Daily Devotion

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

It’s OK to ask for help. In fact many times help is needed by you and expected by God. Your heavenly Father desires deeply to help His children. He can’t wait to be there for you. But, to benefit from the help of God, we have to look up. We look up from the mess and mire of our circumstances and see God extend His comfort and security. We look up from our financial debacle and hear God say, “Don’t worry, I will provide for you.” We look up from our relational quagmire, and God pours out His forgiveness and longs for a deeper and more intimate relationship with us.

We can and should do the same for others. When we look up out of our prosperity and see that God is there, it helps us remain grateful for and generous with His blessings. Heavenly help starts by looking up and recognizing that almighty God is available, seated in glory, awaiting our engagement. He is the creator of the galaxies, yet He is ever ready to help you. Nothing is too small or insignificant for the compassion of God. He cares about His creation. As your Creator, He is responsible for your well-being.

He wants to help. He wants to provide peace where there is turmoil. His presence is calming when there is chaos. His Holy Spirit is your helper. He will lead, convict and comfort you, all at the same time. There are no capacity issues with the Holy Spirit. He is 100% involved at all times for the followers of Jesus Christ. It is simply a matter of our tapping into His tremendous resources. Look up before it is too late. Look up while He can still be found. Heaven is waiting to help.

God has divine insomnia. He never sleeps or slumbers. He is always there to listen and guide you. His “help desk” is open 24/7. Imagine calling on God in the middle of the night. The midnight call to God does not encounter a prolonged ring, a disgruntled customer service representative or voice mail. Your 911 call to God receives the calm and loving assurance of your heavenly Father immediately. He is available and yearns to help in any way He can. Just as every good parent wants to help his child, so does your heavenly Father—times ten. Moms and dads are the first to administer medicine to their sick children, defend their disenfranchised son or daughter, and celebrate their accomplishments. They are there to help.

This is a reminder not to discount God’s earthly help agents. The Body of Christ is available to help you. You have helped others all these years, and now you are in a stage of great need. Do not allow your pride to keep you quiet. Your brothers and sisters of faith need to understand your fate. You are hypocritical to put on the guise of normalcy when all hell is breaking loose in your life.

It actually is a great encouragement to your caregivers to understand that their helper has needs too. You are not immune to the help of people. In fact, your availability for help will bless others in ways that you cannot imagine. Let God help first and let His children help second. It is a divine process that rallies the troops in heaven and on earth. You are not alone. Allow help to minister to you, and one day you will do the same. Help is on the way!

Taken from Dose 87 in the 90-day devotional book, “Infusion”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

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“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.   Exodus 13:17-18

Shortcuts are seductive because they are appealing and inviting. Shortcuts caress our pride, stroke our ego, and garner immediate gratification. We sometimes seek shortcuts while driving, preparing for school exams, career advancement, marriage maturity, parenting skills, financial success, and spiritual development. Shortcuts are attractive to your clever side because you think that with enough ingenuity and smarts you can bypass the normal rite of passage. However, the downside of shortcuts is that their promise of a faster way may be short-circuiting God’s best. Just because it is easier does not qualify it as the will of God. In fact, ease of execution may be evidence against God’s will.

Instead, a season of suffering may be His plan (1 Peter 4:19). So, do not depend on circumstances alone as the compass of where God is leading you. You may feel pressure from people, pride, politics, or finances to take the most expedient route. But be careful because expedience can be an excuse for the impatient and the distrusting. If you miss this opportunity there will be others, for God is much bigger than this one deal. Do not underestimate His wisdom in taking you through this laborious and sometimes painful process. It will be worth the wait because it is the process that is preparing you for His next steps. If you rush through the process you may miss God’s best.
   
Many times, He is unconventional in His approach. This is the nature of God, for He will not be hemmed in or backed into a corner. Cut God some slack by giving Him the latitude to lead you however and wherever He desires. Just because a friend of yours went down a similar road does not mean you should follow. God’s will for you may be just the opposite. One thing is for sure: He will get the glory when you are patient to follow Him in trust and obedience. God’s glory is your goal (1 Corinthians 10:31).
   
