Daily Devotional for September 2, 2010
Know therefore that the LORD thy God,
He is God the faithful God,
which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him
and keep His commandments to a thousand generations
Deuteronomy 7:9
He is God the faithful God,
which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him
and keep His commandments to a thousand generations
Deuteronomy 7:9
I hear the voice of the Lord saying, “Fear not, all you that trust in Me, for in this season you shall find joy and rest in Me. There is trouble on every side, but I am with you. Fear not. Pray, for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for your children in this season, for many young men are going to be cut down in the streets of Jamaica.” There is a special summons issued from the Spirit, for the people of God to fast, pray and weep as a woman in travail for Jamaica.
The phrase “The love of God how rich and pure; how marvellous and free,” makes the term “One day at a time” take on a whole new meaning as we come to understand the dynamics of our Heavenly Father’s love for us. One songwriter penned the words, “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus; just to take Him at His Word” while another wrote such words as: “What a friend we have in Jesus” and “O Perfect Love.” These are the songs of men which depict the intimacy of a soul that has found the true essence of what it means to be loved by God. “How rich and pure” no other words could best describe the awesomeness of this thought. How do we perceive Him as God or even more so, as our Father? I read the words, “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations” and I imagine that the psalmist David would have interjected, “Selah,” at this point.
Even in the midst of their deepest despair the slaves of old would sing, “Steal Away” because it signified for them a place and person which brought safety. “He is God the faithful God.” To know Him for them meant to sing of His incomparable love in the midst of a storm, or in a time when the marks of a whip was fresh on their backs. I ask you, what’s left but a reciprocated love coming from a heart that is inspired by heartfelt passion. Why? Because a Spirit to spirit connection is made with He who is divine. “He is God the faithful God.” Still another song declares, “Amazing love! How can it be? That Thou, my God, shoulds die for me?” Although many of these songs refer to words found in the hymns of old, each one points to a deep understanding of what it means to trust in God’s love; something which is essential for all of His children. In essence, it is an understanding of the way in which He delights in our total confidence in His divine providence and our reliance upon His ability to protect; cover and love us. Just knowing that our Father is able to do everything which we desire is sufficient to help us through the storms of life and the trials that come with each passing day.
It gives my heart great comfort in the time of trouble, to hear my Father say, ‘Fear not; I am with you.” It brings a settled peace, just knowing that I can take Him at His Word. I can absolutely trust that I have nothing to fear. He is right there beside me; He is directing everything which concerns me, and all I need to do is simply let Him. I believe each songwriter which penned the words of the hymns mentioned above had that deep connection with the Lord. A deep conviction of His love that would not let them go. A love that was and is unconditional. Jessie B. Pounds and Daniel B. Towner wrote it like this, “Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, Anywhere He leads me in this world below. Anywhere without Him dearest joys would fade. Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid.” The chorus goes on to say, “Anywhere, Anywhere! Fear I cannot know. Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go.” This should be the passion, the heart and the declaration of every child of God. You see, the hymns of old are indeed but a fire and a light which burns forever in the hearts of those who know the love of their Heavenly Father. My question to you is....
Even in the midst of their deepest despair the slaves of old would sing, “Steal Away” because it signified for them a place and person which brought safety. “He is God the faithful God.” To know Him for them meant to sing of His incomparable love in the midst of a storm, or in a time when the marks of a whip was fresh on their backs. I ask you, what’s left but a reciprocated love coming from a heart that is inspired by heartfelt passion. Why? Because a Spirit to spirit connection is made with He who is divine. “He is God the faithful God.” Still another song declares, “Amazing love! How can it be? That Thou, my God, shoulds die for me?” Although many of these songs refer to words found in the hymns of old, each one points to a deep understanding of what it means to trust in God’s love; something which is essential for all of His children. In essence, it is an understanding of the way in which He delights in our total confidence in His divine providence and our reliance upon His ability to protect; cover and love us. Just knowing that our Father is able to do everything which we desire is sufficient to help us through the storms of life and the trials that come with each passing day.
