Proverbs 10:21 - Our words have results

Proverbs 10:21

The lips of the righteous feed many,

But fools die for lack of understanding. 

Message: Our words have results

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: Noticing now in many of these contrasts there are 3 aspects of each vice and virtue. To break it down, the virtue consists of "lips", "righteous" and "feed many." Verse 20 recorded a contrast between the righteous and the wicked and that seems to be a very common contrast in the proverbs. Again, there are clear benefits in being a righteous person, who is wise, but also wise in the right areas. This is contrasted with foods or those that are wicked. The fool part of the verse consists of "fools", "die" and "lack understanding." 

To simplify further, the basic idea here is 'what we say', and 'what we know.' The King James translates  knowing or understanding as wisdom. 

Here the righteous are outward focused, feeding many with feeding more likely figuratively for passing along words of encouragement, counsel, comfort. In other words, the righteous have an impact beyond themselves. The wicked or fool in this verse is lacking understanding. It is as if the fool simply does not get it and dies in the process. 

Looking at the various translations, I notice the Good News Translation says, "A good person's words will benefit many people, but you can kill yourself with stupidity." The Good News Translation was published in 1966 with the New Testament and in 1976 with the Old Testament. It is a translation that focuses more on translating thoughts than word for word. For this verse, the comparison is benefitting others where the other way can't even help yourself. 

It is as if we need to have some sort of basic understanding in life. I think this contrast between righteous and wicked is not prevalent much in life today. It simply seems that we don't look at ourselves or people in this manner much. Rather, everyone is good and some just make bad choices. But, I think Solomon is possibly showing the clear comparison that perhaps God sees with people - the righteous or good versus the fool or wicked. 

I wonder if I wallow back-and-forth between being good and righteous with being selfish and wicked and foolish. I wonder at times if I just reside in the middle road. Do I stand out? Am I speaking truth? I might edifying others?

Prayer: O God, my words mean a lot. Help me Lord to be better about speaking. Help me to choose my words wisely. I want my words to have good outcomes and benefit others. It is hard. I second-guess myself at times. Plus I say things I shouldn't all the time. Thankfully your grace is there and it covers me. I need to be covered. Help me to be wise. 

I Samuel 16:14-23 - The Power of Music

I Samuel 16:14-23

14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. 15 Saul’s servants then said to him, “Behold now, an evil spirit from God is terrorizing you. 16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you. Let them seek a man who is a skillful player on the harp; and it shall come about when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18 Then one of the young men said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him.” 19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David who is with the flock.” 20 Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat, and sent them to Saul by David his son. 21 Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer. 22 Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23 So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.

Message: The Power of Music

Time: The events that happen in 1 Samuel took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC). We see the birth of Samuel, his call from God and subsequent prophetic ministry, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the anointing and maturity of young David.

What the Lord is Saying:

Music is powerful in our lives and in worship. Music has been a big part of my life. I can remember getting hooked on buying 45s when I was a kid, probably around the age of 7 is when I started this (Mr. Jaws). And then buying my first album a year later at 8. And it simply continued. I rarely get focused on one song though and rather like artists and many songs that an artist performs. But music has been a constant in my life.

In church, I have seen music be a little controversial. It seems around the late 90s and early 2000s when praise and worship music began to be more of a centerpiece in the Christian music industry, churches also began to introduce these tunes in worship resulting in different styles of music in a service and some churches choosing to have a contemporary service and others a traditional worship service (this is captured so well in this movie - Jesus Music). I never was interested in attending something that was different because I liked the mix of the two - some traditional and some contemporary. Some churches believe there should only be acapella music and no instruments because instruments are not mentioned in the New Testament. I don't agree with this interpretation, but am fine with people that make this choice. 

Songs are played regularly at college sporting events as we celebrate with "our song." And even some couples think of "their song" when describing their relationship. Music is background noise most often at doctor's offices and everywhere we shop. 

Today's passage is an interesting one in that the evil spirit that torments Saul would flee whenever David took up his lyre and played for the king. 

So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.

Wow! Music was significant 3000 years ago as well. Listening to music was refreshing and calmed Saul but also had power and moved the evil spirit away. This is a great reminder to me and also instruction that music can simply refresh and relax us but it can also have spiritual power in listening to it. Music in our churches in all of its controversy does impact us. I heard Russ Taff say once in an interview, though I'm guessing he was not the first to say this, that "Music has a way of speaking to us like nothing else in our world." That quote and line which I heard listening to an interview in the early 90s has always stuck with me. It has a way of speaking to us, like nothing else. 

