Team Daily Bible Reading for August 2023
316Judith
Posts: 11,666 Member
Evening Hello All
Bible Reading for August 1, 2023
Psalm chapter 91
Key Verse:
Verse 14
Commentary Thoughts
I Am Seated With Him On High
Because he has loved Me… I will set him securely on high because he has known My Name. –Psalm 91:14b
To be set securely on high is the second promise to those who love the Lord and know Him by Name.
What all is there to know about a name?
When God wanted to show the people something important about Himself or about His promises in the Old Testament, He would make it known by revealing another one of His covenant Names. His Name revealed Himself:
Jehovah Jireh is above lack,
Jehovah Rapha is higher than sickness,
Jehovah Shalom is above a restless mind.
We see this theme of His Name above all other names also in Ephesians 1:20-21; 2:6 …which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come… and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus.
God pulls us up to where He is! Our vantage point is greatly improved when we are seated with Him on high.
Notice that this verse Psalm 91:14 uses the word “known.” Do you know Him by Name?
These promises come out of a “knowing” relationship. This is not an “impersonal” God with whom you don’t interact. This promise is connected to knowing His Name.
In the first two sentences of Psalm 91, the psalmist refers to God by four different names.
1. God is The Most High, revealing that He is the highest that exists.
2. God is called The Almighty, denoting that He is the most powerful.
3. He is referred to as The Lord, revealing ownership.
4. Then the writer calls Him My God, making it personal.
This promise of being seated securely on high is reserved for the one who experiences God intimately, then God says that the promises are ours.
Pray Out Loud.
Lord, I’m so thankful I know You, and I’m learning more about You and Your names. I am so grateful that You have given me Your authority and seated me on high with You. In the Name of Jesus. Amen
Pray Psalm 91.
Bible Reading for August 1, 2023
Psalm chapter 91
Key Verse:
Verse 14
Commentary Thoughts
I Am Seated With Him On High
Because he has loved Me… I will set him securely on high because he has known My Name. –Psalm 91:14b
To be set securely on high is the second promise to those who love the Lord and know Him by Name.
What all is there to know about a name?
When God wanted to show the people something important about Himself or about His promises in the Old Testament, He would make it known by revealing another one of His covenant Names. His Name revealed Himself:
Jehovah Jireh is above lack,
Jehovah Rapha is higher than sickness,
Jehovah Shalom is above a restless mind.
We see this theme of His Name above all other names also in Ephesians 1:20-21; 2:6 …which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come… and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus.
God pulls us up to where He is! Our vantage point is greatly improved when we are seated with Him on high.
Notice that this verse Psalm 91:14 uses the word “known.” Do you know Him by Name?
These promises come out of a “knowing” relationship. This is not an “impersonal” God with whom you don’t interact. This promise is connected to knowing His Name.
In the first two sentences of Psalm 91, the psalmist refers to God by four different names.
1. God is The Most High, revealing that He is the highest that exists.
2. God is called The Almighty, denoting that He is the most powerful.
3. He is referred to as The Lord, revealing ownership.
4. Then the writer calls Him My God, making it personal.
This promise of being seated securely on high is reserved for the one who experiences God intimately, then God says that the promises are ours.
Pray Out Loud.
Lord, I’m so thankful I know You, and I’m learning more about You and Your names. I am so grateful that You have given me Your authority and seated me on high with You. In the Name of Jesus. Amen
Pray Psalm 91.
0
Replies
-
Bible Reading
Psalm Chapter 91
Key Verse 15
Commentary Thoughts:
Bible God Answers My Call
He will call on Me, and I will answer him… Psalm 91:15a
God makes a third promise here in verse fifteen that He will answer those who truly love Him and call on His Name. Are we aware of what a wonderful promise God is making to us here?
This is the confidence we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. –I John 5:14-15
Nothing gives me more comfort than to realize that every time I pray in line with God’s Word, He hears me. And, if He hears me, I know I have the request for which I asked. This one promise keeps me continually searching His Word in order to understand His will and His promises so that I can know how to pray more effectively.
Sometimes we have no power to rescue ourselves, and we have to rely solely on His faithfulness.
There is no end to God’s ways and means of providing protection for those who trust His Word.
