I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups. - Genesis 32:10
Jacob was afraid to return to his brother Esau so he prayed and asked God to save him. During his prayer he acknowledged that God had given him everything. That all the blessings he enjoyed we because of God's kindness and faithfulness.
It becomes much easier to trust God when we remember all the things He's already done for us. When we take the time regularly reflect back on the ways God has proven Himself to be faithful, then it becomes much easier to follow His direction- regardless of how fearful we might be.
Take a few minutes to reflect back on the ways God has shown himself faithful in your life.
Father, thank you for being so trustworthy and faithful. Thank you for being so consistent and true. My hope is in you. Increase my faith Lord, and I will follow you wherever you may lead me.
Richly Blessed,
Matt
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Through the Valley with God
"I am the God you met at Bethel, the place where you anointed the pillar of stone and made a vow to serve me. Now leave this country and return to the land you came from." Genesis 31:13 NLT
After twenty years in Paddan Aram, in exile after fleeing from Esau, God called Jacob to return home to the land of Promise. The journey home would involve at least two great obstacles. Escaping from his jealous and possessive father-in-law Laban and re-uniting with his brother Esau who had wanted to kill him the last time they were together. Yet in obedience to God Jacob set out for home, with his family and flocks, to the place where God intended to accomplish His purpose for the descendants of Abraham (Jacob's grandfather). God cleared the way for Jacob to safely leave Laban (see vv.24, 42) and God would clear the way for the reunion with Esau.
The call to do God's will is not always the call to the easy thing. Sometimes the path to God's will passes through many difficulties. But where God calls us to go He enables us to go. If we trust Him we will find that He helps us past the difficulties so that we may do His will. Is there a difficulty lying before you on the path of God's will today? Trust Him to see you through. "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4).
Father, help me to clearly hear Your call today and give me courage to follow You through the difficulties that may lie along my path. You are faithful and I will trust in Your great faithfulness.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
After twenty years in Paddan Aram, in exile after fleeing from Esau, God called Jacob to return home to the land of Promise. The journey home would involve at least two great obstacles. Escaping from his jealous and possessive father-in-law Laban and re-uniting with his brother Esau who had wanted to kill him the last time they were together. Yet in obedience to God Jacob set out for home, with his family and flocks, to the place where God intended to accomplish His purpose for the descendants of Abraham (Jacob's grandfather). God cleared the way for Jacob to safely leave Laban (see vv.24, 42) and God would clear the way for the reunion with Esau.
The call to do God's will is not always the call to the easy thing. Sometimes the path to God's will passes through many difficulties. But where God calls us to go He enables us to go. If we trust Him we will find that He helps us past the difficulties so that we may do His will. Is there a difficulty lying before you on the path of God's will today? Trust Him to see you through. "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4).
Father, help me to clearly hear Your call today and give me courage to follow You through the difficulties that may lie along my path. You are faithful and I will trust in Your great faithfulness.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
God Over Our Mess
"Then God remembered Rachel's plight and answered her prayers by giving her a child."
Genesis 30:22 NLT
The story of Jacob's family (two wives competing for his affection, two concubines caught in the middle, twelves sons and a daughter born as a result) could give any modern day reality TV show a run for its money. But in the midst of this mess there is a wonderful note of grace. Rachel who had been barren cried out to God for a child. God in mercy heard her cry and gave her Joseph. As we will see later in the story Joseph became God's choice servant to save the descendants of Abraham from a severe famine. In the midst of this tragic story God was present and active carrying out His purpose as He had promised Abraham He would do.
Sometimes our lives may seem like a candidate for reality TV or just that things are spinning out of control. But we too can trust that God is faithful and even in the midst of messes we have made He shows grace and will carry forth His purpose as promised. This is not to encourage us to keep making messes but rather to encourage us to look up from our mess to the God who can redeem us through His amazing grace.
