For God's Benefit

01-31-07

Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears... and on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet.
Exodus 29:20-21

Symbolization of sensitivity to God and His Word and a life committed to the service of others on God's behalf.

I want all that I do to be on God's behalf and accordance to His will.

I mimic this symbolic gesture - may I hear Your words, walk in Your ways, serve Your people; do Your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Continual Cycle

01-30-07

...and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:7

A response to the commands of the Bible, they believed. To believe is to obey God. Faith in itself is obedience, but faith also produces obedience.

I must believe (adhere my will to) God's will, completely. In this, is obedience; obedience takes faith. In faith, I obey!

You are a beautiful being. Everything in this world You've created has its purpose, plan, and destination. The cycles You've created involve no room for complacency. We must continually contribute to the kingdom, consecrating ourselves to You. I'll do this!! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Disgrace for the Name

01-29-07

...they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 5:38-42

Through shame and disgrace, rejection and adversity, we are to continue on, even when the enemy thinks they have the upper hand.

No matter what my name appears as to the people, no matter what happens I would rather people hate me if it means them turning to God.

Lord, I do wish I didn't lose people I care so much for, but I long for those people and mroe to long for You! Only then can we truly be reconciled to each other any way. Take Your time in their hearts, make them melt in Your love! May they enjoy pure and true fellowships with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Confidence Boost

01-28-07

The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.
Psalm 12:8

We have confidence, yet the enemy deceives himself into believing that he has the upper hand.

I am confident! I must remain confident; my God is the God. Why do I lack confidence when my leader and avenger is of purest form and love itself!

You heal my pain and mend my insecurities! Thank You for You constant care. I adore You so very much! Thank You for Your wonderful blessings! Continue to bless us and keep us! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Do Your Will

01-27-07

And the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow... because... the Lord will come down..."
Exodus 19:10-11

Outward preparation to meet with God symbolizes inward consecration that is required of His people.

It is time to put more effort in the outward appearance of my inward consecration.

Help me with my unfaithfulness, Lord. I want to fulfill the command You've set before me, and that is to be exclusively devoted to You! Help me to know and do You will. I'm waiting. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be Still and Know

01-26-07

"The Lord iwll fight for you; you need only to be still."
Exodus 14:14

Victory is obtained througha nd by God alone. Nothing I do outside of God's will, will win the victory.

God is calling me to step aside and let go. As Exodus 15:13 states; Gdo keeps his babies safe. I have nothing to boast about except God; nothing to fear - because I answer only to Him.

Thank You for this reminder! BE STILL! I will not say a word out of turn. I've failed too many times! Help me to be someone You can look at and smile. Show me Your love in my time of distress and insecurity. I lean on You - I've separated myself from everyone else; taken the leap of faith and trust. Be there. In Jesus' name! Amen. I love You Lord!

Ransom

01-25-07

Redeem every first...
Exodus 13:13

We are to make payment through every firstfruits; finances, children, time, energy etc.

I've laid down the redemption of my children by entrusting Katlyn into God's care. It's made it easier to do so with Karyn. We pay our firstfruits in our finances by tithing; I do devotions in the morning and soon before I go to the bed. I wan all of me devoted to the payment I didn't have to make but also choosing to give a blessed "tip."

Lord, I want to consecrate my life to you. I not only want to walk fearless against death because I have You, but also live every moment for You as I am alive. Thank You for all that You do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Please, Come In

01-24-07

But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went to stay with them.
Luke 24:29

The urgency these men had for Jesus' presence is evident. They quickly and strongly requested him to enter the home.

My urgency needs to be stronger. I request for Him to come inside me and I barely entertain Him. I want His presence to be in my home!

Lord, please come, put Your feet up and rest in my home. May I help You? What can I do for You? Let me bless You! In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

You Will Know

01-23-07

I will make a distinction between my people and your people.
Exodus 8:22-23

God protected Moses' people while judging the Pharoah and his. The Lord can preserve His children when judging the enemy.

God will keep safe those enslaved by the enemy in his time of judgment. God preserves His babes.

