DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS #2

1. Deuteronomy 8:2-5 - We can count on God's full provision, although He might test and discipline us for a time.
2. Deuteronomy - 8:17-18 - Do not baost in your wealth, for it is who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
3. Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - Israel defeated the naitons because God was judging them, not because of Israel's righteousness.
4. Deuteronomy 9:18-25 - The heart of true leadership intercedes for the sins of God's people, and calls for mercy.
5. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - The Lord asks us to fear Him, walk in His ways, serve Him with all that is with in us, and obey His commands.
6. Deuteronomy 10:14-16 - Circumcise our hearts and do not be stiff necked.
7. Deuteronomy 10:17-22 - There is no one like our God.
8. Deuteronomy 12:4-12 - Bring the whole tithe into God's house.
9. Deut. 12:32 - Do all that I command you; do not add to or take away from it.
10. Deut. 13:1-2 - False prophets can do signs and wonders.
11. Deut. 13:2 - Out of all the nations, Israel was God's treasured possession.
12. Deut. 18:13 - You must be blameless.
13. Deut. 20:19 - You must be environmentally wise.
14. Deut. 22:1-4 - We are to be good neighbors.
15. Deut. 24:16 - Each is to die for their own sin.
16. Deut. 30:11 - God's commands are attainable.
17. Deut. 30:14 - The commands of God are in us.
18. Deut. 30:19-20 - Choose life not death.
19. Deut. 31:6 - Be strong and courageous, God will never leave or forsake you.
20. Deut. 31:16-17 - God forsook Israel because they forsook Him.
21. Deut. 31:20-21 - God predicts the people's rejection of Him.
22. Deut. 32:4 - God's teaching is like rain that refreshes, not a hard rain that beats us down.
23. Deut. 32:11 - God covers us with His wings like an eagle who protects her young.
24. Joshua 7:11-12 - Sin is a hindrance to victory in God.
25. Joshua 7:24-25 - Our actions (sin) affect more people than just ourselves.
26. Joshua 13:14-21 - The tribe of Israel was to have no land that they might give all their attention to serving God's people,and not their own interests.
27.Joshua 14:9-12 - God keeps His promises, but we must take hold of them by faith.
28.Joshua 2 - Incomplete removal of evil, often means disaster in the end. Sin always has it's consequences. Disobedience brings defeat and testing by the Lord.
29. Joshua 13:18 - Sometimes God doesn't answer our questions because they are beyond our ability to understand.
30. Judges 16:20 - It is possible for God to remove His anointing without us even recognizing this.
31. I Samuel 1:22 - Hannah gave to the Lord what was most precious to her.
32. I Samuel 10:6,6 - The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul in power, and changed him.
33. I Samuel 14:6 - God honors our faith and courage in Him and will act on our behalf.
34. I Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is better then sacrifice.
35. I Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is like the sin of divination, and idolatry.
36. 2 Samuel 7:18 - Who am I Lords that you have brought me this far?
37. 2 Samuel 11 - To flee temptation, we must ask God to help us. Stay away from people, place, and situations that tempt you. Meditate on Scriptures thant combat the temptation. Find a believer to help you in the struggle.
38. 2 Samuel 14:14 - God always seeks reconciliation.
39. 2 Samuel 22:26-28 - Our actions influence God's actions toward us. He seeks those who are faithful, blameless, pure, and humble.
40. 2 Samuel 22:31 - God's way is perfect, and shields all who take refuge in Him.
41. 2 Samuel 23:10-12 - We must stand our ground. The Lord will give us the victory.
42. I Kings 2:2-4 - Effectiveness depends on listening and obeying God's Word.
43. 2 Kings 18:5-7 - Success comes as we obey God and serve Him with all our heart.
44.  Nehemiah 9:21 - "For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen."
45. Job 1:20 - The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, may the name of the Lord be praised.
46. Job 2:3 - Job kept his integrity even in terrible situations.
47. Job 5:17 - Blessed is the man that God corrects.
48. Job 9:2 - How can a mortal man be righteous before God?  Impossible in himself