Father, I thank You for grace greater than my sin. I praise You as the God who works redemptively in the midst of man-made messes. Open my eyes to see how You are graciously working in my story today and draw me closer to Your side.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Genesis 30:22 NLT
The story of Jacob's family (two wives competing for his affection, two concubines caught in the middle, twelves sons and a daughter born as a result) could give any modern day reality TV show a run for its money. But in the midst of this mess there is a wonderful note of grace. Rachel who had been barren cried out to God for a child. God in mercy heard her cry and gave her Joseph. As we will see later in the story Joseph became God's choice servant to save the descendants of Abraham from a severe famine. In the midst of this tragic story God was present and active carrying out His purpose as He had promised Abraham He would do.
Sometimes our lives may seem like a candidate for reality TV or just that things are spinning out of control. But we too can trust that God is faithful and even in the midst of messes we have made He shows grace and will carry forth His purpose as promised. This is not to encourage us to keep making messes but rather to encourage us to look up from our mess to the God who can redeem us through His amazing grace.
Father, I thank You for grace greater than my sin. I praise You as the God who works redemptively in the midst of man-made messes. Open my eyes to see how You are graciously working in my story today and draw me closer to Your side.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, January 25, 2010
He is Here!
"Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn't even aware of it.'" Genesis 28:16 NLT
On his way to Paddan Aram, as Jacob was fleeing from Esau he ran into God. In a dream Jacob encountered God and became aware of His presence and that he was to play a part in God's plan to bless the world. This realization caused him to declare "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn't even aware of it" and then to name the place where he met God "Bethel" (house of God).
The fact is that God is always present. Psalm 139 beautifully reminds us that we cannot ever be out of His presence. He has promised us, as followers of His Son, His continued presence with us always to the end (Matthew 28:19-20). You never face anything without Him present and willing to be involved. While God is always present with us, like Jacob we are too often unaware of Him. We need to learn to cultivate an awareness of His presence not only in the morning moments of our daily quiet time but throughout the day. What a treasure to have God always present but what a tragedy to be unaware of so great a reality!
Father, thank You for Your faithful, unfailing presence with me. Help me to become continually aware of You throughout the day and to be responsive to Your grace and leadership.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
On his way to Paddan Aram, as Jacob was fleeing from Esau he ran into God. In a dream Jacob encountered God and became aware of His presence and that he was to play a part in God's plan to bless the world. This realization caused him to declare "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn't even aware of it" and then to name the place where he met God "Bethel" (house of God).
The fact is that God is always present. Psalm 139 beautifully reminds us that we cannot ever be out of His presence. He has promised us, as followers of His Son, His continued presence with us always to the end (Matthew 28:19-20). You never face anything without Him present and willing to be involved. While God is always present with us, like Jacob we are too often unaware of Him. We need to learn to cultivate an awareness of His presence not only in the morning moments of our daily quiet time but throughout the day. What a treasure to have God always present but what a tragedy to be unaware of so great a reality!
Father, thank You for Your faithful, unfailing presence with me. Help me to become continually aware of You throughout the day and to be responsive to Your grace and leadership.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Last Step of Faith
Let's try this again. If you are reading and benefiting from these devotionals please let me know by sending a message to markkemp@fbccove.net. Sorry I entered the e-mail address incorrectly last time.
"Abraham lived for 175 years, and he died at a ripe old age, joining his ancestors in death." Genesis 25:7-8 NLT
Abraham's faith journey began when as a seventy-five year old man he answered God's call to leave his home and follow God to a new land and a new way of life (Genesis 12:1). One hundred years later he took the final step of faith when he stepped over the threshold of death into eternal life. Speaking of Abraham and other heroes of the faith, the writer of Hebrews said, "But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them" (Hebrews 11:16 NLT). Faith's ultimate reward is not the blessings gained on earth but the heavenly homeland. Once we have stepped across the threshold of death faith is no longer necessary because it gives way to sight.