Summary: Music was created by God. And as his creation, he uses it to testify of Him and to minister to us. There is a great power of music. 

Promise: Scripture prescribes no particular kind of music, so the choices of music we use in worship and even for leisure must be guided by Christian wisdom. 

Prayer: O God, my God, thank you for music. Thank you for creating music and the power that it is in our lives. Like so many things in life it speaks to a cacophony of gifts and expressions that speak of your great love for us. Often, it takes us to another place as we listen that is full of joy and happiness and praise to You. I see it in church and hear it in a concert or even a quiet song or instrumental. Lord, I am struck in amazement by your great love for us. It has impacted my life and my devotion. Thank you for prompting me at the moment in my life, at age 15, to center myself on the music that is to praise You. I am not to ever regret tossing those records in the trash for that was trading altars - the one I created for the one You created. I know some people have determined that this Christian music is not of You. I stand in question often how two well meaning Christ followers can have two opposite interpretations of Your Word and yet each of them glorify You. It reminds me at times that maybe there isn't a right way for some of these things, but in those convictions the result still is you are glorified and what matters is the heart and motive of the person - of me. You get my praise for music even from those that may not acknowledge You as Savior and yet for me in their music I can still praise you. 

I Corinthians 14:40 - Forms and Their Communication

I Corinthians 14:40 - But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner. 

Message: Forms and Their Communication

Time: Not the first, but 2nd letter to Corinthians, but the first to survive and to be considered authoritative. Written in AD 55, it was penned after Paul had reports of quarreling in this church he had previously visited. Paul covers a number of subjects, but all focus on the Christian's life in the church. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

This verse in 1 Corinthians that is today's focus is the last verse of the chapter and is the last verse after 5 paragraphs have been given in chapter 14 on the proper way we are to exercise our gifts in the church. And so it ends with the statement, "But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." 

In the devotional today from Tabletalk, they are emphasizing the heart devotion we are to have in worship, stating that what we do or are practices or what we keep are not as important as our devotion to the Lord, or the heart behind what we do. Therefore, some churches have moved away from the rituals of liturgies in favor of less elaborate church services. Yet, we should recognize that even in these forms there is still ritual. For instance, the Quakers (and I recall a Quaker church I attended in 1995 in Houston with Bruce) assemble in a circle and then agree to a system wherein everyone is quiet until "moved by the Spirit." So in any worship service there is a potential for going through the motions and our hearts not knowing what we are really doing. 

I like this verse -- I Corinthians 14:26 -- that begins a paragraph:

What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 

These verses remind me first that church is not optional, but it is an assumed practice that we have. But then as we come together, the goal is edification (the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually). The goal is moral improvement of man and so our services can include ritual practices in many different forms, but we need to remember that our hearts and minds are to be focused on the truth of God. We/I need to always stop and take a moment to get my heart right. Even as I study the Word of God, it is important to stop and take a moment to pray that the time in the Word studying is beneficial. If anything, we need to be extra sensitive always in making sure that our time in the Word is done with a correct heart focus. 

Summary: It is not the form of our worship that matters as much as the purpose for why we gather and assemble in our churches - to edify one another and be devoted to Him. 

Promise: All of our forms of worship communicate something. We need to be intentional always and as leaders think carefully about what we do in worship and how it is done. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for these lessons on worship and this one particularly which reminds me of the reason we come together in a church and that is to edify one another. Solo bible study is great, but assembling together is also needed. Lord, I pray that you would restore your church and you would make it a priority among Your people everywhere to continue to assemble together. Lord, help me to not ever be at a place where I think church attendance is optional. Keep me grounded always in your truth and the study of Your words. Thank you for the many different flavors of churches in our world today even those that are lead by leaders in our local congregations. Lord, again, may your name be praised and lifted up always. Help us all to congregate and assemble in a way that honors You and helps one another. We need each other. I need one another. 

I Corinthians 3:1-4 - No Such Thing

I Corinthians 3:1-4
¹ And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, ³ for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? ⁴ For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?

Message: No Such Thing

Time: This epistle was written to the church that resided in Corinth of Achaia. First Corinthians is a response to a letter that Paul received from the Corinthian church, and that letter was probably a response to another of Paul's letters. This letter was composed in Ephesus around AD 54-55, and such topics as division, sexual immorality, lawsuits, marriage, Christian liberty, order of worship, and the resurrection are covered in this epistle.

