Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Genesis 30:22-24, “Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.”

When things seem difficult and impossible, is it hard for you to trust in God when relief does not occur? All you see is a fog and not a clear answer to your burden. When you need a Red Sea parting of the waters to walk on dry land, to be rescued, or to be able to walk on water despite disruptive circumstances miracle relief, which is from your perspective. When you have done your best at analyzing data, researching options, and weighing the risks, and the pressures do not let up, what often happens? An emotional upheaval usually erodes, and feelings of failure and defeat set in, no doubt, as the result of someone else’s or oneself exploding from burnout. You have prayed, but relief cannot be seen. Usually, lack of rest or sleep precedes, and often, our health is affected and threatened. I have been there, have you? It goes back to the fact that the error of truth’s weapons are guilt, shame, frustration, and failure to step in, so he steals, kills, and destroys one’s peace, joy, hope, and trust in the power of truth, the LORD God almighty. The great I AM.

Rachel had to live with the consequences of taking things into her own hands when she lost patience with God not answering her prayers for children. Her jealousy and envy of her sister, Leah, caused her to make a significant mistake. She failed to see that Jacob’s devotion and loyalty to her never stopped. Out of her own desperation, she created a plan that changed the course of history, based on emotions rather than persevering and waiting on God to provide her need of giving Jacob a son.

When you have prayed and prayed and don’t see the answer forthcoming, trust in God. Hold on a little longer. Self-control calms rage. Remember who God is and who you are. Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). You are an anointed child of God.

• 1 John 2:20, “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.”

• 2 Corinthians 2:21-22, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

• John 16:13, “When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

God created you and has a purpose in life that only you can fulfill. We must place our hope in the future God has for us – a future that we can’t see just yet. We must take it one day at a time. Ask Him to help you have the faith to trust Him alone in all things and not in other people. God will deliver you and straighten out any areas where you have failed. Ask Him to astound you (Mark 6:51). So, trust in God, even when you cannot see the end.

Eventually, God did answer Rachel’s prayer, but she had to live with the consequences of taking things into her own hands and wanting her own way in her demands. It is recorded that the last word Rachel said before she died was “sorrow” (Genesis 35:18). Dear one, God has not forgotten you. Memorize Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is in your midst; a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love, He will exult over you with loud singing.” Trust Him.

Listen to Matthew West – Don’t Stop Praying (Lyric Video).

Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

Originally, chariots were vehicles usually with two wheels and were drawn by one or more horses. It carried two standing persons, the driver, and the fighter, using bow-and-arrow or javelins to shoot at enemies. In Biblical times, chariots were more expensive than the horses. David knew that the kings and their soldiers trusted in human capabilities and their own strengths rather than God. Isaiah 31:1, states, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy one of Israel or consult the LORD!” God’s faithfulness and character was stronger to David and Israel than an army of chariots or horses.

The point is, what do I, what do you put your trust in? Spurgeon has said, “Alas, how many in our day who profess to be the Lord’s are as abjectly dependent upon their fellowmen or upon an arm of flesh in some shape or other, as if they had never known the name of Jehovah at all.” The disciples had been with Jesus, yet even they had weak faith at times and had real fears. Then they saw Him calm the storm in Matthew 8:23-27, while they were in that boat on the sea.

Do you feel all alone in what you are going through? Are fears taking over? That is normal but take up your shield of faith to fight your battle. What is happening today will not be the same a month or a year from now. Trust in God’s protection, guidance, counsel, and wisdom to be provided for you through His Word. Isaiah 41:13 declares, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you.” God speaks with tenderness, compassion, and reassurance. Grab His hand and squeeze it tightly! Trust in God himself.

Recently, I was going through a tough time. I will never forget the day and portion of Scripture I read in my One Year Chronological Bible one morning while this was going on. It was a chapter in Ecclesiastes. I was dumbfounded. Solomon was stating the same problem I was going through. It was almost word for word! It was the comfort I needed right then. It gave me hope. It was a verification that I need to trust in the name of the LORD our God. His power will rule over my life. I was also reminded of these two verses:

• Psalm 18:2, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
• Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

God is and will be your shield of protection as He was David’s. Put your name in Psalm 84:12, “O Lord of hosts, blessed is ______________, who trusts in you!” God is with you. You are in His presence. Don’t be afraid. Don’t panic. Trust in the name of the LORD our God rather than objects, people, and possessions and share what great things He has done in your life with others. Psalm 20:6 declares, “Now this I know: the LORD saves His anointed. He will answer him from His holy heaven. With the saving strength of His right hand.” NIV. Trust in Him for the miracle you need Him to provide. Chariots are flashy and horses are strong, but nothing compares to the power of our almighty God.