I drove through the local cemetery earlier this week. I saw many tombstones and recognized the names of many friends whose funerals I had conducted over the last eighteen years. A drive through the cemetery is a sober reminder that each of us has a date with death. Yet as we walk by faith we face death with confidence and hope because we know that when we die we will have just begun to really live. As you walk with God by faith today keep your eyes fixed on the ultimate destination of your journey. Live with the end in mind.
Father, thank You for the amazing opportunity of walking with You in faith today and thank You for the heavenly homeland toward which You are leading me. Help me to keep my destination in mind and so be encouraged to live faithfully in faith today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
"Abraham lived for 175 years, and he died at a ripe old age, joining his ancestors in death." Genesis 25:7-8 NLT
Abraham's faith journey began when as a seventy-five year old man he answered God's call to leave his home and follow God to a new land and a new way of life (Genesis 12:1). One hundred years later he took the final step of faith when he stepped over the threshold of death into eternal life. Speaking of Abraham and other heroes of the faith, the writer of Hebrews said, "But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them" (Hebrews 11:16 NLT). Faith's ultimate reward is not the blessings gained on earth but the heavenly homeland. Once we have stepped across the threshold of death faith is no longer necessary because it gives way to sight.
I drove through the local cemetery earlier this week. I saw many tombstones and recognized the names of many friends whose funerals I had conducted over the last eighteen years. A drive through the cemetery is a sober reminder that each of us has a date with death. Yet as we walk by faith we face death with confidence and hope because we know that when we die we will have just begun to really live. As you walk with God by faith today keep your eyes fixed on the ultimate destination of your journey. Live with the end in mind.
Father, thank You for the amazing opportunity of walking with You in faith today and thank You for the heavenly homeland toward which You are leading me. Help me to keep my destination in mind and so be encouraged to live faithfully in faith today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Trusting God
"The servant asked, 'But suppose I can't find a young woman who will travel so far from home?'" Abraham said, "God will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a young woman there to be my son's wife." Genesis 24:5, 7 NLT
Abraham sent his loyal servant back to the land he had come from to find a wife for Isaac with the instructions to bring the woman back to Canaan to marry and live with Isaac in the land of promise. As he sent out his servant, Abraham stood firmly on two convictions. The first conviction was that God had called him and his descendants to live by faith in the land of promise. The second was that Isaac must not intermarry with the pagans that lived in the land at that time. The servant worried about his ability to be successful but Abraham who had now walked with God many years in faith assured the servant that God would give him success.
When we have an unmet need the temptation may be to waver in our faith and compromise the convictions that God has given to us. Abraham had certainly done this in the past (i.e. Hagar and Ishmael). However, when we obey God in faith and stand firm in His Word we can trust that He will provide for our needs and give us success in His will. Keep walking with Him in faith and enjoy His gracious and timely provision.
Father, You are faithful but sometimes I am faithless. Help me to stand firmly in the calling and convictions You have given me always trusting You to provide.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Abraham sent his loyal servant back to the land he had come from to find a wife for Isaac with the instructions to bring the woman back to Canaan to marry and live with Isaac in the land of promise. As he sent out his servant, Abraham stood firmly on two convictions. The first conviction was that God had called him and his descendants to live by faith in the land of promise. The second was that Isaac must not intermarry with the pagans that lived in the land at that time. The servant worried about his ability to be successful but Abraham who had now walked with God many years in faith assured the servant that God would give him success.
When we have an unmet need the temptation may be to waver in our faith and compromise the convictions that God has given to us. Abraham had certainly done this in the past (i.e. Hagar and Ishmael). However, when we obey God in faith and stand firm in His Word we can trust that He will provide for our needs and give us success in His will. Keep walking with Him in faith and enjoy His gracious and timely provision.
Father, You are faithful but sometimes I am faithless. Help me to stand firmly in the calling and convictions You have given me always trusting You to provide.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Blessed through Obedience
Are you reading and benefitting from these devotionals? If so please shoot me a quick e-mail at markkemp@fbcove.net.
