Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

God never puts us on a disciplinarian time of probation. He never puts us in the penalty box. That happens, and rightfully so, in the work environment and in business, but in our relationship with Christ, that is not the course of action our Lord and Savior institutes with those that have accepted Him as their Savior, and are born again into the family of Christ. God’s pardon is everlasting when we come to Him and ask forgiveness of sin in our life.

David was robbed of joy and peace when he stated in Psalm 25:7: “Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!” Then again in Psalm 25:18 he repeats: “Consider my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins.” David had regrets from his younger days, confessed his sin, and asked God for forgiveness.

We all have felt shame and guilt over the sins we have committed in the past. There is nothing so horrendous that God cannot forgive. But once God forgives, He wholly and entirely forgives and says to us, as He said to the woman caught in adultery in John 8:11: “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” Forgiveness must lead to a changed heart and is tied to our obedience in following Christ.

Seven Bible verses regarding God’s forgiveness:

Hebrews 10:17: “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more. Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.”

Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall become wool.”

Isaiah 38:17: “Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.”

Isaiah 43:25: “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

Jeremiah 31:34b: “For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sins no more.”

Colossians 3:13 (NIV): “Bear with each other and forgive one another if anyone of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Things to remember about God’s forgiveness:

• Confession and repentance is first essential.
• Must lead to a change of heart.
• God won’t forgive those who won’t forgive others.
• Jesus forgave murderers.
• Jesus forgave Peter, for denying he knew Jesus.
• Jesus forgave even the people that crucified Him.

We cannot measure how far the east is from the west or how high the heavens are above the earth. But we can be thankful for God’s mighty and compassionate love and mercy He gives to us when we kneel before Him at the throne of grace.

Questions:

Why is it hard to forgive others at times?

Do you always forget the offense, when someone asks for your forgiveness?

Who is easier to forgive? Someone that said something against your child or spouse, or someone you loaned money to and they never paid you back?

My prayer: “Jesus you are my Lord and Savior. Work through my thoughts, words, and actions so I may bring glory to your name for Your presence in my life. I must obediently forgive others as You have so abundantly forgiven me time and time again, no matter what the cause or circumstance. I sometimes have problems with letting it go and need to improve in this area. Thank you for your steadfast love and compassion. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Listen to Casting Crowns song “East to West.”

 

 

Image: bomei615 from Pixabay

Ephesians 1:17-19 (NIV): “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength.”

In taking down the Christmas tree, and putting away all the decorations, I found a box in a cabinet in our garage that I had labeled: “St. Mary’s Hospital, Jonathan.” I took it out and opened the lid. Inside I saw Get Well cards; children drew pictures on paper for Jonathan; three hospital wristbands; cards from florists from people sending flowers; and my day by day report of our young son’s serious medical condition.

Jonathan went straight from being examined by a Mayo Clinic pediatrician at 8:00 AM, to being admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, in Rochester, Minnesota, at 9:30 AM, back on July 2, 1979. He was only three years old at the time. The possible and probable diagnosis was extremely bleak, and our son was not able to walk over the weekend. Our local doctor’s skill and diagnosis we questioned so we went to Mayo Clinic, to get their opinion.

After four days of being in the hospital, and going through an entourage of infectious disease doctors, and every other specialist, Jonathan was released, because all tests came back with negative results for suspected Osteomyelitis. Minor surgery was done on a cyst on his face right in his hospital bed in the room. That was the culprit of the original medical predicament, and a surgery date was set up for him to come back and have it surgically removed on an out-patient basis during the following month.

Such memories flooded my thoughts as I read every card. One stood out because it was from “Grandma and Buffy.” This card was from my mother-in-law who passed away several years ago. Her dog’s name was Buffy. What a unique souvenir to find from her –  that she had written a personal note to Jonathan regarding his upcoming operation.

As I was reading Ephesians 1:17-19, about the words that Paul wrote and prayed for the people in the church in Ephesus, I thought, these are the same words that I and every parent prays for their children:

• Wisdom and revelation from God for their life.
• That they may know God better and intimately.
• Obtaining their own insights into God’s Word.
• Have a saving knowledge of Christ.
• To hold onto hope grounded in their faith in Christ.
• To fulfill God’s purpose for their life.

