Proverbs 10:30 - Never uprooted

Proverbs 10:30

The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not live in the land. 

Message: Never uprooted

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: 'Shaken' or other translations say 'uprooted,' 'disturbed,' 'removed,' or 'will stand firm.' The word 'never' is a powerful word as well. It is permanent. Our eternity is permanent. It doesn't change. The righteous are on firm footing or a firm foundation. The righteous are not going anywhere. But the wicked will not dwell in this land. They will not inhabit the earth. They are the opposite. One is firmly in place, the other is not even present. 

I like that word uprooted. The roots of the righteous are secure. They will not be removed. When I think of our position or my position in Christ, it is one where ultimately we are secure with him. And yet, I still recognize that though our permanent home is in place these temporary times often don’t look or appear to be any different from anyone else. I have trials and missteps. I have challenges. I have hardships. I experience aches and pains. There is loss at times in business. There are failed relationships.

But ultimately, forever, I am secure in Christ. As a note though, I’m not saying that the Christian life is only focused on the future because there’s definitely peace in the present as well. The Spirit is present in my life today. 

I listen to a sermon this week about not getting drunk with wine, but being filled with the spirit from Ephesians 5:18. Paul, comparing spirit filled to being filled with a strong drink and becoming drunk. And so the spirit should be filled up and working through our lives in such a way the people don’t recognize us, and instead recognize God working in us. So the Christian life is much more than just a future state. It’s a present change.

And so the wicked are uprooted. The wicked will be shaken. The wicked will be moved. The wicked have no hope in the near future. The wicked have no ultimate security. They only have the day to day. Sometimes I wonder if our lives look like that wicked-life-reality too much. Myself, I’m headed to the gym to take care of my body, to be healthy, but probably ultimately with the idea that it will help me live a more full life and possibly a longer life. 

We share constant prayer request for healing, for decreased suffering. I just wonder why we are so focused on this life and making sure is not disturbed. Are we really eternally focused? Do we just have this mindset one day of week? Am I sandwiched in the best of both worlds? 

Prayer: I don't know God. I am very thankful that you have saved me and declare me as righteous. I am blessed to be able to say that my future is settled. I only wonder if my life is too much like everyone's life and yet I am called to be different. I know I do different things but day in and day out, I wonder if I desire and want what other's want. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:15 - Wealth and its security

Proverbs 10:15

The rich person’s wealth is his fortress,

The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Message: Wealth and its security 

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: Finally, in this proverb, I see a different theme: wealth. I guess there was sort of a though of riches and being poor in verse 4 but it speaks more of working discipline. But the rest of the verses so far in chapter 10 just seem to be more common in their themes of righteous living in general. This one feels different. 

The contrast clearly is wealth and what it brings rather than being poor. And yet this verse is more of a proclamation it would seem or an observation than something to emulate. It is almost a matter of fact statement. "The rich person’s wealth is his fortress." The rich person's wealth is important to them, his fortress: A fortress is a fortified building or complex designed for military defense. So the rich person counts on their wealth to protect them, per se. 

In contrast, the poor person, with their poverty is their ruin: "The ruin of the poor is their poverty." In looking at other translations, I don't see much of a difference in words. Instead of ruin there is destruction. Instead of fortress it is the fortified or strong city. 

Cambridge commentary says it well I think: 

We have here an instance of the candour and sobriety of the moral teaching of this Book. Wealth has its advantages and poverty its drawbacks, and the fact is honestly stated. There is nothing of the unreality which represents poverty as in itself desirable, or wealth as in itself to be avoided.

Yes, that's it. And yet, ruin/destruction versus strong/fortified/fortress - seems to give rise to the idea that wealth is better. I see both with problems, but it does seem, based upon my observation that those with wealth have more of a peace about them. And perhaps they can engage in more activities, ministry activities one would hope, though it seems at times it gives opportunity for more relaxation and entertainment. 

