Afleveringen
-
I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. It was the first week of November 2005, and Mark had called out to our girls, asking them to join us in the living room. He began to somberly share that if God did not provide a financial miracle, we would need to end our AIM term in Estonia at least nine months earlier than expected. Costs had proven to be a bit more than the expected budget, and we had run out of funds.
Candace, eleven years old at the time, asked her dad, "How much money do we need to stay?" "Three thousand dollars," he replied.
How often have we encountered a big problem and wondered, "How will we get through this one?" Whether it's a financial situation, a surprise medical problem, or an unexpected family issue that seemingly comes out of nowhere, humans have an interesting way of forgetting important things in the heat of a moment. At times, our forgetfulness includes remembering that our God is always faithful.
Reading my Bible, I continually glean more information about His faithfulness. In every situation, God was not the one who became unfaithful; instead, it was the human or humans involved. Through flood, famine, sickness, poverty, or an overabundance of wealth, He was right there amid it all.
Ravens fed Elijah when he was hungry. Stop and think about that for just a minute. How cool is that? God provided water from a rock for Moses when the Israelites were thirsty. Sarah miraculously gave birth to a child in her old age! The Lord knew people's hearts, read their frail humanity, and provided what they desired according to either physical or deep emotional needs. And He is still doing that today.
Second Timothy 2:13 says, "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." Numbers 23:19 emphasizes His faithfulness even more! "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
Now, back to 2005. Our family began to pray for that budget need. None of us wanted to end our AIM term in Estonia early, for we all knew the training was needed for future ministry in Finland. God laid us on the heart of Jerry Dean, a former pastor of my husband, and God's intervention continued from there. Beginning with the December 2005 rent and continuing through June 2006, three thousand dollars showed up in our bank account each month.
The money covered our expenses plus one monthly inexpensive meal "out" for our family to enjoy, but it was enough.
Candace's response to her father when he told us God had done a miracle that December: "Of course He did. It's what I prayed for!"
His faithfulness hasn't changed. And it won't.
Devotion by Glenda Alphin.
For more content like this, please sign up for the Ladies Prayer International newsletter at ladies ministries dot com. -
"Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: UNITE my heart to fear thy name." (Psalm 86:11)
"TRUST in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)
"COMMIT thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3)
These are all very familiar scriptures. The keywords we usually seem to notice are unite, trust, and commit. These scriptures refer to us taking positive action, which is essential on our journey with Jesus.
When we trust and commit to prayer, He moves in ways we do not comprehend.
If we observe the contrast between the words united and un-tied, we see that just one placement of the letter "i" changes the word's meaning.
It all seems so wonderful and easy when we are on a high note in life. Our families are well and healthy. The children are safe and saved. We offer these scriptures to highlight the positive and to encourage others along the way. But when things are not running smoothly and rebellion, sickness, or tough times hit, it is important to know our place in Jesus. When "I" am in the right spot with the Lord, "I" am united.
If "I" get out of place, "I" can create a whole new word and action, "un-tied." Just one little switch changes an entire meaning. It is either being put together or coming apart.
Being disciples of Jesus, we must remember these scriptures for what they speak into our lives:
Psalm 86:11 reminds us that we need to be taught to know His truth and to be united in His awestruck ability.
Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to trust in Him regardless of what our intellect tells us. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to commit all we do to Him, and our thoughts (purpose) will be established. The Word of the Lord is sure, and we need not doubt His ability to hear and answer our prayers.
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." (Jeremiah 33:3)
Our loved ones may or may not respond to the call of Jesus like we want them to respond, but God's Word reminds us of His faithfulness.
"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Devotion by Julie Seidenfaden.
For more content like this, please sign up for the Ladies Prayer International newsletter at ladies ministries dot com. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
Prayer, the act of talking to our Creator, is something I did not understand for years. I thought prayer was something done in certain places - prayer rooms, church buildings, our living room. I thought it was something done at certain times - prayer time at church, prayer meetings at church, altar services after a church service. I thought it was only done in one way - with a loud voice and the use of repetitive words, much like chanting. But I was wrong.
Prayer, the communication of my soul with the almighty God of the universe, cannot be confined to just a few places, just a few times, in a limited way. Prayer is like life-giving water that sometimes beats down on the earth in torrents, washing clean the land and rivers of the pollutants that have covered it.
Sometimes, water comes in soft and gentle showers that bathe the earth, enriching the plants and soil so that they may produce for the season. Other times, the water comes in a light, almost imperceptible mist that coats the plants with dew and gives them what they need for that day. All of these kinds of hydration are necessary. All are sent by God. All are profitable.