Those were tough days, back when Jonathan was only three years old in that hospital room where he was in isolation. But God answered our prayers because He had a set purpose for not shortening our son’s life. It gave us a new revelation seeing other parents on that floor, and how life just stops still when your child is very ill, and there is nothing you can do to make it better.

But after reviewing all the items in this box full of memories, I had to ask myself, how about me? Do I always have solid hope in Christ during troubling circumstances? Am I displaying or reflecting, having faith, hope, and love due to my relationship with Christ? My life is anchored in eternity, so why do I not always have the right default perspective for the world’s climate around me?

In the Hebrew and Greek culture, the heart was considered to be the center of knowledge, understanding, thinking, and wisdom. That is why Paul prayed for the Ephesians to be enlightened.

My prayer for the start of this brand new year, 2018, for my children and family is found in the verses of Ephesians 1:18-19. This is how it is worded in the Message: “I ask – ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him – endless energy, boundless strength!”

Questions:

How can you personally know God better?

If you are in a quandary of wondering what God’s purpose is for your life, ask God to give you His vision for what He intended you to become. Ask Him to enlighten the eyes of your heart.

Listen to Casting Crown’s “Here’s My Heart.”

 

Image Credit: Pixabay fridzema

Exodus 13: 17, 18 NIV: “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. “ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.”

Often I don’t understand why God doesn’t answer some of my prayers faster. Or when a roadblock gets in the way, I can’t fathom the purpose of the detour. I become confused and ask God: Why is this happening? I just had that conversation again with Him this past week.

God doesn’t always work in the way we think He should. Our way we think should come instantly, but God sees and knows the full picture. He can see beyond today and I cannot.

God didn’t direct the Israelites along the direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land. Instead, He took them by a more prolonged route because He wanted them to avoid fighting with the Philistines. That is a lesson I need to remember. If my burden and prayer request is not immediately answered, or He does not bring about the shortest and quickest logical (to me) means to my goal or plan, I need to stop complaining and resisting. Instead, I must trust God to lead me around safely hidden obstacles, which he already knows will happen from my choice of decisions.

The end of the journey is already known by God, from its beginning. He knows the safest, most excellent, top, premier, optimum, ideal, superlative, and unrivaled route for guiding our lives. But that fact doesn’t always make it any easier to cope and handle difficult circumstances in our own strength. That is when we have to lean on our good shepherd entirely.

Our personal discouragement sometimes hinders us from willingly listening to God. How often haven’t I felt like just giving up when hitting that brick wall in life?

Anyone can obey God when life is comfortable. Desired results are not always instant. But when we are persistent in our faith, steadfast, unmovable, even when all of life seems impossible, God is still on the throne. He is there and waiting for us to commit our needs, desires, and dreams to Him.

God is:

• Jehovah Shalom – Giver of Peace.
• Jehovah Shammah – Ever-Present One.
• Jehovah Rohe – Good Shepherd.
• Jehovah Rophe – Healer.
• Jehovah Nissi – Battle Fighter.
• Jehovah Jireh – Provider.

Are you feeling like you are being taken on a more extended route instead of the fastest route regarding something you are going through? I do many times. God’s plans for each one of us are purposeful. As often as you ask for spiritual insight, the Holy Spirit will surge within your soul pointing out the truth found in God’s Word for your specific situation. He will do the same for me.

Questions:

1. David asked God, in Psalm 13:1: “How long, O LORD?” Write out your own prayer to God requesting relief in your hard circumstance, and express your impatience. Pray the various names of God that fit your situation.
2. What verses can you gather to help you be anchored unwaveringly and rely entirely on God during the hard times?

If God is not leading you through the shortest path to your dream or goal, or you find yourself suffering in yet another trial, trust Him to guide you safely around invisible obstacles. God sees the end of our journey from the beginning, and He knows the safest and optimal route. So be armed for battle!

Listen to “Here’s My Heart Lord” with Lyrics by Lauren Daigle.

