus came down and said: "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles." 12When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." In verses that followed we see those committed to the Lord continue with Paul to Jerusalem. No one abandoned him even though they didn't agree or like what was facing them in Jerusalem. We may not face death but we will have challenges as we carry out our assignment. Only through prayer and dedication can we continue when things seem dire looking through human eyes. Our spiritual eyes give us the ability to see through the fear and truly follow Him. The human side of us stops and counts the cost. Paul choice was to be obedient at any cost. I encourage you to embrace where the Lord has placed you and choose obedience rather than to go the easy more popular path. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Matthew 7:13 I encourage you to stay on the path that the Lord has placed you. He will show you His way.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Psalm 51-53; Acts 20:17-38
Psalms 51 starts with David's confession of sin after having been confronted by the prophet Nathan concerning his sin with Bathsheba. David confessed his sin and was restored. We should all desire a pure heart and confess our sin. Asking for mercy and compassion during these times is key. It is one of the hardest yet most cleansing things we can do. I have done this today. The hard part sometimes is turning away from what we want to do and let God have complete control of our spiritual life. That means getting the sin out and being wholeheartedly devoted to Him and following Him through the difficult times. This truly gets us off our track and keep us on God's track. Asking for mercy and compassion during these times is key. We are faithful to pray for ourselves and our needs. We should also pray for each other as the Lord has a way of strengthening each other as we pray in order to edify (build up) the body of Christ.
In psalms 52 and 53 the spiritual condition of God's people was one the Lord was deeply concerned with. We see the warnings and consequences of disobedience. The faithful continue to grow in the Lord. 52:8 "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."
In Acts 20 Paul calls the Elders in and compels them to be keep watch over the flock which the Holy Spirit has made them overseers and teach the church members to be faithful to the flock. "Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." Paul knew how we as sheep have a tendency to follow the grass and before we know it we are led into places other than where the Holy Spirit has led. Men will come even from inside to draw away disciples after them not wanting to give away their true motives. Shepherds are given spiritual authority and discernment from God in these matters and understand the consequences of wandering into dangerous pastures where illusion is present. Understanding and being in a constant state of submitting to that authority and ultimately God's authority is challenging as we fight the battle of our will. We are to pray for each other as I pray for all of you that we not be deceived and can understand and be content with where God has placed us to serve that we may all be encouraged and the flock will have unity in Christ. Embracing where He has placed us will allow us to serve wholeheartedly bringing others where God has saved and placed us.
Tomorrow's reading is Psalms 54-56;Acts 21:1-17
In psalms 52 and 53 the spiritual condition of God's people was one the Lord was deeply concerned with. We see the warnings and consequences of disobedience. The faithful continue to grow in the Lord. 52:8 "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."
In Acts 20 Paul calls the Elders in and compels them to be keep watch over the flock which the Holy Spirit has made them overseers and teach the church members to be faithful to the flock. "Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." Paul knew how we as sheep have a tendency to follow the grass and before we know it we are led into places other than where the Holy Spirit has led. Men will come even from inside to draw away disciples after them not wanting to give away their true motives. Shepherds are given spiritual authority and discernment from God in these matters and understand the consequences of wandering into dangerous pastures where illusion is present. Understanding and being in a constant state of submitting to that authority and ultimately God's authority is challenging as we fight the battle of our will. We are to pray for each other as I pray for all of you that we not be deceived and can understand and be content with where God has placed us to serve that we may all be encouraged and the flock will have unity in Christ. Embracing where He has placed us will allow us to serve wholeheartedly bringing others where God has saved and placed us.
Tomorrow's reading is Psalms 54-56;Acts 21:1-17
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Psalm 49-50; Acts 20:1-16
Psalm 49 is important to know that even though the wealthy seem to prosper their understanding will be their demise. They will trust in themselves put or their security in possessions and not possess the one they truly need for eternity. Life in Christ takes the place of those things.
In Psalm 50 the Lord tells us He summons the heavens and earth and calls His consecrated ones to Him. He says He doesn't need our sacrifices because the earth is His and everything in it. He has every animal including the cattle on a thousand hills. Then He clarifies this when He identifies the evil as the ones who speak the words of God and then: 19 "You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. 20 You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother's son." The Lord asks us to repent and turn to Him because He has held back what He has in store for those who continue such behavior. 23 "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."
In Acts 20 we see many people joining Paul on his journey. The Lord continues to draw those to assist in completing His assignment. Then Paul speaks in Troas and at midnight a young man falls out of the window who Paul heals, goes back upstairs and continues speaking until morning. Then He leaves and walks to Asos wile the others go in the ship. We see His urgency to deliver God's word and disciple the people of God. I have a feeling He needed some time alone with the Lord. He must have been tired as He went about his task but never seemed to let that slow him down. Continue serving God and labor till the master calls us home so we can rejoice with Him in the harvest.
In Psalm 50 the Lord tells us He summons the heavens and earth and calls His consecrated ones to Him. He says He doesn't need our sacrifices because the earth is His and everything in it. He has every animal including the cattle on a thousand hills. Then He clarifies this when He identifies the evil as the ones who speak the words of God and then: 19 "You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. 20 You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother's son." The Lord asks us to repent and turn to Him because He has held back what He has in store for those who continue such behavior. 23 "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."
In Acts 20 we see many people joining Paul on his journey. The Lord continues to draw those to assist in completing His assignment. Then Paul speaks in Troas and at midnight a young man falls out of the window who Paul heals, goes back upstairs and continues speaking until morning. Then He leaves and walks to Asos wile the others go in the ship. We see His urgency to deliver God's word and disciple the people of God. I have a feeling He needed some time alone with the Lord. He must have been tired as He went about his task but never seemed to let that slow him down. Continue serving God and labor till the master calls us home so we can rejoice with Him in the harvest.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Psalm 46-48; Acts 19:21-41
These verses in Psalms 46 always bring comfort to me.
