Carried to the Table

2 Samuel 4:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9:1-3, 5-7, 9-11

New King James Version (NKJV)

1Now David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
2 And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?”
He said, “At your service!”
3 Then the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?”
And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.”

5 Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar.

6 Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, “Mephibosheth?”
And he answered, “Here is your servant!”
7 So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.”

9 And the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “I have given to your master’s son all that belonged to Saul and to all his house. 10 You therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread at my table always.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will your servant do.”
“As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.”

At a recent church service, just before partaking in the LORD's Supper, I heard a beautiful song. Immediately God brought the story of Mephibosheth and David to mind. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, grandson of king Saul. Now Jonathan had a son who was injured at age five. His injury caused him to be lame in his feet. Mephobisheth would need someone to care for him for the rest of his life. No problem, right!? His father was next in line to become king. But God has given each of us free will and we do not always make good choices. Such was the case with Saul. God had given Saul explicit instructions that he chose not to follow completely. When Samuel confronted Saul he lied and made excuses. Saul lost his kingship because of unconfessed sin. God made David king, not Jonathan. This meant Saul's transgression had cost his family their inheritance and Mephibosheth his security.

But God had a plan. He had brought Jonathan and David together early and they had a friendship based with God in the center. David had promised Jonathan that he would never forget Jonathan or any of his descendants when he became king. David was true to his word!

Our ancestors, Adam and Eve forfeited our inheritance in paradise when they sinned in the garden. But God had a plan for us too! He sent His Son, Who calls us to Himself. When we come to Him He restores our inheritance and carries our broken, lame, helpless spirits and set us where we could never earn the right to be, His table! Won't you come to Him today!

Father, Creator, Provider, Healer, I come to You just as I am, broken and lame by the things of this world. A sinner, undeserving to receive the gift of life You offer me. I know I am a sinner. Today I confess me sins to You. I open the door of my heart that You have been knocking at and ask You to come into my life. Create in me a clean heart O God. Carry me to Your table! In Jesus saving name, Amen!

Throw Off Your Coat

Mark 10:46-50

The Message (MSG)

46-48 They spent some time in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving town, trailed by his disciples and a parade of people, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting alongside the road. When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, "Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!" Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, "Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!"
49-50 Jesus stopped in his tracks. "Call him over."
They called him. "It's your lucky day! Get up! He's calling you to come!" Throwing off his coat, he was on his feet at once and came to Jesus.

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by he called out to Him. The crowd tried to hush him up. He was a blind beggar and Jesus shouldn't be bothered. But Bartimaeus was undaunted by the crowed and yelled even louder. Jesus stopped and called Bartimaeus to come to him. Bartimaeus threw off his coat and immediately went to see Jesus. I was struck by the fact that Bartimaeus threw off his coat. Why and why was that fact important? Often we cloak ourselves from the world to cover our failures, blemishes and insecurities. Did Bartimaeus use his coat to hide himself as he sat beside the road and now that Jesus had acknowledged him he felt free to shed his coat?

As I drove down the street today I saw two people walking. One was headed north and the other south. One was a teenage girl and the other a young woman. They had not yet met and clearly did not intend to, as each one looked down and away from the other, changing course slightly to create more space as they passed each other. Neither one was over weight and there had never been any danger of them actually passing by close enough to touch but still they each widened the gap slightly.  Perhaps they were each having a bad day. Maybe they did not want to bother the other or maybe they were afraid of what the other might think if they spoke. Whatever the reason they passed by each other in silence. I was struck by the sadness of it. Then I though of all of the times I had been in a similar situation in the grocery store, post office, or elevator and done the same thing. Immediately Matthew 28:19-20 came to mind. Jesus told us to "Go" and keep going into our community and all of the world talking to them about the Gospel of Christ. God created us for fellowship with Him and with each other. How sad it must make Him when we blindly walk by each other.

Father we cry out to You today, heal our blindness. Help us to shed our coats of insecurity and reach out to those around us. When we find ourselves blinded by our fears and insecurities help us to cry out to You in faith just like Bartimaeus did. Open our eyes Father. In Jesus

All Nature Sings!

