So many of you were touched by the poem, "Trust me with Your Isaac", by Beth Moore that Pastor Randy read at the end of his sermon on Sunday that we decided to include it in this weeks devotions. Read it and meditate on its message. Jehovah-Jireh is the God who sees everything - who will provide for you. Have a blessed day!
For every Abraham who dares
to kiss a foreign field
where glory for a moment grasped
Is for a lifetime tilled…
The voice of God
speaks not but once
but ‘til traveler hears
“Abraham! Abraham! Bring your Isaac here!”
“Bring not the blemished sacrifice.
What lovest thou the most?
Look not into the distance,
you’ll find your Isaac close.”
“I hear the tearing of your heart
torn between two loves,
the one your vision can behold
the Other hid above.”
“Do you trust me, Abraham
with your gravest fear?
Will you pry your fingers loose
and bring your Isaac here?”
“Have I not made you promises?
Hold them tight instead!
I am the Lover of your soul—
the Lifter of your head.”
“Believe me, O my Abraham
when blinded by the cost.
Arrange the wooded altar
and count your gains but loss.”
“Let tears wash clean your blinded eyes until unveiled you see—
the ram caught in the thicket there
to set your Isaac free.”
“Perhaps I’ll send him down the mount
to walk right by your side.
No longer in your iron grasp
but safer still in mine.”
“Or I may wrap him in the wind
and sweep him from your sight
to better things beyond your reach—
believe with all your might!”
“Look up, beloved Abraham.
Can you count the stars?
Multitudes will stand to reap
from one dear friend of God.”
“Pass the test, my faithful one;
bow to me as Lord.
Trust me with your Isaac—
see,
I am your great Reward.”
My great and awesome God, I want more than anything to hold onto You tightly and to hold onto everything else loosely. I want to be willing to lay down my most treasured relationships and possessions at Your request. Give me a willing heart to offer those unblemished sacrifices to You. Help me to trust You fully when I seem to be getting two opposite messages from You. Thank You for providing Jesus, the spotless Lamb, to take my place on the altar. I offer myself to You today as a living sacrifice. It’s in the name of Jesus that I pray, Amen
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Prayer of Thanksgiving
"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17
Happy Thanksgiving to all! We want to encourage you to take a few minutes and read one of the greatest Psalms of thanksgiving ever written. Psalm 100. As you read Psalm 100, stop after each verse to just spend a few minutes praising YAHWEH.
*"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth."
(Express to God that you acknowledge that He is Lord of everything.)
*"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him
with joyful songs."
(Express your joy in the Lord.)
*"Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
(Express your thanks to God that you belong to Him.)
*"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
(Express your thanks to God for everything He has done for you.)
*" For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations."
(Express your praise to God for His goodness, His enduring love, and His faithfulness to you.)
We hope that today your heart will be reminded of all the blessings God has bestowed on you and your families. May you have an attitude of gratitude today.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! We want to encourage you to take a few minutes and read one of the greatest Psalms of thanksgiving ever written. Psalm 100. As you read Psalm 100, stop after each verse to just spend a few minutes praising YAHWEH.
*"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth."
(Express to God that you acknowledge that He is Lord of everything.)
*"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him
with joyful songs."
(Express your joy in the Lord.)
*"Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
(Express your thanks to God that you belong to Him.)
*"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
(Express your thanks to God for everything He has done for you.)
*" For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations."
(Express your praise to God for His goodness, His enduring love, and His faithfulness to you.)
We hope that today your heart will be reminded of all the blessings God has bestowed on you and your families. May you have an attitude of gratitude today.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Jehovah-Jireh is...
What do you NEED today from Jehovah Jireh? Is it peace that passes all understanding or something else? He is the Lord who sees. May you find time today to sit before Your Heavenly Father, who loves you, and talk with Him. He's waiting to hear from you.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Christ is Provider
"But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs." (Phil 2: 25-26)
I got onto the bus with the other delegates attending a workplace conference in South Africa. It was a season in my life in which I had experienced many losses both financially and relationally. God was stripping away the old wineskin and creating a new one. One of the things He was teaching me was that He - not my skills, not my work - was my provider of financial needs during this season of training.
God provided me the means to attend the conference. One day before the registration deadline, a man came to my office and game me $2500.00 and told me I was to go. Now, a man had just placed an envelope into my hand. "Here, God says I'm to give this to you. Inside are 10 crisp American $100 bills -$1000!" The man was from Kuwait.