 

 

Romans 3:23-25a: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”

As we are in the Christmas season, we have bought those unique gifts that are wanted by our children, family, and friends. We have spent a considerable amount of time deciding on just the right present to give. Thank goodness for Amazon Wish Lists! They save us all time from battling parking lot spaces and crowds at the mall as much as we used to have to endure. When we purchase and then gift wrap each present, we don’t expect to be paid back because these are gifts we freely give. They are not a loan. Giving gifts is an act of kindness and love.

Our custom of giving Christmas gifts reminds us of the presents given to Jesus, by the Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh. “But gift giving this time of year dates to an even older tradition. Pagans in Europe and the Middle East gave presents at several winter festivals, including Saturnalia, a raucous Roman festival in honor of Saturn, god of agriculture, which began on Dec. 17. During this weeklong holiday in the cold, dark dead of winter, pagans would lift their spirits by drinking to excess and giving one another gifts, such as pottery figurines, edible treats like fruit and nuts, and festive candles. Revelers greeted one another with a joyful “Io Saturnalia!” — the ancient Roman equivalent of “Merry Christmas!” Theweek.com.

Early Christians then phased this festival out. They viewed it as part of the pagan culture, but knew that dumping it out entirely would cause a backlash. So in the 4^th century, they created a rival festival to mark Jesus’ birth: Christmas. Consequently our trailing Pilgrim forefathers felt it was controversial and banned the practice. However years later, in the 1680’s, Christmas celebrations became legal and gift giving boomed. Such explains the custom of giving Christmas gifts as we know it today. That is how December 25^th became the date to celebrate Christ’s birth and continue the tradition of giving presents to others on the holiday known as Christmas.

God’s grace – His free gift to us, is so much more than unmerited favor or mercy. God’s grace:

• Helps us in our every need. Hebrews 4:16.
• Gives deliverance. Psalm 44:3-8 and Hebrews 4:16.
• Preserves, strengthens, comforts and gives hope. 2 Corinthians 13:14, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 2 Timothy 2:1
• Benevolent, on-going act, without it we can do nothing. John 15:5.
• Gives us what we do not deserve. 2 Peter 1:2-4.
• Supplies all we need through Christ’s power combating our weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12: 8-9.
• Given to each believer. No one is exempt that is a follower and disciple of Christ. Ephesians 4:7.
• Extravagant life-gift. Romans 5:15-18.
• Has no limit. Nehemiah 9:28-31.
• Gives us eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9.

When you buy that present and as you wrap it up with that pretty wrapping paper or gift bag, your gift is a gift. You do not expect to be paid back. It is not a loan. You have bought this as a token of your love and kindness for the recipient.

God’s gift of grace to us is just that – a gift. We have done nothing to earn it. I like how the Message states John 15:20-21: “All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life – a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.”

Grace calls sin what it is. It is not a get out of jail card. God’s love sometimes is confrontational in our lives. Galatians 6:1-2 states: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Being a grace-giver involves humility, examining your own heart, and must always be inspired by having a close relationship with God and showing that devotion to others. It is not condoning and enabling wrong behavior.

Questions:

Who do you need to show grace to while not compromising your convictions and standards?

How has God’s grace worked as a change agent in your life?

Have you grasped and discovered the sufficiency of God’s grace and peace in spite of a heartache?

As you are a receiver of God’s grace, which is a gift and does not include any payment stubs, think of how you can be a giver in return, from God’s example shown in your own life.

Our heavenly father gives grace for the day and new mercies again and again.

Merry Christmas!

Listen to Make Room by Casting Crowns featuring Matt Redman:

freerangestock.com

Habakkuk 3:17-18: “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”

The term lament, in the Bible, means having deep sorrow, grief, regret, and despair. It may involve crying. It often comes out of feelings of shame and feeling unacceptable. There are various prayers of lament found in the Psalms, Jeremiah, and Habakkuk. They are directly addressed to God. They are songs sung to God from heavy hearts full of burdens yet worshipping God out of  love for Him, and not backing away.

A prayer of lamentation was a prayer for help coming out of pain. Job 3:11 is one example: “Why did I not perish at birth?” Job had asked: Why is my pain continuous? Why didn’t I just die at birth? But in the end, Job proclaims his steadfast faith in God,  in Job 19:25-26: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he shall stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.”

