Bit of Honey

Scripture
1 Samuel 14:26-27
When the people entered the forest, behold, there was a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth for the people feared the oath.  But Jonathan had not heard when his father had put the people under oath.  Therefore, he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand to his mouth and his eyes brightened.

Observation
The men of Israel were hard-pressed, distressed and oppressed, weary, hungry, and weak; for King Saul had put the people under oath, cursing anyone who eats food before evening until he had avenged himself on his enemies. 
But when they entered the forest, honey was dripping everywhere.  No one dared touch it - except Jonathan, Saul's son, who hadn't heard the order.  
Oh how tired, weak, hungry, and blurry-eyed Jonathan was!  And behold, there it was, honey everywhere!  He must've thought, 'Ah, Lord, how good You are to me, providing me 'daily sustenance' for this weary warrior.  Thank You Lord for providing for my needs.'  
He took his staff, dipped it in a 'bit o honey' and ate.   So Jonathan tasted, and his eyes brightened!  He could see clearly now, the fog had lifted, his strength returned.  He felt good, strong, and was ready to keep going!  
Oh how much more will our spiritual eyes be brightened, our countenance changed, our inner man strengthened when we partake of 'our daily bread' - the Word of God.  Our spirit will be revived, refreshed, and illuminated by the presence and power of God through that devotional time at His feet and in His Word!

Application
Reading the Bible every day and spending time with the Savior is of utmost importance in my walk with Him.  Gleaning for myself the  precious words God will speak to me through my reading, journaling, and meditations of Him, will renew and revitalize me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.   Other readings are good, but will not do for me what God's Word will do for my growth and well-being. 

Prayer
O taste and see that the Lord is good!  How sweet are Your words to my taste.  Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb!  Father, thank You for daily bread and the sweetness of Your Word to my soul!  You strengthen me, and brighten my eyes with the 'bit o honey' of Your Word.  I can see and think more clearly when I look to You and draw my sustenance from Your Word.  I love You Lord.  I love Your Word.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

Psalm 19:7-10

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Taking Possession of God's Promises

Scripture
Genesis 23:19-20  Afterward Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre (which is at Hebron) in the land of Canaan.  So the field and the cave in it were deeded over to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site.  

Observation
Abraham's purchase of the field and cave meant that Abraham would now own land in Canaan, the promised land that God spoke to him about in Genesis 12:7 "To your descendants, I will give this land . . . "
It also confirmed that Abraham and his descendants were now connected to the land of promise.  The purchase included the field and the cave (burial site for Sarah), and all the trees which were in the field, and it was deeded over to Abraham for 400 shekels of silver in front of many witnesses.  

Application
Take ownership of the promises of God!  Take them to heart!  I'm reminded of a story about my trekking poles.  I am a hiker, and at times, I use my trekking poles to help me in my walk.  The poles pull me forward and keep me balanced as I walk on uneven and difficult terrain.  In the same way God's promises assure me of my calling, and that I am empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the things He says for me to do.  In my journey with God, His promises help pull me forward and help me balance and keep me from falling over when there are many obstacles in the way.  I can rely on my trekking poles, but even more I can rely on the promises of God for the difficult days of life!  With every planting of the pole, or promise of God, I am able to keep going, keep steady, and continue the journey with confidence and strength from God.  

Prayer
Father, may Your promises keep me going forward in You.  Steady me, balance me, keep me from falling O God.  You are my strength and my confidence!  Just as Abraham intentionally took possession of Your promise, may I too, take possession of the promises I have in You.   In Jesus Name, A-men.

Listen Up! January 8, 2018

Scripture
Luke 8:17-18  For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.  Therefore consider carefully how you listen.  Whoever has will be given more, whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.  

Observation
Consider carefully how you listen.  Be a faithful hearer and doer of the Word.  Take notice of what is being said and respond to the advice or request given.  Make an effort to hear and be alert.  
All will be out in the open, nothing hidden.  If you have been given gifts or talents - ask God how to effectively use them.  

Application
Listen up!  Whatever He says to you, do it!

Prayer
Father, I hear You - I am not finished yet.  I am to be supportive, ready to help and serve where needed.  You have more for me to do.  Thank You Lord for opening my ears to hear and help me be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  In Jesus Name, A-men.  