Every believer needs to come to know Christ as their provider. Jehovah Jireh means God is my provider. When God called the Israelites from their place of slavery they had to walk through the desert. There is not way to earn a living in the desert. So God provided manna each day for them. Sometimes He even brought water from rocks. They had to experience a new way of gaining provision that was not rooted in sweat and toil. God had to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh to His people.
There were times when Paul's tent making business was not the way God would provide for him. God often uses others as His instrument of provision. So, God sent Epaphroditus to take care of Paul's needs.
Do you know God as your provider? Do you have a need? Place your need before the Lord today and ask Him to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh.
Taken from
Today God is First
Volume 2, by Os Hillman
Dear Father in Heaven,
This day I look up and remember how it is you who created all and who owns the cattle upon the hills, the water that springs from the earth, the skies that span our view, and everything good. It is you who can provide for and bless the earth and the inhabitants thereof. I pray for the many people who are in difficult circumstances right now and need a touch to help them with their basic needs. I pray for those who need financial income to pay their living expenses, those who need jobs to bring in that income, who need good health to be able to do those jobs; and for those whose jobs do not provide sufficient income for their needs. I pray also for those who have the income, but do not know how to properly manage it for the best outcome. And I pray for those who have much and can give much. Please, connect the right people with jobs, and the right people with the right people, to do what needs to be done. I pray that you will meet every need; that you will bless the lives of those who follow your guidance and those who are thankful for what you provide. Hear the cries of the needy. I pray you will bless those who give from the abundance you have allowed them to have, for sharing and ministering in ways that others cannot. Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
I got onto the bus with the other delegates attending a workplace conference in South Africa. It was a season in my life in which I had experienced many losses both financially and relationally. God was stripping away the old wineskin and creating a new one. One of the things He was teaching me was that He - not my skills, not my work - was my provider of financial needs during this season of training.
God provided me the means to attend the conference. One day before the registration deadline, a man came to my office and game me $2500.00 and told me I was to go. Now, a man had just placed an envelope into my hand. "Here, God says I'm to give this to you. Inside are 10 crisp American $100 bills -$1000!" The man was from Kuwait.
Every believer needs to come to know Christ as their provider. Jehovah Jireh means God is my provider. When God called the Israelites from their place of slavery they had to walk through the desert. There is not way to earn a living in the desert. So God provided manna each day for them. Sometimes He even brought water from rocks. They had to experience a new way of gaining provision that was not rooted in sweat and toil. God had to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh to His people.
There were times when Paul's tent making business was not the way God would provide for him. God often uses others as His instrument of provision. So, God sent Epaphroditus to take care of Paul's needs.
Do you know God as your provider? Do you have a need? Place your need before the Lord today and ask Him to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh.
Taken from
Today God is First
Volume 2, by Os Hillman
Dear Father in Heaven,
This day I look up and remember how it is you who created all and who owns the cattle upon the hills, the water that springs from the earth, the skies that span our view, and everything good. It is you who can provide for and bless the earth and the inhabitants thereof. I pray for the many people who are in difficult circumstances right now and need a touch to help them with their basic needs. I pray for those who need financial income to pay their living expenses, those who need jobs to bring in that income, who need good health to be able to do those jobs; and for those whose jobs do not provide sufficient income for their needs. I pray also for those who have the income, but do not know how to properly manage it for the best outcome. And I pray for those who have much and can give much. Please, connect the right people with jobs, and the right people with the right people, to do what needs to be done. I pray that you will meet every need; that you will bless the lives of those who follow your guidance and those who are thankful for what you provide. Hear the cries of the needy. I pray you will bless those who give from the abundance you have allowed them to have, for sharing and ministering in ways that others cannot. Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Monday, November 24, 2008
Jehovah-Jireh
"And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh; as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. Genesis 22:14
The account of Abraham being willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice is filled with meaning. We all remember Abraham's statement to Isaac on the way up the mountain that "God will provide himself a lamb." When Abraham saw the ram caught in the thicket, he knew that the ram would be sacrificed in the place of his son. God had indeed provided. Therefore, Abraham named the place Jehovah-jireh, God will provide. You may have noticed that the KJV translates the name "it shall be seen". There was the mention of seeing everywhere surrounding this story. Jesus even mentioned that Abraham saw His day and rejoiced. It was a pointed reference to our text. How do we get from "God will see" to "God will provide"? It is obvious that God has the ability to provide. Abraham learned that whatever needs God saw, he would provide. The greater truth in God's name is not that God provided a ram in the thicket for Isaac, but that God provided the Lamb for the sins of the world. Abraham's son was spared; God's son was not spared. God sees the great need in our world today. He saw it from before the foundation of the world. As a result, He has provided the way of salvation and life through His son. What a joy it is to have the privilege to join God in His grat work of redemption by telling everyone that we know a God who provides eternal life through faith in Jesus, His Son.
