April 21, 2010
Today's readings: Joshua 22.23-23.16; Luke 20.27-47; Psalm 89.14-37; Proverbs 13.17-19

I Will Not Forget

Scripture

The years passed, and the Lord had given the people of Israel rest from all their enemies. Joshua, who was now very old, called together all the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel.He said to them, "I am now a very old man. You have seen everything the Lord your God has done for you during my lifetime. The Lord your God has fought for you against your enemies."

Joshua 23.1-3 (emphasis mine)

Observation

The Lord God was faithful to do what He said He would do for the people of Israel.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is easy to get caught in today, with it's problems, disappointments, and struggles. I forget to look at the bigger picture and remember all that He has done for me already. Instead I stay focused on today.

God has been faithful and his love everlasting--He has promised this. Just because it might not look like I want it to, doesn't mean that God has turned His back. I cannot allow the enemy to reign in my mind with his lies. I hold on to the truths that I know.

So, today, I will remember God's faithfulness. Today I will remember His love for me. Today I will join with the Psalmist in singing:

Happy are those who hear the

joyful call to worship,

for they will walk in the

light of your presence, Lord.

Psalm 89.15

Prayer

Father, how easily I get off-track when I focus on the situation around me rather than focus on You. Forgive me for the whining. Forgive me for doubting. Lord, as Joshua challenged the leaders of Israel--may I be challenged to--"Cling tightly to the Lord your God as you have done until now" and to "be very careful to love the Lord my God." You alone are my strength and my salvation, Lord. Today, Lord, help me to remember who I am in You--Your beloved child. Thank You for loving me.

April 7, 2010
Today's readings: Deuteronomy 31.1-32.27; Luke 12.8-34; Psalm 78.32-55; Proverbs 12.21-23

God's Word For My Day

Scripture

Be strong and courageous! . . . Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31.7, 8

Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. . . Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

"And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things cominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

"So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom."

Luke 12.22-23, 25-26, 29-32

Observation

We are to be strong and courageous and without worries if we have faith and trust in God.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I read these words and have a mixed response--first of all, they encourage me and remind me who truly is in control. But . . . . then I realize how weak and lacking my faith and trust in God really are. I hear God's promises and am strengthened by them . . . and yet find myself wringing my hands, wondering how much longer I can make it without a job.

And yet . . . I can look around me and see God's abundant supply for my every need. He has given me a great place to stay. Good friends who love me and encourage me and support me and demonstrate His great love and care for me in all that they do. I am invited to "be still" for a season and allow God to refill me, refresh me, renew me, and heal me.

I am finding that it takes strength and courage to "be still"--actually maybe more than to be busy. And in the stillness God meets me and tells me, "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I am personally going ahead of you. I am with you; I will neither fail you nor abandon you." [paraphrased] In the stillness He is providing for me--meeting my every physical need.

So, today I will not wrestle, I will not worry--I will rest in His promises. I will be strong and courageous--not with my own strength, but with His. Today, I will not worry--for God, my God, is in control. I am blessed beyond measure. Today I will count my many blessings. Today the healing can begin.

Prayer

Thank You, Father God, for Your Word for me today. You know just what I need and then provide it. You knew that today I would be able to hear it, so You gave it to me today. Thank You. Thank You for providing so generously for me. I pray that You will bless all my friends You have used to be a blessing to me. Lord, You know that being still and waiting are not things I am very good at, help me to trust and rest in You as I grow in these areas. Help me to not get ahead of You. Thank You for loving me so much.

April 6, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29.1-30.20; Luke 11.37-12.7; Psalm 78.1-31; Proverbs 12.19-20

A Message for Today

Scripture

And all the surrounding nations will ask, "Why has the Lord done this to this land? Why was he so angry?"

And the answer will be, "This happened because the people of the land abandoned the covenant that the Lord, the God of their ancestors, made with them when he brought them out of the land of Egypt. Instead, they turned away to serve and worship gods they had not known before, gods that were not from the Lord."

Deuteronomy 29.24-26

Observation

There are consequences when we turn away from God--whether it is individually or as a nation.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

The Scripture today underscores the reason why our country is in the shape it is in. We have turned away from God. We think we can do it on our own--that we don't need Him. We worship and serve other gods.

What are the personal implications to the reading today? What other gods do I serve and worship--what gets in the way of my service and worship of my God??

The Good News is found beginning in Deuteronomy 30.1: In the future, when you experience all these blessings and curses I have listed for you, and when you are living among the nations to which the Lord your God has exiled you, take to heart all these instructions. If at that time you and your children return to the Lord your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you." (emphasis mine)

Today may I turn my heart toward home--toward God. May I love Him, and Him alone, with all my heart, all my strength, all my mind, all my soul--and love my neighbor as myself.

Prayer

Father God, forgive me for turning away from you. May my service and worship be to You and You alone. Help me to see others through Your eyes and give me Your love for others. And, Lord, may our nation return to You. We have moved so far away. May I do my part to point us back in the right direction.