Daily Dose 1-31-11

Exodus 13:14 “In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery…”

We are no longer burdened with the law keeping of feasts and animal sacrifices. However, with that freedom, we may have lost the purpose behind them. Whenever God established a feast, its purposes were two-fold. First and foremost it is an act of praise and thanksgiving to God for His provision. Secondly, it is a way to pass our faith in God through the generations. The stories of God’s faithfulness are vital in the lineage of a family. So many are focused on genealogy right now and tracing family roots. If families operated as God intended, the research would be easy. The stories would be handed down generation to generation. More importantly than who was born to which branch of the family when, descendants would recount how the LORD God Almighty provided, sustained and strengthened the family tree. What stories are you sharing now for generations to come to follow the trail of God’s faithfulness?

Father of All, May I never forget how Your Hand of protection and provision has been upon me and my family. May I always recount Your faithfulness in praise and as a tool for other generations to know Your love and power is real. Amen

Daily Dose 1-16-11

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The words in red are always special in scripture. If you are trying to follow Christ, the words spoken directly by Him have great insight. Sometimes He spoke in parables with a need to interpret and find understanding. Other times, like in this scripture, He speaks plainly. How many of us have weary souls from fighting the battles of life? Jesus wants us to turn to Him. He longs to comfort, support and strengthen us. His “yoke,” or what binds us to Him in service, is His teaching from scripture and living before others with a humble and gentle heart. Go to Him for comfort and strength. Be replenished and rest in His words. Then, take His yoke upon you and with a humble and gentle heart give His rest to other weary souls.

Loving Savor, Lord, You must have been exhausted when You spoke those words! I am often tired from struggles in this life, but Your words give me comfort and rest. Please soften my heart to be humble and gentle like Yours. Allow me to be so yoked in service with You that I will see the needs of others. Give me Your desire to comfort and replenish others instead of seeking just my rest. It is then that You give rest to my soul! Amen