It is easy to praise God when everything is going smoothly. But what about when life is filled with chaos, brokenness, disappointment, and disillusionment? You find yourself at the end of your rope, and your emotions are raw. You feel violated, used, misjudged, and not treated fairly. Someone’s criticism was exaggerated against you (again), and you want to lash out in retaliation. That is when the real test comes of our faith in God.

Consider two words – “though” and “yet.” In Habakkuk 3, Habakkuk had just finished telling God how to run his world, and then ended realizing God knows best and would execute justice. He stated that even though real disasters were taking place and there was no food to eat, yet he could praise God, and have happiness in his heart. Habakkuk realized true joy was not determined by circumstances but in God himself. God changed his heart but not his circumstances. Habakkuk then placed his confidence back in God’s almighty power in his prayer of faith and trust.

Psalm 27:3 was one of David’s prayers of lament: “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear, though war rise against me, yet will I be confident.”

David declared in Psalm 42:11: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Even though David had oppression from his enemies that were trying to take his life, he still worshipped and gave praise up to God.

Psalm 23:4 is another example: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Did you know that our phrase we use today,”be that as it may” was in the Psalms and said by David in his songs of lament? Wow!

To continually praise the Lord, despite the quirks of people around us, and the constant craziness in our world’s scene, that is a test I so often fail. I gravitate to the negative side in my own time of lamenting when I feel broken or discouraged.

So I picture God in the room. He is watching me get impatient with someone or something again, and He is shaking His head. Then He would probably put his arms around me and pause. He would then say to me: “Linda, even though this is going on, you can yet praise me and rejoice that I have this. I am in control. I am sovereign. I am the great I AM. I am Jehovah Jireh – the LORD will provide. I will give you the wisdom you need because you have asked me to do that. I am not deaf. I have heard your voice. Come on this journey with me, and I will teach you my paths, and the reward of doing what is honorable. Do not grow weary doing what is right. I will comfort you. I will never reject you. Be that as it may, I am in control. Even though this is crushing and pressing on you right now, yet I will guide my truth into your heart and mind as you read my Word and pray to me. Just watch me and listen. Done.

Questions:

Do emotions sometimes entrap you? Which ones are they?

When starting to go into the pit of despair, begin to write down a list of everything you are thankful for that God has given or done in your life. Do you see the corners of your mouth start to go up and replace that frown?

How can you worship God with your sorrow? Try writing out your own prayer of lament.

Remember, Jesus felt alone, abandonment, grief, and sorrow, too during His life on this earth.

My prayer today: “God, even though there are some obstacles ahead, I will yet praise You for Your grace and mercy You keep giving to me. I fail You so many times, and yet You have delivered and replaced my lamenting with Your amazing way of working things out for my good in the long run (Romans 8:28), time and time again. Even though I haven’t seen certain prayer requests answered (be that as it may), yet I will lift up my heart, and rejoice in You. For in You I trust, and place my confidence in Your almighty power of abundant provisions of blessings. In Jesus name Amen.”

Listen to Danny Gokey’s song, “Tell Your Heart To Beat Again.”

 

 

 

 

Proverbs 1:33: “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

 Proverbs was written mostly by Solomon. They are short instructions, wise sayings, which give practical, godly wisdom for our daily life. Proverbs contain a wealth of guidelines for everyday decision-making, how to attain knowledge, discipline, as well as character building. It does not include prophecies or promises, but principles of practical observations and direction in how to do what is just, right, and fare. It refers to the way of wisdom and the way of foolishness.

What the book of Psalms is to prayer and our devotional life, Proverbs is to the practicality of being guided by wisdom. One can read for a month, a chapter a day in the book of Proverbs as there are 31 chapters.

Solomon strongly urged his son to be teachable and not have a lack of good sense or judgment. He often compared a foolish man versus a wise man. Parenting principles are found in the book of Proverbs.

To make wise choices we need to be guided by principles of wisdom. We all need to have Eli’s in our life as Samuel did as a young boy. I can think of two or three women that are Eli’s to me when I need a sounding board and a listener.

But am I always listening and waiting for God’s direction, or am I the one doing all the talking when processing making a significant decision? A sage woman once told me, “Linda, sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely nothing. Be patient and do nothing right now.” I recall her words frequently.