It gives my heart great comfort in the time of trouble, to hear my Father say, ‘Fear not; I am with you.” It brings a settled peace, just knowing that I can take Him at His Word. I can absolutely trust that I have nothing to fear. He is right there beside me; He is directing everything which concerns me, and all I need to do is simply let Him. I believe each songwriter which penned the words of the hymns mentioned above had that deep connection with the Lord. A deep conviction of His love that would not let them go. A love that was and is unconditional. Jessie B. Pounds and Daniel B. Towner wrote it like this, “Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, Anywhere He leads me in this world below. Anywhere without Him dearest joys would fade. Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid.” The chorus goes on to say, “Anywhere, Anywhere! Fear I cannot know. Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go.” This should be the passion, the heart and the declaration of every child of God. You see, the hymns of old are indeed but a fire and a light which burns forever in the hearts of those who know the love of their Heavenly Father. My question to you is....
Do you know that love?
Word For Today: The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing - Zephaniah 3:17 - Love, joy, peace in man are shadows of that which is in God.
[ 01 September, 2010 ] • [ icem ]
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2010
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogue
that He is the Son of God
Acts 9:20
that He is the Son of God
Acts 9:20
A season of praying and fasting is upon us as there is a shifting taking place in the realm of the Spirit. It’s time to stand immovable in your faith and call the things that are not as though they are. Hold fast to every promise and do not move for He is faithful who has promised. “Don’t give up, says the Lord.”
When considering heaven’s prerequisites for a call to service in the Kingdom, you would be astounded to find that it is not based upon moral ethics or even the best character in the community, but it’s based upon divine appointment and the wisdom of God. Biblically, according to scriptures we find that many folks considered by the church as outcast or the scum of society are the ones qualified by heaven to serve. Moses, for example, was a stuttering murderer; yet according to typology, he was a type of Christ in that he was called to effect deliverance for the children of Israel. Wow! A misfit and a murderer was the one anointed by God to deliver the children of God. Rahab the harlot, a prostitute by trade was called to service and not only served but was mentioned in the genealogy of Christ. James 2:25 says it like this: “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” David, a little shepherd boy, considered insignificant, yet called and anointed for service. He even became an adulterer, but was still referred to as a man after God’s own heart. He was called to serve as king over Israel, out of whose lineage Jesus the Messiah was born.
Even the Apostle Paul fits into this category of misfits and rebels; those whom the church today would consider as undesirables, not fit to grace their pulpits or for that matter their pews. Historically noted, Paul was no saint, but rather a religious man, one educated who boasted his advocacy of God’s cause while defending what he perceived as being God’s Kingdom. He put many in prison; he beat them and caused much suffering to those who professed Christ. He was even present at the stoning of Stephen. Definitely, no saint; yet he was a man divinely appointed for the work of the Kingdom. In Acts 9:21 it says: “But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?” Regardless of the popular opinion of others, the Apostle Paul demonstrated that he was called of God, for signs and wonders followed him. In Acts 9:22 it reads: “But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.”
From examining the lives of those previously mentioned, it would be safe to say that God’s call has nothing to do with past failures, mistakes, indiscretions or even criminal records. It does not matter if the person is a prostitute; drunkard or even a murderer, the call of God comes to those that He has divinely appointed. Remember Gideon? “And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” (cf. Judges 6:15), but He was God’s choice….the one called and anointed to bring deliverance to Israel in that particular season. No one else could have done the job; no one else was called, appointed or anointed for it. It was Gideon’s call and appointment. No one else can do that which God has appointed YOU to do; you are anointed and appointed for this job. Your past; your failures or where ever you’ve been bears no relevance. Beloved, God is depending on you to finish the job, to answer the call; to go where only you are appointed to go. Therefore, arise and walk away from the opinions of others…
Even the Apostle Paul fits into this category of misfits and rebels; those whom the church today would consider as undesirables, not fit to grace their pulpits or for that matter their pews. Historically noted, Paul was no saint, but rather a religious man, one educated who boasted his advocacy of God’s cause while defending what he perceived as being God’s Kingdom. He put many in prison; he beat them and caused much suffering to those who professed Christ. He was even present at the stoning of Stephen. Definitely, no saint; yet he was a man divinely appointed for the work of the Kingdom. In Acts 9:21 it says: “But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?” Regardless of the popular opinion of others, the Apostle Paul demonstrated that he was called of God, for signs and wonders followed him. In Acts 9:22 it reads: “But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.”