Luke 19:39-40

New King James Version (NKJV)

39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”
40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”



Have you looked around at God's creation lately?  I mean really stopped and appreciated the beauty of it? Have you heard the stones cry out? I have a good friend and prayer partner that is teaching me to do that very thing! I meet with this friend on a weekly basis for prayer. She never fails to thank God for His creation and the way creation sings praises to God. It can be snowing so hard that you cannot see across the street and my friend will thank God for the beauty and the uniqueness of each snowflake.  Take time today to stop, quiet your thoughts and listen! see the intricicise of a flower, a leaf or a blade of grass. Marvel at the strength of an ant. Listen to the music a bee's wings make as they ensure the flowers and trees continue. Join the birds in singing praises to the King of kings! Don't let the stones cry out on your behalf!

Father, Creator, all of creation sings Your praises and You reply with the beauty of a rainbow and the colors of a sunset or sunrise! Teach me to hear all of nature singing Your praises. Teach me to join in the song! I do not want the stones to have to cry out on my behalf! I love You LORD! In Jesus mighty name, amen!
 
   
 

Praise and Peace

Philippians 4:6-7


New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Throughout the Old Testament we see examples of this scripture being lived out. Moses was hesitant when God called him but once he accepted his commission he never doubted God's awesome power. Even when the Red Sea was before him and the Egyptian soldiers were behind him he knew God would deliver His people. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego showed the same resolve vowing not to ever bow to a man or his statue, praising God's power and glory no matter the out come. Daniel was just as courageous as he faced the lion's den because of his faith.

The New Testament records the same in steadfastness in Stephen, Peter, James, Paul, Silas and John as they faced death, persecution and imprisonment because of their faith.

How can anyone praise God when they are being stoned or are chained in a prison? It takes focus and resolve! I was reminded of the importance of focus as I was driving on a narrow mountain road with an S-curve. I have driven on that road many times. Sometimes I experience anxiety and hit the brakes and sometimes I have complete peace, leaving the cruise on. What makes the difference? It is my focus! If I allow my gaze to look too far into the distance I lose sight of where the road goes and become anxious about the size of the road and possible oncoming traffic, even if there is none. If I am looking to close to the front of my car I become anxious about the degree of the turn and decide the posted speed is not safe after all. But if I keep my focus where it should be I am not anxious or afraid. Peter had the same experience when he got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. As long as his focus was where it should be, on Jesus, he was fine. But as soon as he lost focus and looked at the storm he became anxious and started to sink.

We have the ability to praise God in good times and in storms if we do not take our eyes off of Jesus, then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!

Father, Creator, You are my strength and my peace! Help me to keep my eyes firmly focused on You and too praise You no matter what! I would rather face any storm with Your peace than to receive any blessing without You in my life! Today I surrender all to be in Your presence! Thank You for calling me Yours! In Jesus powerful name, amen.

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

* Conversion - by Julie Ackerman
2 Corinthians 12:14-21
New King James Version (NKJV)
Love for the Church

14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! 17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

19 Again, do you think[a] that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. 20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.


Before my husband and I travel, we go to the bank and trade in our US dollars for the currency of the country we’ll be visiting. We do this so we can pay for expenses while we’re away from home.

When we become Christians, another kind of exchange takes place. Our lives are like currency that we convert from one medium to another. We trade our old life for a new one so that we can begin “spending” ourselves in a different kingdom. Instead of spending ourselves for the causes of this world, we are able to start spending ourselves for the cause of Christ.

The apostle Paul is a good example of this difference. After his dramatic conversion on the way to Damascus (Acts 9), he began spending his life in a dramatically different way. Instead of pursuing Christians to imprison and kill them, he began pursuing non-Christians to convert them. Then he spent the rest of his life for their welfare. He wrote to the church at Corinth, “I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Cor. 12:15). Everything he did was for the edification of his spiritual children (vv.14,19).

Conversion is far more than just changing our final destination. It’s changing the way we spend each day of our lives.

Lord, help me to spend myself on what will last,not on what will fade away one day.I give my life to You that I might spend and be spentfor others and Your will. Amen.Conversion takes only a moment—transformation takes a lifetime.

