Wrong Direction?

 

1 Kings 8:24

Wrong Direction?

 

In the devotion entitled “Wrong Direction?”  In the book by Charles Stanley “God’s Purpose for Your Life” He says, “When God makes a promise to us, at times it will feel like he has us running in the wrong direction to take hold of it.  This is on purpose, to grow our character and stretch our faith.” 

In 1 Kings 8:24 the Bible says “You have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him.  You spoke with your mouth, and with you hand have fulfilled it this day” (ESV).

David was anointed king, but it was literally decades later that he became king.  In those years he went through many struggles and dangers that no doubt prepared him to trust God no matter what the circumstances.

Here in this text, his son Solomon is dedicating the temple.  In the midst of this wonderful prayer he says these words in verse 24. God is true to his word and keeps his promises. 

Today you might be in the midst of circumstances that seem to be leading you away from what you think God is calling you to do and has promised.  Be of good cheer you are in good company, like King David.  You are not on a detour and you are not off track if you are being obedient to what God has told you to do, no matter the circumstances. 

As you obey him he is building the character in you that is essential for where he is leading you.

 

 

  

 

Reflection on the celebration of the Lord's Supper in Prayer

 

Reflection on the celebration of the Lord’s Supper 

 

In 1 Corinthians 11:26 the Bible says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

As we join together in prayer it is that Savior to whom we pray.

Who paid the price for your sins, mine, for even a lost world who is far from him.

Who rose from the dead and is alive today

He reigns and rules from the right hand of the Father.

He is coming again as conquering King.

He is the Savior we celebrated around the table Sunday.

He is the Savior we meet in prayer as his people tonight.

God's Word

 

Isaiah 40:8

                                                        God’s Word                                        

 

We are living in a time of change, unrest, and uncertainty.  It is good to know that during such times we have some things that never change.  God’s Word never changes, and God will accomplish what he says he will do in his Word. 

 

This morning I have found great comfort in Isaiah 40:8, so I wanted to share it with you.

 

Isaiah 40:8

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (ESV).

 

I urge you today as you pray to take time to meditate on and thank God that his word never changes.

 

 

Praying with Open Hands (Chapel for Thomas Sumter for January 6, 2021)

 

Praying with Open Hands

 

Matthew 6:5 Jesus begins a section on prayer with these words, “And when you pray.”

 

So prayer is a central part of being a follower of Jesus.

We pray at our meals

We pray before we go to bed

Maybe your teacher leads you in prayer

Maybe your Mom or Dad leads you in prayer

Your pastor may lead you in prayer or your Sunday School teacher.

 

Public prayer is a wonderful way as we talk with God together

 

But you can pray also.  You can pray individually.  You can pray silently.  You can pray sentence prayers throughout the day.  You can speak to God just like we are talking right now.

Jesus encouraged us to have a place and time of prayer.

I have several places in my house that are quiet that I can pray.

·         In the family room early in the morning.

·         In my bedroom I have a chair and a quiet place.

·         In my study at home.

I want to encourage you to talk with God every day. 

I would like to encourage you to begin each day when you get up by just telling God you love him and thanking him for the day.

You see he loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.

 

I read recently about an international missionary.  An International missionary is a person who lives outside of our country and shares the gospel with a group of people who live in that particular country. 

She said that a friend of hers taught her to start each day by praying first thing in the morning with her hands open.  (Everyone open your hands).

The reason she does that, is that her hands open represents her desire to receive everything the Lord has for her that day.

 

Wow!  Isn’t that great!  How about starting each day that way?  God loves you and has so much he gives and wants to give you each day.  What a way to start the day.

Jesus said it in another place Matthew 7:7-8. 

Listen to these verses as we close our time today!

 

 

 

Yesterday

 

Yesterday

 

It has been a tough stretch for my Mom and our family since Christmas day.  Mom went by ambulance to the emergency room only to be sent back home.  Since then Stephanie and I have been trying to give some relief to my sister, Tammy, my brother-in-law, Phil and our niece, Bethany.  Mom lives across the street from them in a small house.  If it was not for Tammy, Phil and Bethany, Mom would be in a nursing home.  In fact they provided her the care of assisted living and so much more.

Mom has been back and forth to the doctor and to have test and lab work done.  She is so weak that I literally have to use all the strength I have to get her in the car.

Last night Stephanie and I were heading home after her appointment late that afternoon.  I have bad eyesight and night vision issues.  To finish the day off, I backed into a ditch on the other side of the road from my sister’s house. 

We were stuck literally in the middle of a dark country road.  Thankful for family and good neighbors and a young man with a 4 wheel drive vehicle who pulled the back tires of my truck out of the ditch and we were on our way.

I am so thankful for God’s love and care, for a caring neighbor and a wonderful family.

In the midst of this season, God is really good!

 

Happy New Year

 

Happy New Year (January 1,  2021)

 

 

I read recently of an international missionary who was taught by a dear friend to begin each day praying with her hands open to express a yearning to receive everything the Lord has for that day.

As we begin a new year I would like to urge you to begin this year and each day of 2021 praying with your hands open yearning to receive everything the Lord has for you each day.

We love and serve a Savoir who has a plan and purpose for our lives. He is a God who delights in answering the prayers of his children.

 

Psalm 147:5 says, “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure” (ESV).