You can be delivered from destruction. God is always there.
Pray Out Loud.
Lord, thank You for answering my call; I have confidence You hear me. Thank You for being there for me and for providing protection when I have no power to rescue myself. The more I learn about You, the more I am in awe of Your goodness. In the name of Jesus. Amen
Pray Psalm 91. (Remember to speak it aloud when you make it your personal prayer.)0 -
Bible Reading
Isaiah 43:2
Psalm 91:15
Commentary Thoughts
God Rescues Me From Trouble
...I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him… –Psalm 91:15
The fourth promise—to rescue from trouble those who love the Lord—is found in the middle of verse 15. It is a well-known fact that human nature cries out to God when faced with trouble.
We’ve all known men in prison, soldiers in war, and people in accidents… who call out to God when their lives get into a crisis. Even atheists are known to call on the God they don’t acknowledge when they are extremely afraid.
A lot of criticism has been given to those kinds of court of the last resort prayers. However, in defense of this kind of praying, we must remember that when one is in pain, he usually runs to the one he loves the most and the one he trusts.
The alternative is not calling out at all, so this verse acknowledges that calling out to God when we are in trouble is a good place to start.
If a person has never felt danger, he never thinks about needing protection. It is the one that knows he is in imminent danger who will appreciate and take the words of this psalm to heart. God has a great deal of variety in His plentiful means of protection and modes of rescue from trouble.
God answers our prayers and rescues us in so many ways. I am so thankful that He is creative and not limited by our seemingly impossible situations. But we have to ask in faith and not confine Him to our limited resources. God says, “If you love Me, I will be with you when you find yourself in trouble, and I will rescue you.” But we have to trust Him to do it His way.
Pray Out Loud
Lord, I am so grateful that You will be with me in trouble and rescue me when I call to You. I love You, and I continually put my trust in Your Word. In the name of Jesus. Amen
Pray Psalm 91.0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 91
No commentary but I encourage you to read this chapter and let the Word speak to your heart!
Our regular Bible Reading and commentary returns tomorrow!0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 120
Key verses 1 and 2
Commentary Thoughts
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 120:1–2
This is the first of what some call the Songs of Ascent. The people of Israel sang these while walking to Jerusalem for the three national worship celebrations (the Feasts of Passover, Weeks, and Temporary Shelters). Imagine singing these songs with Jesus as you traveled to the Feast of the Passover (Luke 2:41−52).
Looking closer at this psalm, we can see that the theme of deceit is prominent. The psalmist asked God for deliverance from lies.
Pray through this psalm and consider the outcomes of falsehood in your personal relationships and your culture. Ask God to help you discern the truth and establish His Word as your guide.0 -
Bible Reading
Bible Reading
Proverbs Chapter 16
Key Verse: Verse 9
Commentary Thoughts
Fear Of The Unknown
In today’s culture, it’s unnatural to live in the unknown. It’s why we’re addicted to our phones, our calendars, our schedules. It’s typical to start our day with specific expectations of how our day will unfold.
“Meeting at 9:00 a.m. Dentist appointment at noon. Soccer practice at 3:00 p.m. Dinner with friends at 6:00 p.m.”
We live our lives according to our plan. So, when faced with something unexpected or outside of our plan, like surgery, it’s easy to become unsettled. Suddenly, we are faced with the reality that we are no longer in control.
But what the Bible reminds us of is that when we yield control, there is peace. And where there is peace, we can find restoration of life.
Proverbs 16:9 tell us that “the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
You are in a current season of unknown. Surgery can be scary. And it’s okay to be scared. But rest assured that your restoration lies not in the hands of man, but ultimately in the hands of your Savior.
You have been planning your course; you’ve lined up the surgeon, researched the possibilities and have even gone so far as to plan your post-operative arrangements. Now, let God take control and direct your steps.
Wrap up today's devotional by answering the following questions: What are your fears? What are you trying to control?
Then take some time to reflect on Proverbs 16:9 and let it encourage you as you step into the unknown. Trust the Lord to direct your steps during this process of restoration through surgery.0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 122: 1-9
Commentary Thoughts
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 122:1–9
David proclaimed the joy of seeing God’s people gathered at the house of the Lord and in the city of Jerusalem. He also prayed for the peace and prosperity of the city (v. 7).
