Daily Dose 2-3-11

Exodus 17:10-13 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

God can quite easily accomplish any task He chooses to do alone. He doesn’t NEED our help. The beauty of God’s love is shown when He chooses to accomplish His work WITH us and THROUGH us. At some point, we will all be in similar roles described in this scripture. Sometimes, we are called to be Moses and serve as the leader, encourager or prayer warrior. Other times, we will be like Aaron and Hur, supporting and serving leaders to carry out God’s will. Then, there will be days we are Joshua, fighting in the trenches. Our battles are tough and they seem impossible. We may not “see” God or the ones He has chosen to assist us, but we know when the power of God is shown. Where are you? Do you think your role of supporting leaders is insignificant? Think of Aaron and Hur! Are you a leader feeling weary and tired? Call on Godly people to help! Are you in the trenches feeling embattled and alone? Look to spiritual leaders to lift their arms for you! God doesn’t call us to fight our battles alone!

Father, Thank you for the leaders and prayer warriors You have placed in my life through the years. May I always be open and eager to serve in any role You ask of me to accomplish Your will. Amen

Daily Dose 2-2-11

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? 
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

Sometimes life can be a little scary. We may not be hiding in caves from an angry king trying to kill us like David was, but we still experience fear. For some it may be financial fears in this tough economy. Others may have health issues that threaten to end or diminish life. There are others still that are plagued by the fear of loneliness when relationships have ended or changed. Whatever fear may be trying to grip you, know the heavenly God of the universe is keenly aware. He is your source of light on dark days. His salvation brings hope where there is despair. His strength and power is holding you up when you may feel like you can’t go on. Stand up against fear and walk on in faith with the confidence God intends for you to have as His child!

My Stronghold, When fear and anxiety begins to creep in my life, help me stand firm. Keep me focused on you and in Your Word so I may always have Your light when darkness looms. Amen

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 1-30-11

Psalm 25:14-15 The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. 
My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Oh to be so close to hear the secrets and musings of the heart of God! This Psalm of David paints a beautiful picture of the intimacy God desires with us. Think of the relationships where you trust enough to confide. You are vulnerable, open and willing to share all of yourself. You turn to them first in crisis and in joy, as well as the day-today happenings. Those relationships aren’t formed overnight. They are often tested and change when true intimacy is not found. Through David’s Psalm, God is telling us He wants to be so much closer to us. He wants to reveal His heart to us. What is the snare we must be released from? Maybe it is putting people and earthly relationships before Him. Maybe, it is the pride we have in assuming we know what is best. Instead of the healthy fear of the LORD and taking situations to Him, we spin in circles trying to fix them on our own. All the while, the Holy God of the Universe is waiting to whisper in our ears!

Holy God, May you always be my most intimate friend. I want to be close enough to You to hear the musings of Your heart. Rescue me from the snare of self! I adore You! Amen

Daily Dose 1-8-11

Proverbs 2:6-8 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 
He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

We all want success, especially if it is “our” definition of success. We all want protection and guidance. But often we only seek protection and guidance from and through situations of which we are aware. Do we consider the protection and guidance God is giving us through our unknowns? If you read promises from God for success, yet have not attained specific goals by which you measure success, does that mean God has let you down? There are two ways to look at this scripture. First, review your life against what is expected to receive those promises – upright, blameless, just and faithful. God knows we will never maintain perfection. He does not expect it. He does however expect us to walk honestly with Him in a spirit of humility and seeking His will at all times. If you are doing your best in those areas and in that relationship with Him, maybe your definition of success is not God’s definition of your success. What you see as failure to achieve may be God’s protection and guidance over an unknown situation your “success” may bring. Seek God’s will and He will grant you His view of your success.

Dear Holy One, Please help me remember the only job that will determine my success is to walk humbly and obediently with You. I love You and stand on Your promises. Amen