Listen to “My God Can” by Katy Nichole ft. Naomi Raine YouTube video with lyrics.

Proverbs 18:2, “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.”

Proverbs 18:13, “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.”

In order to have understanding one must have insight. Facts must outweigh emotions. Yet God gave us feelings to be sensitive to others. The definition of insight found in dicitionary.com states it is the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing. Discernment is a synonym for the word insight. It is also listed in the Bible as one of the spiritual gifts that helps to determine between truth from falsehood and wisdom from foolishness. Solomon taught about having the wisdom of knowledge, which gives one understanding in contrasting its value versus being a fool. Biblical discernment depends solely on the written Word of God guided by the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error. Much wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, can be learned by reading the book of Proverbs.

“What does delight the fool is expressing his own heart. If he asks questions it is to show how clever he is rather than to learn. He is focused on self instead of God, and his folly flows from this wrong priority and wrong place to find delight.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Bible Commentary. We must ask God for understanding and spend time reading Scripture to gain insight and discernment. Then, let God speak to your spirit. Let Him do the talking. Listen to Him before you start talking. Then we will become wise instead of foolish.

Have you ever thought about praying for wisdom to understand someone who seems to trigger your reactions in setting you off? Think about someone who always speaks their opinions without asking or listening to yours. They delight in voicing their opinions and don’t give you a chance to state yours or ignore them because they are too busy hearing their voice speak. Solomon labels them as a fool.

Since God is always present, He will always hear what you have to say. He listens to you with compassion and has no bounds. They are renewed daily as Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Therefore, the LORD understands your thoughts, but He will examine your motives and heart as He listens with unconditional love.

Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP, “Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” Don’t try to over-analyze your burdens and how you got there. Trust and rely on the LORD. He will give you the strength and maybe a slingshot to fight your Goliath. He will provide all of your needs for He is Jehovah Jireh. Don’t be overwhelmed. Fix your mind on the promises of God so you will be wise and not a fool. Be a discerning listener, pause, and then speak your position of the insight you received from the Great I AM when appropriate. Find pleasure in the understanding and insight you will receive from the Holy Spirit. Abide in Him as He shows you great and mighty things you do not know. Trust Him. He will provide all of your needs – both physically and emotionally. Learn to use the pause technique and be a good listener. It will serve you well. Be aware of the Holy Spirit’s promptings. You will be anointed with wise insight from trusting and relying confidently on the LORD. He will not fail you.

Listen to Aware Worship – Trust in God (Featuring Mark Gutierrez).

Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

We all have strengths, and we all have weaknesses. That is a fact no one can dispute. Have you identified yours? Maybe you have trouble protecting yourself because your brain never stops analyzing how you could have done something better. Then, you lose all your patience from being stressed out and exhausted emotionally. What about examining your time management? We all need to follow God’s example of Genesis 2:2, “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” Even God rested from His work creating the heavens and the earth. Or what about when your values are ignored? Have you had that trigger button set off? But Romans 8:26 states the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us “with groanings too deep for words.”  

Have you ever been in a situation when you didn’t know what to pray for? Those times when you have tried your best, worked hard, and are disappointed in the outcome because the result you anticipated did not happen. That is when we just have to ask, “Holy Spirit, what do you want me to do in this situation? Please intercede for me because I cannot see clearly what is ahead, but you can. I have my desires and opinions, but what is yours?” I needed that this week.

So, whatever happens, when I can say I know I have done my part, doing my best and trusting in God to do His part I can have peace and rest. As Psalm 91:9-10 declares, “If you say the LORD is my refuge [Jehovah Machsi], and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.” Distractions, which are hurled at us by the enemy, will try to derail us. But the Spirit of Truth will overpower and guide us as John 16:13 promises, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” My prayer is for my vision with my eyes to see clearly, due to my recent eye surgery, but even more important for my heart and mind to know and see God’s will in my life as well. I take comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit is interceding for me in ways I am not even aware of according to the will of God (Romans 8:27).

What is your need today? Ask God for His thoughts and commit it to Him to do the rest. Trust Him. Take time to rest or take a break even if it is only for ten minutes today. Go for a walk or exercise even if it is only for five minutes. That will help to relax your brain. Take refuge in God. Dwell in His presence. Then recite throughout your day: No harm will overtake me, no disaster will come near my tent. Psalm 91:9-10. You have the Holy Spirit interceding for you.