So it is with my prayer. Sometimes, I feel my prayers rising up like a storm inside of me. With thundering and fervor, they fly from my lips toward the heavens. These are fueled with emotional passion, spiritual fervor, and intense delivery. Sometimes, they are battle prayers as I fight for the souls of my family and others. Sometimes, they are prayers of pain and agony, for life can be hard and brutal. They are full of the thunder of my heart and flashing of my emotions.
And God loves these prayers.
Sometimes, my prayer feels like the seasonal rain here because it is time for them. They are on a schedule. It is the hour of prayer. These don't always involve a lot of emotional draw. I am not praying because I feel the need but because it is time. These are sustaining prayers! I find it is the times I've buried my face in the carpet and prayed that keep me through the times when all I can do is lay on my face on the carpet.
It is the everyday prayers that keep me nourished through each season. And God loves these prayers.
Then there are the light, gentle mist prayers spoken throughout the day. As we leave home, we pray, "Thank You, Lord, for allowing us to live in this house. Help me always to remember it is Your house. You just let me live here." Before we eat, we say, "Thank You, Lord, for providing food for us. Help us to make wise choices with what we put into our bodies so we may stay healthy to best serve Your kingdom."
As we wake, we pray, "Thank You, Lord, for this day, help me to be Your hands, Your feet, and Your voice to everyone I come in contact with." When we go out to collect the things we need, we plead, "Lord, help us to shine Your light today to everyone we meet. " When we close the day, we implore, "Thank you, Lord, for another day. We ask for your angels to surround us as we sleep." These simple, short, gentle prayers give my soul and mind direction for the hour, for the day.
I'm so thankful that I have come to understand that prayer is not confined to a place, a time, or just one delivery method. Like the water that cleans, feeds, and heals the earth, prayer cleans, feeds, and heals me - every day, in many ways. And God loves my prayers.
Devotion by Rachel Coltharp. -
Luke 17:32 instructs us to "Remember Lot's wife." Lot's wife is not one of the leading ladies of the Bible; her name isn't even mentioned. But the drama surrounding her and those three ominous words tell us a lot about her and sound a warning for us all.
She was married to a prominent man in Sodom. The Bible tells us that Lot sat at the city's gates, which means he held a prestigious position. But it also mentions that he was righteous. In a city filled with debauchery and every evil thought and sin, he must have been tormented by the culture around him. We don't know if Lot's wife felt the same. Maybe she enjoyed being held in high regard by the most influential people of Sodom. She may have delighted in her possessions and her family's status.
The day came when God, in His mercy, sent deliverance. Abraham had pleaded with God to withhold His judgment for ten righteous in Sodom, but God could not find these few righteous people. Lot still hesitated, and the angels had to take him, his wife, and his daughters by the hands and pull them out saying, "Don't stop, don't look back, flee for your lives!"
The heat burned through the back of her robe as she ran. Her ears were filled with the sounds of shouting and screaming behind her. The acrid smell of burning flesh filled her lungs as the smoke billowed up, blurring her vision. Her comfortable life, possessions, and temporary pleasures were consumed in a moment. It was only through God's mercy that her life was spared. But she lagged behind, longing for everything she had left - the things she loved. She turned for one final look.
Her attachment to the past was greater than her commitment to the future. The extravagant mercy extended to her in that instant was rejected forever. The Bible says that she turned into a pillar of salt.
"Remember Lot's wife! Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it." (Luke 17:32-33, KJV.)
We have the free will to reject God's mercy. How heartbreaking to be so close to salvation but, in the end, turn back.
Don't look back at what's burning down, what God is finished with. Don't get stuck in a place you were only supposed to pass through. We can't live for Jesus while looking back.
Eternity with Jesus in Heaven is what lies before us, which is much more precious than anything we must leave behind.
Devotion by Shelly Stringfellow -
Matthew 5:14-16 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
I trust that you all have enjoyed the posts this week about the many ways that we can "hold the flashlight" and be a "help" in the kingdom of God.
A flashlight is of no value if the batteries have expired. Those of you who use your phone for a light know that you must keep it charged, or it does not work. So it is with our spiritual lives. We must keep our light shining brightly. How do we do this?
Prayer is essential for us to grow in our relationship with the Lord and to be a blessing to others. James 5:16 "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Bible Reading needs to be a priority in our lives. Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Keeping filled with the Holy Spirit is important. Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Fellowship with other believers strengthens and encourages us. Hebrews 10:25 " Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Each of us has a part in the kingdom of God. We cannot all be missionaries, preachers, or hold a position of prominence. But when we come to the end of life's journey, may each one of us be able to say with confidence, "I held the flashlight."
II Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Devotion by Anne Johnston -
Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
I am privileged and blessed to attend a church where there is love and unity. We have people of many different nationalities, but we are a family. We have great leaders, and the Spirit of the Lord is present in our services. Visitors feel welcome and soon become a part of our congregation. I trust that each of you reading this has a church home. If not, I urge you to find one. Fellowship with other believers is especially important in our walk with the Lord.
In this passage in Galatians, Paul is advising the church of their responsibility to their fellow believers. May I make a few suggestions for ways we can be a blessing, "
shine our flashlight," for our brothers and sisters in Christ?
1. The Children - greet them with a smile, perhaps a pat on the head. Simple words can put a smile on their face, such as, "You look pretty, or handsome today." Compliment them on their behavior or something kind you have observed them doing.
2. The Youth - Pray for them. Ask the Lord to show you which ones need prayer and then let them know that you have been doing so. As the Lord leads, slip them a bit of cash now and then, just because.
3. Families - Ask the Lord to show you those who may be going through times of trial or difficulty. Pray for the Lord to guide them and direct them as they raise their family. Compliment them on their faithfulness in bringing their children to church.
4. Seniors - They still need your prayers. Problems and difficulties do not disappear as they get older. A special hug now and again will let them know you care.
These are just a few suggestions, and I am sure that as you seek guidance from the Lord, He will show you many ways that you can be a blessing to your brothers and sisters.
Russ Taff wrote the song, "We Will Stand." We often sing the chorus:
You're my brother, you're my sister.
So, take me by the hand.
Together we will work until He comes.
There's no foe that can defeat us.
When we're walking side by side.
As long as there is love We will stand
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am so thankful that you have placed each one of us in the body where you want us to be. Help us to love and appreciate one another.
Devotion by Anne Johnston. -
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38
So far this week we have been looking at how we can be a "help" in the Kingdom of God by praying and supporting those who are in leadership or volunteering in our church. Today we want to consider another way that we can be a help.
In II Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth regarding the offering they are collecting for the needs of people in Jerusalem. He commends them for their faithfulness and encourages them to do their best to meet this need.
In verse twelve, he says, "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
Then in chapter 9, verses 6 and 7, he promises that the Lord will reward those who freely extend generosity to others.
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
He likens it to a farmer sowing seed. As the farmer scatters the grain over the field, he is not thinking about the amount he is using, but of what it will produce. He will not see the results overnight but will wait patiently for the abundant harvest.
So, we as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ do not give grudgingly or because we feel pressured, but we give freely and generously, knowing that the Lord will reward us far more than we can imagine. The reward may not be money or material things, but a spiritual blessing. Remember God does not pay every Saturday night. We are storing treasures in heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Whether the Lord has blessed us with little or much, we will be blessed if we willingly set apart a portion each month to be a blessing to others. Twice a year our church donates food and money to our local Food Bank. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to "hold the flashlight."
Jesus, we are so thankful that you supply our every need. Help us to be aware of the needs of others and to give generously when we have the opportunity.
Devotion by Anne Johnston -
"For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike." I Samuel 30:24
Have you ever been involved in a relay race? The first runner on the team does what they are required to do and then returns to their place while the next one goes. They do not just relax, feeling that their part is done. No, they cheer their teammates on. Everyone on the team shares the reward.
David and his men had been away fighting in a battle. When they returned, weary and worn, they met with bad news. An enemy had come, burned their city, and captured all their wives and children. Quickly they reorganized and set out to recover what they could. Half of them were so weary that they could not go on, and so David left them to watch over their belongings. Their search was successful, and they returned with their wives and children, their cattle, and much spoil.
Some did not want to share what they had gained with the ones left behind, but David would not allow this. Watching the goods was just as important as going to battle.
Through the years I have been involved in many areas in the church. I have taught in Sunday School, Children's Church, and Purpose Institute. I have been a Youth Leader, Ladies' Ministries leader, and taught Home Bible Studies. I have planned and cooked many meals. I am so thankful for the blessing of the Lord in all those areas. But now those days are in the past. I no longer have the strength and energy to be involved.
But I still have a part to play, by supporting and praying for those who are in those positions.
Yesterday we talked about praying for our Pastor and his family. Here are other groups that we can pray for:
Worship Team. We pray that the Lord will direct them as they choose the songs and that they will sing and play with the anointing of the Holy Spirit
Media Team. Their faithful work behind the scenes, making sure that everything is working perfectly, allows those who are ministering to do their job without worry and frustration.
Welcome Team. As visitors enter our church, a smiling face and a friendly greeting will make them feel welcome and appreciated.
Sunday School Teachers and Helpers. We pray that the Lord will anoint those who teach and give them wisdom and direction to reach each child with the Gospel.