Written by: Rev. Ed Cruce
Director of Missions
Bessemer Baptist Association
The account of Abraham being willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice is filled with meaning. We all remember Abraham's statement to Isaac on the way up the mountain that "God will provide himself a lamb." When Abraham saw the ram caught in the thicket, he knew that the ram would be sacrificed in the place of his son. God had indeed provided. Therefore, Abraham named the place Jehovah-jireh, God will provide. You may have noticed that the KJV translates the name "it shall be seen". There was the mention of seeing everywhere surrounding this story. Jesus even mentioned that Abraham saw His day and rejoiced. It was a pointed reference to our text. How do we get from "God will see" to "God will provide"? It is obvious that God has the ability to provide. Abraham learned that whatever needs God saw, he would provide. The greater truth in God's name is not that God provided a ram in the thicket for Isaac, but that God provided the Lamb for the sins of the world. Abraham's son was spared; God's son was not spared. God sees the great need in our world today. He saw it from before the foundation of the world. As a result, He has provided the way of salvation and life through His son. What a joy it is to have the privilege to join God in His grat work of redemption by telling everyone that we know a God who provides eternal life through faith in Jesus, His Son.
Written by: Rev. Ed Cruce
Director of Missions
Bessemer Baptist Association
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Wayward Sheep
When you see the picture of the shepherd carrying his little lamb on his shoulders have you ever wondered why he is carrying it rather than walking along side it? The answer is very interesting. The sheep on the shoulders of his master is a wayward sheep. This is a sheep that not only wonders from the flock into dangerous territories; but, it wonders habitually. In Psalm 23, King David wrote about the comfort the rod and staff brought him while walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The shepherd’s staff was hooked at the end to bring wondering sheep back into the fold. The rod was used as an incentive for those wondering sheep who were a bit more given to straying. In either case, peace and comfort was brought forth through the enforcement of boundaries set by the one in authority. This resulted in a sense of security for the wandering sheep. However, there are some cases when the rod and staff are not enough incentive for a particularly strong-willed sheep--a sheep who continually chooses to leave the safety and security of the flock; and, who continually travels into areas where he can be destroyed by wolves or other ravenous beasts. It is at this time that the good shepherd realizes that he must exercise extraordinary measures to secure the safety of this one little sheep.
So, out of his deepest measure of love, and for the ultimate well being of his precious little sheep, the good shepherd breaks the sheep’s leg so that it can not wonder into those dangerous territories. This forces the sheep to abide in the vicinity of the good shepherd. He learns to hear and heed his master’s voice. He begins developing a relationship with his master--a relationship not likely developed in light of his former rebellious behaviors. He begins to obey his master, not because he fears him; but, because he has developed a loving relationship with him. He has realized, through this relationship, that when the master speaks he speaks love, wisdom, goodness, peace, safety, and security.
Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of being led in worship by Kevin Derryberry who spoke of the years he continuously rebelled against God's gentle calling him back into the "fold". It wasn't until he faced near death from alcoholism that he crawled into His Shepherd's arms for the first time since he was a young boy. He has since developed a deep love relationship with his Lord.
This action by the shepherd may seem harsh to you, but the shepherd knows the dangers that lurk around the corner. I have often seen parents "pop" the hand of their small child or place them in "time out" for actions that would result in their harm. Parents don't do this out of meanness or anger, but because they don't want their children to receive unnecessary injury. Our Great Shepherd must discipline us in order to protect us.
Maybe you are not currently on the "wrong path", but unfortunately, you have a family member or a friend who is rebelling against the Shepherds leading. Take a moment to just pray for that person right now. Ask God to gently lead them back into his arms. Thank God for what He is going to do in the life of that person.
Thank you so much for taking time each day to sit and read these devotions. We pray that God is speaking to your heart and drawing you close. We want you to know that God loves you. If you have a loved one that is currently running from the Lord and you wish for us to pray for him/her, please request prayer in the comment section below. If you are not comfortable leaving a name, God knows the situation...just request prayer. Also, should you need additional prayer or guidance please feel free to contact Pastor Randy using the church's link on this blog.