49. Job 22:21 - Submit to God and be at peace with Him. In this way prosperity will come to you.
50. Job 23:10 - God knows the way I take. When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
51. Job 41:11 - Everything under heaven belongs to God.
52. Psalms 8:2 - From the lips of children you have ordained praise.
53. Psalms 8:4 - What is man that you are mindful of him.
54. Psalm 11:1 - In the Lord I take refuge, how can you say unto me flee.
55. Psalms 12:6 - The Words of the Lord are flawless, purified 7 times.
56. Psalms 15 - The righteous who walk in truth and love will never be shaken. 
57. Psalms 16:6 - The boundary lines have fallen fro me in pleasant places.
58.  Psalms 16:8 - "I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
60. Psalms 16:11 - " You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
61. Psalms 18:2 - The Lord is my rock, deliverer, refuge, shield, and salvation.
62. Psalms 18:25-36 - A glorious passage of how God helps His people. 
63. Psalms 19:7-11 - The Word of the Lord is perfect, trustworthy, right, and those who keep them will be rewarded.
64. Psalms 19:14 - " May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
65. Psalms 25:14 - "The Lord confides in those who fear Him.
66. Psalms 27:1 - I need not fear anyone.
67. Psalms 27:13-14 -  "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
68. Psalms 37:4 - " Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
69. Psalms 37:7a - Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. 
70. Psalms 37:16 - " Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked."
71. psalms 37:19 - God provides for the righteous even in the most difficult times.  
72. Psalms 37:21,25,26 - The righteous give freely, and always blessed.
73. Psalms 42:5 - " Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
74. Psalms 44:8 - Boast in the Lord!
75. Psalms 46 - God is our refuge and help. We are able to rest in His mighty power. 
76. Psalms 5:1-12 - Create in me a pure heart, O god. Do not cast me away from your presence. Grant me a willing spirit.
77. Psalms 62:6 - " Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."
78. Psalms 62:8 - " Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
79. Psalms 69:9 - " for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me."
80. Psalms 73:25-26 - "...  And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
81. Psalms 84:10 - " Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."
82. Psalms 84;11 - " For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
83. Psalms 86:11 -  "Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."
84. Psalms 91:1-16 - Those who abide in God and trust in Him will be secure. 
85. Psalms 101:2-3 - I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. I will set before me no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.
86. Psalms 103 - The Lord blesses, forgives, heals, redeems, and abounding in love.  
87. Psalms 112 - The righteous will be blessed. Even in the darkness, light dawns for the upright. He will never be shaken. He will have nothing to fear.
88. Psalms 127:1-2 - Our labors are in vain when we accomplish them in our owns strength. They only wear us out.
89. Psalms 139 -
      God knows me completely.
      God is everywhere, and with us.
90. Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
91. Proverbs 1:19 - Ill gotten gain takes away the lives of those who take hold of it.
92.  Proverbs 2:7 - He hols victory in store for the upright.
93. Proverbs 3:3-4 - "
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;  bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."
94.  Proverbs 3:5 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding;"
95. Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth.
96. Proverbs 3:25-26 -  Have no fear of sudden disaster for the Lord will be at your side.
97. Proverbs 3:33 - God blesses the home of the righteous.
98. Proverbs 4:18 - The path of the righteous grows brighter until the see the full light of the day (Christ).
99. Proverbs 4:23 - " Above all else, guard your heart,  for everything you do flows from it.
100. Proverbs 6:24 - Guard yourself from the immoral woman. 
101. Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.
102. Proverbs 9:9 - Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still.