So I am to wait on the LORD and let Him unfold what is ahead of me, even when I cannot see the end of the road. It is like clinging to my car’s GPS navigational instructions, and letting it guide me in making the right turns that it has mapped out in arriving correctly at a new destination I have never been at before.

Here are Cross Reference Verses to Proverbs 1:33:

Psalm 25:12:“Who is the person that fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.”

Psalm 112:7-8: “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks with triumph on his adversaries.”

Proverbs 3:24: “If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

Proverbs 12:21: “No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.”

Ecclesiastes 8:12 NIV: “Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God.”

We all want our children to make right choices, be obedient, have self-control, integrity, be responsible, teachable, and to hear the voice of God in their own lives. That is what Solomon wanted for his son and wrote about in the book of Proverbs for us to read.

When feeling uneasy and needing to make a right decision, we need to wait until we hear the voice of God. The Holy Spirit is the hook-up connector cord to hear and discern God speaking to us. The Holy Spirit turns our desires to listen for the voice of God, as we lean on the LORD, pray, and search the scriptures and meditate on the promises of God. He may just do it while you are reading something in Proverbs, or Psalms, or some book in the New or Old Testament. It says right in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Questions:

Have you asked God for confirmation and to give you complete peace in a decision you need to make this week? Be ready to listen to what He has to tell you.

Do you suspect God is trying to tell you something? Eli instructed Samuel to say “Speak LORD, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3:9).”

What wisdom has God given you? Did you learn it from a successful accomplishment or going through a trial?

How can you use your resources, time, and talents, wisely?

God never causes division.

As we grow in our knowledge of God, we grow in opening the key to having wisdom in making right decisions.

My Prayer for Today: “God give me your wisdom for my day today. I am listening. Help me to not act or say anything foolish that would embarrass you. Help me to apply the knowledge You have taught me through trials rightly. Be my teacher in helping me to be a wise woman and to use the talents and gifts You have given me efficiently and beneficially for Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Listen to King & Country’s song “Shoulders”

 

 

Psalm 5:3 NIV: “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Psalm 5:3 ESV: “O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”

When I get up for the day, I usually haven’t been stumped about any decisions or choices to be made just yet. My mind is more at ease. That is when I can commit my whole day to God, as He hears my voice. I lay out the pieces of my life and bring my requests to Him, and seek His direction from reading His Word.

David prayed to God in the morning and throughout the day. He was in continual communication with the LORD.

King Jehoshaphat was a noted prayer warrior as well (2 Chronicles 20) and yet he and all of Judah, were ministered to and encouraged by a man named Jahaziel. His name meant “God sees.” He was a Levite and is mentioned as delivering a divine message. God used Jahaziel as an intercessor when Jehoshaphat’s land was being invaded. Jehoshaphat was in a desperate situation as the enemy was too close for comfort. It says in 2 Chron. 20:3, that “he was afraid and sought to seek the LORD.” Jahaziel arrives and says to Jehoshaphat, and all of Judah, and Jerusalem, in 2 Chronicles 20:15-17: “. . . This is what the LORD says to you: Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged at this great horde, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them . . . You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold onto your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Tomorrow, go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” God spoke through this man named Jahaziel, and this is the only mention of him in the Bible. He was a worship leader and not a prophet, but God used him as His prophetic messenger.

But that is not the end of the story. The next morning, very early, Jehoshaphat and all of the people of Judah and Jerusalem prayed, and worshipped God together before going into combat. Children saw their parents and the king on his face before God. The people were then so confident in God’s promise of victory, before the battle, that their choir marched in front of the army, singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His steadfast love endures forever (2 Chron. 20:21b).”

Jehoshaphat declared to all of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem before the anticipated warfare:

• Have faith in the LORD, your God.
• You will be upheld by God Almighty.
• God will bring success in battle.

God intervened and caused confusion among the enemy, who mistakenly turned upon themselves and annihilated each other – none escaped. The battle was won before they even had to fight! The LORD made Jehoshaphat and his people rejoice over their enemies that were now only corpses lying on the ground. It is called the Valley of Beracah to this day (2 Chron. 2:26-27), meaning blessing.