What the Lord is Saying: 

My first glance at this passage has Paul writing that his words had to be written in a way that they could understand. He used words that were like milk and thus, easy to digest. It reminds of the people that I often speak with, at the mall or online with the online ministry I am involved in. I am reminded that my words should be simple and easy to digest, not speaking over people, with a lot of Christian language, until I understand that they can handle those words. The reason those in Corinth couldn't understand was Paul recognized that the were "still fleshly" and "walking like mere men." They had jealousy and strife among them.

This passage in a way parallels with a passage I studied two days ago: 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. I say this because as I speak to people it is a challenge to discern where people are at spiritually. Some might have Christian language, but it is really hard to know if they are of faith. My conversations with people are rarely sitting down for long conversations, but rather are snippets of time. So, when I do speak, my word usage I think needs to sound "milk" like until I know my audience can sustain more solid food. 

The Tabletalk reading today gave the concern that many think a Christian can be carnal meaning saying a sinners prayer, but not making God Lord till much later. But, Lordship is a package deal. We are often shedding sin from our lives in varying degrees,, throughout our life, but fruit should be manifest at all times. A Christian is one that bears fruit. The passage doesn't say they are not spiritual men, but that they still act at times like they are fleshly. 

Promise: I need to be sensitive to people, realizing that all are at different stages of spirituality. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.

Jesus Calling: February 10

     Trust Me enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day. Refuse to feel guilty about something that is so pleasing to Me, the King of the universe. Because I am omnipotent, I am able to bend time and events in your favor. You will find that you can accomplish more in less time, after you have given yourself to Me in rich communion. Also, as you align yourself with My perspective, you can sort out what is important and what is not.
     Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go. Many, many things people do in My Name have no value in My kingdom. To avoid doing meaningless works, stay in continual communication with Me. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. 

Luke 10:41-42
English Standard Version
⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Psalm 32:8
English Standard Version
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

My Prayer
Lord, help me to start each day with you, making you the first priority, so that I spend time with you before I read the newspaper, turn on the TV, or even prepare and eat my breakfast. Lord, I want you to be my priority. I often fail to live like this, but I know the day is better when I begin with you. Lord, I want you to be my community and my most important time. Lord, when I turn to You, You show me what is most important in my life. 

Forgive me for the trap of being on the go, feeling like I'm lost each day if I don't check my facebook page or twitter. So much of those times drown you out. I want Your Name to have the most value in my life. Help me to choose you each day so that I am crying out to You. Thank You for being there always.  

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: August 5

Sit quietly in My Presence while I bless you. Make your mind like a still pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it. Rest in My sufficiency, as you consider the challenges this day presents. Do not wear yourself out by worrying about whether you can cope with the pressures. Keep looking to Me and communicating with Me, as we walk through this day together.
     Take time to rest by the wayside, for I am not in a hurry. A leisurely pace accomplishes more than hurried striving. When you rush, you forget who you are Whose you are. Remember that you are royalty in My kingdom.

Psalm 37:7
English Standard Version

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!
 
Romans 8:16-17
English Standard Version 

¹⁶ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

I Peter 2:9
English Standard Version 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

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 4

Welcome challenging times as opportunities to Trust Me. You have Me beside you and My Spirit within you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle. When the path before you is dotted with difficulties, beware of measuring your strength against those challenges. That calculation is certain to riddle you with anxiety. Without Me, you wouldn't make it past the first hurdle!
     The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand tightly and stay in close communication with Me. Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness. Regardless of the day's problems, I can keep you in perfect Peace as you stay close to Me.

James 1:2
English Standard Version

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds

Philippians 4:13
English Standard Version

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Verse thoughts
I read a book a couple of years ago called The Most Misused verses in the Bible. This was one of the verses mentioned in that book. The author's focus was defining what is meant by the phrase "all things." Paul wrote this letter in prison so I'm guessing doing all things doesn't necessarily negate prison time. In just the previous verse (v. 12) it says - I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Thus, in all things seems to be contentment that only comes about by Him giving me strength. That in all things or all of life's situations, I can be content. The author of that book writes, "So Philippians 4:13 is not so much about having the strength to stand up and sing a solo in church OR play the best of one's ability in a sporting contest OR having the strength to lift a bag of salt. Rather, this verse is about having the strength to be content when we are facing those moments in life when physical resources are minimal. This is about having faith in the God who provides. You can be content and find the physical strength to endure all things, because it is Christ who strengthens you."

Isaiah 26:3
English Standard Version

You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.