Every year at Christmas our Pastor honours the volunteers in our church. Each year there is a greater number standing together on the platform. He often makes the statement that he is waiting for the day when everyone in the congregation will be up there. But there will always be those who are just "holding the flashlight." Without their prayers and support, the volunteers would not be successful in their jobs.
Revelation 22:12-14 "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Thank you, Jesus, that you have a part for us all to play in your kingdom. Those who minister and those who support them in prayer will all receive their reward when you return.
Devotion by Anne Johnston -
"And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." Exodus 17:11-12
In the first part of this chapter in Exodus, the children of Israel were thirsty. God told Moses to smite the rock and from it flowed a stream of water to satisfy their physical needs and give them strength. Verse eight tells us: "Then came Amalek." After the Lord gives great victories, there usually comes a battle.
As they faced the enemy, Moses stood with his hands lifted toward heaven. As their leader, he felt the responsibility to keep in communication with the Lord. As the battle continued, he became weary. Two younger men, Aaron and Hur, found a rock for him to sit on. Standing on either side of him, they held up his hands for the rest of the day, until the battle was won.
God has placed faithful pastors and leaders in our lives for a purpose. God anoints them to preach His Word to us so that we can grow in our spiritual relationship. They spend hours praying, studying, and leading us. They face problems and difficulties that we know nothing about. They love us and intercede for us before the throne of God. They are there when we are going through times of sickness, trials, and sorrow.
What can we do to hold up their hands and support them?
Pray for them every day. Pray that the Lord will give them the health and strength that they need to fulfill their calling.
Pray that the Lord will anoint them and give them messages that will strengthen and meet the needs of their congregation.
Pray that the Lord will give them wisdom and direction in the decisions they must make.
Pray for their spouses and families, that every need will be met.
Take time to thank them when their teaching and preaching has ministered to you.
Always speak well of them to your family, friends, and other members of your church family.
Be faithful.
God has placed each of us where He wants us in His body. We may never hold a position of leadership, but we can "hold the flashlight" for the leaders that the Lord has given us.
Have you prayed for your Pastor today?
Lord Jesus, we thank you today for the pastors and leaders that you have provided in our lives to lead us in the paths that you would have us go. We lift them up before you in prayer, asking that you will direct their every step.
Devotion by Anne Johnston -
"Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf." II Corinthians 1:11
This week we are looking at ways that each one of us can be a help in the Kingdom of God by "holding the flashlight." This morning as I was reading the first chapter of Second Corinthians, I realized that this was a fitting example to consider.
Paul had suffered greatly in Asia, either through persecution or severe illness. He expressed that he had been brought to the gates of death. Through it all his faith had not wavered, and he had received a miracle of deliverance. In verse eleven, he says that knowing the church in Corinth was praying for him gave him hope during the challenging time.
Psalm 20:1-2 "The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee
help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion."
We often read or hear stories about faithful missionaries who have been going through a time of trial or difficulty and have experienced deliverance from the Lord. Months later, they would learn that someone had awakened in the night and prayed for them. not knowing what the need was.
It is so important that we keep our hearts and minds in tune with the Holy Spirit so that we can hear His still small voice speaking to us. Often as we are going about our daily activities, He will bring someone to our minds, and we can whisper a prayer for them. We may never know what their need was at that time, but that does not matter. God knows and He hears our prayer and does the necessary work.
Praying for those faithful men and women who have dedicated their lives to take the Gospel to other lands is one way that we can "hold the flashlight." As we pray for them and support them financially, we share in the reward for every soul that they reach for Christ.
Prayer: Jesus, you did not call us all to go to the Mission field but help us to do our part by praying and supporting those who do go.
Devotion by Anne Johnston -
"For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." Mark 9:41
I recently read a story about a man and his wife who had purchased a house and decided to remove some of the walls to make one large room instead of several small ones. Because there was electrical wiring in the walls they needed to remove, the main power had to be turned off. The man was an experienced carpenter and knew what he was doing. His wife offered to help, and he told her that she could hold the flashlight when he needed more light.
When the job was complete, she looked at her husband and said, "And I held the flashlight."
Holding the flashlight was a small, insignificant job, yet it enabled her husband to complete his work more quickly and efficiently.
When I read this story, it seemed like a good example of how each of us can contribute to the work of the kingdom of God. In Second Corinthians chapter twenty-three, Paul is writing about the body of Christ. Verse twenty-eight lists the different leadership ministries that the Lord has placed in the body. However, there is one little word in that list that should apply to all who follow the Lord Jesus Christ. That little word - "helps"
Verse eighteen says, "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him."
Verse thirty-seven - "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
God made each of us unique. We all have different talents and abilities and when we dedicate our lives to the Lord, He can use them for His honour and glory. No contribution is considered small in His sight. We cannot all be preachers, missionaries, or do notable things. God has given them the abilities they need for their task. Often all He asks of us is that we "hold the flashlight" for them.