 * Taken from Our Daily Bread May 24, 2012

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Romans 12:10
New King James Version (NKJV)
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

As I was having my quiet time this morning, I was reading Leviticus chapter 19. The chapter begins with "...You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy." Then the chapter begins to describe what that looks like. Much of the chapter talks about our relationships with others. One of the verses that stuck out to me was verse 32; "You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord."  I was reminded of a time in our Country when an elderly or disabled person came into a room or boarded a bus people would stand and offer them their seat, out of courtesy. That rarely happens anymore. We have adopted an "every one for themselves" attitude. Common courtesies seem to be disappearing at an alarming rate!
As I read my Bible I am convinced that the things we did out of courtesy were once done because God commanded them to be done. Children were taught to respect their parents and elders and to treat others as they wanted to be treated because God commanded it. A courtesy is just something you do because it is a nice gesture. It does not carry the threat of a consequence if you do not perform the task. A command is a law and as with all laws it carries the promise of a consequence if it is not followed. There is a reason God commanded us to teach our children (Deut. 4:9, 10; 6:7; 11:19; 31:19).
How we treat one another is very important to God! He loves each one of us the same.! He does not love one more than the other! It is His desire that not one be lost but all should have eternal life. How we treat each other is so important that God places reminders of how He desires us to treat each other throughout scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. Next time you have the opportunity to be courteous do and then use it as a teaching moment. When someone asks you why tell them, "because God commands me to." It may just begin a conversation that leads to a salvation, and that may change the world!

Father, Teacher, continue to teach me Your precepts! Your word is alive and as relevant today as it was when it was written! Help me to never miss a moment  when You are teaching me or a moment to pass Your precepts on to those around me. I love You LORD! Help me to become holy just as You are holy! In Jesus cleansing, righteous name, amen!

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Isaiah 49:15-17
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.
16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.
17 Your sons[a] shall make haste;
Your destroyers and those who laid you waste
Shall go away from you.

Genesis chapter one tells us how God created the heavens and the earth. From nothingness God spoke the world into existence. He lovingly and painstakingly created everything to sustain, nourish, and delight us. His hand holds every star and planet in place. Daniel chapter two tells us that God is the one who changes the times and seasons. Job chapters 37 and 38 tell us that God has treasuries of snow and tells the snow to fall and no two snowflakes are the same.
This is the same God who created you. No one else is like you! No one else can do the things you do the way you do them! No one else can reach another person in the same way you can! Just like the snowflakes you are unique! But God knows everything about you. He knows where you are at all times (Psalm 139)! He cares so deeply about you that He has numbered every hair on your head and inscribed your name on the palm of His hands! Amazing!!!

Father God, Creator, I am amazed at how great You are! Who am I that You care so deeply for me? I feel small and insignificant. I may have never done anything the world will remember but You promise You will never forget me! Thank You Jesus! Amen!

Daily Devotional

Daily Devotional brought to you by Jon Vasgar Prayer Warrior

                                                                                          Title: You Want Me to Do What? Part 4

Verses: Genesis 22:2 'Then He (God) said, "Take now your son, your only [son] Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."'

The last time we saw Abraham, he had just been told he was going to have a son at a very old age. Like many of us, he didn't believe God could do that. Sarah laughed and was reproved by God. Sure enough, a year later, Isaac was born to the 100 yr old Abraham and the 90 yr old Sarah.

All was wonderful for awhile as now Abraham did have the promised son who would carry on the bloodline. He had send his other son and his mother away, so now he just had Isaac. God had promised Abraham that a great nation would be born of his son. But, just when life had settled down, God had something else in mind.

Reread the verse above. God has just told Abraham to take his only son and sacrifice him. Kill his son! Can you imagine. Ah, but look at what Abraham chooses to do. Rather than question God, read what happens next: 'So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."' (Gen 22:3-5) Notice what Abraham said. 'We will come back to you.' Not, I will. No, so great was his faith that even though he knew that God was commanding him to kill his son, he knew God also would not break his promise! When Isaac questioned his father on the sacrifice, he said in vs 8 "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering."

Oh, to have the faith of Abraham! Notice how far it got. In vs 9-10 'Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.' He was so committed to God, that he knew this was His will. He must have thought that God would raise Isaac from the dead or stop him from this. However, he followed through. As the knife came down, a hand reached out and stopped Abraham. God Himself sent an angel to stop Abraham and provided a ram to be sacrificed.

As a result, look at what was promised in vs 16-18 '"By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only [son]-- blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which [is] on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."

Now, I turn the question to you. How often as God's will not made any sense? How often have you felt His prompting and thought, "Nope, not going there God. You promised me THIS, but not THAT, so I'm gonna stay here." How amazing could your life be if, like Abraham, you just took that wild leap and did what He asked you to do? God isn't cruel, He wants to teach us. He used this to build Abraham AND Isaac's faith. What is holding you back from doing what God told you to do? What is keeping you back from an unbelievable (if not easy) life? Notice what Jesus says to us in John 15:10-11 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and [that] your joy may be full."