As you pray Psalm 122, remember the unity (Ps 133:1; Eph 4:3) shared by believers from all times and places. We find joy in being together in the house of the Lord (vv. 1, 4).
Consider Paul’s description of Jerusalem above (Gal 4:26).
Today, many of our sisters and brothers are suffering without the peace (v. 122:8) that will one day be ours in the heavenly city. Pray for sisters and brothers in need of Christ’s peace.0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 123
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 123:1–4
As pilgrims walking toward the heavenly Jerusalem, we know who we are.
We are servants following Jesus, who suffered and died on our behalf (Isa 53). We are servants waiting to hear the Lord’s Word so we can joyfully obey.
The psalmist described our relationship with God using the metaphor of a maid looking to her mistress for directions and provisions. We are focused not on our own glory but on obeying the Lord’s Word.
We are servants attending to the divine Word. Make Psalm 123 your prayer today, and ask the Lord to help you fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:1−2).0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 124
Commentary Thoughts:
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 124:1–8
David pondered what life would be like without God in this short psalm. He concluded that the Israelites would have been devoured by their enemies (v. 3), just for starters.
Yet following God is not risk-free. Jesus told His disciples that following Him would include suffering and sorrows (John 15:20–21; 16:33).
But His way is also the path to joy, peace, and life (John 10:10).
As we live in alignment with God, we know that He is our deliverer (v. 8).
Without the Lord, we would have remained in darkness.
As you pray through this psalm, give thanks and praise to the Lord for the many ways He has delivered you.0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 126
Commentary Thoughts
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 126:1–6
This psalm focuses on the Israelites who returned to Jerusalem from exile (v. 1).
Although their suffering had been severe, the return to Jerusalem was filled with joy.
The psalmist compared this return to a farmer who sowed seed in tears only to experience great joy in the harvest.
Likewise, if you seem to be experiencing a time of exile, remember that God will lead you to a harvest of joy (vv. 5−6).
Ask God to help you persevere until that day comes.0 -
Bible Reading:
Psalm 127
Key Verses:
Verses 1 and 2
Commentary Thoughts
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 127:1–2
Solomon, the author of this psalm, said that it is futile to work without God. Men and women can work with passion and integrity, but if God does not sustain them, the outcomes will not last. Solomon wrote extensively on this topic in the Book of Ecclesiastes. He described humankind’s life on earth as “futile, like chasing the wind!” (Eccl 1:14).
But all work offered to God is useful (1 Cor 15:58).
Today, ask the Lord to speak to you about your work. Have you asked God to build with you?0 -
Bible Reading:
Psalm 128
Commentary Thoughts
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 128:1–6
Sometimes called the Marriage Song, Psalm 128 has been associated with weddings for centuries. Christian marriage builds on this rich legacy. Those desiring to flourish in their marriage can meditate on this psalm (in addition to studying other Scriptures about marriage).
According to the psalmist, wisdom for marriage and family begins with the fear of the Lord (v. 4).
A marriage blessed by the Lord is one in which a husband and wife choose to walk in the Lord’s ways (v. 1).
Pray for the marriages in your sphere of influence. Ask that these marriages know the blessing and peace of the Lord (vv. 1, 4−6).0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 129
Scripture Thoughts
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 129:1–2
A life of faith in God is like a pilgrimage that requires a lifetime of obedience. Storms and enemies are plentiful on the way. Perhaps this is why Paul wrote that one fruit of the Holy Spirit is patience (Gal 5:22). Patience is related to other biblical virtues, such as endurance, perseverance, faithfulness, and self-control.
Psalm 129 provides words for prayer when we need to persevere despite hate and opposition.
Ask God to give you the patience to wait for His solutions to your problems.
Pray that you will be faithful in affliction.0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 130
Commentary Thoughts
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 130:1–8
Psalm 130 is for people struggling in their souls, perhaps with sin (vv. 1–2). It is a confession song similar to Psalm 51. Like David, who prayed Psalm 40, this psalmist had wandered from God and fallen into the depths (v. 1). From where will help come? The psalmist called out to God, trusting in His forgiveness (v. 4).