Since the glory of God is your objective, keep God’s glory as your litmus test, and your other initiatives will take care of themselves. The shortcut is tempting, but it may be more complicated than you can comprehend for now. Its complexity will certainly compound if you have to backtrack from the shortcut and start all over again. It is much better to wait and do this once and for all.

There will certainly be adjustments along the way, but have faith in God that He is facilitating His will even if some of your questions remain unanswered. He’s got your back even though the enemy may be breathing down your neck whispering words of doubt. God is in control. It is much better to take the longer route with God than the shorter one without Him. Travel instead on the proven path of Providence. Faith in Christ rejects seductive shortcuts.

Taken from March 2nd reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

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“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Every follower of Jesus Christ is free to forgive, because they have been set free. Freedom to forgive is not an allusive opportunity in which only the super spiritual saints participate. In fact, it is more the natural disposition for the normal Christian life. People of faith who don’t extend forgiveness to all masquerade their own forgiveness.

A lost world watches a disciple of Jesus forgive and wonders how they can experience that same freedom. Indeed, effective evangelism follows a forgiving lifestyle. It is unconventional and unnatural to not hold a grudge or remain bitter toward a person who has violated the moral rights of another—especially a victim of an unscrupulous authority. But a mature believer lets go of hurt and lets God heal and deal with the offender. 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

Who has hurt you? Has an ex-spouse, a callous coach, an irresponsible relative, or an arch enemy kept you defensive and distant, because of their harsh actions? Maybe you are stuck in a crazy cycle, in a career that seems to be a dead end road where you verge on rage, as desperate feelings fog your faith. However, forgiveness finds its way out of a heart that has been harnessed by faith. So—forgive—as God has forgiven you.

Christ followers are fully capable of forgiveness or they would not be Christ followers. In fact, your experience of forgiveness with your heavenly Father is contingent on your forgiveness of others. Are you a believer in Jesus who is in bondage for refusing to forgive? His sweet freedom awaits you, as you appropriate mercy and pity toward another’s pride. Hardhearted arrogance melts in the face of humble love and service.

Thus, seek out those who have not sought you and see to it that they feel forgiven and loved by you. Picture in prayer your Lord Jesus forgiving others whose language of forgiveness is foreign to their lips. Those who have not tasted the forgiveness of God do not know any better—they remain in bondage—but you who are freed by Him do. Christ’s love liberates—His forgiveness sets free, so you are free indeed to do the same.

“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” Hebrews 9:15

Who needs ongoing forgiveness from me, so they can see the love of Christ in action?

Related Readings: Genesis 50:17; Matthew 18:35; Mark 11:25; Luke 23:34; Romans 8:2

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“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

The Kingdom of God is recession proof, because the economy of God is based on the character of God. His commerce is not measured by man’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), but by God’s Divine Provision. As we pray, “Your kingdom come”, our concern with productivity will be surpassed by the acceleration of His kingdom. God gains momentum, as man gets his eye off his earthly kingdom and onto the Kingdom of Heaven. Economic decline and distress are opportunities for God’s global advancement.

Indeed, Christ’s influence is counter-intuitive to a culture caught up in commerce, only to see its net worth evaporate into the thin air of materialism. Our fiscal slowdown is a prime time for the Lord’s Prayer to be answered, as it speeds up His kingdom’s progress. The gospel of Christ goes forth in prosperous periods, but it is especially appealing during difficult days. Don’t waste a recession; it is reason to reach out and represent Jesus well.

 “Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.” Nehemiah 9:32

Recessionary days are the right time for you to make things right in relationships. Reach out to those who, for whatever reason, are disconnected and distant. They may have been humbled by horrific financial failings, but now they are open to forgiveness and faith. Be the hands and feet of Jesus; go to them with a listening ear and caring heart. Christians were created to care during seasons of suffering. Perhaps you invite a loved one to live in your home. Consider a Bible study at work over lunch, to study God’s perspective in the wise management of money.

Feed the poor, care for the sick, connect the unemployed, be a generous giver, and all the while share Christ’s gospel of repentance and faith. Use this time of discomfort to bring comfort, and pray for those in pain to be healed. Above all else, invite and introduce to Jesus, those who have a fresh interest in heaven’s agenda. The Kingdom of God is robust, reassuring, and resourceful during recessionary days. Thus, reach out to the weary for rest.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, NASB).