1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea... vs.10 "Be still, and know that I am God..." Take a few minutes today to be still and experience His presence in silence. There is peace in His presence.
Then in chapter 47 we see we are to praise Him for His position of ruler over the earth as we picture Him seated at His holy throne. In chapter 48 He gives victory in our battles over nations. God is our security and our strength and He is worthy of our praise.
In acts 19 we see Paul retuning through Ephesus. Artemis the silversmith stirred people up because He was losing money making idols. The church had started growing and they had understood the false idols were not gods at all. Satan had lost ground in his deception and he didn't waste time rallying his troops. The city clerk wisely calmed the crowd and said the craftsmen could press charges in the courts. The crowd disbanded and returned home. When God is working Satan tries to stop Him. We are not to worry or fear as the Lord is faithful to see us through. Continue to praise Him and watch the promises of God become reality in your life. Every time He delivers it will encourage you and your life may be encouragement to others He becomes a reality in them.
1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea... vs.10 "Be still, and know that I am God..." Take a few minutes today to be still and experience His presence in silence. There is peace in His presence.
Then in chapter 47 we see we are to praise Him for His position of ruler over the earth as we picture Him seated at His holy throne. In chapter 48 He gives victory in our battles over nations. God is our security and our strength and He is worthy of our praise.
In acts 19 we see Paul retuning through Ephesus. Artemis the silversmith stirred people up because He was losing money making idols. The church had started growing and they had understood the false idols were not gods at all. Satan had lost ground in his deception and he didn't waste time rallying his troops. The city clerk wisely calmed the crowd and said the craftsmen could press charges in the courts. The crowd disbanded and returned home. When God is working Satan tries to stop Him. We are not to worry or fear as the Lord is faithful to see us through. Continue to praise Him and watch the promises of God become reality in your life. Every time He delivers it will encourage you and your life may be encouragement to others He becomes a reality in them.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Psalm 35-36; Acts 17:1-15
Psalms 36 gives a few words of encouragement today.
5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find [d] refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
In Acts 17 Paul and Silas and Timothy go to Thessalonica where they are run out of town and to Berea where they they received them because of a more noble character. This was all in Macedonia and God started churches in each town regardless what happened to them. The price was great, but the work was of the Lord and it spread the word. They spoke to crowds of women in the previous chapter and Lydia and her family are the only women recorded accepting Christ. But the early church met in Her home for prayer. God has a plan to use each of us. That's why He saved us and He will use us as He sees fit. Live like you believe Him and He will use you in Mighty ways.
5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find [d] refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
In Acts 17 Paul and Silas and Timothy go to Thessalonica where they are run out of town and to Berea where they they received them because of a more noble character. This was all in Macedonia and God started churches in each town regardless what happened to them. The price was great, but the work was of the Lord and it spread the word. They spoke to crowds of women in the previous chapter and Lydia and her family are the only women recorded accepting Christ. But the early church met in Her home for prayer. God has a plan to use each of us. That's why He saved us and He will use us as He sees fit. Live like you believe Him and He will use you in Mighty ways.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Psalm 33-34; Acts 16:22-40
Psalms 33 starts put praising the Lord.
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does. (NIV)
Let's rejoice in all the Lord has done in our lives. We are challenged to praise Him no matter what is going on. God has brought it and allowed it for His purposes and glory. It's not all about us, it's all about Him. We are to be in holy awe of God and have a healthy fear and respect for Him. As we trust Him we will see what He is doing. Being a servant means we are here to bring glory to the father. As we concentrate on that we will be blessed.
Psalm 34 says: 1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together. (NIV)
The Lord wants us to encourage each other praising His name together in corporate worship. He delivers the faithful.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing. (NIV)
In our circumstances we are to remain faithful and let God fight our battles.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all...22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. (NIV)
In Acts 16 we see Paul, Silas and Timothy responding to the vision the Lord had given Paul. They were to take the gospel to Macedonia. Lydia and Her family accepted Christ and then Paul Silas and Timothy were severely flogged and ended up in prison. They easily could have said "surely God must be punishing us or this is too much, I can't handle it. Instead 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.
How we handle persecution will make a huge difference as we praise the Lord in all things and trust God for the outcome. Instead of being overwhelmed, praise Him.
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does. (NIV)
Let's rejoice in all the Lord has done in our lives. We are challenged to praise Him no matter what is going on. God has brought it and allowed it for His purposes and glory. It's not all about us, it's all about Him. We are to be in holy awe of God and have a healthy fear and respect for Him. As we trust Him we will see what He is doing. Being a servant means we are here to bring glory to the father. As we concentrate on that we will be blessed.
Psalm 34 says: 1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together. (NIV)
The Lord wants us to encourage each other praising His name together in corporate worship. He delivers the faithful.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing. (NIV)
In our circumstances we are to remain faithful and let God fight our battles.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all...22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. (NIV)
In Acts 16 we see Paul, Silas and Timothy responding to the vision the Lord had given Paul. They were to take the gospel to Macedonia. Lydia and Her family accepted Christ and then Paul Silas and Timothy were severely flogged and ended up in prison. They easily could have said "surely God must be punishing us or this is too much, I can't handle it. Instead 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.
How we handle persecution will make a huge difference as we praise the Lord in all things and trust God for the outcome. Instead of being overwhelmed, praise Him.
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