Tag: Israel

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Bible Love Notes – Standing Firm When Tested

Societal pressures are separating genuine Christ-followers from nominal Christians. Why? Because the testing of our faith always reveals the truth of our beliefs.

We have a “good bad example” in the Old Testament king named Joash (2 Chronicles 24). 

Joash became king at a young age under tragic conditions, but God gave him a loving aunt and a godly priest to mentor him and help him restore Israel to the Lord.

With God’s love and favor, Joash became a godly king, a very godly king.

Until tested.

When his godly mentor Jehoiada died, Joash turned from God and killed Johoiada’s righteous son. He gave in to the popular paganism of his day and led Israel away from God. 

When tested, his true beliefs were revealed.

So let me ask you these very important questions: 

✔ Have you sincerely understood the gospel and given your life to the Lord? (Romans 10:10)

✔ Are you willing to stand up for His unchanging Word even when it’s criticized and mocked? (Matthew 10:22)

✔ Are you preparing your heart and mind for persecution? (1 Peter 4:12)
If your answers are “yes,” you can rest assured that you will never stand alone. God will be with you! (Hebrews 13:5) 

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Seeking God in Suffering – God’s Shield of Protection

God’s Shield of Protection

DAY 20 | Isaiah 43:1-5

“When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.” —Isaiah 43:2

Have you ever felt that you just couldn’t handle one more difficult thing? Have you wondered how you will get through the next days and months?

God knows the struggles of his people. Through Isaiah, God assured Israel as they were oppressed in exile. God reminded them of his power in the past, and God pointed to his sure presence for the future. The Red Sea had not swept over them as they left Egypt (Exodus 14), and in Babylon a fiery furnace would not burn Daniel’s friends (Daniel 3). God promised, “You are mine,” and “I will be with you.”

The comfort in this passage—that God never lets go as we face all kinds of dangers and struggles—is for God’s people both as a group and as individuals. Nothing can destroy the people whom God has called, so we need not be afraid.

In the summer of 2013 I was shocked and saddened by the death of my youngest sister. Two weeks later, I was diagnosed with melanoma that required surgery, followed by numerous complications. For a while it felt as though the waves of grief and flames of fear were too big to handle. But God did not allow me to be swept away or burned.

The almighty God personally promises to be our shield of protection as we navigate the fiery darts of the devil.

prayer-header-1

Great I am, help me to trust you when life feels overwhelming and I am pummeled with problems. Thank you that I am precious to you and that your love is eternal. Amen.

//Reframe Ministries//

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Daily Devotion – Partners in Victory

“Moses’ hands were heavy … Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.” – Exodus 17:12-13 NASB

Joshua led Israel’s army against the Amalekites. And Moses communicated God’s strategy and became a symbol of His presence. As long he held up his hands, “Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed” (v. 11).

But victory would not have been possible without the help of Aaron and Hur, two men who did not lift a sword or slay one enemy soldier. But Israel was victorious because these men fulfilled their assigned roles.

While Moses stood with God’s staff in his hand, the Israelites were victorious. Then, as the day wore on, his strength faded. That is when Aaron and Hur stepped in. Their task: to support Moses’ hands. This might sound trivial, but without this support, the battle could not have been won.

As we look at the work of ministry, we need to realize that, just as in the days of Moses, Christians need to work together as partners. There are many roles to play, and every person, every role is important. God’s army needs prayer warriors and teachers, encouragers, and administrators. He needs believers who will sacrifice and give to support the Gospel.

Remember, you have a vital role to play. The tasks and  skills you’ve been given are important. God has given you special gifts, talents, and special assignments. Make sure you are doing the work He called you to do.

Prayer

Father, I commit my life to You. Show me the tasks You’ve given me to do. I dedicate my time, talents, and treasures to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

Exodus 17

//Inspiration Ministries//

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Bible Love Notes – Cower, Criticize, or Fight? Why David Fought.

“David saw what everyone saw…heard what everyone heard…thought what no one thought.”(1) 

While strong, experienced soldiers cowered, David told Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45).

Throughout Scripture we hear this truth: 

“’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 

“I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

In our present world, “Goliath” enemies stand and mock biblical principles. All of us hear the same trash talk and see the results. The choice is ours: we can join the enemy…cower in the shadows…criticize the faithful like David’s brother (1 Samuel 17:26-30)…

Or we can fight like David, confident that God’s Spirit within us is greater than any “Goliath” in our world (1 John 4:4).  

Will you join me in the fight?   

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(1) Brother Andrew, No Guts, No Glory, © 2014, Open Doors International 

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Daily Devotion – The Focus of Our Faith

Let us take to ourselves from Shiloh the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that it may come among us and deliver us from the power of our enemies.” – 1 Samuel 4:3 NASB

As a nation, Israel had defied God and disobeyed His Word. But, when facing strong opposition from the Philistines, they seemed to forget these past mistakes.

They didn’t feel it was necessary to admit their sins, to repent, or to get their lives right with God. Instead, they concluded that they just needed to have the Ark with them when they went into battle. Then, they felt invincible.

Going into battle, they had complete confidence. They were so confident that they shouted so loudly that “the earth resounded” (v. 5). In the face of this superficial confidence, the Philistines initially reacted with fear but recovered to achieve victory in the ensuing battle. They realized that the Israelites just were operating on emotions.

And they experienced a horrible defeat. All the Israelites fled and “the slaughter was very great” (v. 10). Most devastating, the Ark itself was captured.

Israel had received an emotional boost from the presence of the Ark. But their lives hadn’t changed. They failed to realize that God was more concerned about their relationship with Him, their attitudes, the things they had done, and the condition of their heart.

Seek to be clean in God’s sight. Be honest with Him and allow Him to convict you of any sin. Humble yourself before Him, and accept His forgiveness. Faithfully seek to keep His Word to be sure that you have His blessing.

Prayer

Father, give me a sensitivity to know Your Word. I focus on You. Help me to be clean and pure in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

1 Samuel 4

//Inspiration Ministeries//