Listen to Keep Me in The Moment – Jeremy Camp (Lyrics)

Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

How is your vision? Are you able to see clearly without glasses or contacts? For several years, I have had problems seeing clear enough to read in the morning after I get up without blinking and squinting. After some time, the words on the printed page would become more readable, but not at first. I have now undergone eye surgery to correct this problem and await the benefit as the first eye heals, and the second eye will be operated on in a few days. I am having new light-adjustable lenses in both eyes. This experience has reminded me that I need God to help me see things from His perspective with spiritual lenses when I encounter disappointments and when I can’t entirely agree with someone or about something. Without viewing things from God’s perspective, my view may be a bit distorted, like my cloudy vision has been. I need to ask God to help me see things through His eyes as the Holy Spirit guides, teaches, and reminds me of what He has taught me through His Word to understand what is really going on. Psalm 119:18 is my prayer, which says, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Yes, “open my eyes,” and be my counselor (Psalm 119:24).

“There is no better counsel than the Spirit of God speaking through the Word of God.” Jon Courson.

Have you seen God yesterday in how you spent your time, or what about today? Jeremiah 29:13-14a was what Jeremiah wrote in a letter to the people Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, “You shall seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD.” Then, in John 16:13, we have the promise from God that says, “When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority but whatever he hears, he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” When you are at a crossroads, looking for purpose and direction, pray for your mind and heart to see God leading you in His direction of His plan and purpose with those spiritual lenses needed. Pause, and push beyond pressure type feelings into Holy Spirit’s Spiritual discernment that you need to receive and know. Separate physical pressure type feelings in striving to walk with the Lord to understand His divine wisdom, leading you in the way to go, pressing on, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. Furthermore, we are given God’s promise of benefit for every believer in Christ as stated in 1 John 2:20, which declares, “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.”

My prayer and desire is Psalm 119:27, “Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.” “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34b). What comes out of your mouth indicates what is going on in your heart, Jesus said.

The shining light in God’s Word will illuminate our vision of seeing God more clearly and guide us to His truth. Continually studying His Word will give us God’s perspective, and the result will be much like Psalm 119:98-99, which states, “Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” What verse will you use today to give you a clearer vision of God’s perspective because He is right there with you. Those are the spiritual lenses He will implant in your heart and mind so you can see clearly because of the promise of Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Listen to Mercy Me – Lyric Video – Then Christ Came

Psalm 28:6-7. “Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

In January of 2023, I chose the word perseverance to be my goal to be focused on. That was appropriately needed throughout this past year, along with endurance required to persevere. I think I saw some progress in putting into practice perseverance as I learned the value of Romans 12:12, which states, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Patience is also required to maintain perseverance while in communication with the Lord in prayer. C.S. Lewis said, “God knows our situation; He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome. What matters is the sincerity and perseverance of our will to overcome them.” Woodrow Wilson said, “Genius is divine perseverance. Genius I cannot claim nor even extra brightness but perseverance all can have.” I agree with both quoted statements.

For 2024, I have now chosen the word “trust.” It is reported that the word trust is mentioned over 150 times in the Bible. Abraham, Moses, and Job were prime Old Testament examples of how they trusted in God even in the most impossible situations. Then there was David that stands out as a man after God’s own heart and prayed with passion. David’s son, Absalom, had several unwise advisers that God used to cause the end of his life and protect David from his son’s plan of insurrection against him. 

David wrote many Psalms, praising the LORD for God’s guidance and protection from various enemies he had against him as king. Yet David admitted in Psalm 25:16 that he was “lonely and afflicted.” It is reported that David wrote this Psalm towards the end of his life, so he was older when he wrote Psalm 25. He stated in verse 21, “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.”

When life doesn’t make sense in this coming new year of 2024, I will choose to trust in what Psalm 84:11, declares, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield, the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk uprightly.”

Maybe you have some unseen scars from this past year. You may have wounds in your heart and soul that still hurt. David felt that way too from having his closest advisor friend, Ahithophel, who betrayed David, aiding his son Absalom in trying to kill David and overthrow his kingship. But God protected David’s life. “For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom.” 2 Samuel 17:14b. Ahithophel ended up committing suicide by hanging himself (2 Samuel 17:23) because his advice had not been followed. Next, Absolom’s mule he was riding on, went under the thick boughs of a terebinth tree (from which turpentine and sweet-smelling gums used in medicine are harvested), and his head was caught in it, and he was hanged. God took them both out of David’s way, two enemies, due to God’s ordained purpose of David being king of Israel and not Absolum, his son. Nothing prevents God from accomplishing His will.

So, I will purpose to trust in God’s shield of protection over me and give me perfect peace, because it promises in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast {perseverance and steadfast go together}, because they trust in you.”

What will be your word for 2024?

Listen to Jon Reddick – God, Turn It Around (Feat. Matt Maher) Official Music Video).