"This is what the LORD says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed--all because you have obeyed me." Genesis 22:16-18 NLT
God put Abraham through an incredible test of obedience (see 22:1-2). Abraham was to offer as a sacrifice the promised and long awaited son whom he loved deeply to God. God had given Isaac to Abraham. God wanted to see if Abraham would surrender Isaac back to God. In an amazing step of faith Abraham moved out in obedience to God. Once God had seen Abraham's willingness to obey He stopped him from offering Isaac. God then promised great blessing to His obedient servant.
Because of Abraham's obedience God promised not only to bless him but also his descendants, and all nations. We may think only of the blessing that our obedience will bring to ourselves. But what about the blessing it will bring to our children, and their children, and others who are around us and come after us. When one person is willing to fully surrender their whole life to God in obedience the waves of blessing flow over the lives of many others for generations to come--"all because you have obeyed me."
Father, as Abraham surrender all he held precious to you in obedience I desire to do also. Help me to grow in an obedience through which You can bless others for Your glory.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
"This is what the LORD says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed--all because you have obeyed me." Genesis 22:16-18 NLT
God put Abraham through an incredible test of obedience (see 22:1-2). Abraham was to offer as a sacrifice the promised and long awaited son whom he loved deeply to God. God had given Isaac to Abraham. God wanted to see if Abraham would surrender Isaac back to God. In an amazing step of faith Abraham moved out in obedience to God. Once God had seen Abraham's willingness to obey He stopped him from offering Isaac. God then promised great blessing to His obedient servant.
Because of Abraham's obedience God promised not only to bless him but also his descendants, and all nations. We may think only of the blessing that our obedience will bring to ourselves. But what about the blessing it will bring to our children, and their children, and others who are around us and come after us. When one person is willing to fully surrender their whole life to God in obedience the waves of blessing flow over the lives of many others for generations to come--"all because you have obeyed me."
Father, as Abraham surrender all he held precious to you in obedience I desire to do also. Help me to grow in an obedience through which You can bless others for Your glory.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, January 18, 2010
God is On Time
"The the LORD did exactly what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant, and she gave a son to Abraham in his old age. It all happened at the time God had said it would."
Genesis 20:1-2 NLT
"It all happened at the time God had said it would"!!! God is always right on time. He is never early. He is never late. He knows the perfect time. But oh how difficult it is for us to wait for His time. Abraham and Sarah had stumbled in impatience along the way. But they learned to wait in faith and in God's perfect timing they experienced His amazing blessing.
The Israelites waited long and often impatiently for the promised Christ to appear. And God's Word reports, "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman..." (Galatians 4:4 NLT). Once again God was right on time.
Is there a promise of God that you are waiting on Him to fulfill in your life? If yes, then wait in patience knowing that God is not idle. He is working in your life now preparing You for His perfect time. If no, then ask God to reveal the promise that He wants you to trust Him to fulfill. "He has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises" (2 Peter 1:4 NLT). He wants You to trust Him to fulfill His promises in Your life.
Father, You are faithful. You're timing is perfect. Teach me to walk with You and wait upon You in faith as You taught Abraham and Sarah. Reveal to me the promise(s) You would have me to believe and wait in hope for You to fulfill.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Genesis 20:1-2 NLT
"It all happened at the time God had said it would"!!! God is always right on time. He is never early. He is never late. He knows the perfect time. But oh how difficult it is for us to wait for His time. Abraham and Sarah had stumbled in impatience along the way. But they learned to wait in faith and in God's perfect timing they experienced His amazing blessing.
The Israelites waited long and often impatiently for the promised Christ to appear. And God's Word reports, "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman..." (Galatians 4:4 NLT). Once again God was right on time.
Is there a promise of God that you are waiting on Him to fulfill in your life? If yes, then wait in patience knowing that God is not idle. He is working in your life now preparing You for His perfect time. If no, then ask God to reveal the promise that He wants you to trust Him to fulfill. "He has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises" (2 Peter 1:4 NLT). He wants You to trust Him to fulfill His promises in Your life.