At 57 years old, the idea of retirement is coming up more. I spoke of this with a friend yesterday at lunch as we wondered how many more years. I felt like I had at least 10 good more years of working left in me and probably more. I can stay at my current job probably another 5 years and that would be somewhat normal and okay. And yet, I could leave right now and just adjust my lifestyle a little and probably be fine financially. But, in a way I am enjoying things the way they are and so maybe I should stay put. I don't feel a big draw to do anything else. But it isn't that I have more wealth to store up but I just have more of a desire to stay working or staying busy. Sort of an interesting idea right now for me. 

And yet I don't want to be absorbed in work, but rather having a need to minister. At some point, my dad will pass and he has done a very good job with his job and managing it and either I will end up with that or it will end up more in the hands of my kids for their kids. That could end up making life even easier. I have the will to complete still and that is mostly dividing my wealth to good causes once I pass. I need to get that done. But, I still feel that great desire to help those in need. I like it and see that they have the need. I am concerned about those that are working hard and yet having trouble making it. Like Francis in Uganda, James and Joyce, Tonny and Alice. Even Daniel to a point and there are many more that I am not helping regularly. There is Geoffrey in Canada who now hasn't seen his wife Esther in 4 years. There is Benjamin, the pastor in Nigeria. I know he is need of funds for his ministry and orphanage. Jean Claude is doing well. I don't see a big need for him. He doesn't seem to be focused on wealth and it might sort of upset his world if there was an influx. Even Harris in India. Obviously, he needs a job and I am hopeful for that job. After that occurs, he seems eager to do what with it - maybe just support his mom. Kiran is another person in Pakistan. She is taking all she has to help orphans. Again, with so little, is there much of a focus on those that have so little or are the needs greater there. I mean, recently we had things to give away. I took them to Joy Junction with the thought they would help homeless. They were taken to a thrift store to be sold. I could end up buying back my things. Hmm. 

I look at all of these people, in their developing countries and see there standard of living is so different. And yet as I interact with them and they request funds from me at times, though some don't, I can't help but compare my surrounding with theirs. For some, it seems extra money is needed, and yet there almost feels a danger to having more money. Without, they seem to have this great dependency on God. The pastors- James and Tonny are so focused on ministry in their lives. Maybe I am concerned about the depth of their faith, and maybe it seems that some have a tendency to not have depth because of their poor condition. And so while many seem to need a little bit more to help them out. Again, maybe having too much is a problem. 

It is similar to what I see often with people that I hear win a large amount of money, like a lottery and how that impacts their lives. As a kid, I remember a show in 1983-1984 that had a short run. It was called Lottery! - "A lottery representative and his IRS partner meet various winners across the country to present the prizes and change their lives." Money impacts people and changes things. Even as I converse with Harris and see how his life can be lived in such a high moral manner. Why? Well, one he is single, but also he has little money. So again, does wealth or adding riches really help these people. At times, I even feel like God with them because I do have somewhat the means to help them and yet I wonder if it would be helpful. What would that wealth bring to them: I feel problems and a change of priorities. 

For me, with more wealth, what would I do with it. Right, do a lot of home improvement. Probably could easily spend about $50,000 on this house and doing all sorts of improvements inside and out. I suppose that's what I stare at, my fortress and improving it. Which brings me back to the verse -- The rich person’s wealth is his fortress. So is that it? My home. That's my wealth. I mean, it is the first thing I think about to spend money on. Things for the home. 

Perhaps this destruction is what is going on in Nigeria and the scamming of people international. With those folks, part of the blame seems to be their leaders and government that provide so little with the money that is given them. They have little so they invest in themselves. As Daniel mentions in Abuja. The workers get so little. Even at my job - the workers get little. The management gets a lot. There is so much inequity. Can it even be fixed and to what degree?

To have wealth is to have security. There is great tendency to many more problems with out wealth. 