My Prayer
Lord, it is true that when I encounter various circumstances, what I am often focused on is getting through that circumstance and achieving the outcome I want and desire. Lord, I admit I sometimes use your Words in the Bible to get what I want. But, I miss the point. This is about You, not me. It is about You getting the glory, not me. And yet you also want me to have peace. But I must let you define peace. You are the Lord of peace. So retrain me Lord to welcome challenging time as opportunities to Trust You. You are near. You are close to me and therefore, I can handle it. Lord, once again, get my eyes off of my circumstances and instead focused on You.

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 27

     Seek My Face at the beginning of your day. This practice enables you to "put Me on" and "wear Me" throughout the day. Most people put on clothes soon after arising from bed. Similarly, the sooner you "put Me on" by communicating with Me, the better prepared you are for whatever comes your way.
     To "wear Me" is essentially to have My mind; to think My thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to control your thinking; be transformed by this renewal within you. Thus you are well equipped to face whatever people and situations I bring your way. Clothing your mind in Me is your best preparation for each day. This discipline brings Joy and Peace to you and those around you.

Psalm 27:8
New King James Version
You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
    “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
 
Romans 13:14
English Standard Version
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
 
Colossians 3:12
English Standard Version
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

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.

Romans 12:16-17 - Harmonious Living

Romans 12:16-17 - Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. ¹⁷ Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

Message: Do not be self-focused, but thing about others and what is best for them.

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

I continue to walk rather slowly through these marks of what it means to be a Christian. As is Paul's custom throughout this book, he repeats. There are similar ideas here in some of these phrases, and yet differences. 

Be of the same mind toward one another
This is an interesting phrase to me. I am to live in harmony with other people. If Paul is mentioning this here, like this, then my guess is this is not necessarily natural. It is tragic because, on the surface, it appears that many Christians do not live like this toward other people. Instead, I see a policeman mentality so much of the time with ministers of the gospel policing what is truth. It seems like Christians become the judge in society for what should be right and wrong. Is that our role? Are we to take on an offensive attitude? Yes, we are to defend our faith, but it seems that defense takes on the form of separation.

Could it be that we are not of the same mind because we are not bathing ourselves in the Word of God like he expects of Christians? And so being of the same mind is harder. 

I just think this is a hard principle. I feel like in this section of scripture Paul is writing characteristics of the Christian and what it means to be a Christian. He has gone through the Law and Grace and the theology of Grace, but now he gets to direct application. 

To be honest, I think this is a phrase that is easy to say, but hard to extrapolate the exact meaning. Yes, it is important for me to live in harmony with other people. There should be peace, kindness, unity in feeling, interests and objection. I mean, in some ways, Pamela and I had to leave Hoffmantown because we started to realize that we were having a really hard time with this idea. We were not of the same mind with the people in that church. It was like they were at one place and we were some place very different. I do not think that I was just trying to get my way. But, I did feel like because there was such a separation of thought that it was not doing any good for us to be there. It was doing more harm than good. 

In marriage, I see that Pamela and I are of the same mind. Do we agree on everything? No. Do we do things the same way? No. But, we believe in the marriage and our children. We are focused on making it all work. We have the same objective and so we can work through all the situations. We are not giving up even though at times we feel like giving up. I think the Spirit is alive in our marriage. I think the unity we share in Christ allows the Spirit of God to work through both of us and cements us together. Being of the same mind is possible, but it is definitely only possible when God's Spirit is at the helm and is allowed to work. 

Do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly

I am not to be arrogant in actions, but even in my mind. I am not to conduct myself in such a way as to make myself out to be more important than others. The Christian should not put forth the idea that because they are saved, because God has rescued them and made them holy, that they are somehow better than others. 

I think this is a real danger of a believer. I think because of their understanding they make themselves out to be superior to other people. But that misses a right understanding of the gospel because we are not in the faith we are because of our righteousness, but God has grafted us in, and so we are to give Him all the glory. 

And the complement of this thought is I am to associate with the lowly. Boy, this is hard when you are not accustomed to this. That I should go out of my way to associate with the lowly and who would be the lowly? If it is the homeless guy on the corner, asking for money ("Will work for food") then how do I associate with him? Do I take him out to eat? Could I spend more time with the lowly and bring them into my home? 

Do not be wise in your own estimation

I should not put myself up on a pedestal. I am not to uphold myself as being the wise one. In this statement is an attitude of boasting in myself. Proverbs 3:7 states something similar: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil." A part of this is don't think that you know what other people are going through when you haven't gone through what they are going through. Don't assume that you know another person's perspective. 

I think I make assumptions about people's faith sometimes because of the label I place on them. I am learning to not do this. Every person has a different story. Each person has a different testimony of how they came to Christ and so each person will also have a different story as to how they have not come to Christ.

