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
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