Prayer: O God, this idea of wealth is a tough one. All these people you have placed in my life is an honor for me to know. I have helped some, based upon your leading and so many have needs. I struggle with this and whether to keep helping and wonder if how I am helping is most appropriate and correct. It makes me wonder about me and my work and what I am working for to accumulate. What is the reason and what does it achieve? O God, I need your help. I thank you for these verses and the opportunity to study them and meditate on them. There is richness in their meanings and lots to consider. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Malachi 3:6 - The God Who Never Changes

Malachi 3:6
For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Message: The God Who Never Changes

Time: Malachi delivers a message to the Judean people who worship at the temple, but our turning away from the true worship of the Lord. This is after the completion of the second temple. Late 5th Century BC, possibly during Nehemiah's return to Persia, around 433-424 BC.

What the Lord is Saying:

The message here is simple: God does not change. These are the words spoken by Malachi, a prophet of the Lord. His book is the final book of the Old Testament, about 450 years before Christ. This idea only should bring comfort to us - that God does not change. Malachi was speaking a message to his people here in chapter 3 of purification by a messenger. As we study and look back at this message, knowing Jesus came, we naturally want to see this as a prophecy of Jesus and His coming to cleanse the temple, cleans the people. However, the text is not completely clear that this is about Jesus. What it is clear in addressing is the need for the people of Judah to be cleansed, to be purified. In verse 7, they have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. He speaks of the kinds of people that are present: the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me. 

And in between these words is the proclamation that I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. By not changing, to me, this means that the Lord's expectations on His people does not change. He still remains a selfish God that wants His people to honor Him and worship Him. He gives them statutes for them to be kept. He expects his people to honor him and not seek their own way. When they do this they become human idol factories, thinking that their own way is the better way. 

What is clear is that the Lord will purify His people. This is a message from God that has remained throughout history. God is our redeemer. And yet this call to purification still requires a response. God may choose us, but there still is a response that is required from man. In verse 7 he says, "Return to Me." 

We think at times that the message of the New Testament, of repentance and love is so very clear, but it is the same message, but simply has a more clear presenter: Jesus Christ. But the message remains: God redeems. Man returns to Him. Our God does not change. 

That's His message and we can accept it or reject it, but that is His message. God will not change. He sits outside of time. One of my brothers in the Lord begins our prayer time weekly with, "Thank you for a new day." It is a reminder that we change. We celebrate with jubilation the turning of time, the beginning of a new year recently. It is 2019. Time is growing. Life is changing. We are growing daily, aging. We are changing. But, our God does not change. We look forward to a day of no change when things will remain the same and when our true relationship as true worshipers will be present. 

Promise: Each day I can rely on the One who is incapable of changing and will never allow His promises to fail. My security remains in Him. He promises to always keep me safe, safe in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, you do not change. You remain the same and your Ways remain the same. Thank you for being that anchor, the rock, the fortress, the horn of our salvation, our stronghold. I love You Lord. You are great. I need this reminder in my life daily that though I live in a day of improvement and wanting each day to be better than the next, I can rest in the idea that You never change. You desire me and desire people to know you and listen to You. You are a selfish God and you always know what is best for me. Lord, I want to return to You. Each day Lord I want to return to You. I want to listen to these words you have spoken through your prophet Malachi 2500+ years ago that remain true to this day: Return to You. As I live and move and change, keep pulling me back to your message, reminding me that you are still there. You still want me. I can still return to You. Lord, I admit my ideals are often the ideals of this world - for daily happiness and enjoyment and peace and security and comfort -- and even as those things are okay, help me have a stronger love for You and seeking you and desiring to never disappoint You. I know you will always take me back, but still I want my life to honor You. You deserve it. And I need it. It is the only way to live.


Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with January being about the doctrine of God.

I John 2:19 - Those Who Go Out From Us

I John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

Message: Those Who Go Out From Us

Time: A date of authorship ranges from around 65 AD to AD 95-110. John, the son of Zebedee, one of the 12 disciples is said to be the author. The main theme is love and fellowship and is written to those who are already believers.