Come Away! January 5, 2018

Scripture
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Observation
Jesus, our Lord and Savior, Healer, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, Soon Coming King, often, that means frequently, slipped away from the crowd, the people, family, home, friends, to get alone in deserted wilderness, mountainous places jus to be alone.  And pray.  he talked to God His Father, Our Father, and He did this - often.  

Application
Can you hear them?  "Where's Jesus?"  "Gone again?"  "Where does he run off to?"  "What does he do?"  "When is he coming back?"  
He's praying.  He's listening.  He's alone with God.  I need to do that too more often than I do.  Come Away!

Prayer
Teach us Lord to come away often.  Teach us to listen.  Teach us to love, to wait, to be patient, and to reach out to You.  

Time with Jesus January 4, 2018

Scripture 
Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Observation
"It is not education, wealth, position or political influence, that makes us competent or qualified to do great things for God.  Rather it is time spent with Jesus that makes us ready for His purposes."

Application
Spend time connecting with Jesus every day, at His feet, listening, talking, singing, reading His word, instead of worrying about my level of 'preparedness' or knowledge for the task ahead.  God will make me ready for all He wants to do through me as long as I seek Him with my whole heart and rely upon Him every step of the way.

Prayer
Father, I receive this word in the midst of our church transition.  It is not a title that affirms me, but it is Your Presence with me that gives me courage and authority to do the things You've called me to do so that You might complete in me what You have begun. Time spent with You Lord is never wasted time.  It makes me ready for whatever You have purposed for me for the tasks - the good works You have prepared in advance for me to do.  

Fullness of Joy January 2, 1918

Scripture 
Ps. 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in Your Presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
Acts 2:28 You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your Presence.

Observation
There is a promise of joy when we walk with and experience the Presence of the Lord.  He will show us the path(s) of life!

Application
He teaches us His ways and shows us the paths of life in Him.  I am learning to walk with my Savior, step by step and my life is forever changed as I choose to follow Him.  

Prayer
Father, You have set my feet on a path of life - with You.  O God, I have joy and gladness in my heart.  Your presence is my light and my salvation.
You are Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life.  In You I put my trust.  It is You I will follow all the days of my life.  

The New Year by Pastor Jack W. Hayford January 1, 2018

2018  My prayer . . . 

Let the new year be a year of growth and harvest.

• Growing in our walks with Jesus - staying close to Him. 
• Growing in the Word of God - deepening in understanding.
• Growing in faith, prayer, and boldness in giving.
• Growing in loving, serving, and helping those we can.  

There is nothing too great for us to expect since we so great a Savior and Lord.

The Altar

7/4/17  
Scripture  
2 Kings 16:10,11.12, 15b  Then King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria.  
He saw an altar in Damascus and sent Uriah the priest a sketch of the altar, with detailed plans for it's construction.  So Uriah the priest built an altar in accordance with all the plans that King Ahaz had sent from Damascus and finished it before King Ahaz returned.  When the king came back from Damascus and saw the altar, he approached it and presented offerings on it.  v15b But I will use the bronze altar for seeking guidance.

Observation
Ahaz saw something he wanted and had it replicated and it became the large new altar for sacrifice offerings - but Ahaz used the bronze altar for divination - seeking guidance.  He mixed the Israelite religion with a pagan religion.  Ahaz tried to improve on what God had already divinely ordained for the exact dimensions and look the altars in the temple were to be.  Ahaz wanted a bigger, better altar.  Ahaz was trying to 'enhance'  his worship to God and instead it turned his devotion from God to the new altar.  He used the bronze altar for seeking guidance instead of asking God for guidance.  

Application
Bigger is not always better.  Keep worship simple.  Don't covet!  Seek guidance from the Lord. 

Prayer
Father, You are my all in all.   I love reading Your word and wondering what I can glean from all the wonderful stories.  Teach me Lord through Your word, the life lessons You want me to learn.  Cleanse my heart O God - I seek Your will and Your way.  I am a life long learner, an eager student, and a willing teacher,  in Jesus Name, A-men.  

Seek the Lord

7/3/17 
Scripture 
2 Chronicles 26:5  He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.

Observation
Uzziah's success eventually led to pride, and he coveted to have spiritual as well as already having political authority.  Going against God's law, he brought incense into the temple - acting as a priest.  Instead of repenting when confronted, he got angry.  The Lord struck him with leprosy.  God humbled Uzziah.