This week we will look at stories in the Bible where things that seemed small and unimportant made the difference in the outcome of an event. We will explore ways that we each can be a "help" and support those who are in positions of leadership.
Jesus, you placed us where you wanted us in your kingdom. Help us to let our lights shine for You and be a blessing to others.
Devotion by Anne Johnston -
Many of you may remember that I love to watch nature documentaries. A few weeks ago I watched a video on the Serengeti, which is located in the African country of Tanzania.
The Serengeti maintains herds of over a million wildebeests among a multitude of other animals. Even the greatest predators find it a struggle to stay alive during the dry season, which can last for up to half a year. They follow any source of water to find nourishment from the grasslands. The dry, seemingly barren land looks destitute until the season begins to shift.
It is called the great migration, the changing of the seasons, or the time of the great rain.
When the animals sense rain is coming, they begin a journey of hundreds of miles - it is called the great migration.
What once was a barren land turns into a lush paradise overnight. A single rainfall can turn the desert into a paradise. What once was empty of migratory animals now holds a copious number of herds, pride of lions, and flocks of birds.
RAIN CAN TRANSFORM DESERT PLACES
In yesterday's devotion we discussed the drought Israel endured for 3.5 years (James 5:17-18) due to their unfaithfulness to the One true God.
After years without rain, the time came when Elijah says to Ahab, "Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain (1 Kings 18:41)."
You may be in a place of barrenness, in a season of drought, and everywhere you look it may seem destitute and deserted. Regardless of what you see in the natural realm, what does the Spirit say to the dryness of your soul?
My husband and I pastor in Silver Spring, Maryland, and in prayer, I saw Silver Spring, dry and barren. I saw people's lives, destitute of hope. And then I saw rain falling, beginning to nourish the parched soul.
And, today, I believe that God can shift the seasons in your life. DO YOU HEAR THE SOUND OF ABUNDANCE OF RAIN?
If you need a spiritual refreshing today, speak out loud, "I hear the sound of abundance of rain."
• In the hospital, I hear the sound of abundance of rain.
• In the middle of my circumstance, I hear the sound abundance of rain.
• In the middle of my depression, I hear the sound abundance of rain.
• In the middle of the driest season of my life, I hear the sound of abundance of rain.
Elijah told his servant in 1 Kings 18:43, "Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he (Elijah) said, Go again seven times."
Are you going to listen to the voice of doubt in your life that says, "There is nothing. There is no rain coming. You're going to be in this drought forever?" - OR - are you going to listen to the spirit that is saying "rain is coming?"
• Can you be faithful when it looks impossible?
• Will you be steadfast when your natural eyes do not see the situation changing?
• Are you going to allow doubt to be more powerful than faith?
• Will you speak with me, "I HEAR THE SOUND OF ABUNDANCE OF RAIN."
And it came to pass at the seventh time (which is the number of completion), that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand." 1 Kings 18:44.
That little cloud contained enough rain to shift the drought into a monsoon. That little cloud changed the season Israel was in.
No season lasts forever.
The paradox of a drought is when you are in the driest and most barren season of your life, there is hope. In the season of drought, you will one day be able to clearly hear the voice of God. In desert places, there is living water for your soul.
• God can make it rain when there's a disease plaguing your life.
• God can make it rain when your marriage is falling apart.
• God can make it rain after years of dryness, in one moment God can bring a time of refreshing in your life.
I'm ready for rain. I'm ready for God to open the windows of heaven. I'm ready for God to open up the foundations of the deep. I'm ready for the rain to fall on the barren and dry ground.
I hear the sound of abundance of rain.
Devotion by Angela Overton -
They called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. "Baal, answer us!" they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made… So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed… But there was no response, no one answered. Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come here to me." They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down.
1 Kings 18:26-30 NIV.
Notice that Baal's followers were sincere; they were hyped up and energetic, and they had faith that Baal would hear their shouts and believed the fire would come. But the fire did not come.
It does not matter how sincere you are or how many good works you do; if you accomplish things in your own flesh, fire will not come.
YOU CANNOT FIGHT A SPIRITUAL BATTLE IN THE FLESH
What are some things we try to accomplish in our flesh rather than relying on God?
With the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord… he said to them, "Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood." "Do it again," he said, and they did it again. "Do it a third time," he ordered, and they did it the third time. The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. 1 Kings 18:31-35 NIV
Elijah took the most precious commodity in their nation, WATER, and used it to show the nation that they need God more than natural resources.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn as a Christian is when we are stripped of all of our material goods and comforts and realize Jesus is all we need when Jesus is all we have.