What the Lord is Saying:

As a reminder, this is a book written to believers. In verses 15-24 is given the division title of "Do Not Love the World" and it contrasts love of the world versus not. Thus, if you are not, then you have the love of the Father in you.

Verse 18 speaks of the anti-Christ which is defined in verse 22 as anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ. More specifically, in verse 19 is the explanation of people that are walking with Christians, living with them, walking alongside them, going to church, practicing disciplines, but they were not really of us. It is said that there are two different types of faith: professing faith and possessing faith. There are those that accompany faith and faith practices for reasons that are not about living faith in our lives. I think this is a really hard concept because so much of the Western Christian is embodied in the ways of the world and end up looking like a full-time follower of the world and those things of the world and just a part-time Christian.

One example of this type of person that is only professing faith is they don't remain or persevere -- otherwise they would have remained with us. There is a lack of consistency. This is something that is concerning because there are disciplines of the faith that some do not perform. People willingly go to church, but few show up to share their faith on outreach night or when there is a prayer meeting gathering, few attend. They put up with church, living it on a part-time basis, but are not willing to make it a full-time commitment.

Some might use this text as a marker to describe those who fall away from the faith, but rather it is a picture of those who are wolves in sheep's clothing. They never had true faith to begin with. When push comes to shove, they flee. But, its possible that someone has true faith and falls away for a season, but then returns. Sometimes I think people pass judgment on someone but do not see the full picture of their life.

Promise: When we see people seemingly falling away, we should pray for a repentant heart, but ultimately trust God for the outcome of their life.

Joshua 4:1-9 - Stones of Remembrance

Joshua 4:1-9

¹ “Now when all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, ² “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from each tribe, ³ and command them, saying, ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet are standing firm, and carry them over with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you will lodge tonight.’” ⁴ So Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the sons of Israel, one man from each tribe; ⁵ and Joshua said to them, “Cross again to the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel. ⁶ Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ ⁷ then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”

⁸ Thus the sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, just as the Lord spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the lodging place and put them down there. ⁹ Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan at the place where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing, and they are there to this day.
Message: Stone of Remembrance

Time: The Story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile. It is framed by two set-piece speeches, the first by God commanding the conquest of the land, and, at the end, the last by Joshua warning of the need for faithful observance of the Law (torah) revealed to Moses.The time is 1406 BC to 1375 BC.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Tabletalk uses this lesson to speak about eternal security. Reformed Christians, however, often use the term perseverance of the saints. Eternal Security can at times refer to easy believe-ism where a person makes a decision for Christ, but after turning away and even going a different way is still considered save. Yes, Reformers think about John 14:15 that mentions that if we love Him we will keep his commandments or at least desire to keep them.

Promise: The Lord has been a provider in the past so he will a provider in the futrue.

Psalm 119:89-96 - God's Fixed and Enduring Word

Psalm 119:89-96

⁸⁹ Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.
⁹⁰ Your faithfulness throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands.
⁹¹ They stand this day according to Your ordinances, for all things are Your servants.
⁹² If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.
⁹³ I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me.
⁹⁴ I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts.
⁹⁵ The wicked wait for me to destroy me; I shall diligently consider Your testimonies.
⁹⁶ I have seen a limit to all perfection; Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Message: God's fixed and enduring word

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

We continue to look to God's word. His word is a lamp unto our feet (v. 105). It is here in this passage today that we remember and see that the sacred Scripture reflects the steadfastness of our Maker.

It endures
Your word is settled (or fixed) in heaven (v. 89). God and his word is a forever source of our life, both for today and in the future in heaven.

God is faithful throughout every generation. You established the earth, and it stands (v. 90). We can also expect the same thing for the Word of God. It has been established and it stands.

All of these words and commands are under your servants (v. 91).

Without God's word, we would have perished (v. 92).

