Daily Dose 2-1-11

Exodus 13:19-20 Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel.

Sometimes, we see the cloud of God’s protection clearly. Our faith is strong and we look forward knowing God will guide us through difficult challenges. Other times, we are confused. We feel as though we are following what God told us to do; yet we still seem to be wandering in the desert. We may wonder if God has left us; question why He is no longer guiding. It’s at that point that we need to stand firm and get ready to move! At times, God moves from leader – because He’s already told us what to do – to protector, guarding our backs as enemies or naysayers nip at our heels – or the temptations are great to go back to the bondage of sin. What mission does God have you on for Him? What Red Sea does He want you to cross? Move on…He’s got your back!

Protective Father, Thank You for the many times I have seen Your guidance and protection. Help me to use past experiences and examples in scripture to KNOW that You’re still guiding and protecting through challenges – especially when the mission is for You. Give me courage to walk through! Amen

Daily Dose 1-26-11

Exodus 2:14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

We are all on a journey of learning more about God and who He is. The fear Moses experienced at the burning bush must have been great. To hear the voice of God from the bush was enough; but to be given such a huge assignment was unbelievable. How could God use Moses, an orphan, a murderer, and exile on the run? The answer was simple, “I am.” God intended to use a man whose heart was passionate for God and His people. He had weaknesses and disadvantages, but it didn’t matter because God pledged His support and assistance. Is God calling you to a mission you don’t think you are capable of accomplishing? The truth is, you probably can’t – but with I AM in you – all things are possible.

Great I AM, So often I am full of “I can’t” and worries of failing or disappointing You or others. Help me remember that when I can’t, I AM in me can! Empower me through Your Spirit to do what You would have me to do. No assignment from You is too small or too great.

Daily Dose 1-24-11

Proverbs 4:20-27 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 
Keep your mouth free of perversity keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Proverbs is a manual for living out a Godly life. Wisdom is a trait we should all beg for, just as King Solomon did. This particular scripture again focuses on the heart as the source of who we are and how we act and react in situations. God knows that it is best for us to live intentional lives for Him. When we are focused on His plan and His will, we will not stray; we will not fall. It is when we are distracted by the choices and demands of life that our paths become cluttered and complicated. Focus on the eyes of Jesus to maintain the compass for your life. He will help you manage the potholes and difficult trails on life’s journey!

Dear God of All Wisdom, Give me Your wisdom! Soften my heart to do Your will so that my journey in life will be a direct path to Your heart. Fix my yes upon Jesus and shield them form the distractions that pop along the way. I love that You will not ever let me walk alone! Amen

Daily Dose 1-23-11

Psalm 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.

Maybe David was considered the Man After God’s Own Heart because he was so concerned about the condition of his own heart. We read studies and follow guidelines for heart healthy lifestyles for our physical hearts; but what do we do to keep our spiritual hearts in condition? Praying for protection is a first step. Ask God to soften, prick and strengthen your heart to remain molded to His will. Second, spend time feasting on God’s word…no calories there! Meditate on its laws and commands. Stand on the promises; and revel with joy at the unconditional love and salvation provided by our Holy God and His sacrificial son. Third, have a daily check-up to test the condition of your heart by listening to the words that come from it. Are they words of encouragement, blessing and peace to those around you? Do you deal with others with kindness and respect? As with any ailment, early detection is always best for a cure!

Father, Provide the therapy my heart needs to be in its best condition for You. Massage the hardened areas that prevent the growth of the Fruit of Your Spirit. Protect my heart from bitterness and fill it with Your joy! Amen

Daily Dose 1-20-11

Psalm 18:1-2 I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18 is a major thank you note from David to God after he had been rescued from the heavy pursuit of King Saul. David doesn’t offer a polite thank you and move on. He showers God with love, adoration and acknowledges Him as his source of strength. One can assume he did not have his head quietly bowed as he whispered his praise. More than likely, he was talking with his hands and acting out God’s might with gestures of strength. Oh to have been an angel on the shoulder of God as He listened in on this praise from His child!

Father, Unleash my inhibitions and allow me to REALLY thank you. May I learn to praise with the enthusiasm of David. Take my heart to a new level of praise so that my unbridled gratitude may make Your heart glad and bring a smile upon Your face. Amen

Daily Dose 1-6-11

Genesis 15:1 …“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

God has not preserved the scriptures all these years simply as a historical document. We are to use the examples we read in scripture to build our own faith and see how God wants to develop a relationship with us. Abram, later known as Abraham, was not a perfect man. He was not some mythical being with great powers…he was just a man. However, he loved God, walked faithfully with Him, and was known as God’s friend. If you are embarking on a new adventure with the LORD, know that He will be there to protect you and revel in your success – just as He did with Abram.

God of Abraham, I know that I have the potential to be called your friend. Please shape my eyes and form my heart to begin to see myself as You would have me to be. I know Your plans for me are greater than I can imagine. Allow me to see a glimpse and guide my steps. Thank You for being my shield. No matter what comes, I know You are and always will be my greatest reward. Amen.

Daily Dose 1-2-11

Genesis 6:22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

God has not stopped commanding and guiding His people to do great things. He may not be asking you to construct an ark of gopher wood, but what is He asking you to do? What burdens have been heavy on your heart? What characters in the Bible jump off the page to inspire you? Open your eyes to the world around you. There may not be a flood coming to destroy the earth, but there is one who is seeking lives to destroy. Join God in His work to lift up the broken-hearted and bring the news of salvation to those drowning in the waters of satan’s lies.

Father, so often I want to give You the ideas and tell You how to work in my life and the lives of those around me. Had I been Noah, I may have tried to convince You that oak would be better than gopher wood! Forgive me for thinking I know best. Guide my heart to be like Noah’s. May I do everything just as You command me. Amen