We have a High Priest who forgives our sins and has made a way for us to relate with the Father.
As you pray through this psalm, place your hope in Jesus and wait for Him (vv. 5−8).0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 131
Commentary Thoughts
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 131:1–2
Those whom God pulls from the pit (Ps 130:1) remember their salvation. They recognize that they would still be stuck in their sin without God. For this reason, in this psalm, David said he did not have a prideful heart (v. 1). He did not consume himself with topics that were beyond his understanding.
As David said, the outcome of that humility is inner rest, a calm and quiet soul (v. 2).
Meditate on this psalm, asking God to give you rest in His grace.0 -
Bible Reading:
Psalm 132
Commentary Thoughts:
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 132:1–18
Psalm 132 draws attention to God and His people. Christians often pray this psalm concerning Christ, the chosen King (v. 17), and His kingdom.
In the Old Testament, the temple in Jerusalem was considered the Lord’s dwelling place (vv. 5, 7−8, 13−14).
The church is the foretaste of Christ’s kingdom on earth, and the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer (John 16:13–15; 2 Tim 1:14).
Ask God to help you live each day in alignment with the Holy Spirit, enjoying the presence of God and bearing fruit for Him (Gal 5:22–26).
Pray that you would represent Jesus well in your community.0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 133
Commentary Thoughts
PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 133:1–3
Psalm 133 is a prayer for unity. Kingdom people are filled with the Holy Spirit. They follow Jesus and seek the glory of the Father. At the heart of this is the pursuit of unity (v. 1).
The psalmist likened unity to anointing oil running down the beard and clothing of a priest and the dew running down a mountain.
Perhaps the psalmist was saying unity is a gift descending from God alone. Jesus also spoke about the importance of unity among believers as a central element of the gospel message in the world (John 17:20–23).
Pray for the unity of the church.0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 134
Commentary PRAYING SCRIPTURE
Psalm 134:1–3
The final stage of the journey, the last Song of Ascent in the Psalms, the final word that is spoken, is the same for all Zion’s pilgrims: bless.
Pilgrims praise the Lord because they have experienced the Lord’s blessings.
How has the Lord blessed you?
There is no need to wait until the journey’s end to heed your blessings.
Begin your prayer by praising the Lord for who He is and His loyal love.
Bless Him by living a godly life in deep relationship with Him.
Praise Him from your soul (vv. 1–2).
0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 23:4
Jeremiah 29:11
Joshua 1:9
John 10:10
Commentary Thoughts
Through The Valley
Fear can be crippling. It can hold us back from fully embracing the life that God desires for all of us. He desires for us to have much more than a life of fear, worry and anxiety.
“Do not be anxious about anything,” Philippians, chapter 4, tells us, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We can rest in the truth that God has gone before us, He is behind us and He is always with us. He does not send us into battle unprepared and alone. In every situation, we know that he has already prepared the outcome.
We can take comfort that He walks with us through the valley. He doesn’t send us in, only to abandon us halfway through. And he doesn’t appear at the end, having left us alone through the entire process. He is with us through every step of the way.
His plan is good and perfect, and He desires only the best for us. But He requires our trust. Even when we are unsure of the outcome. Even when we are afraid the recovery may be painful. Even when we’re scared to go under the knife. He is with us through it all.
Spend some time reflecting and writing down who or what your trust is in. Then pray that you would be able to fully trust God and His plan for you.0 -
Bible Reading
Mark 2:1-12
1 Corinthians 2:5
Proverbs 3: 5-6
Commentary Thoughts
The Lord Who Heals
In Mark 2, we read the story of Jesus and the paralyzed man. Jesus, while visiting his home in Capernaum, finds himself face-to-face with a paralyzed man being lowered down to him on a mat from up above.
Unable to get to Jesus through the large crowds, the paralytic man’s friends creatively dug a hole in the roof and lowered him down on a mat.
This story reveals the ultimate trust both the paralytic man and his friends in had in Jesus. They had heard the rumors of his miraculous healings and trusted that their friend could be one of those healings. While your friends may not have had to pull up shingles in the doctor’s office to lower you down, there’s no doubt that you have a had a whirlwind of an experience preparing for this surgery.