It is for me
I will never forget Your precepts (v. 93). To all eternity they shall be the object of my meditation. For by them You have revived me. God's word is the light to our life. As we learn it and study it, it will speak to us in a way different from anything else in our life.

I am Yours (v. 94). This is the statement of a pious person. All that I am is God's. I am a follower of God. I am his. Save me. Deliver me from my enemies. For I have sought your precepts. I am guided by your Words. 

It is my security
The wicked wait for me to destroy me (v. 95). Through it all, I find my support upon Your testimonies. Where is my security? I am secure and safe in my position as a Christ follower. This is where I sit and reside. I am not a creature of circumstances waiting for something good to happen to me first. I rest on God's word and its proclamation to my life. 

It exposes me
Verse 96 - I have seen a limit to all perfection; Your commandment is exceedingly broad. This is where man rests and allows God to take over. I see a limit in being perfect. God's word is significant when I look upon it. People often will say they are a good person, until the light of God's word shines upon their lives. God's word is exceedingly broad and because of it, I see that I am not perfect. If anyone thinks they are perfect, then they have not really considered God's word. This is a perfect verse to be found in this chapter 119 which speaks of the Word of God. After we examine God's word, we clearly see that we are not perfect and so how can we face God. We can't. This is why we need a savior. 

Promise: God's word not only endures, but it shines a light onto my life. 

Jesus Calling: July 5

Draw near to Me with a thankful heart, aware that your cup is overflowing with blessings. Gratitude enables you to perceive Me more clearly and to rejoice in our Love relationship. Nothing can separate you from My loving Presence! That is the basis of your security. Whenever you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that your security rests in Me alone, and I am totally trustworthy.
     You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control. Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways. I am always doing something new within My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you.

Romans 8:38-39
English Standard Version

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
Psalm 56:3-4
English Standard Version

³ When I am afraid,
    I put my trust in you.
⁴ In God, whose word I praise,
    in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
    What can flesh do to me?

Isaiah 43:19 
English Standard Version

Behold, I am doing a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: June 30

I am the Truth: the One who came to set you free. As the Holy Spirit controls your mind and actions more fully, you become free in Me. You are increasingly released to become the one I created you to be. This is a work that I do in you as you yield to My Spirit. I can do My best handiwork when you sit in the stillness of My Presence, focusing your entire being on Me.
     Let My thoughts burst freely upon your consciousness, stimulating abundant Life. I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. As you follow Me, I lead you along paths of newness: ways you have never imagined. Don't worry about what is on the road up ahead. I want you to find your security in knowing Me, the One who died to set you free. 

John 8:32
English Standard Version

and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
 
Philippians 2:13
English Standard Version

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
 
John 14:6
English Standard Version

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.  

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: May 19

     I want you to know how safe and secure you are in My Presence. That is a fact, totally independent of your feelings. You are on your way to heaven; nothing can prevent you from reaching that destination. There you will see Me face to face, and your Joy will be off the charts by any earthly standards. Even now, you are never separated from Me, though you must see Me through eyes of faith. I will walk with you till the end of time, and onward into eternity.
     Although My Presence is a guaranteed promise, that does not necessarily change your feelings. When you forget I am with you, you may experience loneliness or fear. It is through awareness of My Presence that Peace displaces negative feelings. Practice the discipline of walking consciously with Me through each day. 

1 Corinthians 13:12
English Standard Version

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Verse Thoughts
The way I see things today, in this world, in this life, has no comparison to my future, in heaven, with God. Right now, all I see is obscured. It is even a riddle, but one day it will clear and without obscurity. There will be clarity. 

Psalm 29:11
English Standard Version

May the Lord give strength to his people!
    May the Lord bless his people with peace!