Who has been displaced and discouraged in economic down times that I can reach out to on Christ’s behalf?

Related Readings: Daniel 7:13-27; Zechariah 9:9; Colossians 1:9-13; Hebrews 10:7-36

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“The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.” Proverbs 3:33

What type of home does the Lord bless? He blesses a home that trusts Him, and does right, as God defines right. A home that prioritizes the implementation of heaven’s agenda on earth, He blesses. A home that builds up, rather than tears down, He blesses. A home that humbly reads Scripture together, and seeks to personally apply its truth, He blesses.

A home that prays together, plays together, worships together, and serves together, He blesses. “God bless our home” is a wise prayer for a family of faith. Even if your home is more like hell than heaven, you can still make a significant difference. Let your light of love shine in service to undeserving family members, and your Heavenly Father will draw them unto Himself. God blesses a home shingled with unselfish service.

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

You may be the spiritual leader of the home, but you do not have the confidence to lead in religious matters. Yet there is hope. First of all, keep it simple by spending individual time alone with the Lord. Take what He is teaching you in His word, and transfer it to your family. If you are learning humility, read a Bible verse about the humble, and share a recent humbling experience from your life.

God blesses a leader in the home who is authentic and transparent. Family members can relate to your real struggles, instead of perceived perfection. The home is heaven’s hospital for healing, encouragement, and accountability. Make Christianity work at home, and then you have the creditability of a God blessed model to export it into the church and community. Christ shows contempt for the house of sinners, but blesses the home of wise saints.

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3

How, by God’s grace, can I make our home a haven of rest and righteous behavior?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 28:2-68; Malachi 2:2; Matthew 12:43-45; Acts 16:29-34

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“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Sin that man covers, Christ will uncover. Sin that man uncovers, Christ will cover. He covers it with His love. Shame seeks to hide unseemly behavior from heaven, but a loving Savior brings grace to feelings of disgrace. It is better to quickly reveal to God what He already knows. Admission is healing. Sin that is concealed compounds its cruel consequences, but immediate confession and renouncement lessens its unholy effects.

Like sodium contributes to rising blood pressure, so sin contributes to a sick and sad heart. However, the remedy of walking in humility brings down the demon of disillusioned living and replaces it with peaceful wisdom. A clear conscience has clarity in the ways of God. Sin ignored is a silent killer of relational intimacy, but sin laid bare finds mercy.

“Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” Daniel 4:27

Is there a hidden sin that haunts you? Perhaps flirtation has crept into your mind and emotions for someone other than your spouse. Online forays into places that provide short-term satisfaction have created long-term dissatisfaction. A hidden sin can be failing to disclose all the information in a deal or relationship for fear of rejection. These deceptive delights turn sour to our souls when exposed to the light of the Lord’s love and holiness.

When we bow before the glowing glory of God, our motives and concealed sins are exposed. Like a freshly fileted fish, the glory of God is able to gut slimy sin from the belly of our bad behavior. The degree of our indiscretions determine the depth of our pain, but far better to come clean with Christ than to live a lie in silent suffering. So, bow in humble confession and genuine repentance—as His glory and mercy make you whole.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

What unhealthy habit or hidden sin does the Lord want me to confess and renounce?

Related Readings: Ezekiel 14:6; Daniel 4:27; Acts 14:15; 2 Corinthians 4:2

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“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Strongholds are Satan’s attempt to strangle spiritual life out of the saints of God. The enemy is not slack in his attacks; indeed he is always on the prowl to pronounce judgment and dispense shame. Some of his strategic strongholds are pride, addiction, and self-absorption. He sucks in a susceptible heart and a wandering mind with alluring sin. The devil builds a faithless fortress and launches missiles of doubt with false ideologies.

How do strongholds take hold and grow in our life? Ironically, a strength can become a stronghold. Healthy confidence drifts into arrogance. The gift of discernment grows into a judgmental attitude. The discipline to work out regularly and eat right becomes an obsession that consumes every minute of our discretionary time. The goal to get ahead financially grows into greed and a sense of superiority. A strength can be a stronghold.

