“He replied, ‘The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.’ ” Acts 7:8 NLT I struggle with having patience. I always open the microwave before it dings, coax along the red traffic light, and I hate being late. I feel like I am always in a state of busyness, rushing from one task to the next and never setting aside the time needed to listen and rest. The Message translation puts the above scripture like this “He told them, ‘You don’t get to know the time. Timing is…
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:4 I’m not the type of person who likes to have plans set in stone, nor am I completely a free spirit. I’m in the middle of “let me know where to be and when, and let’s take it as it comes.” It’s an entirely different story when it comes to God’s will for my life, though. I tend to panic when I can’t see what He is doing, and I often struggle to give Him total control. The above verse lets me know that try as I may to control my life, He ultimately makes the decisions. This may sound scary, but it assures me that God is directing my life. His will is perfect, and His plan is flawless. I know I am safe everywhere He leads because He is always with me. I never have to worry or fear as long as I am exactly where He desires me to be. I can find safety and refuge in His will. I was reminded of Jonah while writing this devotion. Jonah wrestled with God’s plan for his life and the city of Nineveh. He thought he…
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalms 23:2 KJV While studying Psalm 23, I became fascinated with sheep. We are compared to sheep numerous times in scripture, so I decided to research information and facts about sheep. In my studies, I came across four needs that must be met before sheep lie down and rest. These facts are according to Phillip Keller, as written in his book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.” One: Sheep must be free of all surrounding fear. Two: There mustn’t be any friction between other sheep in the flock. Three: The sheep must not be tormented by insects, flies, or parasites. Four: They must be free from hunger or thirst. The significance of this scripture becomes even more apparent when you discover where sheep would typically graze in ancient Israel. When thinking of green pastures, a vivid image of rolling green hills immediately comes to mind. This was not the case in ancient Israel though. Sheep were led to the Judean wilderness, which bears a stark difference from what we would call green pastures. In this area, moist wind blows from the west and falls…
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 KJV We can read in 1 Samuel 16:11 that David was “keeping the sheep” and therefore not called in alongside his brothers to greet Samuel. It is important to note King David’s understanding of the role of a shepherd, for David was a shepherd before he was anointed king. David’s unique perspective meant that he understood the way of the wilderness and also the way of the palace. If the Lord is my shepherd, then I must be a sheep. Sheep are timid animals that scare easily. They require a…
“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” Isaiah 43:13 I love this verse. Sometimes we need a quick reminder of how powerful our God is. From beginning to end, He is God. From everlasting to everlasting, He is God. In the valley, He is God. On the mountain, He is God. In tragedy and disaster, He is God. In seasons of rejoicing and victory, He is God. No one, regardless of how powerful they may appear, can snatch anyone out of His Mighty hand! Your children are safe with Him, even though they may seem far from His grace. Your spouse, sibling, closest friend… They are all children of God, and therefore they are held in His hands. And finally, no one can undo what He has done. His promises are unbreakable. His word, unchangeable. His voice is steady and constant, and thunders above the noise of this world. If He spoke it, it is forever settled. If He promised it to you, it will come to pass. You serve a Great and Mighty God today. Hold fast to His word!
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:6-8 KJV If there were ever a time to be daily standing at the ready, it is now. It has become very apparent that the forces of evil are becoming bolder in their attempt to thwart the plans of God. No one and nothing is off limits, the enemy is coming for our children, marriages, families, and churches. We responsibilities we have can sometimes feel overwhelming. How many of you have said to yourself lately, “It is one thing after another”? The above scriptures give us instruction for how to handle and prepare for the times we are living in. First, we must humble ourselves. I cannot and do not want to walk this life without His hand guiding me every step of the way. If I’ve learned anything these last few years, it’s my need for God. Next, we must cast (throw) our cares upon Him. God is big…