Psalm 3 - 11.3.23

Scripture: 

Psalm 3:3-4 -  “But you, Lord, are a shield around me,  my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.”

Observation:

David was facing one of the toughest situations in his life, his own son was speaking out against him and working to take the kingship from his hands.  David not only declares the Lord will protect him, but also “the One who lifts his head high.” He is our glory not our position or accomplishments. The word “One” also stands out to me. He is the only one who can do this!  The one we need to turn to. 

For me it is pretty easy to believe God will protect me, even if things get rough. It is another to realize He will give me a reason to lift my head up, not drop it in shame. His glory will surround me. He is my shield. I can call on Him and God will answer. 

Application:

I need to not hesitate to call on God in all circumstances.  I need to make Him my shield by trusting his power and glory, not anything I can plan or do.  He will deliver me and His glory will shine. I do not need to be dismayed or hang my head and hide.  My self worth is in God and not my circumstances. 

Prayer:

Lord, when the world’s distractions come to get my eyes off you please remind me of the truth. You are a shield around me, my glory and the One who lifts my head high.  There is not anything I can do to cause you to love me less. There is no circumstance you can’t shine your glory through as long as I call on you and look to you for help and direction.  Amen

- Cindy Howard

Acts 23 - 11.02.23

SCRIPTURE: Acts 23:11 NLT

“That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.””

OBSERVATION:

Paul is sitting in Jail late at night after a long exhausting day. He had just come back from a missionary trip where he had been prophetically warned that trouble awaited him—so it was no surprise that he was falsely accused and being tried before the Sanhedrin. Yet, Paul was human and in the darkness of night anyone can begin to question-what if?? Could he have said or done something different--would the circumstances have turned out better? 

Paul longed to see his fellow Jews saved. And—it’s easy to see how the loneliness of nighttime allowed the doubts and worry to work overtime.

BUT—it was—in the darkness of this night—that Jesus came—

and stood by him to say,  “Be Encouraged”. 

Jesus spoke the exact Words HE knew Paul needed to hear. 

APPLICATION:

BE ENCOURAGED 

“Take Courage” Is more accurate here!

Jesus said to Paul— tharseó.

From the Greek meaning: Properly bolstered from within which supports unflinching courage—Literally to radiate warm confidence! 

It is the “inner attitude” of a believer as a result of The Lord infusing His strength by His inworking of Faith.

Anyone can be encouraged when everything is great; but the Christian can be encouraged when everything is rotten, knowing that God is mighty and wonderful no matter what the crisis or current circumstances are.

Jesus told the woman with the 12-year bleeding problem, Take Courage [tharseo], daughter; your faith has made you well (Matthew 9:22).

Jesus told His frightened disciples on the Sea of Galilee, Take Courage [tharseo]! I AM; do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27).

Jesus told His disciples the night before His crucifixion, In the world you will have tribulation; but take courage [tharseo], I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

Jesus told Paul to take courage [tharseo] he would be going on to Rome to share the Gospel. There was more work for him to do.

What Joy to the ears and heart of every faithful disciple of Jesus!

“There is more for you to do.”

More people to bring to Christ, more ways for you to glorify Him, more people to pray with, more humble ways to serve His people, more hungry to feed, more naked to clothe, more weary saints for you to encourage.

 PRAYER 

LORD JESUS,

This IS what You say to each of us. There is MORE work to be done. We will never be done until the day YOU bring us home.

Your eyes are ever searching to and fro throughout the earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to You. (2 Chron 16:9)

Give us a desire that lines up with Your heart. Expand our minds to see past anything we ever dared to even dream was possible.

Help us to step into new territory with You Lord. Help me to “Take Courage” and be Infused by Your Inworking of Faith in My Life. In Jesus Name, I pray.

Tina L Kudelka

Hosea 6 - 11.1.23

Scripture

Hosea 6:6

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Observation

Our Lord looks at our heart, and not on outward appearances. He desires a heart that shows mercy and loves others He has placed in our lives. There is a place for sacrifices and gifts to the Lord. But the Lord honors and accepts it when it is done with a heart full of love and mercy. He desires that we seek to know Him, than bring him gifts. 

Application

Our Lord Jesus quotes this verse in Matthew 9:13, when the Pharisees question Him about why He ate in the company of sinners. Jesus was full of love and compassion, and seeked out the lost. Let us pray that we become like Him, and intentionally and prayerfully share God's love and mercy with those in our circle of influence. Let us be filled with the desire to know Him more, and develop a love for His Word. Let us make spending time in the Word and Prayer, our priority everyday.

Prayer

Lord please help us to be more like you. Fill us with your love so that we will be able to show mercy and love others with a sincere heart. Give us a desire to know you more. Help us to make time in prayer and reading the word, our highest priority. May our lives be a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to you.

- Asha George