"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands." Psalm 143:5
(Due to technical difficulties, today's post is a repeat of a previous devotion. Thanks for your patience!)
When we are in the midst of a trial and peace seems far from us, it's a perfect time to stop what we're doing and mediate on the goodness of our Heavenly Father.
"Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10
Yesterday out of the blue this verse from what we commonly refer to as "The Lord's Prayer," popped into my head. For a few minutes I stopped what I was doing and meditated on Christ's words:
"Your kingdom come.
Your will be done.
On earth as it is in heaven."
Imagine what it must be like in Heaven. No sin. No discourse.
"How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 36:7
Today's Bible verse is a much-needed reminder that when our world seems to be unraveling, our God is with us. His love is steadfast, and always will be. Just as baby chicks run to their mother when danger comes, and just as she shelters them with her wings, so God shelters us as we run to Him. His everlasting wings pull us close and assure us that we are loved, and He has not forgotten us.
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:18
In the Book of Isaiah God contends with the kingdom of Judah. The leaders and people are corrupt. They treat one another badly, while professing allegiance to God with their religious ceremonies. But God is not impressed with a show of worship while the heart of the so-called worshiper is unrepentant. Because of their sin God is about to bring judgement upon them; an invasion of Judah is coming.
"He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength." Isaiah 40:29
I often think we take for granted the inexhaustible power God possesses. He who created this world -- speaking it into existence -- is the One who not only sustains the earth through His mighty power, but at the same time sustains His beloved children. Each one of us is daily receiving from Him what we need to live the life He has set before us.
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"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11
Todays' Bible verse, taken from what we commonly refer to as "The Lord's Prayer," is well-known. It's so familiar to us that we may gloss over it without thinking about its implications. Here the Lord is instructing us to ask God for the provisions we need for this day. Not for today and tomorrow and the next day. But only for today.
"by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:14
Last spring I made my last car payment. When the title arrived in the mail, I felt relieved. My debt to the bank was paid in full; it was settled, and I was no longer under obligation to them. Now when I drive my automobile I have a sense of freedom that for years I didn't have. A canceled debt is something to celebrate.
"For it is You who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness." Psalm 18:28
When the day winds to an end and the sun sets, darkness naturally begins its descent. The rooms in our home that were bright with sunlight become dim, and so we turn on lamps to illuminate our surroundings. I doubt any of us would willingly sit in darkness when we have the ability to turn on a light.
Many years ago I heard of a residential subdivision where the home foundations were giving way, and the houses were literally sinking into the earth below. Apparently, the developer had not properly researched the soil properties before proceeding with building the houses, and the clay-based soil was shifting. The result was horrific. Imagine losing your home under such circumstances.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:30-32
The account of Peter's denial of Jesus, and his subsequent repentance and restoration has great significance for all believers. Beginning with today's scripture we see that the Lord already knew what was coming Peter's way, and that He had prayed that Peter's faith would not fail. Peter would give in to temptation, this our Savior knew, but He also knew that Peter would not fall away completely; Peter would turn back to Jesus and would fulfill his mission. It wasn't Peter's strength or will that made this possible, for he had neither. It was the prayers of Jesus.
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