Daily Dose 3-31-17

Psalm 72:12-14 He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.

There are times when the most robust and healthy are afflicted; the strong and independent are pitiful and dying inside; the tough and mighty are oppressed and persecuted. We all need deliverance, some more often than others. Always remember when you are being oppressed by someone, there is probably something they need deliverance from. Cry out to the LORD on their behalf and ask Him to provide their deliverance through you!

Father, help me remember that those who break hearts are often heartbroken. Heal my heart so that I may be Your agent to deliver others from their pain. I love You…and them. Amen

Daily Dose 3-28-17

Luke 8:16-17 No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.

The smallest of lights can overpower utter darkness. A simple match struck in a dark cave can illuminate the way to escape. How much more powerful is the light of Jesus? He came to this dark earth to show us the way to the secure passage for eternal life. He wants our lives to be His light for others as we show them the way. When the light of Jesus is allowed to shine into a situation, things change. Are you willing to expose Him to others through your life? It may take being vulnerable and sharing some dark sins or struggles in your past that the saving power of Christ has brought you through to stand in His light. With some people, your testimony may be the only light of Jesus they are willing to see…let Him shine through you!

Dear Savior, Make me aware of opportunities You put in front of me to be Your light. Shine Your light into the dark places of my heart so they may be forgiven, strengthened and serve as a light to guide others from their own darkness. Thank You for lighting my way. Amen

Daily Dose 3-26-17

Psalm 69:5,13-14 You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you. But I pray to you, LORD, in the time of your favor; 
in your great love, O God, 
answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, 
do not let me sink; 
deliver me from those who hate me, 
from the deep waters.

God knows us like no other. He knows every motivation and nuance of the workings of our hearts. He knows why we get stuck in mire and why people would turn against us. He knows why we are often in over our heads. He knows all this…yet He loves. David was not known as a man without sin. He was known as a man after God’s own heart. Start pursuing God and His favor by first acknowledging that He knows your junk and loves You anyway. Pursue His heart with passion and that pursuit will begin to cleanse away the junk. Pursue Him with honesty and strokes of obedience and you will begin swimming through waters that once engulfed you. Pursue Him in love and others will be drawn to you in love.

Loving Abba, You know my heart and know that I am unworthy of your love or the pure love of others…yet You love me anyway. Tune my heart to sing Your praises and pursue You instead of pursuing the love and affection of others. Help me know in faith You provide all I need. I love You. Amen

Daily Dose 3-21-17

Luke 5:4-6 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

Jesus changes circumstances. How many times has, “We tried that before,” squelched ideas for the Kingdom? Peter, James and John had trolled the waters all night and didn’t catch a thing, but when Jesus said so, their nets were full to the point of sinking the boat. There are times when the Spirit may be ready for a new work in an old plan. Be careful not to quickly say no to an opportunity that may have its timing ordained. In the same vein, we must be careful not to stop something or jump into new projects just for the sake of doing something new. When leaders stay the Word and in tune with the Spirit through prayer, their suggestions may not always make sense. Be in prayer for your spiritual leaders. Ask God to give them discernment to know when Jesus says to try again, or try something new. Ask God to lead their hearts to His fishing spot and join them by casting down your nets!

Guiding Father, Please be with the leaders of Your Church. Give them Your discernment and confirmation. Show me where You want me to cast nets with them to work for You. Amen

Daily Dose 3-20-17

Psalm 63:3-5 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

In our society, do we know what it is like to be fully satisfied? We are programmed to want more…marketers are actually convincing us we NEED or DESERVE more. Accumulation of power, stuff and pleasures is a high priority. When David wrote this Psalm, he was in the desert of Judah, probably on the run from King Saul who was trying to kill him. His prayer was not in fear begging for protection. His prayer was full of praise and professing that he loved God more than his life. All he needed for complete satisfaction was the love of God. Do we love God more than life? Or, do we love the life God can provide? Look to Him for your satisfaction today. He will never leave, He will never disappoint, God’s love truly does satisfy!

Loving Abba, Your love is my greatest possession and gift. Remind me when I come to You with requests and plans, that I have all I need. Let me never long for the love of others more than reveling in the love I have found in You. Amen

Daily Dose 3-19-17

Psalm 62:5-8 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

The Webster Dictionary offers three definitions for the word hope. All three can describe our walk of faith down the different paths of life. The first is to cherish a desire with anticipation. When our true hope comes from God, it is our desire to look for the ways we can deepen and strengthen our relationship with Him. We cherish our time with Him and anticipate how we may work with Him each day. We hope for an assignment from God that glorifies Him and gives us fulfillment. The second is to desire with expectation of obtainment. This is the hope we have that God is our sustainer, provider, rescuer and constant companion. We expect Him to be our rock when the world around us feels so shaky. We look to Him to receive our honor instead of looking to those around us to find our worth. The third is to expect with confidence, trust. This is where we walk through life with an eternal perspective. We see the big picture of salvation and KNOW it is a sure thing. We find joy in small things and peace in the midst of heartache and trials. Live in hope! Look forward to time with God and building your love relationship with Him. Have no fear of day-to-day worries. And finally, live in peaceful confidence that this life is fleeting and your real home awaits!