After spiritual revival and cleansing, the rain will come.

Kings chapter 18 is the well know story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. There has been 3 years of no rain. Elijah meets with Ahab and asks for a showdown between God of Israel, and tells Ahab to call 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. In short, each side built an alter and asks their God to send fire down to burn up the sacrifice. The false prophets called on their gods all day without any fire coming down. Then at the end of the day, Elijah with a simple prayer asked God of Israel to show his power, and fire fell from the sky and burnt up Elijah's sacrifice. He told the people to then seize the prophets of Baal and kill all of them. After this, Elijah calls on the Lord to send rain.

The story ends in verse 45-46, " Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel."

It is important to see here that the rains were not able to be released until there was a spiritual cleansing of the land and the people called on the Lord and put their faith in Him.

Let us stand up for God and righteousness today. Let us send out a call of repentance, and take our stand against false prophets and teachers. Let us take every thought or imagination that is exalted against Christ, and make it captive unto Him.

Then even as Elijah, We can pray and look for the rain from heaven. The reign of Christ will come. We must put our running gear on, and throw off what ever may hinder us from running. Then run ahead of the rain, and proclaim His coming reign.

Various Laws from Leviticus chapter 19

1. Respect mother and father.
2. No idol worship.
3. Make a proper sacrifice.
4. Care for the poor.
5. Do not steal, lie or decieve.
6. Do not mistreat you laborers.
7. Do not mistreat the handicapped.
8. Do not pervert justice.
9. Do not slander.
10. Don't do anything that would endanger another person life.
11. Do not hate or take revenge.
12. Do not practice divination or sorcery.
13. Do not cut your bodies for the dead.
14. Do not put tattoo marks on your body in worship of other gods.

The presence of the Lord.

Exodus 33:14-16 - "Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

Do you desire the intimate and personal presence of the Lord in your life. It does not happen automatically or naturally. The first step is asking God for it. The second is developing it. The third step is remaining in it.

The result, it will distinguish us from other people.

Iron sharpens Iron

Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

As a believer in Christ, we are not able to grow, shut up in a room, praying and reading our Bible all day. We need friction, trials and the correction of others to mature.

Often, we look for people who are like minded. People who always agree with us and never challenge us. It is in our nature to seek the path of least resistance. These things are not necessarily bad, but often weakens us. Some of the strongest people are those who have gone through the toughest times, and came out victorious on the other side.

Many a believer in Christ do not attend church because there are certain things they do not want to hear. They do not want to be challenged in their faith or to grow. Also, many leave the church because someone in the church is rubbing them the wrong way, challenging their ideas and theology, or God forbid, don't agree with them.

On the flip side of the coin, their are those believers in Christ who insulate themselves from the non-believer or worldly person. They only mingle with the believer in Christ. (I Corinthians 5:9) We do need to be on our guard from worldliness and temptations. the Bible does tell us to watch and pray. (Matthew 26:41) The Bible teaches us that we are in this world, but not of this world. Those who isolate themselves from non-believers will weaken themselves as well, because there will be no friction in their life or be challenged in their faith. Yes, there must be balance and precautions taken to guard ourselves from sin.

The underlying idea here is that friction is not necessarily a bad thing at times. While constant friction is a bad thing. Even as iron sharpens iron, if you sharpen a knife all day, you will destroy it.

I rasied you up for a time such as this.

I like the following passage - Exodus 9:16 - "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

Here, God is speaking to Pharaoh and his rebellion. He is saying that I raised you up to this mighty position and hardened your heart, that my mighty power may displayed in all the earth. Egypt was one of the super powers of the day. Therefore, God was going to humble Egypt and deliver His people through His mighty power. All the other nations would see it and hear about it, and be in awe of the God of Israel.

Here, God was using a wicked man and a bad situation to show His glory. Often when hard and difficult times come or times where there seems to be no hope. It is in these very situations that God chooses to display His power.

Also, God may be raising you up for a specific purpose that he may show His power, even as He raised up Joseph to save His people and later Moses to deliver them.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