So, out of his deepest measure of love, and for the ultimate well being of his precious little sheep, the good shepherd breaks the sheep’s leg so that it can not wonder into those dangerous territories. This forces the sheep to abide in the vicinity of the good shepherd. He learns to hear and heed his master’s voice. He begins developing a relationship with his master--a relationship not likely developed in light of his former rebellious behaviors. He begins to obey his master, not because he fears him; but, because he has developed a loving relationship with him. He has realized, through this relationship, that when the master speaks he speaks love, wisdom, goodness, peace, safety, and security.
Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of being led in worship by Kevin Derryberry who spoke of the years he continuously rebelled against God's gentle calling him back into the "fold". It wasn't until he faced near death from alcoholism that he crawled into His Shepherd's arms for the first time since he was a young boy. He has since developed a deep love relationship with his Lord.
This action by the shepherd may seem harsh to you, but the shepherd knows the dangers that lurk around the corner. I have often seen parents "pop" the hand of their small child or place them in "time out" for actions that would result in their harm. Parents don't do this out of meanness or anger, but because they don't want their children to receive unnecessary injury. Our Great Shepherd must discipline us in order to protect us.
Maybe you are not currently on the "wrong path", but unfortunately, you have a family member or a friend who is rebelling against the Shepherds leading. Take a moment to just pray for that person right now. Ask God to gently lead them back into his arms. Thank God for what He is going to do in the life of that person.
Thank you so much for taking time each day to sit and read these devotions. We pray that God is speaking to your heart and drawing you close. We want you to know that God loves you. If you have a loved one that is currently running from the Lord and you wish for us to pray for him/her, please request prayer in the comment section below. If you are not comfortable leaving a name, God knows the situation...just request prayer. Also, should you need additional prayer or guidance please feel free to contact Pastor Randy using the church's link on this blog.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Right Path
During Pastor Randy's sermon on the 23rd Psalm this past Sunday, I was led to meditate on some things he spoke concerning verse 3;
" He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Randy basically interpreted this scripture to mean "He [the Shepherd] leads me on the right path." He then preceded to explain that what makes the path right is not the absence of trouble but the presence of the Shepherd.
I was then reminded about an illustration I had once used in a Bible Study. We know that our Great Shepherd loves us and knows us by name. But too often we lose sight of the fact that He always has our best interests at heart. We rebel against His leading thinking that our own path is better. We are like sheep, always wanting the greener grass.
In the highlands of Scotland sheep often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they can't get out of. The grass on these mountains tastes very sweet, and the sheep like it. They will jump down ten or twelve feet to a ledge with a patch of grass, and then they can't jump back up again. The shepherd hears them bleating in distress. The shepherd may leave them there for days, until they have eaten all the grass and are so faint that they cannot stand. Only then will the shepherd put a rope around the sheep and pull them up out of the jaws of death.
"Why doesn't the shepherd attempt a rescue when the sheep first get into the predicament? The sheep are so foolish and so focused on eating that they would dash away from the shepherd, go over the precipice and destroy themselves. Our Good Shepherd knows what is best for us.
Spend a few moments thinking about the times you chose the wrong path looking for greener grass, and the ways you were steered back to the right path. Praise God for showing you that he knows what is best for you.
In tomorrow's devotion we will look at how the Shepherd must sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to protect His sheep from themselves and the unseen dangers they face.
" He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Randy basically interpreted this scripture to mean "He [the Shepherd] leads me on the right path." He then preceded to explain that what makes the path right is not the absence of trouble but the presence of the Shepherd.
I was then reminded about an illustration I had once used in a Bible Study. We know that our Great Shepherd loves us and knows us by name. But too often we lose sight of the fact that He always has our best interests at heart. We rebel against His leading thinking that our own path is better. We are like sheep, always wanting the greener grass.
In the highlands of Scotland sheep often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they can't get out of. The grass on these mountains tastes very sweet, and the sheep like it. They will jump down ten or twelve feet to a ledge with a patch of grass, and then they can't jump back up again. The shepherd hears them bleating in distress. The shepherd may leave them there for days, until they have eaten all the grass and are so faint that they cannot stand. Only then will the shepherd put a rope around the sheep and pull them up out of the jaws of death.
"Why doesn't the shepherd attempt a rescue when the sheep first get into the predicament? The sheep are so foolish and so focused on eating that they would dash away from the shepherd, go over the precipice and destroy themselves. Our Good Shepherd knows what is best for us.
Spend a few moments thinking about the times you chose the wrong path looking for greener grass, and the ways you were steered back to the right path. Praise God for showing you that he knows what is best for you.
In tomorrow's devotion we will look at how the Shepherd must sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to protect His sheep from themselves and the unseen dangers they face.
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