Father, You are my hope. I thank You that I can live in the hope and knowledge of Your salvation. Remind me each day that no matter what, You are the One who determines my worth. Thank You for valuing me when I feel so unworthy at times. I love You. Amen

Daily Dose 3-17-17

Luke 2:33-35 (MSG) Jesus' father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother, “This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, A figure misunderstood and contradicted—the pain of a sword-thrust through you—But the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are.”

Simeon was an old man who had received the promise that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. He followed the leading of the Spirit to the temple and knew this baby would be the One to bring salvation and be a “God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel.” This blessing brought great joy to the young parents, but did they truly hear his caution of the pain that would come upon them because of His mission? To witness parents who lose a child is heart-wrenching. The description of a sword thrust through them seems to be fitting. We know the sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation was incomprehensible. However, imaging the pain of Mary and Joseph should also bring us pause. The baby they accepted as a great mission from God was also their precious boy. Joseph had probably passed on by the time the hardest parts of Jesus’ ministry began.For Mary to watch –especially without Joseph– the rejection, pain and horrific death He endured must have made her question why. Often, the path God has for some is painful. In many cases, it’s as difficult for those who love the one on the mission to witness the pain. Be sensitive to those who are enduring great hardships for the cause of Christ – and also remember those who love them. The biggest question we must ask today is are we doing anything that is really sacrificial for Christ today? If the answer is no, maybe we need to spend some time seeking guidance from the Spirit. Jesus never promised His followers an easy life-quite the contrary. Examine your mission plan and ask God to use you, despite how challenging it may be. The end result will surely be worth the pain!

Father, I know You must have more in mind for me to do for Your Kingdom than I am currently doing. Reveal Your plan, but not without the courage and strength I need to execute. Without You, I am a miserable failure. I love You! Amen

Daily Dose 3-15-17

Proverbs 11:12-13 (NLT) It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; 
a sensible person keeps quiet. A gossip goes around telling secrets, 
but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

God’s Word is full of common sense instruction and wisdom to help us live more abundant lives. This scripture in Proverbs is a small section of some of those gems of advice. How we treat people says a lot about who we are. When we are quick to criticize and belittle others, we show that our hearts are full of pride and self-righteous judgment. When we “stir the pot” of controversy through gossip or by betraying a confidence, we show that our hearts beat to the pace of discord. As Christ followers, we need to learn to step back from situations when we are drawn into controversy. We should never shirk from defending Truth, but be very careful satan isn’t luring you into a trap. Many Christians have been baited by satan under the pretense of doing good, only to be handed a spoon to stir a boiling pot that should never have been allowed to simmer. Be careful and remember the one stirring the pot is most likely to get burned!

Father, Forgive me for times I have been baited into controversy that broke Your heart. Give me Your wisdom to be silent when it is not of You, and the courage to speak only what You desire when it is Your timing. Guard my heart and my mouth that spews its contents. Amen

Daily Dose 3-14-17

Luke 1:37-38 “…For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Have you had a word from the LORD? Has He asked you to do something that seems impossible? We often get caught up in the logistics and realities when trying to fulfill a task from God. We view situations through human eyes and our limited experiences. Faith asks us to put on God glasses and begin to view things from His perspective. Our human insecurities and frailties look and a situation and see all of the challenges. We are somewhat programmed to take a risk management approach, analyze the circumstances and halt the experience. We have a lot to learn from a teenaged girl who had every reason to say no. She faced ridicule and humiliation, yet she rejoiced in her opportunity. Has God invited you to do what seems impossible? Then press on! For nothing is impossible with God!

Faithful God, You are always true to Your Word. I get impatient waiting. I begin to wonder if I was wrong in interpreting Your promise. Give me Your eyes today. Let me see Your possibilities instead of what I see as impossible. Amen

Daily Dose 3-6-17

Numbers 6:22-26 The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; 
the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

The language from the Word is so beautiful. No one really talks this way anymore. We are working so hard to keep up in such a fast-paced world that we forget what living among each other is like. When we stop long enough to really look at the lives around us, we are sure to see many in need of blessing. We become the hands and feet of Jesus when we meet needs. We are the fulfillment of the Israelite priesthood when we extend blessings. This small blessing packs a powerful punch. Find someone today, look them in the eye, and speak this blessing over them…the Holy Spirit will do the rest!

Father of all blessings, Give me the courage to begin extending YOUR much needed blessings on others. Nudge me to know who needs it and prepare their hearts to receive it. I want to be Your instrument of blessing to others. Amen