John 16:13, “When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

I have been contemplating and thinking more and more about “the things that are to come.” At the beginning of 2023, I bravely chose “Perseverance/Endurance” for my word or words of the year. Little did I know the lessons to be learned that were ahead during 2023 and now will continue into 2024. Jesus addressed John 16:13 to the disciples, but this verse also has a broader encompassing application to us as believers. The Holy Spirit leads and guides us because we are sons and daughters of God, as Romans 8:14 states. But we must actively ask and seek His guidance as we endure and persevere in not giving up when walking through challenging and confusing situations. It puts me in a standby mode until He tells my spirit what He wants me to say and do. Unfortunately, I don’t always wait for His answer and plow ahead, which has sometimes gotten me into trouble. How about you? Maybe that is the lesson He wanted me to learn all along.

Picture yourself in a setting with God sitting with you somewhere for an intimate one-on-one conversation to review what the Holy Spirit taught you over 2023. Where would you choose to have this meeting? Would it be in a coffee shop? Would it be in your kitchen or living room? In Southern California, one might choose their patio. Would you make coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to have together? What verse or verses helped sustain you and get you to what you needed to know and do that you would show Him and ask Him to tell you more? One verse I wrote in my journal back in September, of 2021 was Hebrews 10:35-36, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” These verses just spoke to me again right now with a specific need I have going on. There is that word endurance again! When you are in a waiting mode, the word is one – standby. When you refer to an action it is two words – stand by.

Think of an hourglass. I have one on a shelf in my office and another on the mantel in our living room. It is a symbol of the passage of time. As I turn it upside down and watch the sand move slowly from the top to the bottom, it reminds me I am simply at a point in time. I am in a standby mode. God has His hands on the clock. He is always present with me. He knows my name (Isaiah 43:1) and goes before me (Deuteronomy 31:8). He understands my frustrations because He has compassion (Psalm 103:13), and that is what I need right now. The Holy Spirit will disclose to me what is to come. He will make sense of what is about to happen.

One quote that I found in my journal perhaps someone else reading this may need as I did when I wrote it down a couple of years ago: “Larry Osborne – A Contrarian’s Guide to Knowing God. “My success or my failure – results don’t matter. They don’t measure my relationship with God. Doesn’t show if I am on the right path or not. Doing the right things and obeying God’s commands does.” Are you wondering about an outcome in your life? Stand by – the Holy Spirit will tell you when the time is right and declare to you the things that are to come. What did He tell or do for you before? He will do it again. Standby – be ready and waiting. The Holy Spirit will guide you, and make it known to you as John 16:14 further declares, “He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.” You may feel like a misfit. But keep your mind on Christ and His coming return – stand by.

Listen to MercyMe, Phil Wickham – Then Christ Came (Lyrics Video).

Jude 24-25, “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”

Jude concludes his letter with a doxology. A Doxology is a brief praise song expressing praise to God. It is often a concluding paragraph of a blessing, honor, and glory to God and His son, Jesus Christ, as in 1 Timothy 1:17, which states, “To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” As we also read in Revelation 5:13, “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Eventually, all will bow their knee and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord as also declared in Philippians 2:10-11, “So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” I can picture us singing a doxology we won’t need any sheet music in Heaven for in singing our abundant praise to our LORD with exceeding joy. May it be soon!

The doxology here in Jude reminds us of our destiny and God’s care for us. There is rampant immorality in our time; the Bible warns about those who confuse right and wrong and good and evil (Isaiah 5:20 and Revelation 22:11). That is nothing new and dangerous. I am finding more and more the importance of memorizing Scripture to keep my thoughts on Christ and the almighty power of God in my life. Think about writing your own doxology of praise to God. A few words to choose might be: Advocate, defender, prince of peace, faithful and true, righteous judge, the God who sees, knows my name, wonderful counselor, and redeemer. I would also add Jehovah Jireh -great provider and my battle fighter, Jehovah Nissi, to my own list.

David Guzik states, “Keeping us spiritually safe is God’s work. But you can always tell the people He is working in, because they are working also. God doesn’t call us to simply let the Christian life happen to us and he doesn’t command us to save ourselves. He calls us to a partnership with Him.”

God’s partnership with us to remember is:

• Able to strengthen you. Romans 16:25.
• Able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. Ephesians 3:20.
• The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14.

I am not able, but He is. When I need Him to lift me up, He does that. He will do the same for you when you seek Him in your need. Praise God from whom all blessings flow with exceeding joy because He is able and because He said so.