From examining the lives of those previously mentioned, it would be safe to say that God’s call has nothing to do with past failures, mistakes, indiscretions or even criminal records. It does not matter if the person is a prostitute; drunkard or even a murderer, the call of God comes to those that He has divinely appointed. Remember Gideon? “And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” (cf. Judges 6:15), but He was God’s choice….the one called and anointed to bring deliverance to Israel in that particular season. No one else could have done the job; no one else was called, appointed or anointed for it. It was Gideon’s call and appointment. No one else can do that which God has appointed YOU to do; you are anointed and appointed for this job. Your past; your failures or where ever you’ve been bears no relevance. Beloved, God is depending on you to finish the job, to answer the call; to go where only you are appointed to go. Therefore, arise and walk away from the opinions of others…
It’s only what God knows about you that matters!!!
Word For Today: Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:30-31- Let Satan do his worst, he is chained; let the world do its worst, it is conquered: principalities and powers are spoiled and disarmed, and triumphed over, in the cross of Christ.
[ 31 August, 2010 ] • [ icem ]
Daily Devotional for August 26, 2010
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength
nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised
and his words are not heard.
Ecclesiastes 9:16
nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised
and his words are not heard.
Ecclesiastes 9:16
Your season of adversity is at an end for a new sun has arisen upon you today. I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying, “Come with singing; worship the Lord for He has delivered your enemies into your hands. This day is your day; declare a thing and I shall bring it to pass right NOW.” Crystal, rejoice for your baby is healed.
Here is an amazing truth that many have experienced even in the arena of ministry. The poor, but anointed minister pours out his heart to the sheep; releasing the uncompromising Word of God, yet that person is disdained and considered less than those which possess wealth and riches. He is considered less because his ministry may be struggling financially or his congregation may be small, or God forbid his past seems more important to others than the call of God or the anointing that is upon his life. Yet in the chapter in which our devotional is taken from Solomon points us to a brand of wisdom which he has seen under the sun. He says, “This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:” (cf. Ecclesiastes 9:13). Solomon continues his observation by telling the story of a little city that was about to come under the attack of a great king, yet within that little city lived a poor wise man. Isn’t that interesting? Consider this, a poor man in possession of wisdom. Now according to today’s worldly mindset; which seems to govern many in the church, one might ask “If this man was wise, then why was he poor; could not his wisdom have brought him wealth?” Thank God that His ways are higher than our ways. For through the wisdom of God He has appointed that there would be foolish men; base men, that He chooses to use to confound those which perceive themselves to be great.
As it turned out this poor wise man came up with a plan which brought about the deliverance of that little city from the hands of the great king. But here is the thing...he was not even remembered. This incident brought Solomon to this conclusion, “Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.” Herein is the folly of man, as a man’s wisdom is measured by his bank account or his particular socio-economic situation. Jesus experienced a similar situation in Nazareth. Look at what it says in Matthew 13:55-58, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not His mother called Mary? and His brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in Him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” People will always remember your past to the point where their spirits are closed to receive anything from you as having been sent from God. Remember Joseph? He interpreted the dreams of the chief butler in prison but when this man was delivered he readily forgot Joseph. (cf. Genesis 40:23)
Jesus, the poor wise man and Joseph had this one thing in common; they were all forgotten by people they had helped. In the eyes of those that were present to see and experience what the poor wise man did, he was nobody therefore, he deserved no recognition. Jesus was considered by His people as merely the son of a carpenter, so He equally warranted no recognition as anyone other than what they perceived they knew of Him and Joseph was just a prisoner. What folly! How many are dying daily because they neglect the wisdom of a poor servant of God; be it man or woman? Joseph remained in prison much longer than he should have; Jesus could not do many miracles there and the poor man remained poor because there was no appreciation given by those whose lives he saved. Now watch this, had it been a wealthy man whose wisdom had delivered the city, the people of the city would have added to his wealth, as many would do today. So in essence, they literally robbed the poor man by receiving what he had to offer in the time of their need, forgetting his wisdom and continuing to acknowledge his poverty. Matthew Henry comments, “Riches were not to this man of understanding, nor favor to this man of skill. Many who have well-merited of their prince and country have been ill-paid; such an ungrateful world do we live in. It is well that useful men have a God to trust to, who will be their bountiful rewarder; for, among men, great services are often envied and rewarded with evil for good.” I therefore, admonish you today, that in whatever company of men you may find yourself…