Thank You Lord that You are so mighty that You do not harm the innocent; keeping them safe as you bring destruction upon the guilty. Thank You for Your greatness. Protect me and my family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Consecrate

01-22-07

"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
Exodus 3:5

Holiness involves being consecrated to the Lord's service and thus being separated from the commonplace.

Don't celebrate; consecrate. I long to be holy and God is calling me out of the commonplace of my life. It is time to fulfill the call He has on my life!

Praise You Lord! I am ready; scared, but ready. I fear failure and I fear the thoughts of man. Stay with me and help me to commit to You in a way that would bring me closer to Your holiness. I consecrate myself. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Precious Friends

01-21-07

You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, O LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you.
Psalm 88:8-9

The psalmist knows no reason for it, but he knows God's hand is in it. He does not try to resolve the hopelessly puzzling experience; he simply pleads his case. In the psalms, loss of friends was not uncommon, even close and trusted friends.

The call of God is to praise in times of grief and seeming hopelessness. Dancing and joy to replace wailing and mourning so that songs of praise (not silence) may accompany the acts of God. I am simply asked to trust Him.

Lord, I put my trust in You, putting myself and all that's involved into Your hands; into Your care. I place my life and all that is in it, before You, my faithful and trustworthy God. Deliver me from all my trouble. Bless me in Jesus' name. Amen.

For Our Benefit

01-20-07

His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said. But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Genesis 50:18-21

Blessing can only come from God. He uses the best and worst circumstances for the good of those who love Him. Through the experience above, God showed that His purpose for us is life.

It is not by our efforts that we secure any blessings for ourselves, but all blessings come from God, no matter what we've invested. Romans 8:28-30 - Praise God!!

Thank You, Lord that no matter what the world throws at us, You always turn it around for our benefit. You truly are more than words can describe. In Jesus' name, I praise! Amen!

Wait on the Lord

01-19-07

He [the wicked] says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees."
Psalm 10:2-11

The wicked man deceives himself; the psalmist knew that he who has been wronged is not to right that wrong by his own hand but to leave redress to the Lord. "Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." Proverbs 20:22

"If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse." I must wait for God's timing, and not my own. He has not and will not forget. Nothing said will be good enough if it's said without God's preparation (Read January 16, 2007 devotion).

Lord, help me to be quick to pray and slow to resist You. Thank You for Your constant communication. Help me to wait for Your perfect timing. Make Your will clear to me so that I will not stumble. Remain in me and with me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Child-like Faith

01-18-07

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Luke 18:17

Complete dependance, trust, openness, and sincerity is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.

God asks that we be as completely genuine as a child. I want to concern myself with nothing more then leaning on Him in all areas of my life.

Lord, develop these areas of my life. Help me to be child-like in my faith. You are worthy to receive all my praise and adoration. I desire to bless YOU! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Reconciliation

01-17-07

Deeply moved at the sight of his brothers, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.
Genesis 43:30

Emotional and sensitive, Joseph wept often (42:24; 45:2, 14-15; 46:29), but remained patient.

Several chapters later we see that Joseph was finally able to enjoy the intimate fellowship and friendship with his brothers. Reconciliation was inevitable.

Lord, I pray taht whatever wrongs that have been committed, would be forgiven and used to teach and bless all. Be near me; keep me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Not Convincing

01-16-07

"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Luke 16:30-31

If a person's mind is closed and scripture is rejected, no evidence - not even resurrection - will change him.

I need to stop trying so hard. God must soften hearts and ready minds to receive His Word. It is the preparation of the soil.

Lord, my desire is to be in constant communication with You. It is then I can hear Your voice and know Your will. Lord, stay with me, I need You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Power in Words

01-15-07

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 7:17

Praise must follow deliverance as surely as prayer springs from need if God is to be honored. Praises are to be given in anticipation of the expected answer to prayer.

I will use my words to glorify the Lord. When I pray to God, I will praise Him for whatever His will concludes! No more will I remain dissatisfied.