Application
Seek the Lord.  Guard my heart against stubborn pride and repent of it.  Pride deceives and hardens the heart.  
Romans 12:3 "Do not think yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith."

Prayer
Father, forgive my sinful pride and arrogance.  Help me to seek You all the days of my life.  May You continue to show me areas of my life that I need to repent and submit to You.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

The Valley of Decision

6/25/17
Scripture
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!  For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

Observation
Multitudes!  All the people of the world, standing before the Lord in judgment.  The Valley of Jehoshaphat is the 'valley of judgment.'  The certainty of doom for those who have not yet opened their hearts to Jesus' love and forgiveness.  
Matthew 9:37-38 The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers few!  Pray therefore earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

Application
The valley of decision is not a safe place!  Pray for those who linger in the valley of decision - that they might come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior!  The judgment of God will come upon those who have NOT made a decision to accept Him as Savior.  
Somehow in my thinking, I always thought, I have all the time in the world to make the decision to follow Jesus or not.  But I have learned, we do not know how much time we have.  

When I was a young girl and very sick in the hospital with appendicitis and double pneumonia - I remember praying to God for help.  I was alone.  Away from home, away from family and the familiar.  I called out to God from my hospital bed - and He heard me.  I got better and got to go home after a surgery and about 50 shots of penicillin!  It was another 12 years or so before I bowed my head and my heart in the living room of Uncle Bruce and Aunt Dottie to open my life to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords who died for me on the cross.  Jesus forgave me of my sins, and gave me a clean heart and hope for my future - relationship with God, a solid marriage, a wonderful family, and He filled me with power when I asked Him for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!  
I was able to lead my mom and dad, and brother Billy out of the valley of decision to knowing Christ before they died.  I am so thankful for God's love, grace, and forgiveness!  

Prayer
Father, may I be a vessel fit for Your use in bringing others to know You - to come out of the valley of decision by saying 'YES' to Jesus!  A-men!

Humble Yourself

6/17/17
Scripture 
1 Kings 21:27-29  It came about when Ahab heard 'those words', that he tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about despondently.
Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 
"Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? . . . "

Observation 
Ahab heard the pronouncement of judgment for the evil, wickedness, idol worshiping, murderous acts he had done as king, leading all of Israel to sin.  He humbled himself before God and God sees.  God sees when we truly humble ourselves before Him and seek His forgiveness.  God sees the humble repentant heart of Ahab, and the judgment is postponed until the days of Ahab's son.

Application
James 4:10 "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."  Humility is from God.  Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to the death of the cross.  A place to begin is to fast and pray, and ask God to reveal areas of my heart, thoughts, and attitude, that need adjustment.  

Prayer
Father teach me Your ways.  Give me strength to humble myself with prayer and fasting.  Free me from the things that keep me from drawing near to You.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

Faithfulness

6/15/17
Scripture  
2 Chronicles 16:9,12 For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.
In the 39th year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet.  His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians.

Observation
The Lord is looking for faithful followers who love Him and seek Him with their whole heart so that He can pour out His love and strength to them.  Asa did not seek God for help with his feet, instead, sought help from the physicians for what ailed him.  Which is surprising because Asa was a good king.  He made a covenant to seek the Lord with all his heart and soul.  He removed the idols from the land and his heart was loyal to God.  But then he began to lack faith in God, and he made a treaty with Syria instead of seeking God.  He even began to oppress some of the people of the land.  In the end, he sought help from the physicians and did not seek God for healing or for help.

Application
Stay the course!  Do today well!  Finish well!  Be strong in the Lord!  Seek Him, love Him, ask Him for help in times of trouble.  If losing faith can happen to someone like Asa who was truly devoted to God, it can happen to any of us.  

Prayer
Father God, I want to be found faithful to You in all I do.  May I walk in a manner worthy of You; to please You in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increase in the knowledge of You - and to be continually strengthened by Your Holy Spirit.  You are able to keep me from stumbling.  In Jesus Name, A-men. 

Home Sweet Home

There's no place like home.  There are times to be on the go and running to and fro, having fun with friends, working, going places. But then there are times to rest and be quiet and just stay home.  I love being home.  It's where I can rest, recalibrate, refresh, reconnect - at home.    These are words that give me hope in this season.   