Father, You are faithful. You're timing is perfect. Teach me to walk with You and wait upon You in faith as You taught Abraham and Sarah. Reveal to me the promise(s) You would have me to believe and wait in hope for You to fulfill.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The God Who Sees Me
"Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, 'You are the God who sees me' [Hebrew: El Roi]. She also said, 'Have I truly seen the One who sees me?'" Genesis 16:13 NLT
Abram's faith faltered and Hagar, Sarai's Egyptian servant, fell victim to his attempt to help God fulfill His promise rather than waiting on God in faith. Mistreated Hagar ran away into the wilderness. Although hidden from her mistress she was not hidden from the sight of God. He saw her distress and came to her in compassion. Hagar marvelled at God's compassion toward her, an Egyptian servant, and she called God by a new name El Roi (the God who sees me).
As God saw Hagar, He sees you today. He knows where you are and what you are going through. He knows if you are joyful or distressed. In love and compassion God not only sees but He comes to You. You are never hidden from His sight or out of His love. May the God who sees you give You eyes to see Him!
Father, You are El Roi, the God who sees me. Thank you for looking on me with love at all times. Open the eyes of my heart to more fully see You the One who sees me.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Abram's faith faltered and Hagar, Sarai's Egyptian servant, fell victim to his attempt to help God fulfill His promise rather than waiting on God in faith. Mistreated Hagar ran away into the wilderness. Although hidden from her mistress she was not hidden from the sight of God. He saw her distress and came to her in compassion. Hagar marvelled at God's compassion toward her, an Egyptian servant, and she called God by a new name El Roi (the God who sees me).
As God saw Hagar, He sees you today. He knows where you are and what you are going through. He knows if you are joyful or distressed. In love and compassion God not only sees but He comes to You. You are never hidden from His sight or out of His love. May the God who sees you give You eyes to see Him!
Father, You are El Roi, the God who sees me. Thank you for looking on me with love at all times. Open the eyes of my heart to more fully see You the One who sees me.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
God against the Odds
"Then the LORD brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, 'Look up in the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that--too many to count!' And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD declared him righteous because of his faith." Genesis 15:5-6 NLT
Abram had no children and a barren wife. But when God told him that he would not only have a son (v.4) but descendants too many to count (v.5) Abram believed God. The odds were humanly speaking stacked against Abram but with God all things are possible. In faith Abram went with God against the odds. God was pleased with Abram's faith and declared Abram to be righteous based on his faith.
Like Abram, we have on one hand the promise of God and on the other hand the odds. We will believe and submit our future to one or the other. We can bow to the odds and live a common life. Or we can believe God and live a blessed and righteous life. What promise of God in Scripture intrigues you and speaks to a need in your life? Is it a promise of peace (Philippians 4:6-7), of power (Philippians 4:13), of provision (Philippians 4:19)? The odds say there is no peace in difficult times. The odds say learn to live with your weakness because there is no power to overcome it. The odds say learn how to get along without something rather than expect supernatural provision. God promises all these things and more. Will you bow to the odds or believe God?
Father, I thank You for Your true and faithful promises. Help me to believe You and live abundantly rather than bow to the odds and flounder. As You were pleased with Abram's faith I want You to be pleased with mine.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Abram had no children and a barren wife. But when God told him that he would not only have a son (v.4) but descendants too many to count (v.5) Abram believed God. The odds were humanly speaking stacked against Abram but with God all things are possible. In faith Abram went with God against the odds. God was pleased with Abram's faith and declared Abram to be righteous based on his faith.
Like Abram, we have on one hand the promise of God and on the other hand the odds. We will believe and submit our future to one or the other. We can bow to the odds and live a common life. Or we can believe God and live a blessed and righteous life. What promise of God in Scripture intrigues you and speaks to a need in your life? Is it a promise of peace (Philippians 4:6-7), of power (Philippians 4:13), of provision (Philippians 4:19)? The odds say there is no peace in difficult times. The odds say learn to live with your weakness because there is no power to overcome it. The odds say learn how to get along without something rather than expect supernatural provision. God promises all these things and more. Will you bow to the odds or believe God?