Application:

1. We all will face temptations and struggles.
2. Recognize human limitations vs. the abundant power of God.
3. Allow God’s strength to work through your fears, weaknesses, and insecurities.
4. Realize the battle is not yours but God’s.
5. God will maneuver in ways we cannot even imagine or anticipate.
6. God always triumphs.
7. Stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, just as he did to Jehoshaphat, Judah, and the people of Jerusalem in 2 Chronicles 20.
8. “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 20:21b.

Questions:

Are you starting out your morning with focusing time on a chapter or even just a verse of scripture and prayer with God, before running out the door?

Do you recall past answers to prayers that surprised you or you didn’t maybe expect, but you asked God anyway? Review those times of answered burdens from the past, when life looks hopeless or feeling dismayed.

What can you thank and praise God for in your anticipated battle, before you head into that meeting that you are dreading?

When you have felt desperation, has someone supplied your needed voice of encouragement? Who does God want you to uplift in their time of need this week?

My prayer: “Dear Lord, help me to remember throughout my day today that you are in control. You are fighting my battles for me in ways I do not even see or realize. Help me to adapt when I stumble and fall and feel I am a failure. You have been my Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides today and tomorrow. I thank you for your faithfulness and enduring love for me! In Jesus name, Amen.”

Listen to Jeremy Camp’s song, “In The Morning When I Rise.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KG9bl6kX7s

 

Matthew 21:22: “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

“Prayer is the mechanism that brings down the power of heaven into your experience. It is the divinely authorized method that activates your spiritual armor and makes it effective. Prayer alerts the enemy to your awareness of his intentions while safeguarding you from his attacks. It is his kryptonite. It is what weakens and unravels all his plays against you.” Priscilla Shirer.

When I send an email of an order from one of my customers, to our Customer Service people at my work, to process, Customer Service will reply back – “Done.” I know they will take care of it and make sure all is handled and delivered. I don’t have to repeat myself. It is done. That is just how I picture God replying back to me when I spend time praying and lifting up a heavy burden up to my heavenly father. As I pour out my heart, God speaks back to me through His Word, “Linda – Done! I got it! Check!” He gives me words of comfort and reassurance from reading His promises throughout the scriptures.

In my office, I sit in a red leather office chair. Next, to me, I have a black folding chair with a sign on it that is written: “Reserved. God’s Chair.” This poster helps remind me that God is sitting right next to me. I don’t have to wait until he finishes another call or conversation with someone else. He is right there, waiting for me to spit out my words, my cares, my joys, and enjoy our morning time together.

Recently, I started writing down, in my prayer notebook, of things I earnestly prayed to happen. I wrote down my raw emotions as I trusted God to answer my particular requests. I filled six pages in my notebook. I needed God’s wisdom, answers, and resolution. After a few days, God filled my heart with His divine peace, as I asked Him to help me hear His voice above my own. Then I told God, “OK, my job is done, now it is yours.”

After several days, God did answer. I went back to the six pages I had written on what I was praying for and I counted 14 or more specific –DONE-check points, specifically answered by God! WOW! God went-“Done!” It was terrific seeing God answer clearly defined things to happen that I had lifted up to Him to carry out that weighed on my heart. Furthermore, just last night God answered another need and I can write next to that entry in my prayer journal – Done – 11/21/2017.

The King James Version states James 5:16b this way: “The effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

If we are living in obedience and seeking God’s will and direction, we have the promise of Psalm 84:11: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Are you carrying a heavy burden? Are you waiting for God to change your spouse, your children, or a specific situation? Lay it all down before the Lord. He is the healer of broken hearts, and his compassion is beyond measure. May your prayers help you to make the right choice in your attitudes and let God handle the rest. Then you will see check marks too on your prayer list, and see God say – “DONE! Received. DONE DEAL!”

Further Homework: Read 1 Chronicles 17: 16-27 and 22:7-10. How David responded to God’s “no:”

• God told David that his son Solomon would build the temple and not David.
• David responds with humility and gave glory to God, saying “There is no one like you, O LORD.”
• David stated God’s past blessings and accepted God’s decisions, promises, and commands.
• David ordered the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon, and reminded them: “Is not the LORD your God with you? . . . Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God.”

David was a man of prayer. God always protected David  from his enemies for his sake and the sake of his nation. It is interesting to note that David never lost a battle. God said “Done!”