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

The Lord is good—Satan is bad. The Lord clarifies—Satan confuses. The Lord offers freedom—Satan enlists bondage. The Lord gives grace—Satan pours on guilt. The Lord forgives—Satan shames. The Lord creates contentment—Satan drives for more. The Lord loves people—Satan hates people. The Lord wants what’s best for you—Satan wants what’s worse for you. The Lord gives—Satan takes.

It takes divine power to pull down and demolish strongholds. Your savior Jesus has overcome and destroyed Satan’s strongholds. Start by faith to replace any destructive strongholds with the Lord as your stronghold. Replace the stronghold of alcohol abuse with the stronghold of the Lord’s sobriety. Substitute the stronghold of anger with Almighty God’s stronghold of patient forgiveness. Divine strongholds defeat Satan’s. Trust in the Lord tears down demonic strongholds and erects His faithful fortress.

“The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7, NKJV

What single stronghold do I need to demolish by faith and replace with the Lord’s?

Related Readings: Psalm 9:9; 27:1; 37:39; Lamentations 2:2-5

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“This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.”  Revelation 13:10b

Patient endurance is not easy, but many times it is necessary. If you change jobs every two years, ten times in a row, you do not have twenty years of work experience. You have two years of work experience in ten different places. So, make sure that you learn what God intends for you to learn where you are, before you move on. This is one of Satan’s ploys. His desire is to keep you reactive to life, accompanied by a shallow faith.

Your faith has the opportunity to go deep when you stay somewhere for a while, but your faith remains shallow when you run from resistance. Resistance is a faith builder. When you are pressed against by life (what sometimes seems from all sides), you have the opportunity for growth. This is where patient endurance can serve you well. Patient endurance says that I will stay in this marriage, because it is for better or for worse. I will allow God to change me for the better, and I will trust Him to do the same for my spouse over time.
 
Indeed, patient endurance is able to outwait and sometimes outlive its accusers. Accusers come and go. If they do not get the reaction or desired response from you, they will move on to some other unprotected prey. So, by faith, “out-endure” your enemies. There will always be someone who does not like you. Don’t think you can appease everyone; this is not possible or healthy. Appeasement may grant concessions that come back to haunt you. It is one thing to negotiate with those who represent a spirit of good will but it is a whole other deal to compromise with someone who is totally at odds with your values and principles. Be willing to walk away. It is not worth it to do business with an enraged enemy.

Patient endurance is illustrated throughout the Bible. Jesus patiently endured the cross. He patiently endured His critics and, ultimately, He more than restored His reputation when He proved His claims by His resurrected life. David patiently endured the fallout from his adultery and murder. He had pushed himself to the point of totally turning his back on God, but, instead, he turned back to God and became a broken and humbled leader.

Joseph, also, patiently endured the ridicule and jealousy of his family members.
Their injustice drove his faith in God deeper and broader. His patient endurance during the horrific injustice of his imprisonment led to his godly influence over a kingdom. Hannah patiently endured her inability to bear children. Her faithfulness to God during barrenness was a testimony of encouragement to friends, family and a nation. Her womb was empty, but her faith was pregnant with God possibilities.

Therefore, do not be tempted to take the easy way out. The easy way, many times, is not the best way. Yes, there is a time to cut your losses, but only after you have patiently endured and exhausted your options People are watching how you “do life.” So, use your influence to help others patiently endure their situations. Faithfulness, when you don’t feel like it, is evidence of a maturing faith. You may be on the verge of experiencing God’s very best.

However, do not confuse procrastination with patient endurance. Patient endurance is active and productive. It is not misguided, apathetic or irresponsible waiting. It is daily depending on and seeking God for His best. Therefore, patiently endure for God’s sake and for the sake of others. Heavenly rewards await those who patiently endure. Moreover, your faith will never be the same!

Taken from Dose 86 in the 90-day devotional book, “Infusion”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

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“Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.” Genesis 25:21

A praying husband appeals to the Lord for the sake of his wife. He bombards heaven on behalf of his bride with big things, like having babies, and he is consistent in praying for his wife everyday for important matters such as peace and security. Prayer is one of God’s select weapons that a husband can wield in defense of his woman. God has called you to be the spiritual warrior of your home, and prayer is your first line of defense. If prayer is compromised, then you have no air support from your heavenly Father. Without prayer covering your home and wife, you and your family are open to blistering assaults from the devil and his demons.