The paralytic was not a doctor, or at least as far as we know. He had proved unsuccessful so far in finding a cure to his ailment. He had to live in faith that someone with more knowledge than he would come along with an answer to his illness.
This man would have never experienced this healing had he not trusted in his friends to get him to the Healer. He trusted the Lord by trusting his friends. And like the paralytic, we, as patients, have to trust the Lord by trusting our surgeons to bring us physical healing.
But in the end, true healing comes from Christ, and Christ alone. This temporary, physical restoration may seem like it lies in the hands of doctors and surgeons, but our one true healing can only be trusted in the hands of God.
Reflect on what healing means to you.
How are you trusting God to be your ultimate Healer?0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 27:1
Deuteronomy 31:8
Isaiah 54:10
Isaiah 40:31
Exodus 14:14
Commentary Thoughts
God’s Promises
Over the past few days, we’ve walked through fear of the unknown, living by God’s plan and not our own, persevering through the valley and trusting in our one true Healer.
As your surgery day approaches, dive into the questions below. And hold to the truth that our physical bodies are only temporary. We can look forward to the day of our perfect, eternal restoration.
What are your fears?
Will God be with you through this surgery?
How has God prepared you for this surgery?
As you finish out this pre-operative devotional, remember that God is always with you. He will be with you during this surgery and after this surgery. Do not put your faith in human hands, but in the perfect hands of the Father.
As you close out this devotional, end with this prayer:
"Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness. I trust you and your perfect plan. I release control to you for your perfect will to be done. Although I may be scared to enter this journey, I thank you for leading me through the valley, every step of the way. Thank you for being my ultimate Healer."
Read the today's verses and reflect upon what they have to say about God’s promises.0 -
Bible Reading
Genesis 1:5
Isaiah 40:25
Genesis 1:9-25
Commentary Thoughts:
The name Elohim reveals God’s uniqueness. In Genesis 1:1-5, Elohim initiates the beginning point of all creation, and the progress of time only exists as Elohim commands it:
“God called the light day and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day” (Genesis 1:5).
Additionally, Elohim creates both the spaces of the heavens and the earth and then fills them with the matter of created things (land, vegetation, living creatures, etc.—Genesis 1:9-25).
As such, Elohim, the all-powerful creator, exists beyond time, space, and matter and is not subject to the limitations of His created things.
Elohim exists in another dimension from the world that He created, and, without qualification, He can proclaim, “To whom then will you liken Me that I would be his equal?” (Isaiah 40:25).
0 -
Bible Reading
Genesis 1:1-2
John 1:2-3
Colossians 1:16
Genesis 1:27
Commentary Thoughts:
The name Elohim reveals God’s personhood. “Elohim” is, in the Hebrew language, the plural of the singular word for God, “El.” The name Elohim thus signifies a plurality of persons within this one powerful creator God.
In Genesis 1:1, it is Elohim who creates the heavens and the earth. In Genesis 1:2, the Spirit of God is also mentioned as being active in creation, as it moves over the surface of the waters.
The Gospel of John likewise instructs us that when God spoke the worlds into existence, the “Word” ordering creation was actually Christ who was with God in the beginning. All things came into being through Him (John 1:2-3). As the apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians,
“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth…all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).
What the plural name Elohim reveals to us is the Trinitarian definition of God as the one God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What this means for creation is that at the root of the personhood or identity of God is a being who has eternally existed in relationship and community.
When this Trinitarian God then forms the crowning achievement of His creation and the mirror image of His own identity as a man, God creates him for community: “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).0 -
Bible Reading
Hebrews 11:3
Luke 1:37
Genesis 1:2
Commentary Thoughts
The name Elohim reveals God’s power.
Throughout the first chapter of Genesis, we observe Elohim simply speaking all creation into existence. With just a word, mountains are formed, and galaxies of stars come into existence.
Even more astounding is the revelation in Hebrews 11:3 that says
“The worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”
In other words, unlike the creative genius of man who shapes and forms artistic works from already existing materials, God made the worlds from nothing. Christian theology has traditionally called this creation ex nihilo, the Latin for “creation out of nothing.”