You see, Jesus never promised happiness or that it would be simple. But, He does promise joy, peace, love. How cool is that? What are you waiting for? Dive in! Following God will fill your soul. Chasing happiness will lead to nothing. You can't ever get enough happiness, but God can fill you up with His eternal, everlasting joy.

 

Daily Devotional

Today's Devotion brought to you by Jonathan Vasgar Prayer Warrior

 (All scripture taken from the NKJV unless otherwise noted)

                                                                                                                        "The Names of Jesus"

Have you ever taken the time to really reflect on the different names of our Lord? He has so many different names for different uses. As we kick off our week, I wanted to mention some of them.

First think of this one: Jehovah-Jireh or God my Provider. Genesis 22:14 is where Abraham (who I will get back to tomorrow, promise!) says: 'And Abraham called the name of the place, Jehovahjireh; as it is said [to] this day, "In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.'" Feeling like you need a provider? God is there for everything. If you are His child, He is your ultimate provider.

The there's El-Shaddai or God is our rock. How cool is that? We often say, that guy or girl is a rock in my life. How much sweeter to say that God is the rock in our life. Even when storms blow around, what doesn't move? A rock, that's what! A rock also casts a shadow to keep you out of the harsh sunlight. When all around you it gets to be too much, go to the Rock for shelter. Psalm 91:1 translates El Shaddai this way:' He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.'

Jehovah-Shalom means "the Lord send peace". Can you believe it? When you are feeling scared, the LORD himself provides peace. Forget anti-anxiety pills and take a healthy dose of God instead.

He is Jehovah-Rapha or God our Healer. Who better to bandage our wounds, but Jesus. When a sparrow falls to the ground, He notices! Matthew 6:26 (NIV) "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" How much love He has for us, He loves us enough to heal our brokeness.

Ezekiel 48:35b: "And the name of the city from [that] day [shall be]: THE LORD [IS] THERE." That phrase is translated from Jehovah-shammah. I love this. People so often will let you down. It's just a fact. We are humans, we aren't always there for each other like we maybe need to be. However, the one who will NEVER let you down, never leave you lonely, is there always, is the LORD God Almighty.

Here's a challenge for you today. Take a piece of paper and write down names or characteristics of God that describe who He is to you. You'll be surprised how much He really means. For fun, I used the letters A-Z. He's Amazing, Almighty, Benevolent, Beloved, Creator God, etc.

Prayer: Lord, let us never forget what You have done for us. We don't deserve Your love. We don't deserve Your grace, and yet You are there for us. Let us remember to cry out to You when we are sad, go to You with our emotions. Let us run to You when we are lonely or full, You shouldn't be there for us only when we absolutely need You. God we need Your presence felt now. God, we need Your healing, Your love, Your friendship, we need You in our lives. Fill us and free us. AMEN

Song: This song is directly to the devotion above, but is God singing over us. Another reminder of Who He is. 

 

How Much Can YOU Handle? Devotion brought to you by Shelley Brandon. SCwSG Grief and Encouragement Coach

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

¹⁰ God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

 ^13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Thought for Today: I’ve got a few pet peeves.  Probably more than a few truth be told.  One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone says, “God will never give me more than I can handle.”  Says who?  It’s not in the Bible anywhere, so who decided that God will never give us more than we can handle?

There are people all over the world lying in hospital beds that are facing more than they can handle.  There are millions of people dying from the unsafe water sources they must rely on.  There are more people alive right now that are dealing with more than they can handle than the total population combined just a generation or two ago. 

Try telling an abused child that God will never give you more than you handle.  Tell a mother whose baby just died that God will never give her more than she can handle and I bet she won’t give you a smile back.

The promise of God is not that we will never be given more than we can handle.  Watching my beloved husband die one day at a time for 365 days from terminal brain cancer was more than I could handle…. Alone.

God’s promise is that He will help us handle whatever life gives us.  Ephesians 6:13 tells us exactly what life will give us.  ^“13Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own.”

The enemy spends endless energy trying to give us more than we can handle and his greatest desire is that we blame God when we get too much.  “Why did God do this to me?”  God didn’t do it to you.  The enemy is doing it to you so you will turn your back on the one true God.  We are also told what to do when life gives us too much.  We are to be prepared, we are to, “Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life.”

