Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Jeremiah 39:18: “For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the LORD.”

There is a hero in the Old Testament that is not very famous. I had not remembered who this man was by the name of Ebed-Melich. But Ebed-Melech was used to save the prophet Jeremiah’s life in one of the bleakest moments in his entire life. This high-ranking official in King Zedekiah’s court, risked his life and career to rescue Jeremiah from being held in a muddy cistern that was a murder plot against Jeremiah. Ebed-Melech did not let fear keep him from his pursuit of justice. Jeremiah could have drowned, die of exposure, or starve to death in this tank. The cistern was dark, damp, and Jeremiah sank into the mud (Jeremiah 38-39).

Cisterns in Bible times were used to store water. They were usually pear shape and were 15 to 20 feet deep. They were large and were even used as hiding places for fugitives, burial places, and even prison cells, such as happened to Jeremiah.

Ebed-Melech was a man of integrity. He was an officer in the royal palace. He used his position to serve God. Jeremiah had repeatedly been persecuted for proclaiming the truth of God and warning against rejecting His authority for 40 years. He was beaten, ignored, threatened, lied about, jailed, and forced to leave his homeland. But God used his faithful friend, Ebed-Melech, who feared God more than men, and courageously spoke to King Zedekiah on Jeremiah’s behalf about this outrageous injustice that had happened to Jeremiah. He was so persuasive that the king reversed his previous decision of arranging Jeremiah’s death. The king instructed Ebed-Melech to take thirty men to help lift Jeremiah out of the cistern “before he dies (Jeremiah 38:10).” So Ebed-Melech took these men and went to the king’s closet in a storehouse, and took old rags and worn-out clothes to make them into a rope. Ebed-Melech rescued Jeremiah by having him use these as pads under his armpits, and they pulled him up with the ropes they had made, and lifted him out of the cistern. And we think we have fallen into a sunken pit in life!

When we are at the bottom and don’t know what to do, remember, God is in control. We never know who God will use in our life to help council, give words of comfort, act in boldness and not give into fear on our behalf, and be part of the astounding solution. When you are treated unjustly or unkindly, pray for an Ebed-Melich to be sent your way, on your behalf, by the God who is all-powerful, the good shepherd, provider, ever-present, and the giver of peace.

Remember, God does not forget those who take a stand for Him. The places God puts us in are opportunities to be a courageous voice for the truth of the gospel.

Questions:

Who has been an example to you of having courageous faith?

Have you been reminded recently that this world is not your home? How has it affected your thoughts and actions?

I need to remember that God is always standing right in my corner. Ebed-Melech was Jeremiah’s defending miracle provided by God, due to his boldness and faith in God. Ebed-Melech did not go along with the crowd. He was boldly used by God in saving Jeremiah’s life. Jeremiah faced constant set-backs all of his life. But he kept on keeping on warning people against the consequences of sin and the hope that God offers.

Don’t let anyone steel your joy! Chris’s love was proved to mankind on the cross. Live according to your convictions. Keep trusting God. He who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until Christ returns (Philippines 1:6).

Listen to Matthew West’s “All In.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zechariah 4:6, 7 (NIV): “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘What are you O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”

Zerubbabel needed constant encouragement. He allowed problems to halt the rebuilding of God’s temple. He encountered resistance and gave in to criticism from a few men that complained about the temple of being smaller in comparison to Solomon’s grand temple. Then some enemies of the Jews tried to use political pressure and bribery to infiltrate the workforce and stop the building. Men reacted out of fear. Their courage turned to despair. That always is the result when fear takes over. So the construction ceased for sixteen years.

Zerubbabel was a leader and descendant of David. These obstacles caused Zerubbabel to become depressed, discouraged, and hardened with hopelessness.

God then sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to encourage and uplift Zerubbabel and give him godly counsel. They confronted the opposition and comforted their anxieties. With renewed focus the temple was completed in four years. But God had to be recognized again for being in control and then the building was able to be completed. God is always in control. God’s sovereign plan did not allow Israel’s enemies to stop the construction. We sheep get distracted by Satan’s attacks of panic, fear, and doubts, and fall into a woe is me attitude all too often. I raise my hand – I am frequently guilty of just that myself.

Sound familiar at any level in your life? I can understand why Zerubbabel would feel like quitting and was overcome with a period of dismay and depression. The battle is unavoidable in many areas of leadership. Satan delights in getting people discouraged. He wants discord and will do all he can to keep us from experiencing the abundant life God has intended. He plants seeds of doubt as he did back in the garden with Eve. That is when more than ever we need to activate our spiritual armor in prayer and hold onto our hope, for He who promises is faithful. Hebrews 10:23.

The opposition will try to intimidate, accuse unjustly, and demotivate going in the right course of direction God has intended.

Do you need a Haggai and a Zechariah in your life right now? Does your success depend on your individual ability? Ask God to show you how to overcome the obstacles.

Sometimes we need to pause and then pivot. Do we need to make a change? Or do we need to get back on course in what God has purposed us to do, and maybe in a new way?

The right word received at just the right moment is exemplified in Proverbs 25:11 HCSB: “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray.” Who can you encourage today? Who can I encourage today?

Questions:

What causes you to be discouraged?

Which weapon is Satan tempting you with when in a setback: Guilt, shame, frustration, worry, or feelings of failure?

Are you a leader or a follower in times of conflict? How can you be more of a leader?

Listen to Zach Williams song “Old Church Choir.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:

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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