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone

I am never to pay back evil for evil. To me, this is a statement that separates Christians from other major religions. I see this statement, but I admit, it is a hard one to follow, even in my own household. When I have been wronged or even when evil has been committed against me; when I have been shunned at work; when I am made to look like a fool; when I am not respected; when my authority is questioned; my natural inclination is to do something or say something toward that other person that discredits them. Again, Paul doesn't give commands that are natural to follow. He recognizes here that it is somewhat normal to pay back evil for evil. 

How often have I heard the phrase, "I am going to get even with you?" As I watch movies and TV shows it is most often the reason behind the show. In crime shows, it is not just that a person will be caught for a crime they committed, but someone how something will happen to them that will try to equal the evil that they did.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:39, "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." 

Matthew 5:44, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

So, what is my response to evil? It is to continue doing good. I think the mark of a Christian is his response to circumstances. My faith is not to waiver. I am to stand trusting in God no matter what. Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Good is to rein in my life. As trials come, as hard times appear, as things occur that I don't understand, and when things well up inside of me, my response is simple, I am to remain doing the things that I do on any other day. I am to rise and surrender myself to the Lord and accept what He provides. I need to re-train myself in this way. I am too quickly trained to react and respond based upon what the world is training me. 

Respect what is right in the sight of all men

The word respect is an interesting one. I think there is an idea in this word that means to "stop." I think there is this idea that before you respond or react in a way that is natural to you, I am to think before. I am to observe in advance. I am to notice beforehand or plan before. Again, I see a big failure in my life in this over and over. The moment I feel attacked I immediately respond. I don't think. And yet this is what I need to do. I need to stop and think about how to respond and then do it in a way, that if I were to line up a string of people from all walks of life and ask them all what they would do, there would be a right way of doing things and the majority would respond to that situation in that way. I am to do what is right in the sight of all men.

Promise: I must live my life God's way. I am not live in a way that is natural to me.

Jesus Calling: January 12

Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it.You would like to see a map; showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You'd feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: Spend quality time with Me.
     I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way. Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts. Thus, you can walk through this day with your focus on Me. My abiding Presence is the best road map available.

Exodus 33:14
English Standard VersionAnd he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

John 15:4-7
English Standard Version
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

My Prayer
Lord, you are over all. You are king. You are creator and Lord. You are my deliverer. You are my redeemer and Savior. You are the healer, the restorer of life, the sanctifier of mankind. You uphold all things by the Word of Your Power. You are the First and the Last. You are Peace. You are My presence. You are my guide and shepherd. You are all glory and might. You are the faithful One. You are ever so faithful. You are love. You are forgiveness. You have perfect timing. Lord, I can lean on You because You are strength.

Lord, I think knowing the road is the key. I think having the map in my hands is what I need. But, the secret lies in my time with You. I need to walk with You. You are my guide. You are my map. This week I have been talking to You a lot about trust and walking in Your presence and having peace. That is where I need to stay. My back hurts. I don't know why, but it hurts. I need your strength. I need you to restore my strength. I feel unsettled. My head is hurting, my stomach is empty. I don't feel right. Lord, I want to lean on You and rest in You. Help me Lord not to bury myself in my hurts, but use this time to rely on Your strength. May it be a reminder that You are my health.

Lord, help me to see that I don't need a road, but what I need is Your to be beside me. Help me to know the Holy Spirit better in my life. And help me to stay in constant communication with You.

I must abide in You. You are the vine. I am the branch. And fruit is what we both want. Fruit isn't just what I want. It is what we both want. Lord, I want to trust in You for the Outcome that you have prescribed for my life. With you, everything is right. I want to stay close to You and close to trusting in You. May your words abide in Me so that the things I'm asking are of You.

Lord, thank You for your Word and giving it to us. Thank you for illuminating us with clarity of thought.

I thank you for these men and women of God that you have placed in our midst in our churches. Lord, thank you for bringing each one. Lord, we live in a world of constant temptations and constant distractions. These electronic devices we now have beside us, the iPhones, iPods, Kindles, iPads can add to the distraction. Lord, I pray for these leaders that they would never be comfortable with their repentance, but would always be bothered by it. Lord, may it be continually difficult. Dig up all sins in their lives and may they present them before You. Lord, help them to walk with integrity and strong character. Train them in their private thoughts, that they would honor You. Lord, never allow them to just go through the motions, but to stay strong with You every step of the way. Lord, we need You and need to stay on the alert. Give them accountability partners and friends that they can confide in and trust. Thank You for your presence. We praise You. In Christ.

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