Where are we to find these tools?  “God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.”  The Bible is where we find the strength God is offering to us to make it through this earthly life.  Life is hard, God is good.

Prayer

Dearest Lord, Thank you for the weapons that You offer to us for our battles in this life.  We ask that you nudge us every day to spend time in Your word that we may learn how to apply Your armor and be prepared to enter the battle.  In Jesus’ name…. Amen

Today's Devotional brought to you courtesy of Prayer Warrior Laurie L. Thomas

John 3:16-17


New King James Version (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

For God so loved the world....the world, one of the meanings listed for the original Greek word meaning "world" is the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family. Everyone reading this fits into that category! We are all inhabitants on this earth, members of the human family. That means For God so loved you, me, each of us! Not just those who love Him or those who are obedient to Him, but all of us right where we are today, this very minute! Whether we are struggling with a temptation, an addiction, an affliction, or on a mountain top doing well, God sees us and loves us! He loves us so very much He sacrificed His Only Begotten Son, and Jesus would not have had it any other way. When Jesus prayed in the Garden He asked for the cup to pass from Him, but knowing what had to be done He concluded with, "not My will but Thine be done."

God the Father and God the Son did this so you and I would not perish but have everlasting life. Ever have someone do something nice for you only to have them constantly remind you of what they did for you? That is not what Jesus will ever do! He did not come to point fingers and condemn but to offer us everlasting life with Him in His Kingdom! Wherever you find yourself today remember you are loved! You are worth more than gold or silver! You are worth more to God anything! After all He gave His Son for you!

Father, Redeemer You are God. You did not have to save me but because of Your great love for me You did! I love You LORD because You first loved me! I know that I stumble and fall often, forgive me for all of the times I fail You! Strengthen me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to be Your heart, hands and feet to someone today. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Jonah 2
New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. 2 And he said:

“I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,
And He answered me.
“Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
And You heard my voice.
3 For You cast me into the deep,
Into the heart of the seas,
And the floods surrounded me;
All Your billows and Your waves passed over me.
4 Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight;
Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’
5 The waters surrounded me, even to my soul;
The deep closed around me;
Weeds were wrapped around my head.
6 I went down to the moorings of the mountains;
The earth with its bars closed behind me forever;
Yet You have brought up my life from the pit,
O Lord, my God.
7 “When my soul fainted within me,
I remembered the Lord;
And my prayer went up to You,
Into Your holy temple.
8 “Those who regard worthless idols
Forsake their own Mercy.
9 But I will sacrifice to You
With the voice of thanksgiving;
I will pay what I have vowed.
Salvation is of the Lord.”
10 So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Yesterday we saw Esther, a beautiful young orphan who had been crowned queen, then asked to do an impossible task. Although she was afraid she knew her strength came from the LORD so she asked others to pray with her so she would have courage to do what God wanted her to. The truth is not all of us are Esthers. Many of us chose to run if the task is too frightening, too difficult, or might require more than we are willing to give.

It is not comfortable to admit but many times I have been more like Jonah. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and tell them that they were sinning and God was not going to stand for it any longer (Jonah 1:1-2). Jonah did not want to do what God had asked him to do. Nineveh was the center of the Assyrian Empire, enemies of the Israelites. Jonah was probably afraid of the consequences that could come from delivering such a message to one's enemy. Chapter 4 of the book of Jonah gives us some more insight into another reason Jonah is reluctant to go; he knows God is "a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and [when sinners turn to You and meet Your conditions] You revoke the [sentence of] evil against them." (Jonah 4:2b AMP). Jonah finds a ship headed in the opposite direction and sees it as a perfect escape so he takes it.

We often find ourselves in the midst of raging storms when we are out of God's will; storms that not only affect our lives but the lives of those around us as well. Just like Jonah we can be oblivious to the raging storm we have caused until someone points it out to us, then we have a choice, apologize and admit our wrong doing or continued denial. The good news is that when we admit our wrong doing God rescues us! God did not allow Jonah to drown when he took ownership of his sin. He sent a big fish to rescue Jonah from drowning, then when  Jonah repented and was ready to submit his will to God, God had the fish spit Jonah onto dry land.  Did you see the rescue was a big fish? Most of us would not see three days in the belly of a fish as being rescued but Jonah 1:6 assures us that Jonah did. Take heart Beloved, even if you are enduring a raging storm of your own making or find yourself in a pit you dug yourself, God loves you  and longs to rescue you! Fall on your knees in prayer, confess all to the One who made you and loves you more than any other then give Him thanks even if the rescue does not seem like a rescue right now! God is faithful!