1) I Kings 13:8-26 -
    We must fully obey God's Word, and not allow others deceive us with so called words of the Lord.
2) I Kings 17:1-5 & 19:1-5
    There is a time to hide, flee, protect yourself when you have received a Word from the Lord, but
    it is not good when it is a result of doubt and fear.
3) Mark 6:45-52
    There are storms in life, but God sees you in the storm, and He will come to you in the storm,
    most often in the last hour.
4) Proverbs 3:1-12 - The keys to success, healing and fulfillment.
    1. Heed wisdom, Godly teaching, and live by them.
    2. Let love and faithfulness never leave you.
    3.Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways  
    submit to him.
    4. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
    5. Honor the Lord with your wealth.
    6. Do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke.
5)  II Kings 18:4 -
     The people worship the object of their deliverance, instead of the deliverer. Sometimes God's
     methods of working becoma a stumbling block, because our focus is on the method, and in the end
     becomes an idol.
6) II Kings 3:11-12 -
    Servant hood before service (ministry), and before promotion. 
7) 2 Kings 5:11 - God does not always work as we expect as with Naaman being healed by dipping in the Jordan river.
8) 2 Kings 22:11 - Does the Word of God impact us as it did king Josiah who tore his clothes and repented.
9) I Chronicles 4:9-10 - Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. 
10) I Chronicles 15:1-3 - "David learned his lesson. There is an order to worshiping God. Good intentions is not enough. v.13
11) I Chronicles 17:16 - "Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me this far?"
12) II Chronicles 25:6 - I imagine that there was worship in the temple all the time. 
13) I Chronicles 29:1-9 - David led by example in his giving, and brought attention to his generosity to motivate others.
14)  2 Chronicle 15, we see Azariah calls on the people of Israel to seek the Lord. As result the people of Judah repents and king Asa brings in a great spiritual awakening and 15 years of peace. God tells them to be strong; don't be discouraged, for your work has a reward.
15) 2 Chronciles 16:1-9 - We are to depend on God and no other. God shows himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His. 
16) 2 Chronicles 16:12 - In times of illness, we are to seek the Lord's healing before the physician.
17) 2 Chronicles 17:3-6 - God establishes those who walk in His way. 
18) 2 Cronicles 17:9 - Jehoshaphat sent teachers throughout Judah, instructing them in them in the Law of God.
19) 2 Chronicles 20:37 - We are not to form alliances with unbelievers. (see also 19:1-3) 
20) 2 Chroniucles 26:5 - Uzziah was successful during the time he sought God. God made him very powerful, and prospered the nation. (vs.8)
21) 2 Chronicles 26:16 - When Uzziah became strong, he grew arrogant and it led to his own destruction.
22) 2 Chronicles 26:17 - We must stand against sin, and speak against the unholy actions of others.
23) 2 Chronicles 26:19 -  God will protect His servants, and His holy name.
24) Ezra chapter 6 - God even uses the unsaved to bless His people.
25)  Nehemiah chapter 4 - Keys to success in the midst of opposition.
       1) Call out to God.  v.4,9
       2) A willingness to keep working. v.6
       3) Encourage the people. v.14
       4) Always be on guard against attacks or things that might derail you. v.13,16-18,23
       5) Unity and mutual support.
26. Nehemiah chapter 5 - Sometimes we must stand up boldly against injustices and demand change.
27. Nehemiah 8:9-12 - How do we react to God's Word. It should move us to mourning. praise & worship.
28. Job 1:12 - The only authority Satan has over us is what God allows or when we give Satan a foothold in our lives. (Ephesians 4:27)
29. Job 1:16,19 - Satan has power over nature to use it for his purpose.
30. Job 2:3 - Job remained faithful to God when all was going wrong.
31. Job 2:10 - We are to accept whatever God allows without being bitter or resentful.
32. Job 2:13 - Sometimes the bast thing we can do for those who are suffering is just quietly be there for them.
33. Job 5:17 - Do not reject the discipline of the almighty.
34. Job 8:21 - Our pain and suffering will not last forever, God will deliver you in the end.
35. Job 9:3, 4 - God is more powerful and wise than we could ever be.
36. Job 11:7 - We can't fathom the depths of God.
37. Job 12:10 - The life of all things are in God's hands.
38. Job 13:15 - We are to never lose hope.
39. Job 16:4 - We are to put ourselves in others shoes and not be quick to judge.
40. Ps. 5:3 - When we pray, we are to expectantly wait for the answer. 
41. Ps. 16:11; 17:15 -  There is no greater pleasure and satisfaction than being in the presence of God.
42. Proverbs chapter 2 - Wisdom, knowledge and satisfaction all come from God.
      - They will guard you from:
         evil and perverse things.
         the crooked and devious.
         a forbidden woman or a woman who is immoral.
43. God created the universe so that He could lavish His love on something.
44. Satan wants us to question God's judgement and goodness. Genesis 3:1-6
45. Eve had pure motive and desire, but obtained it in the wrong way through disobedience to God and in her own wisdom and strength. Genesis 3:5-6
46. Sinners like others to accompany them in their sin. Genesis 3:6
47. When we sin, do not hide from God or suppress your guilt, but come to Him and repent.
