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.
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.
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.
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.
Scripture
Numbers 10:29,32,33 Now Moses said to Hobab, son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses father in law, "We are setting out for the place about which the Lord said, 'I will give it to you.' Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel."
He answered, "No, I will not go. I am going back to my own land and my own people."
But Moses said, "Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness and you can be our eyes. If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the Lord gives us."
Observation
Hobab was Moses' brother in law - Zipporah's brother. He was very familiar with the terrain and all the good land as the Israelites traveled the wilderness led at night by a pillar of fire, and a cloud by day. Moses promises favor and good treatment if Hobab just comes along. Moses earnestly implores Hobab to stay with them. His final plea was to say, "If you come with us, we will share with you whatever the Lord gives us. Receive the promises of God."
Application
Moses is headed to the promised land - Canaan. We should ask/plead with family, friends, and acquaintances, to come with us. Come with us as we follow God.
Prayer
I want to take as many as will come with me Lord. Give wisdom and grace I pray as I encourage others to join me in my pilgrimage to the promised land to receive all your blessings and promises. In Jesus Name. A-men.
Scripture Acts 28:27 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes.
Observation Disbelief and arrogance kept the Jews from hearing and seeing the truths the Apostle Paul was proclaiming the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. They refused to listen and submit themselves to the love of God, His righteousness, and the gift of His beloved Son Jesus. Some believed but some did not. The word of God presented to some who were sincere and seeking God while others closed their minds and hearts to God. They had heard about this 'sect' that Paul was a part of - and they came, but their minds were already made up and their hearts hardened and closed to the the truth that would set them free!
Application Guard my heart! Keep my heart before Jesus and be thankful - keep my heart from sin, prejudice, and self righteous attitudes. Open myself to God's instruction, correction, and healing. Allow the Holy Spirit to open up areas of my heart that have become hardened and calloused.
Prayer Father God, help me to guard my heart and open myself to your correction. Where there is anything in me that keeps me from loving You and loving others, purge me and make me clean. Forgive me for attitudes of prejudice, arrogance, self righteous thinking. Restore to me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. May I hear Your voice, may I see Your face, and know the depth of Your love and grace, In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
Acts 18:9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."
2 Kings 6:16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
Observation
The Lord speaks to Paul and reassures him not to be afraid of the opposition he is facing. The Lord is with him - and not only the Lord, but there are many of His people in the city. God knows those who are His and that together, in one accord and purpose, we can face the enemy with boldness and confidence and know that God is with His people! Paul is encouraged to keep speaking the 'good news', teaching, and not to keep quiet.
I'm also reminded of the story in 2 Kings about Elisha asking God to open the eyes of his servant so that he could see - "that those who are with us are more than those who are with them." His eyes were open to the spiritual realm and he indeed saw the armies and chariots of heaven surrounding the enemy!
Application
What comforting words in times of fear, threats, and opposition! "I am with you." Who else calms my heart and quiets my fears? Only God can. When I know He is with me and He has others who will watch my back, I can trust in Him. Trust that He is with me - and I am not alone!
Prayer
Father, thank You. Thank You for the power of Your word and the promise of Your Presence in times of difficulty, stress, trials, and opposition. I will draw near to You with assurance and peace knowing You are with me. I will keep proclaiming Your good news to all who have ears to hear. In Jesus Name, A-men.