Father, I thank You for Your true and faithful promises. Help me to believe You and live abundantly rather than bow to the odds and flounder. As You were pleased with Abram's faith I want You to be pleased with mine.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Blessed be God Most High
"Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.' Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered."
Genesis 14:19-20 NLT
As Abram returned from battle victorious, Melchizedek, the priest, reminded him that the astounding victory came from God "who has defeated your enemies for you." Abram acknowledged this truth by giving a tithe of the spoils of the victory to God through the priest.
All our victories come from God but we are apt to forget this and need to be reminded. Tithing is one way that we acknowledge our blessings and victories come from God's had. Praise is another way to remind ourselvess and acknowledge God as the source of our every blessing and victory. Have you experienced victory lately? Have you been blessed? Don't forget to bless and honor the God "who has defeated your enemies."
Father, Creator of heaven and earth, You are my shield and defender. You are the source of my every blessing and victory. Keep me mindful through Your servants and Word of Your blessing that I might praise and honor You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Genesis 14:19-20 NLT
As Abram returned from battle victorious, Melchizedek, the priest, reminded him that the astounding victory came from God "who has defeated your enemies for you." Abram acknowledged this truth by giving a tithe of the spoils of the victory to God through the priest.
All our victories come from God but we are apt to forget this and need to be reminded. Tithing is one way that we acknowledge our blessings and victories come from God's had. Praise is another way to remind ourselvess and acknowledge God as the source of our every blessing and victory. Have you experienced victory lately? Have you been blessed? Don't forget to bless and honor the God "who has defeated your enemies."
Father, Creator of heaven and earth, You are my shield and defender. You are the source of my every blessing and victory. Keep me mindful through Your servants and Word of Your blessing that I might praise and honor You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Journey with God
"So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed...he arrived in Canaan...Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, 'I will give this land to your descendants.' And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the LORD, who had appeared to him." Genesis 12:4, 5, 7 NLT
Abram walked with God in faith. God walked with Abram on the faith journey. God called and Abram followed Him to an unknown land. God led Abram to the place He desired and blessed Abram there. Abram built an altar and worshiped God.
Altar building and calling on God were habits in Abram's life with God (see 12:7, 8; 13:4, 18). Wherever Abram went he established a place to worship and listen to God. As a result, although Abram occasionally stumbled along the way, God was always with him helping him to reach the "destination" of their journey together.
We too are on a faith journey with God. He has called. We are following. He is walking with us to guide us to the destination. If our journey is to be ultimately successful as Abram's was then like Abram we need to devote ourselves to spending time with God to worship and to listen.
Father, I thank you that you have called me to journey with You and that You are always with me to lead. Keep me mindful of the need to stop often along the way to worship You and to listen to Your voice.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Abram walked with God in faith. God walked with Abram on the faith journey. God called and Abram followed Him to an unknown land. God led Abram to the place He desired and blessed Abram there. Abram built an altar and worshiped God.
Altar building and calling on God were habits in Abram's life with God (see 12:7, 8; 13:4, 18). Wherever Abram went he established a place to worship and listen to God. As a result, although Abram occasionally stumbled along the way, God was always with him helping him to reach the "destination" of their journey together.
We too are on a faith journey with God. He has called. We are following. He is walking with us to guide us to the destination. If our journey is to be ultimately successful as Abram's was then like Abram we need to devote ourselves to spending time with God to worship and to listen.
Father, I thank you that you have called me to journey with You and that You are always with me to lead. Keep me mindful of the need to stop often along the way to worship You and to listen to Your voice.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, January 7, 2010
God Remembers Us
"But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock with him in the boat. He sent a wind to blow across the earth, and the floodwaters began to recede." Genesis 8:1 NLT
After six months of floating on the chaos of the flood, Noah might have wondered if God still remembered him. But fear not, God remembered His faithful servant and God remembered the purpose that He was out to accomplish through His life. So God began to remove the waters from the face of the earth. Noah was safe in the care of God and could rest assured in the faithfulness of God.