Father, You rescue me from the pit and set my feet on solid ground. Your mercy and compassion are unmeasured.You call to me and pursue me even when I am running from You, that is how great Your love is for me! Father help me to hear Your voice and respond obediently and when I don't help me to be like Jonah and recognize my folly immediately and turn back to You! You alone are God, You alone are my salvation! In Jesus saving name, amen.

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Matthew 22:39

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 22:39 Leviticus 19:18

Matthew 5:43-44

New King James Version (NKJV)

Love Your Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,^[b]

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:43 Compare Leviticus 19:18
2. Matthew 5:44 NU-Text omits three clauses from this verse, leaving, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

John 15:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Genesis 43:8-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. ⁹ I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Sounds easy doesn't it! The key is in the second half of this verse, "as yourself." Do you...love yourself. Some may say, "Sure" or "I think so". Some may respond with "You don't know me. I am not worth loving." God calls us to love ourselves and then toove our neighbors in the same manner as we love ourselves. The problem is we know all about ourselves. We know our temptaions and how we have given in to them. We know every failure we have ever had and continue to struggle with. We have such a close relationship with ourselves that we know the dark secrets about ourselves no one else does. If we can't tolerate or forgive ourselves how can possibly tolerate or forgive others especially those we perceive as enemies.

God loves us and He believes we are worthy of His love. He loves us so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son for us. Jesus loves us so much that when the time came for Him to be crucified He asked His Father to remove the cup from Him, and then declared, "not my will but thine be done." God loves us so much that He rejoices over us with singing Zeph. 3:17. Imagine God is so delighted with you, He loves you so much He has a song just for you, that He sings over you.

My oldest son gave me great insight into this not long ago. We had been in church and a member had been asked to pray.  As the gentleman prayed he continually talked about undeserving he was. Those words disturbed my son. So after church he approached the gentleman to assure him that God loved him and he deserved God's love because God said he did. Then my son asked me why anyone would pray that way. I explained to Him it was because there is nothing we can do to earn God's love. My son understood that but he explained, "If God says you are desrving of a gift, a blessing, and His love you need to say 'Thank You Lord for loving me' and believe you deserve it or it is like not accepting God's gift at all!" Wow!!! Today thank your Heavenly Father for His gift of love and the gifts and blessings He has given you. Love yourself and believe you deserve it then use those gifts to bring glory to Him. Forgive yourself for your failures, God already has! Like my son pointed out "If God says you deserve it, then you desrve it!" Then see the difference it makes in all of your relationships!

Father, thank You for loving us before we loved you! Thank You for loving us when we are unloveable or unlovely! Help us to love ourselves like You love us so we can then love other as You love them. In Jesus name, amen.

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Love Requires Sacrifice

John 15:12-14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

Love one another as Jesus loved us. What does that look like? Jesus gave up everything that we may have an opportunity to have eternal life in heaven. He enjoyed unbroken fellowship with His Father in heaven, He walked streets of gold, could be everywhere and knew everything, nothing was beyond His reach. In heaven Jesus never knew want or need, never knew physical pain or dependency. He was not confined to a physical body. He gave up all of that to come to earth, be confined to flesh, know what it means to hunger and thirst, know the pain of scrapes and cuts and knew the pain that could be inflicted by one person on another. He experienced the pain of separation that death causes, the pain of betrayal of a friend, the deep love of family and the hurt when family doesn't understand you. Jesus came to earth to lay down His life that we might have life. When He did that He experienced something that He had never experienced, the pain of separation from His Father, God. 


Jesus understands the sacrifice of love. This command that He gave us was not given without understanding what it could cost each individual person. This kind of love we are incapable of achieving on our own. We must be willing to put others needs ahead of our own (Romans 12:10), instead of looking for ways to benefit ourselves. God asked Abram to sacrifice his son of promise, the son of his old age as a demonstration of his faith. Abram was willing to do this trusting all the while that God would provide (Gen. 22:1-8). What have you been asked to give up in the name of love? If God is the One asking you to give it up He will give you the strength to do it. The person you give it up to or for may draw closer to God because of your obedience and God will bless your obedience as well!


Father, Creator, Savior, Lover of my soul, thank You for loving me so sacrificially! Teach me to love others like You love! Help me to love sacrificially, compassionately and forgivingly! In Jesus loving name, amen.