Treasuring God's Word

Today’s Passage: Proverbs 7:1-3

"My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.

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Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers;write them on the tablet of your heart."

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Words of Devotion

The pastor was amazed. Meeting with other clergy from his region, he had made statements that, to him, seemed obvious. They simply were statements about the importance of making decisions that were consistent with the Bible. He had urged them to support Biblical principles.

To his surprise, he found himself isolated as the only pastor willing to make this commitment. Everyone else felt that the Bible was out-of-date or irrelevant, that what was important were issues such as “justice” and social change. How, he argued, could they make such stands without having the guidance of God’s Word? But no one would budge.

Today, many people feel like those clergy—even many who think they are Christians. Sadly, as this story illustrates, even some church leaders reject the authority of the Bible.

Why are they wrong?

First, because the Bible is God’s blueprint for successful living and its principles provide the guidelines to follow if we want to receive the blessings of God, our Creator.

Second, His Word warns us of the dangers and temptations we will face, as well as teaches us how to avoid them and be victorious.

Do you want victory in your life?

Do you want to be equipped to overcome temptation?

Then make sure you know God’s Word. Make a point to read the Bible every day. Study the Bible. Make it your foundation. Believe its promises. Heed its warnings. Keep its commands.

Today remember: Living according to His principles opens the door to His wisdom—to receiving His strength and power, protection and blessing, and all that He has prepared for you!

Today's Prayer: Father, I treasure Your Word. It is the foundation for my life. Give me understanding and wisdom that I might walk in Your ways. Help me to serve You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

What Seems Impossible

Today’s Passage: Numbers 11:21-22

Moses said, “Lord, here are six hundred thousand people standing around me, and you say, ‘I will give them enough meat to eat for a month!’  If we killed all the flocks and herds, that would not be enough. If we caught all the fish in the sea,  that would not be enough.”

Words of Devotion

Moses couldn't believe what he heard! God promised not only to provide food for the Israelite s, but to overwhelm them with meat. To Moses, this sounded impossible. 

Considering every possible resource, he couldn’t imagine how God could fulfill this promise. In fact, even if they killed all of their flocks and herds, and caught all the fish in the sea,” that would not be enough.

Moses seemed to have forgotten the miracles God performed in Egypt and on their wilderness journey, providing water out of solid rock and meeting their other needs. Responding to Moses’ doubt, God asked a blunt question: “Do you think I’m weak?” 

We can wonder what Moses thought about this question. But God continued by declaring, “Now you will see if I can do what I say.”

Convinced and humbled, Moses delivered God’s message. And, just as He promised, God provided meat for His people in a miraculous way: By sending a strong wind that “blew quail into the area all around the camp.” This was more than enough to feed His people.

So how do we react to the “impossible” situations in our lives? We may read God’s promises and react with doubt, sure that they are unrealistic. As we think about our problems, it can feel like defeat is inevitable. We can feel discouraged and hopeless. But we must remember that God did the impossible for the Israelite’s—not just once, but over and over again. He can do the same for us.

Today: In your life, remember that God can turn around any situation. Remember His promises. Never give up hope, but expect answers from God. With Him, nothing is impossible! 

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27

Today's Prayer: Father, I commit these situations to You: _______. Thank You for the answers! Thank You that I can trust in You to work miracles. In Jesus’ name Amen

God's Plan

Today’s Passage is: Jeremiah 29:11-14a

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord!

Words of Devotion

On the surface, everything seemed hopeless. God’s people had abandoned Him and embraced sin. As a result, judgment was coming. In fact, the people of Judah were about to go into exile.

  

Everything was being shaken.

But in the midst of these uncertain times, God gave His people a powerful reassurance: He still had a plan for their lives. No matter how the world conditions might appear, the Lord had not planned “calamity” for them. Although they would go through uncertainties and difficulties, His plan was for their well being. He already had planned a wonderful “future and a hope” for them.

God wanted them to focus on His sovereignty and trust in Him. He had not abandoned them. As they called upon Him, He promised to hear them. 

However, there was a condition: They needed to seek Him with their whole heart. We feel God’s concern and how much He wanted to help them, heal them, protect them, bless them, and restore them. His thoughts were “of peace and not of evil”. 

The Lord’s words of comfort and assurance still are true today. In our time, there may be problems and uncertainty in the world. No one knows what will happen tomorrow. But we need to remember that God knows the future! His plans are sure, and He wants to prosper us and give us a hope.

God does not just have a plan for the world, but also for you! In fact, you have a role to play in knowing His plan for the world and for you. How can that be? How can you know His plan for the world and you? When you seek Him with all your heart, then you will find Him. Vs 13-14 a

Today, Call on Him today! Seek after Him. He knows the plans that He has for you…and they are GREAT plans! Plans that will really bless you…

Today's Prayer: Father, thank You that You have prepared a future for me. I want to seek You. I submit my life to You. Direct my steps. Help me to serve and please You. In Jesus’ name Amen