Question:

What is the one thing you would want God to answer or meet? He is waiting for you to tell Him. Walk in the assurance God knows and cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

How would you rate your relationship with the Lord – close at all times, needs improvement, or depends on my day?

We are all in the process of being shaped and molded by God’s truth and will, once it sinks into our mind and we fully understand. God has many things to say, but sometimes we have to stop talking and listen to what He has to say and not interrupt. We must read and search the scriptures to be enabled to follow the path He has purposed for us, as we discern the voice of God in our lives.

My prayer: “Dear God, enable me to hear your voice over my own. Help me to face obstacles with courage and not defeat. I give you my desires and dreams to answer in Your timing. Help me to be wise and not foolish. “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Listen to Hillary Scott’s song “Still.”

 

Psalm 147:5-6: “Great is our LORD, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.”

The cross-reference verse of Psalm 147:5-6 is found in Isaiah 40:28: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”

Psalm 147 is a psalm of praise. It may well be applied to the first building and fortifying of Jerusalem in David’s time, and the gathering in of those that had been out-casts in Saul’s time, perhaps after the exile. God’s greatness is never off-site remotely or indifferent to those who are faithful.

There is no limit to God’s wisdom, compassion, empathy, mercy, and kindness. It is infinite.

I picture us all bowing on our knees before the Lord when we get to heaven. We look up humbly and sing praises to God of His  greatness. We’ll be looking at His face as He sits on His throne as we pour out our praise in an acapella chorus, or there may be someone playing a harp and someone else on a grand piano accompanying all in unison and perfect pitch. Then I can see an elaborate percussion section building in majestic volume, with Duncan, from the Newsboys, playing a drum solo, and then have an interval of string instruments following behind. What a glorious moment that will be!

But for today, I cling to finding comfort in the Lord’s over sufficient ability to direct and influence the behavior of others or the course of events when obstacles get in the way. He is the great I AM. He is knowledgeably aware of our character and intent. He searches into our hearts and knows our thoughts and trials of our life. His understanding of us cannot be measured with any measuring tape.

The Urban Dictionary’s definition of the word humble is: “An admirable quality that not many people possess. It means that a person may have accomplished a lot, or be a lot, but doesn’t feel it necessary to advertise or brag about it.”

Our grandson, Tate, had to sign recently, a sports character agreement that his school has, to participate. Every young athlete’s character must display humility on the field. Their body language, their reactions when they score, win or lose, and when they disagree with the referee, are all to show humility. Unleashed anger is not permitted. Loud self-boasting is also to be squelched. The underlying philosophy is that in all they do at Legacy Christian Academy, the highest priority is to honor God. They state that “Athletic Distinction can only be achieved if success in competition is the byproduct of practicing and performing in a manner that gives honor to God.”

God is the healer of broken hearts and the NIV states in Psalm 147:6a “The LORD sustains the humble.” That tells me that God will strengthen and support me physically, and mentally, when my heart is crushed –  when I become humble. “But to the humble he gives favor.” Proverbs 34:b and James 4:6 declares: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

The following attributes of God are found in Psalm 147 :

• Caring
• Healer of the broken hearted.
• Comforter
• Saving
• Sovereign
• Sustains
• Praiseworthy
• Provider

“When you follow God’s will for your life, you can see how yesterday’s events prepared you for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.” David Jeremiah.

Questions:

Have you been hanging in suspense between hope and fear this week? Try writing out the situation. Hold that paper in your hand and lift it up to God. He wants to take it over for you and already has been working behind the scenes, because of 1 Peter 5:7, “He cares for you.”

Do you have emotional wounds that need binding? God specializes in that too, as Psalm 147:3 states: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Ask God to heal your broken places as you humbly come before Him, and offer your sacrifice of praise. You will receive His wealth of compassion and healing.

My prayer today: “God, help me to hear your voice above my own. I pray for the Holy Spirit to break any burden of the oppressor for who is reading this devotional today. May the desires of my heart line up with the desires of yours. Take me by the hand as I review the milestones of your mercy and love. Lead me down the path of truth I humbly pray. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Listen To Casting Crowns song “Great Are You Lord.”