Fire Falls on Wet Altars
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 1 Kings 18:38, NIV.
Elijah was anointed to reveal the power and authority of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He knew who went before him.
We, as Christians, need to know whom we are facing but more importantly, who goes before us. If you do not know who you are, you will not be able to exercise your authority. Know who you are and know who goes before you.
The Bible commands us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. Your body may be broken, stricken in years, and in need of a good, old-fashion prayer meeting. Today, let's repair the broken altar's of our lives and pour out our tears before the Lord - fire still falls on wet altars.
Devotion by Angela Overton -
Now Elijah said to Ahab, "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." 1 Kings 17:1.
1 Kings 16-18 narrates a story about Ahab, a king who was more evil than any other king before him (1 Kings 16:30-33). Ahab married the infamous woman, who we know as Jezebel. She was a Phoenician princess who did not give up her lifestyle. Her dedication to Baal not only influenced her husband but also the nation of Israel. As a result, God sends Elijah, His prophet, to demonstrate His supremacy over false gods and to affirm His power over his creation.
"The drought was not only a divine judgment on a nation that had turned to idolatry but also a demonstration that the false god Baal, who was considered to be the lord of the rain clouds in this part of the world, was powerless to give rain."
(1 Kings 17:1 footnote in Zondervan Study Bible).
By saying, "There will not be rain," Elijah is saying, "Your rain god, Ahab, has no power." "You wait and see, my God is in control of His creation."
What kind of proclamations do you need to make in your life today?
Stand up to the lies of the enemy and speak the word of truth. The staging ground for a miracle is an impossible situation.
Speak, like Elijah did, to the situation in your life that needs God's provision. Share scriptures that come to your mind to declare and claim your promise.
Believe that this world does not have the power to replace God, so they fabricate their own gods that have ears but cannot hear, eyes that cannot see, mouths that cannot speak, and a heart that cannot love.
We learn that rain did not fall for 3.5 years (1 Kings 18:1; James 5:17-18) which created a great famine in Israel.
This is a truth that I have learned in my life - A famine in the house of God is better than a feast in the world.
God will always visit His people with bread. He will always quench the thirst of a parched soul. And, He will remain faithful to His word. If you're in a dry place right now, just wait a little longer, rain is coming to your parched soul.
Devotion by Angela Overton -
Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork."
I live 30 minutes from D.C. and one of our family traditions is to go to the Cherry Blossom Festival every year. When the Cherry Blossoms hit their peak bloom, it is an official sign that Spring is here. The National Cherry Blossom Festival attracts more than 1.5 million people to the District of Columbia every year. At the heart of the festival is 3,000 cherry blossom trees blooming along the Tidal Basin. It's amazing that blossoming trees can attract so many people from around the world.
New life is beautiful.
Everywhere we look we see the glory of God. God is the one who can breathe life into dry bones. Your time of brokenness will not last forever, there is a new season - new life. There may be a situation in your life that is dry and seemingly dead, but it's a new season and there is hope, now more than ever. Today is a new day; it's a new season.
Go outside and look around. the message of life after death is everywhere.
Today, my prayer for you is that the seemingly dead places in your life would be brought back to life. Maybe it is a relationship, forgotten ministry, broken dreams, or maybe you've felt lost and are unsure of the next steps. God has a plan for your life and the thing He specializes in is prophesying to dry bones. Dry bones can live again. Your life, in Jesus name, will blossom again. -
"…I make all things new." Revelation 21:5.
This week in Maryland has been wonderful; there is a gentle zephyr that invites warm weather, buds are forming on the ends of barren branches, and green shoots are rising from the ground - all promising a change in seasons. We have shining yellow daffodils blooming in our front yard, giving hope for what is to come; Spring. My husband and I took our daughter and son on a walk a few days ago and it felt so good to have the warmth of the sun beam down on our faces.
The wonderment in their eyes sparkled as they fixated on the trees, the buzzing insects, and spring blooms. Experiencing their joy in God's creation brings me joy.
J.R.R. Tolkien states, "There is no secular molecule in the universe; everything derives from God, and He is the origin of everything." This statement proves itself when mirrored against the word of God.
Colossians 1:16 declares, "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him." Nature does not stand still; there are clouds in constant motion, flowers blooming, and grass (without noticing) growing or withering away. Rain is pieces of oceans, streams, ponds, and rivers; each drop connects people as it meets an unknown terrain.
We serve a God who still creates and a God who makes all things new.
I often attribute natural phenomena with spiritual implications. Lately, I have felt parched in my spirit, but I am sensing a shift. In prayer, I feel a newness of life and the spring of living water rising in my spirit. I am longing for more of God.