God does not forget His servants. His eye is always upon them. There is no better place to be than under God's watchful eye and in the middle of His grand purpose! That is exactly where we are in Christ. Even when all around may seem to be in chaos God remembers us and faithfully carries forward His purpose in our lives. We can rest in God's care and be assured of His faithfulness.
Father, I thank you that your eye is always on me. You never forget me in the chaos of this world and You are always carrying forward Your purpose in my life. Help me to rest assured in Your care and faithfulness today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
After six months of floating on the chaos of the flood, Noah might have wondered if God still remembered him. But fear not, God remembered His faithful servant and God remembered the purpose that He was out to accomplish through His life. So God began to remove the waters from the face of the earth. Noah was safe in the care of God and could rest assured in the faithfulness of God.
God does not forget His servants. His eye is always upon them. There is no better place to be than under God's watchful eye and in the middle of His grand purpose! That is exactly where we are in Christ. Even when all around may seem to be in chaos God remembers us and faithfully carries forward His purpose in our lives. We can rest in God's care and be assured of His faithfulness.
Father, I thank you that your eye is always on me. You never forget me in the chaos of this world and You are always carrying forward Your purpose in my life. Help me to rest assured in Your care and faithfulness today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Walking against the Current
"Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at that time, and he walked in close fellowship with God." Genesis 6:9 NLT
Noah walked against the current of his day. While all men were filled with a wickedness that grieved the heart of their Creator, Noah was filled with a righteousness that caused God to look on him with favor. Noah walked with God while others were walking away from God. Noah was saved through faith and obedience to God while others perished. God was able to use Noah to accomplish His purposes because Noah was different than the world.
Though not all are wicked in our day to walk with God still requires walking against the current of contemporary culture. We must have faith in God and be willing to obey Him without question as Noah did. It is often a difficult walk that doesn't make sense to the world around us and opens us to ridicule from those who are perishing. But the one who walks with God will be used by God, saved from perishing, and given life with God. How great are the rewards of faith and obedience! Keep walking with God against the current.
Father, when you look on my life I want you to see a person who stands out as righteous in a corrupt world, a person who walks in close fellowship with you when others are walking away. Grant me the grace to be such a person for it is only by your grace that I can.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Noah walked against the current of his day. While all men were filled with a wickedness that grieved the heart of their Creator, Noah was filled with a righteousness that caused God to look on him with favor. Noah walked with God while others were walking away from God. Noah was saved through faith and obedience to God while others perished. God was able to use Noah to accomplish His purposes because Noah was different than the world.
Though not all are wicked in our day to walk with God still requires walking against the current of contemporary culture. We must have faith in God and be willing to obey Him without question as Noah did. It is often a difficult walk that doesn't make sense to the world around us and opens us to ridicule from those who are perishing. But the one who walks with God will be used by God, saved from perishing, and given life with God. How great are the rewards of faith and obedience! Keep walking with God against the current.
Father, when you look on my life I want you to see a person who stands out as righteous in a corrupt world, a person who walks in close fellowship with you when others are walking away. Grant me the grace to be such a person for it is only by your grace that I can.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Choosing Right
"You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." Genesis 4:7 NLT
Cain's offering was rejected by God because he did not do what was right in his worship of God. Cain was dejected but God assured him that he too like Abel could be accepted if he chose to do what is right. But God warned Cain that if he refused to do what is right sin would take advantage of the opportunity to pounce on him like a lion on its prey. Cain did not choose right. Sin destroyed his life.
Sin crouches at the door of our lives waiting for an opening to pounce and take control. Your obedience to God determines who will be in control. If you choose to do what is right you will be accepted by God and live in His favor. If you refuse to do what is wrong in God's sight then you will become enslaved to sin and its destructive work. You will face the choice today. What will you choose?