So pray for God’s hedge of protection (Job 1:10). The strategy of the stealth enemy is to keep you busy with only a token of prayer on your breath. An overly active man is probably a prayerless man; a man consumed with his own deal is probably a prayerless man; a man absorbed by pride is probably a prayerless man; a man who serves a small God is probably a prayerless man; a man angry at his wife is probably a prayerless man. A husband whose prayers are hindered is a man who knows he needs to pray for his wife, but doesn’t. He is a man powerless as a spiritual leader (1 Peter 3:7).
   
Prayer for your wife leads you to forgive your wife; prayer for your wife leads you to love your wife; and prayer for your wife leads to the abundant life. You cannot pray for your wife and stay mad at her. You cannot pray for your wife and not want to hang out with her, for prayer facilitates intimacy. Prayer changes your heart and hers. Therefore, agree together to schedule a time just to pray (1 Corinthians 7:5), for prayer unleashes the resources and the blessings of God. Satan shudders at the thought of a praying husband. A husband will win the battle for his family if he fights the enemy on his knees. It is a posture of desperation for God that brings victory and reconciliation. Husbands, prayer is your most potent marriage resource.
   
Therefore, get on your knees and do not get up until you have persevered in prayer for your helpmate. Courageously cry out to God on her behalf. Pray for her inner beauty to be reflected in her gorgeous countenance. Pray for her to feel God’s love and security. Pray for her to feel your love, support, and respect. Pray for her to be at peace with God, herself, and you. Pray for her to forgive herself and to love herself. Pray for her to have wisdom and discernment as a wife and a mom. Pray for her to love God and hate sin.

As you pray, see her as God sees her. She is a child of God, and, in Christ, she is holy and acceptable. Thank God for your wife and thank Him for her love for you. Thank Him for her unselfish service. Thank Him that she puts up with your idiosyncrasies. Pray for your wife that she will receive spiritual nourishment from God’s Word and spiritual leadership from you. Pray for her daily and deliberately. Pray for her when you are happy, and pray for her when you are sad. However, hang on, because as you pray, neither of you will ever be the same. Prayer for your wife is profitable; it solicits heaven on her behalf.

Taken from the February 25th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

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“Then He said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

Unexpected good news can take a sincere soul off guard, as much as bad news can. But it is in the pleasantness of the Lord’s comforting words that gratitude and joy are released. Emotion erupts in praise and thanksgiving when a “no” was expected, but a “yes” was lovingly communicated. Humility asks the Lord for His forgiving presence and love. Grateful and wise disciples request the Lord to remember them now and forever.

Sometimes we strive in uncertainty, ever wondering what’s next. We are tentative to get our hopes up, because we have seen hopeful expectations dashed into discouragement in the past. So, in some situations we find ourselves somewhat skeptical of positive outcomes. Guilt and disappointment jar the foundations of faith with profound persistence. But the Lord does not want to leave His children in suspense—He clarifies.

“Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths.” Psalm 25:4

Today by faith you can walk with Jesus. Your paradise lost on earth is gained back in Christ. During this brief finite time—as a committed follower of Jesus—you have the solid expectation of an abundant life. Health scares, a fractured family or economic turmoil can only test your faith, not destroy your trust in God. Whatever you face—turn face-to-face to Jesus and in humility request Him to remember you—He will and He does.
 
Your heavenly Father remembers your hard work and He praises you for your diligence. He remembers you in your pregnancy and like Mary, He has bestowed on you His favor. Christ remembers your need for companionship, thus He is orchestrating relationships within His body to bring you His helpmate. He remembers your milestones of love and grief, and He joins you to rejoice and mourn. He remembers you, so you can remember Him and remember others with unexpected good news. Faith expects the unexpected.

“You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” Isaiah 40:9

With what unexpected good news can I give God glory and humbly share it to encourage others?

Related Readings: 2 Kings 7:9; Proverbs 15:30; Mark 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:6

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