Yes, I love to travel and be on the go, visiting places, mingling with friends.  It's convention time for our church family and many of our friends and peers are there and having a grand time in Washington D.C.!  We had our tickets, reservations, tours scheduled, bags packed - everything.  Feeling a bit pressed, tired, and overbooked, we prayed.  A peace in knowing it was ok for us to 'not go' came to us.  The peace that passes understanding . . . so we stayed home and I'm so glad we did.

Our youngest son, Ben was our scheduled speaker for when we were to be gone . . .  by being home, we got to listen to him in person, and it was great!  We would have missed something very special and sweet if we had not been here.  Home sweet home.  A good decision for us with the crazy pace we sometimes set for ourselves.  

"Family ties are precious threads, no matter where we roam . . .  
they draw us close to those we love and pull our hearts towards home."

As I yield to You Lord, may You continue Your great work in me and help me to become more . . . 

• Adoring and submissive like Sarah 
• Loving and loyal like Mary of Bethany
• Available and capable like Abigail
• Becoming and humble like Elizabeth
• Responsive and constant like Ruth
• Respectful and self sacrificing like Esther
• Virtuous and godly like Mary
• Full of faith like the Syrophoenician woman 
• Transformed by the Holy Spirit like Mary Magdalene

Teach me to make my home a sanctuary of love and safe haven for all who come through our door.  "There's no place like Home Sweet Home."   In Jesus Name, A-men.

Be A Giver

Scripture  
1 Samuel 30:9-10,18-24  David and the 600 men with him came to the Besor Valley, where some stayed behind, 200 of them were too exhausted to cross the valley, but David and the other 400 continued the pursuit.  

David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his 2 wives.  Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken.  David brought everything back.  He took all the flocks and herds and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock, saying "This is David's plunder." 
But all the evil men and troublemakers among David's followers said, "Because they did not go out with us, will not share with them the plunder we recovered.  However, each man may take his wife and children and go."  David replied, "No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us.  He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us.  The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle.  All will share alike."  

Observation
There were evil men and troublemakers among the "congregation" of David's followers.  Those men were 'stingy' and did not want to share the plunder with those who had stayed behind guarding the supplies. 
David recognized that it is the Lord who delivered and protected them to recover their families - it is the Lord's, not 'David's plunder.'
David was just and generous and showed kindness by sharing with all and even giving to his friends in Judah - 'giving them a gift of the plunder of the Lord's enemies.'
David recognized God is the Giver of the plunder and in turn, he distributed it with fairness and liberality.  

Application
God is the Giver, Deliverer, Rescuer, Protector . . . all belongs to Him.  We are the distributer of God's blessings.  God's ways are not our ways.  My idea of fairness is not the same as God's.  David was a man after God's own heart.  Don't be a 'stingy' person or hoarder - be a giver!  Become a cheerful giver! 

Prayer
Father, You are a Giver!  The giver of Your beloved Son,  the giver of the Holy Spirit, giver of life and breath, blessings, promises, provision, and all we possess.   All that I have is Yours Lord.  Teach me to be a good steward and to become a cheerful giver of the blessings You have given me.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

Constant Friend

Scripture
1 Samuel 23:15-18 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life.  And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.  "Don't be afraid," he said.  "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you.  You will be king over Israel, I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this."  The two of them made a covenant before the Lord.  Then Jonathan went home, but David remained in Horesh.  

Observation
David was being pursued by Saul so he could kill him.  Saul felt threatened by David and was going to get rid of him.  Jonathan, Saul's son, knew how to find David and went to him to encourage and comfort him.  A 'constant' friend who is faithful, dependable - it's Jonathan.  Pure, noble, and self-denying Jonathan came along side to support David and strengthen him in God.  He tells him not to be afraid - God has his back!  God has said David will be king and Jonathan reminds David, "You will be king over Israel!"  Jonathan gladly puts himself as second to David even though Saul wants Jonathan to be king.

Application
The friendship of Jonathan and David is a great example of how God wants me to be a friend and also receive friendship from others.  One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)  Christ Jesus, will never forsake those who trust in him and love him.  He has given His Holy Spirit to encourage and strengthen me in my walk with God.  