Father, I want to choose what is right in Your sight and walk in Your favor. Help me through Your Word and Spirit to clearly see the right that You would have me to do. Give me the strength to do it and close the door on sin.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Cain's offering was rejected by God because he did not do what was right in his worship of God. Cain was dejected but God assured him that he too like Abel could be accepted if he chose to do what is right. But God warned Cain that if he refused to do what is right sin would take advantage of the opportunity to pounce on him like a lion on its prey. Cain did not choose right. Sin destroyed his life.
Sin crouches at the door of our lives waiting for an opening to pounce and take control. Your obedience to God determines who will be in control. If you choose to do what is right you will be accepted by God and live in His favor. If you refuse to do what is wrong in God's sight then you will become enslaved to sin and its destructive work. You will face the choice today. What will you choose?
Father, I want to choose what is right in Your sight and walk in Your favor. Help me through Your Word and Spirit to clearly see the right that You would have me to do. Give me the strength to do it and close the door on sin.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Cause and Consequence of Sin
The Consequence of Sin
"When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees."
Genesis 3:8 NLT
Sin causes us to hide from God in shame and fear. While there may be many consequences to our sin the most costly fall out is the loss of intimacy with God and of the joy that accompanies walking with God.
The Cause of Sin
"And to the man God said, 'Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat...'" Geneses 3:17 NLT
Instead of listening to God's voice (His command), Adam listened to Eve (and Eve listened to the serpent). Listening to any voice that speaks contrary to God's voice will always lead to sin and broken fellowship with God. Listening to God's voice leads to life and intimate fellowship with Him. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27 NIV).
Father, may I have the sense to know that life's greatest joy and fulfilment is to walk in fellowship with You. And may the pleasure of Your presence cause me to listen to and obey Your voice above every other voice.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
"When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees."
Genesis 3:8 NLT
Sin causes us to hide from God in shame and fear. While there may be many consequences to our sin the most costly fall out is the loss of intimacy with God and of the joy that accompanies walking with God.
The Cause of Sin
"And to the man God said, 'Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat...'" Geneses 3:17 NLT
Instead of listening to God's voice (His command), Adam listened to Eve (and Eve listened to the serpent). Listening to any voice that speaks contrary to God's voice will always lead to sin and broken fellowship with God. Listening to God's voice leads to life and intimate fellowship with Him. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27 NIV).
Father, may I have the sense to know that life's greatest joy and fulfilment is to walk in fellowship with You. And may the pleasure of Your presence cause me to listen to and obey Your voice above every other voice.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Created and Saved for God
"So God created human beings in his own image..." Genesis 1:27
"And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21
God created us in His own image. God's image in us sets us apart from all of His other creatures. We alone are able to know Him and live in a love relationship with Him that is real and personal.
God sent His Son to save us from the sin that disrupts and destroys our relationship with Him. The one through whom all flesh was made became flesh so that He might reveal God to us, save us from our sin, and draw us into the relationship with God for which we were created.
God created you for relationship with Him. God saved you for relationship with Him. God is absolutely committed to a relationship that is real and personal with you! How committed are you to a relationship with Him?
Father, I rejoice in the truth that You have made me and saved me for Yourself. May 2010 be for me a season of growing deeper in a real and personal love relationship with You.
"And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21
God created us in His own image. God's image in us sets us apart from all of His other creatures. We alone are able to know Him and live in a love relationship with Him that is real and personal.
God sent His Son to save us from the sin that disrupts and destroys our relationship with Him. The one through whom all flesh was made became flesh so that He might reveal God to us, save us from our sin, and draw us into the relationship with God for which we were created.
God created you for relationship with Him. God saved you for relationship with Him. God is absolutely committed to a relationship that is real and personal with you! How committed are you to a relationship with Him?
Father, I rejoice in the truth that You have made me and saved me for Yourself. May 2010 be for me a season of growing deeper in a real and personal love relationship with You.
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