Today’s scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-7
These verses begin with Peter’s exhortation to younger men respecting elders,
but the real truth is mutual humility. As children of God, we should always
“esteem others better than” ourselves (Philippians 2:3). None of us is
greater than another in the eyes of God. Some may have more notoriety or fame
in the world’s eyes, but to God, we’re each one of His precious children.
God loves humble hearts
because, with humility, we take our focus off of ourselves and on to Him, the
Sovereign Creator, the Almighty God.
Then Peter throws in
this little gem. In our humility, we can trust God. Where does it say that, you
ask? Read the very last part: We can confidently cast every anxiety (the NKJV
says “care”) at the foot of the throne. And why? Because God cares for us. He
loves us unconditionally with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). We can
trust Him with every single circumstance, good or bad.
I’ll leave you this
morning with The Message paraphrase of verse 7: “Live carefree before God; he
is most careful with you.”
Be blessed this day!
Today’s scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12-14
Growing up in a Baptist church, I sang a lot of old hymns. And I remember the
words of one of my favorites. As I sang this song as a child, I had no idea the
words came from 2 Timothy:
For I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him until that day.
(Whittle, McGranahan, 1883)
I love the words of that old Scripture-inspired hymn because it reminds me that
the God I’ve put my trust in is able. Able to keep me strong. Able to provide.
Able to give comfort. Able to shower with peace. Able to help me overcome any
situation.
He is greater than anything or anyone. And until the day I leave this earth,
either through death or at Christ’s return, He will faithfully hold me safely
and securely in His more-than-able right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Today’s scripture: 1 Timothy 4:4-5
I love everything about our new Tennessee home … well, except the humidity. I’m
still trying to get used to it.
Then I read verses like these, and I’m reminded—yet again—that “everything
created by God is good …” Even those things that may not be my favorites—like humidity—I
can accept with gratitude.
This also ties in well with one of the best-known and oft-quoted verses in the
New Testament: Romans 8:28. God really does work all things for good. All
things.
But sometimes, this is hard to accept. So much is just not good in this world.
Violence. Death. Illness. Abuse. We live in an ongoing and an escalating battle
with the enemy, and our world becomes darker each day.
Yet even so, we can be confident that God is in control, and He will work
through all circumstances. If we trust Him, if we know the promises in His
word, if we pray to Him at all times, then we can live with the knowledge that
all things created by Him will work out for our good.
Today's scripture:
Psalm 17:6-9
I love how much truth and hope and encouragement I can find in just a few
verses. As I read today's scripture, I find:
God hears me every time I call on Him.
No matter where I am, no matter what I'm doing, He hears me. He "incline[s
His] ear to me ..." This assurance encourages me so much!
He shows me "marvelous
lovingkindness." My God, the Creator of the universe, loves me. Me. Flawed,
fleshly, fallible me. He demonstrates His love in so many ways. Provision.
Protection. Peace through the storm. Carrying me when I can't take a step (see
yesterday's devotional).
I am the "apple of [His] eye."
According to the Urban Dictionary,
this phrase means "one's favorite person; the one you love most."
While I don't believe God loves anyone more than others, it's encouraging to
remember that He thinks I'm special ... and you are too!
He hides me "under the shadow of
[His] wings." I don't have to worry about what the day will bring
because He protects me. When the storms come, He covers me from the rain. When
I face crises or difficulties, He will keep me safe.
Our God is so very good, and He loves to shower us with blessings ... and He
loves to encourage us by reminding us of His love and care.
Today's
scripture: Psalm 17:4-5
We all have them ... those mornings when we just want to burrow under the
covers and hibernate for the day. You know exactly what I'm talking about,
don't you?
When I face those morning—knowing full well I can't just stay in bed—I often
plead, "Lord Jesus, would You please hold my hand more tightly this
morning?" Then I read words like verse 5 of today's scripture:
"Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip."
Our Savior, our Shepherd, walks alongside us every day. Every moment. He never
leaves us (Hebrews 13:5). We're never alone. Not only will the Lord
"uphold [our] steps," but He will also carry us when we can't even take a step: "Care for [us]; carry
[us] like a good shepherd" (MSG, Psalm 28:9).
I don't know about you, but these words bring me hope. If it weren't for the
promise of the Lord's constant presence, I wouldn't want to get up each morning. If it weren't for the promise of His carrying
me, I wouldn't be able to get up each
morning.
You're not alone. When you can't seem to pull yourself out of bed, when you
can't take a step, call out to your Lord and Savior. Cry out to Him and ask Him
to hold your hand more tightly ...
today and every day.
Today's scripture: Psalm 40:1-2
I feel so tremendously blessed that we Christ-followers serve a personal God.
Unlike other belief systems where the god or gods they serve are out
"there" somewhere, our God is with us, and He hears us when we call
to Him. He hears our cries.
When we feel like we've descended to the bottom of a "horrible pit,"
He lifts us up and sets us on a solid "rock," the rock of faith and
grace and strength that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Every so often, I feel rather "pit-ish." Sometimes, stress and an
over-loaded plate make me more emotional than usual, and even the smallest
things can set me off. I grumble and complain ... if only to myself.
In those times when I'm in the pit, I sometimes recognize something very, very important: I haven't spent quality time with the Lord. While I may
meditate on the daily devotionals I read, I find I haven't just sat at the feet
of my Lord. When I find myself in these situations, I stop what I'm doing and
rest in His presence for a while. In those moments, He reminds me how blessed I
am ... and how this season is temporary.
He lifts me out of that "horrible pit" of stress and frustration, and
sets me on the solid rock of His faithfulness.
What pit are you in today? Cry out to God, lift up your hands, and let Him set
you on His solid rock.
Today's scripture: Psalm 145:15-16
The Bible assures us that our God takes good care of His children. He provides
food, shelter, clothing. He protects from harm. He gives peace and comfort.
But what about those believers in poor countries who live on a cup of rice and
a handful of beans each day. Or those who are abused or raped or martyred. Or
those who suffer great loss.
Where is God then? Is He really "satisfy[ing] the desire of every living
thing"?
I don't know why God does sometimes allows things to happen that cause pain or
suffering. I don't know why there are starving people. Or victims of violent
crime. Or tragic loss of life.
I do know we live in a fallen world, one that is becoming more and more corrupt
and perverted as time as we know it winds down. I do know that sin is rampant.
I do know we're in a battle against the enemy of our souls.
And I do know that God is greater than anything, and I do know He will work
everything out for good. So even in the most difficult of situations, I know He
will provide. He will protect. He will give peace and comfort.
Because I know He's good and loving. And He cares for us.
Today's scripture: Psalm 23:1
When I first memorized Psalm 23, I did so in the King James Version of the Bible, so as we spend the next few days
meditating on its words, we're going to revisit that (for some of us) familiar
translation. Yes, the language is a bit archaic, but there’s something about
the dignity of the King James language that soothes my soul … and it could use
some soothing!
So we begin …
The LORD is my shepherd. And what does a shepherd do? He watches out over his
sheep. He protects and comforts them. He lifts them up when they’ve fallen. He
keeps predators at bay. And he searches for them when they wander away.
And my Lord does all that for me—for you.
I shall not want. A good shepherd provides shelter and sustenance for his
sheep. He meets their needs.
And my Lord provides for my needs as well.
Days like today when I have nothing to give—physically or emotionally—I’m
comforted by the reminder that I’m not alone.
My good Shepherd watches over me. He protects me from the enemy. He lifts me up
and carries me. He provides for my needs.
Thank You, Lord God, for being my good Shepherd. Thank You for carrying me this
day … and every day.