This awesome display of power takes the formless void of Genesis 1:2 and creates a fully formed, self-perpetuating universe as a testament to His creative might.
Just like Mary responded when she was told that she would bear the Messiah as a virgin, whenever we are tempted to ask, “How can this be?”, we must recall this awesome, creative power of Elohim, reminding us, as the angel told Mary, that “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 119: 49-56
John 16: 32-33
Commentary Thoughts
DAY 1
Life hurts. And Jesus knew it would. He said, “In the world you will have tribulation ….” He didn’t say “you might” have troubles and difficulties. Jesus said you and I will have pain, hurt, and struggles.
Sin has made its mark on society in such a dominant way that its repercussions and reverberations are felt everywhere.
I understand firsthand what this type of compounded pain feels like. I know what it is to face one tragedy after another until you begin to dread the next day, simply because you don’t know the bad news it may bring.
In a span of less than two years, I lost my brother, my only sister, my sister’s husband, two of my nieces, my father and my wife all to health issues of one kind or another. At the same time, both of my daughters received cancer diagnoses and had growing health concerns which were thankfully treated, and they have since recovered from them.
But as you can see, I don’t speak from a theological position of platitudes on pain. I am writing to you from my heart.
When I talk to you about pain, I’m not telling you solely what is on my mind or what I have studied on the subject. I am telling you what works and what doesn’t, addressing it from my experiences. To face life’s difficulties with dignity and come out the other side with grace is one of our greatest challenges we are given on earth.
My prayer is that as we walk through Scripture together through the devotions this week, you will be better equipped to do just that.
0 -
Bible Reading
Psalm 119:49-56
John 16:32-33
Commentary Thoughts
DAY 1
Life hurts. And Jesus knew it would. He said, “In the world you will have tribulation ….” He didn’t say “you might” have troubles and difficulties. Jesus said you and I will have pain, hurt, and struggles.
Sin has made its mark on society in such a dominant way that its repercussions and reverberations are felt everywhere.
I understand firsthand what this type of compounded pain feels like. I know what it is to face one tragedy after another until you begin to dread the next day, simply because you don’t know the bad news it may bring.
In a span of less than two years, I lost my brother, my only sister, my sister’s husband, two of my nieces, my father and my wife all to health issues of one kind or another. At the same time, both of my daughters received cancer diagnoses and had growing health concerns which were thankfully treated, and they have since recovered from them.
But as you can see, I don’t speak from a theological position of platitudes on pain. I am writing to you from my heart.
When I talk to you about pain, I’m not telling you solely what is on my mind or what I have studied on the subject. I am telling you what works and what doesn’t, addressing it from my experiences.
To face life’s difficulties with dignity and come out the other side with grace is one of our greatest challenges we are given on earth.
My prayer is that as we walk through Scripture together through the devotions this week, you will be better equipped to do just that.0 -
Bible Reading
Exodus 16:1-6
Genesis 50:19-21
Commentary Thoughts:
DAY 2
The promise of God’s Word has never been a guarantee from pain and trouble. It has always been a promise to be experienced in the hurt itself. God does manifest His victory on our behalf oftentimes by removing the challenge or bringing us through it, but not until He has developed us in it.
The great danger in this spiritual adventure called life is that while you and I are passing through the wilderness, we may want to go back to Egypt, like the Israelites who sought to return to slavery rather than face the hardships at hand.
Or, another danger comes in the desire to loiter in the wilderness and become unproductive. That is often a result of feeling stuck or not knowing where you are going.
You may wind up doing nothing in living out your destiny because you are so discouraged by what you are facing and have no energy left to commit to your calling.
As a pastor, I wish I could in good faith and in good conscience tell you that if you come to Jesus, it won’t rain. You won’t have pain. Nothing will hurt, and life will be a cakewalk.
I wish I could tell you that if you have faith in God and choose to obey Him, serve Him and love Him you will have no troubles.
It would make my job a lot easier as a pastor if I could tell you those things. But it would also make me a liar because those things are simply not true.
My role as a spiritual leader in a world rife with pain is to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The reason I must do this is because only the Truth will set you free (John 8:32).0