As it turned out this poor wise man came up with a plan which brought about the deliverance of that little city from the hands of the great king. But here is the thing...he was not even remembered. This incident brought Solomon to this conclusion, “Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.” Herein is the folly of man, as a man’s wisdom is measured by his bank account or his particular socio-economic situation. Jesus experienced a similar situation in Nazareth. Look at what it says in Matthew 13:55-58, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not His mother called Mary? and His brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in Him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” People will always remember your past to the point where their spirits are closed to receive anything from you as having been sent from God. Remember Joseph? He interpreted the dreams of the chief butler in prison but when this man was delivered he readily forgot Joseph. (cf. Genesis 40:23)
Jesus, the poor wise man and Joseph had this one thing in common; they were all forgotten by people they had helped. In the eyes of those that were present to see and experience what the poor wise man did, he was nobody therefore, he deserved no recognition. Jesus was considered by His people as merely the son of a carpenter, so He equally warranted no recognition as anyone other than what they perceived they knew of Him and Joseph was just a prisoner. What folly! How many are dying daily because they neglect the wisdom of a poor servant of God; be it man or woman? Joseph remained in prison much longer than he should have; Jesus could not do many miracles there and the poor man remained poor because there was no appreciation given by those whose lives he saved. Now watch this, had it been a wealthy man whose wisdom had delivered the city, the people of the city would have added to his wealth, as many would do today. So in essence, they literally robbed the poor man by receiving what he had to offer in the time of their need, forgetting his wisdom and continuing to acknowledge his poverty. Matthew Henry comments, “Riches were not to this man of understanding, nor favor to this man of skill. Many who have well-merited of their prince and country have been ill-paid; such an ungrateful world do we live in. It is well that useful men have a God to trust to, who will be their bountiful rewarder; for, among men, great services are often envied and rewarded with evil for good.” I therefore, admonish you today, that in whatever company of men you may find yourself…
Stop! Listen! A poor wise man may be speaking to you!
Word For Today: Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour - Leviticus 19:15 – We are commanded to give verdict and judgment without partiality, we must make sure that justice is never perverted.
[ 25 August, 2010 ] • [ icem ]
Daily Devotional for August 25, 2010
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers,
Whose damsel is this?
Ruth 2:5
Whose damsel is this?
Ruth 2:5
I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying “Today is your day of victory; begin to worship and declare for it is so. A turnaround has come in your finances and broken relationships are mended… this day” says the Lord.
Make no mistake about it, as we lay claim to be anything or anybody in the Body of Christ, be sure that there will be someone somewhere who will notice and observe the quality of our service. Yet in the midst of that, Child of God, know for certain that your service will not go unnoticed in the realm of the Spirit either. I read in Ecclesiastes 9:10 where it says, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…”, true Christian service will never go unseen by God, it will always be rewarded. That’s why we’re told, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1st Corinthians 15:58).
Boaz recognized that Ruth was committed and that the quality of her service to Naomi reflected her conviction and commitment to God. Listen to what he said, “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust” (vs. 12). I place emphasis on ‘full reward’ to point out that the word ‘full’ means that the reward was given with nothing lacking. This reward didn’t come from man, not from her mother-in-law but it came from, “the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust”. Boaz considered Ruth’s service to Naomi as an expression of her trust in God. It’s interesting how the quality of our service can speak volumes in reference to our level of intimacy with God, to the significance of our relationship with God as well as to our obligation to His vision. Intimacy denotes knowledge and a sort of familiarity which speaks of a level of closeness developed between two people. When there is a level of closeness felt in relation to God it will prompt the believer to want to serve Him. We want to serve Him because we have come to KNOW that He is GOOD.
In Acts 26:14-16 we read of Paul’s Damascus Road account and are made cognizant of the fact that All that is there speaks of Paul coming into a personal relationship, a relationship that is devoted to a Person not a cause. It is a relationship that literally compelled Paul into unwavering service. There is conclusive evidence that where there is a sense of responsibility, duty or obligation to a purpose there will be passion in the response to the vision of that cause. The vision that Paul had on the road to Damascus was not just some passing emotion, it was a vision that had clear and emphatic directions for him because he said in Acts 26:19, “…I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision…” In our minds we might think that it is easier to serve God without a vision, easier to work for God without a call, because then we’re not bothered by what God requires; common sense is our guide, concealed by Christian emotion. We feel that we can be more prosperous and more successful, more leisure-hearted as long as we don’t carry out the vision of God.