Lord! Help me to be quick to pray and slow to resist You today. I see now the condition of my heart is what blesses You or turns You away. I want nothing more than to bless You! May the quantity of increase reflect the quality of my soil. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Cost: Complete Surrender

01-14-07

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? ... any one you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:28-33

Jesus doesn't want a blind, naive commitment that expects only blessings. As a builder estimates the costs or a king evaluates military strength, so a person must consider what commitment is expected in following Christ and whether they are willing to continue on. The cost, Jesus warned, is complete surrender to Him.

God wants my commitment to be my own; personal and real. He wants me to invest time into my relationship with Him to see that He is in fact who He says He is. I desire to see more of Who He says He is, also!

Lord, I desire my walk to be without struggle or sparing. I don't want to hesitate in my faith any longer. I completely surrender! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Full Completeness

01-13-07

Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."
Luke 13:20-21

As yeast permeates a batch of dough, so the kingdom of heaven spreads through a personas life. The growth is by the inner working of the Holy Spirit, using God's Word.

I desire to be transformed byt he Holy Spirit as the yeast does the dough. Starting first with who I am inside until permeating my very being to full completeness; mind, heart, soul, and body.

Lord, continue the change You've labored over, inside of me. Change me; make me new. My desire is to be changed to Your likeness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Seek First His Kingdom

01-12-07

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Luke 12:31

Christians are to seek spiritual benefits of the kingdom rather than the material goods. When we do, an outpouring of His blessings will rain down on us.

No job; no car; no house; no person will ever compare to the wonderful things of God.

I will devote myself to Your wonderful will. I give my firstfruits to You, Lord, as Jacob did in Genesis 28:20-22. My time, finances, relationships... in all I do, I first give to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Greater Joy

01-11-07

In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.
Psalm 4:4-8

An exhortation not to give way to exasperation or anxiety but to look to the Lord. He alone makes us dwell in safety.

What joy I experience from the Lord! I dwell in such wonderful peace and safety. I am confident in my God! He has taken my anxiety.

You are so wonderful Lord! Thank You for my family, they are so precious to me. Bless all who are and have been in my life, and continue to bless me. You truly provide and I continue to trust in Your ways! I want to bless You in return. In Jesus' name. Amen.

No Worries

01-10-07

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed."
Luke 10:41-42

Although she is often remembered for her shortcoming in this context, Martha was a woman of faith (John 11:27). We are to enjoy Jesus first. We are not to worry about anythin, big or small, because being in the presence of the Lord is what matters.

I must focus first on spending time in the Word and my relationship with God. He is my source of joy, self-confidence, and fulfillment. He is reliable and always on my side. He adores me?! What gets better than that?

Thank You, Lord, for Your unconditional love and respect. You never make mistakes and You love me even with all of mine. I love You so much Lord! You are such a wonderful... everything! In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Deadly Weapon

01-10-07

My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.... The Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.
Psalm 6:7-9

The eyes dimmed are symbolic for a failing strength, grief, longings unsatisfied, or hope deferred. The frequent weapon used against the psalmist is the tongue. The tongue is as deadly as the sword (Psalm 57:4; 64:3-4). Only in God's courtroom can one experience redress for such attacks.

As Psalm 4:4 states, I will strive not to sin in my anger, pain or grief. I will search my heart and be silent. The Lord has heard my cry and accepts my prayer. Thank You Jesus!

Lord, help me to lift my eyes. You are my strength and joy - without You I am nothing. Help me to keep my eyes on You, loving You first and foremost and loving even my foes. Please continue to be by my side. I can't do this without You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Life's Equation

01-09-07

"If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.
Luke 9:5

Representative of a solemn warning, this expression is of severance of responsibility to those who reject God's message. The gesture shows separation from everything associated with the place.

I need to keep on for those waiting and willing to hear God's message. I will not allow the enemy to convince me that I've failed and should not go on. I need to let go and move on.

Lord, move, or move me. I'm standing here until You make me move. There is nothing not worth losing. In Jesus' name. Amen.

On One Condition

01-08-07

and through your offspring all the nations on earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me.
Genesis 22:18

Obedience results in blessing (Abrahamic covenant).

By being obedient to the requests of God, remaining loyal and faithful, He has promised protection over me.