Verse Thoughts
This is a verse that can not be looked at alone, but I must see its use in the entire chapter, for it is a concluding thought. "The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders...the voice of the Lord is powerful...the voice of the Lord breaks the cedars...the voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire...shakes the wilderness...makes the deer give birth...the Lord sits enthroned over the flood...sits enthroned as king forever." As I read these verses I should have great comfort that if I believe that God is over all of this world and is working, then he can handle my life and can give me strength and bless me with peace. He is able. 

My Prayer
Lord, today has so much to it that is upside down and difficult and challenging. But, my future has clarity. Give me comfort in today and confirm your ways in me. I want to hold your hand...today and each every day.  

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: May 6

     Do not search for security in the world you inhabit. You tend to make mental checklists of things you need to do in order to gain control of your life. If only you could check everything off your list, you could relax and be at peace. But the more you work to accomplish that goal, the more things crop up on your list. The harder you try, the more frustrated you become.
     There is a better way to find security in this life. Instead of scrutinizing your checklist, focus your attention on My Presence with you. This continual contact with Me will keep you in My Peace. Moreover, I will help you sort out what is important and what is not, what needs to be done now and what does not. Fix your eyes not on what is seen (your circumstances), but on what is unseen (My Presence). 

Isaiah 26:3
New King James Version

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

2 Corinthians 4:18
English Standard Version

as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

My Prayer (2018) - Lord, security and being safe is something in my world that I admit often is an idol. Our culture places such a premium on anything that threatens our safety to the point that I am not sure what this means to really ask you to keep me secure. At times, Lord, I run to you as a last resort or when all else fails. It is true Lord, I suffer from the sin of wanting to be in control of my life and my surroundings. In some ways, I've been trained by media to be fearful. And here is the reminder, once again, that there is a better way. Lord, you remind me once again how I need to be trained by you each day, even re-trained. Lord, I don't have it figured out. So I come to you, on this day, and ask you to shine a light into my life to help me understand that my security is in you, and that having your presence in my life is all I really need. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: March 24

    This is a time in your life when you must learn to let go: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete. Take time to bask in the Light of My Love. As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My care.
    You can feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes, through awareness of My continual Presence. The One who never leaves you is the same One who never changes: I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. As you release more and more things into My care, remember that I never let go of your hand. Herein lies your security, which no one and no circumstance can take from you. 

Psalm 89:15
English Standard Version
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,

Hebrews 13:8
English Standard Version
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Isaiah 41:13
English Standard Version
For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”

My Prayer
Lord, the words you said to me and everyone is to follow you I must deny myself. I admit, I grow accustomed to loved ones, possessions, of control. I grow accustomed to having it my way to the point that I begin thinking that what you want is my way. But you remind me today you are the same yesterday and today and forever. I am blessed with You. I don't need things, people or to be in control. What I need is You. Lord, make this plain to me. Give me that understanding. I want to live and be in Your presence.


Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Jesus Calling: January 31

I am your strength and shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare.
     Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watch-care, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

Psalm 28:7
English Standard Version
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

Matthew 6:34
English Standard Version
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Psalm 56:3-4
English Standard Version
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?

Genesis 28:15
English Standard Version
Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

My Prayer
You are my strength Lord. I wish I would realize this more each day. My days have so many weak moments when all I need to do is call on You for strength. Like the disciples on the boat with You Jesus as the storm turns violent, too often my focus shifts to the storm instead of remaining on You. You are my shield. You are the Protector of me, protecting me from any harm. Nothing can hit me too hard. Even though Job lost family and belongings, his most important investment--You--remained. Remind me that You are there. I can see You and You are working in me throughout these moments in life that I often am struggling with.

Lord, you have set this day in motion. It's not a surprise to You or a mystery, so therefore, help me to walk in You, in Christ. I want to remain with You, in touch with You. Remove worry from my life, and let me rest in You. "Don't you worry, tomorrow will take care of itself, I'm taking care of you." Those are words from Allies, the music group, and it's a reminder that Anxiety and worry are not to be a part of me. If fear rises up in me, I can put my trust in You. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.