Prayer
Father, You have sent me friends at specific times in my life to come along side and encourage me to trust in You and not be afraid of whatever I may be facing.  You've given Your beloved Son, who is my Friend and Savior, and Risen Lord, along with Your Holy Spirit power and grace to be my Helper and Teacher.  You have not left me alone but have given me all I need.  May I not only be a true and faithful friend to others, but also be willing to receive friendship from those You send my way.  In Jesus Name, A-men.  

Regular Check Up! 4/13/17

Scripture
2 Corinthians 13:5-6  Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith, test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you ?  - unless of course, you fail the test.  And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.

Observation
Genuine faith is Christ in me.  Look into your heart - is faith and trust there?  No matter the circumstances of life - trust in God and you will prove your faith is ROCK solid!

Application
When life gets tough, no matter how bleak, no matter if it seems God doesn't care or see - trust in Him.  Wait for Him.
Examine myself to see whether I am in the faith.  Test myself and have a regular check up.  Do the right thing and wait for God.

Prayer
Father, praise be to Your name!  You do not withhold Your love from me even when I mess up.  I submit to You for correction and instruction.  Guide me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me in the way I should go.  Purge from me anything not of You.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

A Passing Visit 3/31/17

Scripture
1 Corinthians 16:7  For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you . . . 

Observation
A passing visit - a greeting, a wave of the hand - a brief hello.  God doesn't want an informal 'howdy do' from us, anymore than Paul the Apostle did with his friends!  He desires quality time, sweet fellowship, and to commune with Him.  And we need it!

Application
Time with God must be a priority in my life.  Not just a few moments here and there, or having a set devotional time, but to learn to live a life of devotion - 24/7.  To learn to sit at His feet.

Prayer
Forgive me Lord for the busyness of my life and my shallowness in times of reading and worship.  My mind wanders, and I start thinking about all kinds of things.  May I draw near to You dear Lord and will You show me how to live a life of devotion and worship?  I love You Lord.   In Jesus Name, A-men. 

Just Because I Asked 3/16/17

Scripture 
1 Corinthians 1:26-29, 31 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.  Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were influential, not many were of noble birth.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  God chose the lowly things of this world and despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are.  So that no one may boast before Him.  Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

Observation
Consider your life before Christ.  God chose us not because of anything good in us, but because we need Him.  We are foolish, weak, base - the lowest of low without a moral compass to guide us.  Despised, selfish, and self-centered.  We have nothing to boast about.  But God called us and by His love and grace - we are in Christ Jesus.  Jesus who is Wisdom, Righteous, and saves and redeems us. 

Application
Just because I asked - God gave me the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.  I will therefore boast in Him and talk excessively about what great things He has done for me.

Prayer
Father, just because I asked, You saved me, called me, filled me with Your Holy Spirit power and grace.  I need You in my life every hour of every day.  You are my strength and song!  I pray that the lost will come to you and just ask and receive your love and forgiveness.  I am thankful, I asked - in Jesus Name, A-men.  

Believe! 3/2/17

Scripture 
Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief."

Observation
Faith, belief, is a gift given to us by God.  Is is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Unfortunately, we have unbelief hidden in us too.   Believe in God and the faith we have, though it may be as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains!
Don't focus on the unbelief -  focus on the promises of God and believe and trust that with God 'all things are possible.'

Application
Wait for God.  Trust and believe.  Have faith, hope, and love in your mind and in your thoughts and actions.  Be ready and walk everyday with a prepared heart.  Seek God, live a life of devotion, set your heart's direction and don't be negative.  Pray and obey.

Prayer
Father, a mustard seed is so very small but like faith, it can begin small and grow and flourish!  You have given me renewed hope to believe and take hold of the promises You have given.  In Jesus Name, A-men. 

Shepherdess Call 2/28/17

Scripture
Numbers 27:15-17  Moses said to the Lord, "May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord's people will not be like sheep with a shepherd.

Observation
Moses is going to the mountain to see the promised land, and to die.  But Moses asks God to appoint a new leader; not to leave the people without a shepherd.  His love for God and love for God's people, are Moses main concern.  

Application
Nurture a shepherd's heart within myself by loving God and loving people.  Lead with love, wisdom, understanding, kindness, patience, humility, grace and the power and strength of God.

Prayer 
Father, give me courage today to follow you and help me embrace all you have for me in these days.  In Jesus Name, A-men.