I desire my private affection for God to be more powerful, intimate, and sacred than my public devotion. How I commune with God at church should mirror what I'm already doing at home in prayer.
There is no end to God; if you desire more of Him, you can have more of Him. He will breathe life into your dry bones, your dry ministry, and your dry marriage. In the natural, the branches that looked like dead sticks will become flowering trees in the coming weeks. In the spiritual, what looked forsaken and dead can now have new life. It's a new season and it's a new day, enter into the newness of God. -
"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:3, NIV.
Small Beginnings
Spring is only a few days away; a time of rejuvenation and new growth. Even the smallest seeds will take root and become a beautiful plant or tree. I used to live in Michigan and I can still remember neighborhoods with tall and mighty oak trees. Their long limbs would shake off acorns during the strong winds that would sweep through during a thunderstorm.
I would watch the neighborhood squirrels gather acorns and bury them with precision with their little paws as they prepared for the cold days ahead, even in the middle of summer they were preparing.
My mom and I were walking one day and she bent down to pick something up. She placed something in my hand and said, "Do not despise small beginnings." She gave me an acorn. That happened 15 years ago, and I still have that acorn in a prominent place in my home as a reminder that growth takes time.
In life, we will face astringent exposures from harsh storms that threaten our growth. Parts of our story may be damaged from components of time and unfortunate circumstances, but if you are rooted in God, you will stand strong.
To become a mighty oak, you must first be content with being an acorn. Trust the process of growing gradually, and not overnight. It is the small, positive habits that will bring the biggest changes.
Psalm 1:3 states, "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
This verse contains so many promises.
1. You will be like a tree that brings forth fruit in your season.
2. Your leaf will not wither.
3. You will be prosperous.
Permanent Change
An oak tree can never become a seedling again; however, it has the power to produce seed. Also, a tree never stops growing. Every year, its trunk gets bigger and its limbs longer. We should never stop growing spiritually, but we should be resolute about growing in the Lord every year.
Growth produces permanent change.
I don't know how this year has been for you so far, but think of the growth you've experienced already. Maybe you have not accomplished everything that you had planned, but give yourself grace and think about the personal growth that has taken place in your personal and spiritual life.
I encourage you to keep an acorn you may find on the ground and place it somewhere in your home where it will remind you that good things take a lot of time to grow.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that You will keep me rooted in Your word. Help me to grow every year and to be thankful that You will help me bear fruit in my life to bless others. -
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. Psalm 42:7
A few weeks ago at church prayer, there was a depth that our congregation experienced in the presence of God. I felt like Peter when he began to walk on the water. Peter didn't step unto still waters, he stepped unto raging waters in the middle of a storm! Regardless of how we may judge Peter for getting distracted and looking at his surroundings, he is still the only man who has ever lived, other than Jesus, to have ever walked on water.
It's also powerful to note that Jesus didn't ask Peter to walk on water, Peter asked Jesus to "bid him come, (Matthew 14:22-23)." Peter had a longing in his spirit to do the impossible.
Trusting God In The Unknown
The story of every believer is to trust God in the unknown. A lot of people, myself included, feel safe in shallow waters. Personally, I am not a strong swimmer and that is the reason why I don't go in water above my head. Naturally, that makes sense, but how do we respond when God asks us to go deeper spiritually?
Generally, we like being in control of an outcome. We like knowing what to expect. And, a lot of the time, we would rather take the easy route to a good outcome, than a crazy, unpredictable route to an amazing outcome. Generally, I want less drama in my life.
God doesn't operate in the realm of comfort. He operates in a realm that is far beyond my capabilities and talents. He operates in the deep places, and there will be times when He will ask us to do something that requires great faith to say yes, but logic will tell us to say, "No, it's too risky." But, I want to go to the depths with God, even when it requires me to step out into the unknown.
When we allow the undercurrent of His spirit to sweep us away, He will take us places we cannot get to by ourselves. I want to go beyond the shallows.
Discover What Is UNDER THE surface
Most of the known world has been discovered; man has learned how to explore the heights and lengths of the earth. However, it is estimated that only 20% of the ocean has been explored, which means 80% is unknown. Science can only speculate what kind of fish, whales, plant life, and mammals live beneath the ocean's surface and I think that is remarkable.
Like the unknown places of the sea, there are deep and secret places of God's spirit. God's word is unsearchable and unchanging, yet it changes and transforms every life that grants the Lord's permission.
If you desire more of God, there is an unfathomable depth that you can experience. Abide in His presence, go deeper when you study the Bible, and step out of the boat and into the waters of faith today. When you allow the Lord to lead, He will guide and take care of you. -
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13, ESV)
Some things are just unmistakable, clear to anyone who sees it. The boldness of Peter and John was very evident to the people of Jerusalem. Empowered by the Holy Spirit operating in their lives, the disciples openly proclaimed the message of the risen Savior. They did not back down, regardless of the persecution it frequently brought.