The truth is quite to the contrary because once I’ve received God’s call on my life the knowledge of what God has mandated will become like a provoking in my spirit. I’ll no longer be able to do service for Him based on common sense. Nothing that I attempt to do will ever attain to any degree of prosperity or success if I’m not following God’s vision. Only complete service to God will bring a feeling of joy and satisfaction. Knowing that you have given your best to the Master will bring a sense of gratification that no degree of prosperity or success can bring. As we look at our text and we observe Ruth’s commitment and service, even though she was not a Jew, she was to be highly favored and honored to the point where she became the mother of David’s father, out of whose lineage our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was born. Not only that but the quality of her service brought the restoration of honor to Naomi, her mother-in-law. She was so highly honored that the book in the Bible was not named ‘Naomi’ but rather ‘Ruth’.
Boaz recognized that Ruth was committed and that the quality of her service to Naomi reflected her conviction and commitment to God. Listen to what he said, “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust” (vs. 12). I place emphasis on ‘full reward’ to point out that the word ‘full’ means that the reward was given with nothing lacking. This reward didn’t come from man, not from her mother-in-law but it came from, “the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust”. Boaz considered Ruth’s service to Naomi as an expression of her trust in God. It’s interesting how the quality of our service can speak volumes in reference to our level of intimacy with God, to the significance of our relationship with God as well as to our obligation to His vision. Intimacy denotes knowledge and a sort of familiarity which speaks of a level of closeness developed between two people. When there is a level of closeness felt in relation to God it will prompt the believer to want to serve Him. We want to serve Him because we have come to KNOW that He is GOOD.
In Acts 26:14-16 we read of Paul’s Damascus Road account and are made cognizant of the fact that All that is there speaks of Paul coming into a personal relationship, a relationship that is devoted to a Person not a cause. It is a relationship that literally compelled Paul into unwavering service. There is conclusive evidence that where there is a sense of responsibility, duty or obligation to a purpose there will be passion in the response to the vision of that cause. The vision that Paul had on the road to Damascus was not just some passing emotion, it was a vision that had clear and emphatic directions for him because he said in Acts 26:19, “…I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision…” In our minds we might think that it is easier to serve God without a vision, easier to work for God without a call, because then we’re not bothered by what God requires; common sense is our guide, concealed by Christian emotion. We feel that we can be more prosperous and more successful, more leisure-hearted as long as we don’t carry out the vision of God.
The truth is quite to the contrary because once I’ve received God’s call on my life the knowledge of what God has mandated will become like a provoking in my spirit. I’ll no longer be able to do service for Him based on common sense. Nothing that I attempt to do will ever attain to any degree of prosperity or success if I’m not following God’s vision. Only complete service to God will bring a feeling of joy and satisfaction. Knowing that you have given your best to the Master will bring a sense of gratification that no degree of prosperity or success can bring. As we look at our text and we observe Ruth’s commitment and service, even though she was not a Jew, she was to be highly favored and honored to the point where she became the mother of David’s father, out of whose lineage our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was born. Not only that but the quality of her service brought the restoration of honor to Naomi, her mother-in-law. She was so highly honored that the book in the Bible was not named ‘Naomi’ but rather ‘Ruth’.
The quality of your service to God must be easily identified by ALL!
Word For Today: With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. - Ephesians 6:7-8 – It is the service that you do “as to the Lord” that is recognized and smiled upon by the Heavenly Father.
[ 24 August, 2010 ] • [ icem ]
Daily Devotional for August 24, 2010
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising,
Thou understandest my thought afar off.
Psalm 139:2
Thou understandest my thought afar off.
Psalm 139:2
A world shaking is coming as the Spirit of the Lord flows through the nations. Get ready for a revival the magnitude of which the world has never seen before, but the sifting comes first as the Lord draws His people into His secret place. Arise mighty warriors of the Lord, war in the Spirit and press your way through. Hear the Word of the Lord, “Victory is assured!!” God is speaking to the hearts of people everywhere regardless of who you are or where you might be. All are being called to walk before Him in holiness. Behold, He is coming soon and NO ONE will escape His judgment. Now is the time and season when there is a need for a renewed level of consecration. Hear me People, Get Ready!!
