July 31, 2018

When things go wrong, they is a prescribed way for them to be set right.

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7.14 NIV)

Humble prayer, earnestly seeking the face of God, and dealing decisively with sin, is what God requires of His people. The result is His attentiveness, forgiveness, and territorial healing. That's not too difficult to understand, is it? In fact, what God requires of His people is always simple, as Micah 6.8 so simply states: "And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?" It's like the famous author, Mark Twain, once stated: "Some people are troubled by the things in the Bible they can’t understand. The things that trouble me are the things I can understand."

Have you earnestly sought your heavenly Father today in humble prayer, not seeking what you want, but what He wills? Are you harboring a sinful habit that you have thus far been unwilling to confess and forsake? Humble lives of prayer and holiness are what the Father seeks. He then can use our consecrated lives to impact others with the saving kingdom gospel, and have a positive influence on a land desperately in need of healing. 

Steve

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July 25, 2018

Sir Isaac Newton is regarded as one of the most influential scientists of all times. This epitaph was written concerning him: "Nature and nature's laws lay hid in night; God said 'Let Newton be' and all was light." This brilliant scientist and theologian was a student of what God had made, and was a testimony to this truth:

"Great are the works of the LORD; They are studied by all who delight in them." (Psalm 111.2)

Perhaps a new age of enlightenment would dawn if scientific efforts were focused on the marvelous works and design of our Creator Father. Certainly we experience great enlightenment when we carefully study that which God has created. How can one look at the intricacies of plants, trees, and living beings, and not be in awe of their Creator? How can we observe the powerful forces of nature, such as wind, water, and fire, and not be awestruck by the Mighty One who has unleashed such power? How great and awesome He is!

The mighty works of God, done on behalf of His people, recorded in Scripture, gives us delight. That the Almighty Creator of the universe would care so much as to provide and deliver leaves us with deep gratitude for His works. Less conspicuous, but no less important, is His daily care and provision for each of us. 

"Great are the works of the LORD; They are studied by all who delight in them." We do well to be students of His great and mighty works.


Steve

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July 24, 2018

You've likely heard the fictitious story of Aladdin's lamp and the three wishes. There is a true story of not three, but one request, offered to Solomon by God.

"In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, 'Ask what I shall give you.' " (2 Chronicles 1.7)

If you've read the rest of the story, you know how Solomon responded and how God answered. But, for a moment, place yourself in Solomon's shoes. What would you request? Something good and noble, or something centered on yourself and your wants and desires? Perhaps the question isn't so easily answered.

When I first came to terms with the potential of prayer as a child, I remember earnestly praying for a sum of money. I had never prayed more fervently in my young life. As you might imagine, that was a prayer He chose not to answer as I had asked. I did not then know the truth of James 4.3 "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."

Solomon chose wisdom and knowledge for the task of leadership in that he knew he was ill-equipped to lead the people of God by his own resources. It is wisdom to humbly seek that which we know we do not have, and desperately need.

To seek God's wisdom is to ultimately seek God. The Giver is more important than the gift. We can be sure that we never ask amiss when our heart's desire is for our Father, and His Son. May this be our earnest prayer and desire.

Steve

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July 4, 2018

A life of gratitude is a healthy life in the truest sense. Those who "Bless Yahweh ... bless His holy name ... And forget none of His benefits" (Psalm 103.1-2) are those He has promised He will pardon "all your iniquities ... heals all your diseases ... redeems your life from the pit ... crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion ... satisfies your desire with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle." (Psalm 103.3-5). Now those are some extraordinary benefits!

Much has been written about the power of gratitude. There is medical evidence to support the healthy benefits of grateful people. Greater energy. Less sickness. More restful sleep. Less stress.

Grateful people are optimistic people. The "attitude of gratitude" focuses, not on what we don't have, but what we have in abundance from our Father. As the hymn states, "count your blessings; name them one by one." A deliberate effort to focus on what we've been given surely unleashes God's best within us.

No one has a trouble-free life. Fact is, kingdom citizens can anticipate more challenges than any people (Acts 14.22). But, we best navigate through "tribulation waters" with a grateful attitude. The test is not in what happens to us, but in how we respond to what happens to us. "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1.21)

May we ever be focused on the abundant blessings our Father has given to us.

Steve

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today's devotional

There is far more to praise and worship than what typically happens in a Sunday morning church service. I value corporate worship as much as anyone, but the dynamic of such times comes from those who are personal worshippers the other six days.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak (or meditate on) of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually." (1 Chronicles 16.8-11)

We are called to freely and gladly participate in what has been called, "the sacred romance;" the love relationship between Creator and creation. Giving thanks, making His deeds known, singing praise, talking about and meditating upon His great wonders, exalting His name, and continually seeking His strength and face are not obligatory duties to be performed. Rather, these are free and joyful expressions from those in love with their Creator Father.

Couples in love need no prompting in expressing their love for each other. So it should also be with those who have a profound and heartfelt love for Yahweh.

May our expressions of praise and gratitude not be forced, but freely and lovingly offered. And not just on Sundays, but every day.

Steve

My other blogs
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https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/
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