And that made the religious leaders angry, very angry. The number of those believing in Jesus continued to increase at an alarming rate.
an undeniable miracle
As Peter and John entered the Temple area for afternoon prayer, a crippled beggar sat at the gate. The man hoped for a few coins to obtain food for another day. Instead, he received a miraculous healing. Acts 3:8 tells us, "And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God" (ESV). Everyone saw what happened, so there was no denying the miracle that happened that day.
But that undeniable fact did not keep the religious leaders from putting Peter and John in jail until the next day. Perhaps they were using fear tactics to silence the disciples, but it did not work. With the healed man standing right beside them, there was really nothing the leaders could say. The disciples used every opportunity to preach Jesus. They did not back down.
boldness and perseverance
Acts 5 records another time when the disciples were imprisoned for preaching the gospel. An angel set them free during the night. They didn't run and hide; they just returned to the Temple and resumed teaching the people. This demonstrated boldness and perseverance!
Once again taken before the council and threatened, they declared, "We must obey God rather than men" (verse 29, ESV). When finally released to go on their way, they left the council "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (verse 41, ESV).
When Luke recorded these incidents in Acts 3 through 5, one phrase stood out to me.
"And they recognized that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).
This is a powerful statement and at the same time a convicting statement. How do we measure up?
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Is it evident to those around me that I have been with Jesus?
2. Do I possess a holy boldness to speak about my Lord even when I know it may bring ridicule and pressure to keep quiet?
3. Do I have the same fearless confidence as the apostles to proclaim the message of Jesus wherever I go?
4. Am I willing to suffer for my Lord?
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV) -
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6, NKJV)
I have been blessed throughout my life to have sufficient food and to enjoy the food I have. I especially enjoy sharing a good meal with a group of friends gathered around the table. The food refreshes my body while the fellowship refreshes my spirit.
Eating would not be nearly as enjoyable if we did not experience hunger. Hunger is the body's alarm system, built in by God, to warn us that it's time to eat. Without hunger we could literally starve to death. Hunger gives us the perception of need. We may feel hunger when the body does not need food, but we can also need food but not want it. Our alarm system has shut down.
HUNGER PANGS
The human body is quite adaptable. Within our culture, we have three set mealtimes each day. There are some who routinely skip meals, frequently breakfast. Their body soon adjusts to this new schedule and no longer sends hunger pangs at that time. If someone habitually works through lunch, those midsection twinges won't begin until they head home for the day.
The spiritual man is the same. Someone who consistently attends every church service hates even the thought of missing. As the clock approaches service time, the hunger begins. On the other hand, if someone frequently misses service, they will soon lose the desire to be there. The same holds true with our personal devotions. If we skip this time with the Lord, we will soon forget the pleasure, the hunger, of that spiritual mealtime. The alarm is suppressed; hunger fades and finally disappears.
LIVING ON THE RESERVE
When we miss meals, our body dips into its reserve of food stored in the tissues. At this level, as the body just begins to deplete its reserves, hunger is not really that unpleasant. But if allowed to continue, the body sets up a system of priorities that protects its most important organs. That is why all fat reserves are used up first before the heart, brain, and lungs are affected.
The spiritual man can also suffer starvation if allowed to go for long periods without nourishment. In most cases, though, this famine is self-inflicted, caused by our careless habits. Amos describes it as "not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord" (Amos 8:11).
As we go for long periods without spiritual food, our hunger decreases and finally stops. Our stored reserves are used up, and we waste away. In our spiritual apathy we die, unaware of our danger.
GUARDING OUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH
What can we do to protect ourselves from spiritual starvation?
1. Be consistent. Keep a regular schedule of personal as well as group worship.
2. Keep balance. Include prayer, personal Bible study, praise, worship, and the preached Word in your life.
3. Choose quality. Skip the junk food. Don't ruin your appetite with carnal thoughts and actions. Many things, while perhaps not sin, will decrease our appetite for things of the Spirit.
4. Exercise discipline. We all go through seasons when things just don't taste as good as they once did. If this happens, we must use discipline to force ourselves to eat until our taste buds once again crave the good things of the Lord.
The prodigal son went from abundance in his father's house to being famished in a pig pen. His cravings for the wrong things ultimately left him empty and starving. If we sense we are in danger of spiritual apathy and starvation, remember the prodigal's words when he finally hit absolute bottom.
"And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father." (Luke 15:17-18)
"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." (Psalm 107:9) - Laat meer zien