48. Genesis 4:3-4 - Not all offerings are acceptable. 
49. In Genesis chapter 4 we have only heard about 4 people. How was Cain worried about others killing him? Also, where did he get his wife?
50. Exodus 20:20 - The fear of the Lord keeps you from sinning, but is easily lost or forgotten.
51. Exodus 21:14-17 - The penalty of death for the following things - murder, attacks parents, kidnapping, and cursing parents.
52. Exodus 22:2 - Killing someone who breaks into your house after dark is not sin.
53. Exodus 22:16 - God commanded us to marry any virgin we seduce who is not already pledged to be married to someone else, and pay the bride price.
54. Exodus 23:5 - Help those who hate you.
55. Exodus 23:12 - Every seventh day, all are to rest.
56. Exodus 23:19 - Give God your best.
57. Exodus 31:14-15 - Observe the Sabbath, it is a sign, a day of rest, and holy to the Lord. You must not work avery seventh day without exceptions. (Ex. 34:21)
58. Exodus 32:9-12 - A true leader intercedes before God on behalf of his people.
59. Exodus 34:6 - The Lord is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
60. Exodus 34:20 - No one is to go to the house of the Lord empty handed. 
61. Exodus 36:7 - The people were restrained from giving more because they had given so much.
62. Exodus 6:1-5 - The Bible teaches making restitution for stolen, damaged, or lost things
63. Leviticus 7:22-27 - Eating blood and fat were prohibited.
64. Leviticus 18:25 - Our sins can bring judgement on the land. 
65. Leviticus 18 - Various Laws
      1. Respect Father and mother.
      2. No idol worship.
      3. Make a proper sacrifice.
      4. Care for the poor.
      5. Do not steal lie or decieve.
      6. Do not mistreat your laborers.
      7. Do not mistreat the handicapped.
      8. Do not pervert justice.
      9. Do not spread slander.
      10. Do not do anything that might endanger another persons life.
      11. Do not hate or take revenge.
      12. Do not practice divintation or sorcery.
      13. Do not cut our bodies or tattoo them for the dead.
      14. Ministers are not to marry ex-prostitutes or those divorced, but virgins.
      15. Every seventh year is to be a Sabbath to the Lord.
      16. Every fifth year is 50th year is a year of Jubilee - a sabbath for the land and returning of  
       property.
66. Leviticus 25:44 - God did not condemn slavery, but stipulated whom might be slaves.
67. Leviticus chapter 26 - Blessings for those who obey God, and cursed are those who do not obey God.
68. Leviticus 27:30 - A tithe of everything belongs to the Lord.
69. Numbers 5:5-10 - When a person has wronged another in any way, he must confess his sin and make full restitution.
70. Numbers 11:17,25 We are to choose leaders under God's direction, and He will give them authority and power to lead.
71. Numbers 11:23 - The Lord's arm is not to short. 
72. Numbers 11:27 - We msut not be jealous of God's work & use of other leaders. 
73. Numbers 12:7 - Moses was faithful and had a special relationship with God.
74. Numbers 14:5-9 - Doubts bring disobedience and even rebellion.
75. Numbers 14:11 - How quickly we forget God's mighty works.
76. Numbers 14:13-19 - A true leader intercedes for those who follow them, and seek God's glory above all.
77. Numbers 14:24 - Do we have a different spirit than the world, and follow God with all our heart?
78. Numbers 14 - Truth can't be solely measured by the majority. It often stand opposed to the majority.
79. Numbers 14 - Caleb was not so much a man of great faith, as a man of faith in a great God.  
80. Numbers 15:30-31 - There is unintentional sin an intentional sin. God judges intentional sin more harshly.
81.   Numbers 16:47-48 - When God sent judgement on the people, Aaron made atonement for them and stood between the living and the dead.
82. Numbers 17:7 - Our calling is a gift from God, not merited.
83. Numbers 22:18 - We are to do exactly as the Lord commands
84. Numbers 22:38 - We are only to speak what God tells us to speak.
85. God does not lie or change is mind. Numbers 23:18, I Sam. 15:29, Mal. 3:6, James 1:17
86. Numbers 25:12 - Phineas was zealous for the honor of God.
87. Deuteronomy 1:32-33 -  The Lord carries us and guides us in the way we should go.
88. Deuteronomy 2:7 - Although God judged or disciplined the people of Israel, He never abandoned them. They were still His people. In the midst of their trial, God was with them and they lacked nothing those 40 years in the desert.
89. Deuteronomy 4:12 - Condition for obtaining the promises of God is obedience.
90. Deuteronomy 4:6 - There is wisdom in obeying God's commands, and others will see this.
91. Matthew 5:17-20 - To presume to make changes in God's la is to assume a position of authority over God.
92. Deuteronomy 5:9-10; Exodus 34:6-7 -  God punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the 4th generation, but shows love to a thousand generations os those who love Him.
93. Deuteronomy 5:29 - When we obey God's commands, it will go well with us and our children forever.
94. Deuteronomy 6:6 - God's commands are to be on our hearts, and we are to impress them on our children's hearts. They are to be in our conversations and daily life.
95. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God has chosen us as His treasured possession, and delivered us from being enslaved to Satan, but not becasue of who we are.
96. Deuteronomy 8:16 - Do not let pity get in the way of what God has asked you to do.