 

Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

“Discouragement often feels circumstantially determined, something we can’t help feeling because powerful forces beyond our control are causing it. That’s why our response is often passive – we sit, weighed down with a heavy spiritual listlessness looking at the world through the grey, bleak lenses of fear.” Jon Bloom, staff writer desiringGod.com.

Haven’t you felt at times discouraged and defeated? Some days everything is going right, and then other days everything falls apart. All seems to go wrong, and fears start to creep in due to someone’s comment directed your way.

The word dismayed has 76 occurrences throughout the Bible. Here are four examples that God has given us to fight those times when we are tempted to lose hope and see something as an obstacle that is too hard to turn around for any useful purpose:

• God sent Moses, in Exodus 9:1, back to Pharaoh, for the fifth time, to demand that he let the people go. Talk about a problematic conflict! Moses had to be persistent, have courage, hope, faith, and continued to obey God, despite being told no by a stubborn ruler. Moses is an example of how we need to keep our faith in God to fight against hopelessness due to obstacles.
• Hannah overcame her discouragement through much prayer. She had reason to feel bitter. But Hannah prayed from her depth of anguish and grief (1 Samuel 1:16). She prayed so earnestly that she couldn’t even speak out loud the words she was uttering up to God. God doesn’t always answer the next day or the next month, and sometimes His answer is no. But as Hannah realized persistent faith is what God requires: “And the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son.” 1 Samuel 1:19-20.
• Sometimes discouragement comes after a great spiritual victory – 1 Kings 19:3ff. Elijah experienced extreme physical fatigue and despair just after he had two significant spiritual, miraculous victories: the defeat of the prophets of Baal and the answered prayer for rain. Elijah told God he had had enough and asked God just to take his life. He was discouraged and his hope was shattered. However, God let Elijah first rest and eat to recuperate, and then confronted him that he needed to return to his mission – to speak God’s words in Israel. He still had work to do in his ministry.
• Twelve spies returned after scoping out the new land in Numbers 13. They reported the people were powerful, some were giants, and the cities are fortified and very large. “They are stronger than we are.” Numbers 13:31. Their majority opinion was sinful and out of the will of God. They forgot everything God had already miraculously provided for them. Only Joshua and Caleb retained their faith in God. Caleb trusted God and said, “We can do it!”

Points to remember when feeling discouraged:

1. God still has a purpose in your life since you are still alive.
2. People will let you down; God will not.
3. When feeling hurt by your expectations not being met – it is merely that. Most expectations are assumed.
4. There will be battles in life. Be prepared for combat with your armor of faith and truth from God’s Word.
5. Let go of what you wish you would have said differently.
6. You cannot change the past experiences of others opinions.
7. If you made a mistake, it is just that. It is not the end.
8. Each of us may face a time of barrenness when nothing seems to be giving birth to our desire in relationships, work, dreams, and expectations. But prayer opens the path for God to work.
9. Discouragement opens the door to temptations of selfishness, self-pity, fear, shame, frustration, anger, and feelings of failure. These are the weapons that Satan uses to play havoc in our lives and get us off track with God.

I have often struggled with discouragement. Satan wants us to feel intimidated, overwhelmed, and lose hope. No believer is exempt until we get to Heaven. How glorious it will be as we get to glorify and praise God all day long! There will be no more tears, no more debt, no more trying to figure out health insurance issues when we are living in Heaven!

But for the here and now, I asked God to give me a verse to go back to, to help encourage and lift my spirits, and Psalm 25 came to mind. Especially verse 12 in the NIV: “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.” I love that word “confides.” That tells me to hold on to the promises of God, as He speaks to me through His Word. My prayer is: “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.” Psalm 25:21.

“God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time. A sense of destiny is our birthright as followers of Christ. God is awfully good at getting us where He wants us to go. But here’s the catch: The right place often seems like the wrong place, and the right time often seems like the wrong time.”  ― Mark Batterson, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day: How To Survive And Thrive When Opportunity Roars

Questions:

How can having an awareness of God’s presence change the way you view your day?

Would you describe your prayer time with God, too short, just right, or needs improvement?

Remember, God says “I am with you.”

Listen to “To You O Lord I Lift Up My Soul (Psalm 25) by Graham Kendrick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQgZAg8QwX4