Imagine a big screen television in heaven and God seated in front of it with His remote control changing the channels. As He watches He is able to see everything that you do throughout the day and night. He not only sees everything that you do, but He hears every word you speak. Would you be confident of His pleasure in you and would you feel proud of everything that He sees and hears? Would He be able to look at you and say, “Well done my faithful servant”, or recommend you as His child in whom He is well pleased? What about if He were to pay your home an unexpected visit, what would He find you doing? Would you be ashamed to show Him around your home or would you be able to entertain Him as an honored guest? Would you have to ask Him to wait outside while you tidy up a bit, dust off the Bible that’s been sitting dusty on the shelf, hide a few magazines, CDs or cassettes? Would you need to call a few friends and ask them not to stop by because Jesus was visiting?
Someone once asked me that question about an unexpected visit from the Lord and whether or not He would feel comfortable to sit in my home and eat with me. Thinking about it caused me to reflect upon the fact that He visits us everyday. Even though we do not see Him, He’s there. His eyes and ears are guests in every room of our homes, on our jobs and even in whatever mode of transportation we use daily. He sees us when we visit others, or when we sneak down a dark alleyway to divert from the attention of others that may be too inquisitive and may expose our little dirt. You may have escaped their eyes but you can’t escape God’s eyes.
The psalmist David lived with a full understanding of the fact that nothing and no one is hidden from God, regardless of where you go He sees everything and knows everything. In Psalm 139:3-4 we find these words, “Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether.” When you say one thing and do the next - He sees. When you do one thing in public and something else in secret - He sees. In desperation David cries, “Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there.” In other words there is no escape, He’s there, He sees and He knows. “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.” (cf. Psalm 139:7-8, 12)
Therefore endeavor to make sure that you are always ready to entertain Him and welcome Him into your home so that He would be pleased to dine and fellowship with you. He is omniscient, omnipresent and He neither slumbers nor sleep, He is ever present so whatever you do and whatever you say remember that you are under the ALL seeing eyes of the Lord God of Hosts.
Someone once asked me that question about an unexpected visit from the Lord and whether or not He would feel comfortable to sit in my home and eat with me. Thinking about it caused me to reflect upon the fact that He visits us everyday. Even though we do not see Him, He’s there. His eyes and ears are guests in every room of our homes, on our jobs and even in whatever mode of transportation we use daily. He sees us when we visit others, or when we sneak down a dark alleyway to divert from the attention of others that may be too inquisitive and may expose our little dirt. You may have escaped their eyes but you can’t escape God’s eyes.
The psalmist David lived with a full understanding of the fact that nothing and no one is hidden from God, regardless of where you go He sees everything and knows everything. In Psalm 139:3-4 we find these words, “Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether.” When you say one thing and do the next - He sees. When you do one thing in public and something else in secret - He sees. In desperation David cries, “Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there.” In other words there is no escape, He’s there, He sees and He knows. “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.” (cf. Psalm 139:7-8, 12)
Therefore endeavor to make sure that you are always ready to entertain Him and welcome Him into your home so that He would be pleased to dine and fellowship with you. He is omniscient, omnipresent and He neither slumbers nor sleep, He is ever present so whatever you do and whatever you say remember that you are under the ALL seeing eyes of the Lord God of Hosts.
Are you ready to be exposed?
Word For Today: The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. - Proverbs 15:3 - Every secret sin, every service and every sorrow is under God’s eyes.
[ 23 August, 2010 ] • [ icem ]
Daily Devotional for August 23, 2010
But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side
so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent
1st Kings 5:4
so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent
1st Kings 5:4
“I still have you in the palm of My hand” says the Lord. “I am carrying you, I am with you. Remember where I brought you from, remember the times I’ve come through for you before and trust Me” says the Lord.
Today many people are struggling with this four letter word ‘rest’. In essence the idea of rest seems illusive as emotional issues drive our senses into high gear. The object of our unrest causes our emotions to become magnified; we end of focusing on the solution to the problem even when we desire to rest. It’s not just physical rest that we want, but also mental and emotional rest. As a matter of fact if we were to be honest, we would confess a need for spiritual rest from the numerous warfare we fight on a consistent basis.
The word ‘rest’ is synonymous with the word, ‘relax’ which denotes coming to a complete stop of all activities. God on the seventh day ceased from all of His labours and rested (cf. Genesis 2:2). Jesus in Matthew 11:28 beckons us to come to Him if we seek or desire rest. “Come,” says the Master of the universe, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He continues His invitation by adding in verses 29 and 30, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” It is divinely appointed for us to live in rest but we must become cognizant of the extent to which we can trust God to take care of us.