Listen to Phil Wickham – Doxology//Amen (Official Lyric Video)

Jude 20-21, “But you beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”

How do you build yourself up in your faith? We all experience life’s ups and downs. Our response to adverse and irritating circumstances often reveals our heart’s condition. In the Blue Letter Bible Commentary, David Guzik states, “It has been rightly observed that whenever a man gets out of touch with God, he is likely to begin complaining about something.” Ouch. I am often guilty and have been pondering this statement all week. I am reminded of the verse in Deuteronomy 8:3, which states, “And he humbled you and let you hunger and led you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, the Rhema, is the spoken Word of God that will give courage, direction to take, and guidance as it renews and transforms our mind (Romans 12:1-2). Adapting my behavior when needed as I read it and commit it to memory is where I will find the answers I need.

I had forgotten that I had chosen the word “perseverance – endurance” for 2023. I have had many instances during this past year, where I needed to stay on that track in looking to God for wisdom and guidance, having perseverance and endurance instead of automatically complaining. Here is a quote from Michael Green (August 20, 1930 – February 6, 2019), Christian apologist, author, and British theologian: “Grumbling “is to insult the God who gives us all things; it is to forget that whatever befalls us, nothing can separate us from His love, nor deprive us of that most priceless of all treasures, the Lord’s presence in our lives.” We still have to do our own due diligence in situations we encounter (sometimes requiring Godly council) and not sit idly by, but how often isn’t grumbling and complaining seem to be the natural reaction when under stress? Please tell me you can relate. Yet the truth in God’s Word in Psalm 112:7 NIV declares, “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” My prayer is, Holy Spirit, give me perfect peace as I keep my mind steadfast and unwavering in my faith in You, because I trust in my God to provide all I need. As Isaiah 26:3 states, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” I embrace You being my shield of protection and declare, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield’ the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11.

Holy Spirit, thank you for interceding for me (Rom. 8:26). Be my guide in my journey as I pray and ask for your guidance and wisdom. Teach me, guide me, protect me, defend me. You know what is ahead, precisely what I should say (Luke 12:11-12) and when to speak and when not to speak. Holy Spirit, be my guide as I wait and listen for what You want to instruct me in what lies ahead of me today. I am just beginning to understand exactly what You want me to say.

Listen to COME JESUS COME by Stephen McWhirter (Lyrics).

1 John 3:5-6, “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers, as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.” ESV

“Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever work you do for the brothers, and are doing this though they are strangers; and they bore witness to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” LSB

When I grew up in Northwest Iowa, our local newspaper would print who went to whose house for dinner (which we call lunch) over the weekend and was primarily done on Sundays after church. Family gatherings became news for the community as everyone knew everyone else. My hometown had about 10,000 people in its population. People would drop in to visit one another, and bars, cookies, or just Ritz or Club crackers were always served along with coffee or tea for adults and orange pop (soda for us Californians) or similar drinks for children. Hospitality was a common practice of living back then, and one needed to be on good behavior in case your doorbell rang, and you had company unexpectedly that could hear (during warm seasons) through the front screen door of the house conversations going on.

John gave words of affirmation in acknowledging his friend Gaius for his hospitality to traveling gospel preachers. Also, for his faithfulness in the love he showed others, and steadfastness in maintaining his integrity for walking in the truth (verse 3). What a compliment to receive. Gaius must have been an example of thinking more of other’s needs than just his own. I see him as having nurturing qualities in his personality. He would be the one that would ask, “How did your day go today? How can I help you? Would you like one of these cookies?” I see him as being the expert in knowing the right questions to ask of others to understand them better. He wanted to bless others and used his spiritual gifts faithfully to serve others.

What words of truth from God’s Word do you need to faithfully walk in today and hear? This week mine are: “My God knows my name.” Isaiah 43:1, and Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Jesus Christ.” Then Psalm 91:11, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all his ways.” And Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” I have needed these faithful words of truth from God’s Word to protect my thoughts and walk in these truths.

Be faithful in the spiritual gifts and talents God has given you to serve others. Showing hospitality is one way to serve the body of Christ. Hebrews 6:10 states, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” Sometimes, someone just needs to receive a warm smile and be asked, How are you doing? What can I pray for you about? Behind their forced smile could be a hurt that they need someone to ask about and listen to. Ask the Holy Spirit who you could minister to when in a gathering. Ask Him who feels lonely so that you can help cheer up a hurting soul. Don’t miss out on how God can use you to show hospitality. It won’t make today’s media outlets, like I had in my hometown newspaper, but God will bless your efforts to serve others in a manner worthy of God. That faithful thing you do God will bless.

Listen to Michael W. Smith – King of Glory ft. CeCe Winans, lyric video.