Lord, I desire this covenant with You. I want to remain loyal to You and faithful to my well-deserving King. Cover me with Your provision and protection. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hospitality

01-07-07

If I have found favor in your eyes, my Lord, do not pass your servant by.
Genesis 18:3

Abraham had an urgency to serve his visitors. Giving prompt attention to their needs, he acted as if it would be a favor to him if they allowed him to serve them.

I want to see serving others in my home as a value and an urgency as if it would be a service to me.

Lord, help me to be more confident in You. Help me to see this ministry as preciously as in Your sight. Give me security to not be afraid of failing or seeming weird. Help me to be a blessing. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Satisfaction

01-06-07

Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
Luke 6:20-23

This goes deeper than material poverty and physical hunger. It speaks of a hunger "for righteousness" and being poor "in spirit" which is in contrast to the spiritually proud and self-sufficient.

I will be satisfied; God will supply my need. He has promised, and as Number 23:19 says, He is not a man that He should lie or change His mind. When He speaks, He acts; when He promises... He fulfills!

Lord, I hunger and thirst for You. May I lean on You and You alone. Be my source and supply of all my needs. Fulfill me with the satisfaction only YOu provide. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

On That Very Day

01-06-07

On that very day Abraham took his son... as God told him.
Genesis 17:23

Abraham did not hesitate in his obedience to the Lord. He was prompt and trusting. he put complete faith in God.

Abraham was a blessed man, clearly due to his obedience, faith, trust, love and intimacy with God. I wnat to be in that wonderful place; to press in and be in deeper communion with God, my Lord.

Lord, I have set my heart on knowing You more deeply and experiencing the repercussion of Your glory. I pray I would walk with You daily in the face of any challenges. Thank You for the wonderful blessings in my life. Thank You Jesus. In Your precious name. Amen.

The Sinner and His Savior

01-05-07

Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick.
Luke 5:31

A person must recognize themself as a sinner before he can be spiritually healed. A self-righteous man does not realize his need for salvation, but an admitted sinner does.

I must remember: I am not righteous, nor am I sinless; I am in need of my Savior; I must remain close to Him.

Father God, remain by my side for the coming year and years to come. Help me to remember I am not worthy by what I do or who I am, but because of what You do and who You are. Keep me near to You and stay near to me, Lord. I would rather face the wrath of my unworthiness, than to live in ignorant bliss, without You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Teen Rebellion

01-04-07

Nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.
Genesis 11:6

Back in Genesis God determined the unity of men would increase unrestrained rebellion against God to unlimited extent. This would ultimately lead to complete displacement and exclusion of God.

The rebellious pride that takes over many people today is the pollution that God hoped to prevent. Even the greatest of human powers cannot defy God and survive long.

Lord, the elimination of You and Your laws in today's age is the reflection of what happened back in Genesis. I want to stay God-focused; God-centered. Help me in this Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Good and Faithful Servant

01-03-07

He [John the Baptist] went... preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 3:3

John the Baptist's baptism represented a change of heart, which includes sorrow for sin and a determination to lead a holy life.

I must not just feel remorse for my sinful behavior but remorse, repend, remove and replace; determining to lead a good life by God's standards.

Lord, I want You to be able to trust me with much; to share in Your happiness. Remain in me Lord, help me to do Your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Garden

01-02-07

and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:8

Once a place of joy and fellowship with God, the garden had become a place of fear and of hiding from God.

When I sin, the tempting thing to do is hide from God. I strive, in my shame and in my own strength to be who He would want me to be, but I fail because I can't do it without him. It is only through repentance that I can be returned to the original joy and fellowship we had.

Thank You, Lord, for the restoration of our relationship. There is no one else like You. Please continue to bless me and cover me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

There is Freedom

01-01-07

The man and his wife were both naked and they felt no shame.
Genesis 2:25

Before the fall there was freedom from shame; a moral innocence. This was lost when we sinned.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can have freedom from shame, today.

Thank You, Lord, for the new clarity through Your Word and through intimate conversation; new abilities in being faithful and productive by the authority You've given; new communion and fellowship. I love the experiences of growth in the midst of prayer and abiding worship. I never want to leave Your presence. In Jesus' power-full name. Amen.