We need to understand that there is rest for God’s people in this season of distress, persecution and struggle. He is calling us to communicate with Him and lay all of our troubles on the altar before Him; leave them there and trust Him for His directions. He is calling us into a place of divine security, as He teaches us to depend upon and rely on Him for everything. He is our protector; provider and place of refuge; the place in which we find rest for every occasion ...for every season. As we leave our problems on the altar with the Father, we must employ ourselves with the work of the Kingdom. We find such an example in Acts 9:31 “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” Matthew Henry in his commentary states: “When there is “no evil occurrent,” then let us be vigorous and zealous in that which is good and get it forward. When the churches have rest let them be edified. Days of peace and prosperity present us with a fair gale, which we must account for if we improve not. As God’s providence excited Solomon to think of building the temple, by giving him wealth and leisure, so His promise encouraged him. God had told David that his son should build Him a house, (cf. 1st Kings 5:5). He will take it as a pleasure to be thus employed, and will not lose the honour designed him by that promise. It may stir us up much to good undertakings to be assured of good success in them. Let God’s promise quicken our endeavours.”
John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible makes the following comment regarding the word ‘rest’ found in 2nd Thessalonians 1:7 “And to you who are troubled, rest with us...” This is another branch of the justice of God, in rendering to them who are afflicted and persecuted for righteousness sake, “rest”; a relaxation or rest from persecutions, for a while at least; as the churches of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had, from that persecution raised at the death of Stephen, (cf. Act 9:31) and as the Christians had at the destruction of Jerusalem; which though it was a day of vengeance to the unbelieving Jews, were times of refreshing to the saints, who were now delivered from their persecutors…” Is rest appointed to us? Irrevocably, “YES.” Therefore my friend, all you need to do is…
The word ‘rest’ is synonymous with the word, ‘relax’ which denotes coming to a complete stop of all activities. God on the seventh day ceased from all of His labours and rested (cf. Genesis 2:2). Jesus in Matthew 11:28 beckons us to come to Him if we seek or desire rest. “Come,” says the Master of the universe, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He continues His invitation by adding in verses 29 and 30, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” It is divinely appointed for us to live in rest but we must become cognizant of the extent to which we can trust God to take care of us.
We need to understand that there is rest for God’s people in this season of distress, persecution and struggle. He is calling us to communicate with Him and lay all of our troubles on the altar before Him; leave them there and trust Him for His directions. He is calling us into a place of divine security, as He teaches us to depend upon and rely on Him for everything. He is our protector; provider and place of refuge; the place in which we find rest for every occasion ...for every season. As we leave our problems on the altar with the Father, we must employ ourselves with the work of the Kingdom. We find such an example in Acts 9:31 “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” Matthew Henry in his commentary states: “When there is “no evil occurrent,” then let us be vigorous and zealous in that which is good and get it forward. When the churches have rest let them be edified. Days of peace and prosperity present us with a fair gale, which we must account for if we improve not. As God’s providence excited Solomon to think of building the temple, by giving him wealth and leisure, so His promise encouraged him. God had told David that his son should build Him a house, (cf. 1st Kings 5:5). He will take it as a pleasure to be thus employed, and will not lose the honour designed him by that promise. It may stir us up much to good undertakings to be assured of good success in them. Let God’s promise quicken our endeavours.”
John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible makes the following comment regarding the word ‘rest’ found in 2nd Thessalonians 1:7 “And to you who are troubled, rest with us...” This is another branch of the justice of God, in rendering to them who are afflicted and persecuted for righteousness sake, “rest”; a relaxation or rest from persecutions, for a while at least; as the churches of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had, from that persecution raised at the death of Stephen, (cf. Act 9:31) and as the Christians had at the destruction of Jerusalem; which though it was a day of vengeance to the unbelieving Jews, were times of refreshing to the saints, who were now delivered from their persecutors…” Is rest appointed to us? Irrevocably, “YES.” Therefore my friend, all you need to do is…
Simply REST!
Word for Today: Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath He not given you rest on every side? for He hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before His people – 1st Chronicles 22:18 - Whatever the warfare may be, the glory of God in peace among His people is always in the heart which is in unison with the Spirit of Christ.
[ 22 August, 2010 ] • [ icem ]