Night Etching: When He Speaks

For when He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. -Psalm 35:9


My first repelling adventure was a trip with my brother. He tied one end of the rope firmly around a rock, and with the other end though it over the side of the cliff we we're going down. My brother turned my back to the cliff and instructed me to hold the rope with both hands, but wrapped around my bottom. Then he said for me to lean over the cliff and kick with my feet out to start repelling.
When I began placing my weight over the cliff, I wanted to stop. But my brother convinced me to trust him and try. I did and had a great time.
We have to trust in God's Word, even though we may be frightened. His Word is trustworthy. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Open Your Eyes

Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished. -Psalm 91:8


Doing the right thing is not always easy. People don't always notice when someone has stood up for the right thing.
One of the most obvious ways people don't do right and many times goes unnoticed, is when someone talks about another person to you. They put the other person down in front of you. If we opened our eyes, we would have to ask our self this question when they are gone, "I wonder what they say about me?"
Those who are wicked will do the simple things to ensnare themselves. Amen!

Morning Inception: The Word Remains Forever

for all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the Word of the Lord remains forever. And this Word is the good news that was preached to you. -1 Peter 1:24,25


Nice to be able to pray to God whose Word is so handy for us today. Listen to people speak at work or school or on the television and what seems to be the subject or topic they are discussing? Is the subject gossip about another employee or student or entertainer? Are the people talking about themselves or something trivial like the weather?
Can you remember your preacher's last sermon and its subject? Nothing like hearing God's Word preached or talked about, is it? It's a subject that is good news for all. Amen!

Night Etching: Night Court

The one who rejects me and does not receive My words has a judge; the Word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. -John 12:48


Freedom. The word has taken on a different meaning today. Freedom in the righteous form means free of evil and hate.
But now people think freedom is to do whatever they feel and not receive any consequences. But the Lord says, no. All who rejects the ways of the Lord will one day be judged for his actions. Let God's righteous freedom ring. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Receive the Implanted Word

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. -James 1:21


During our day today we will have many temptations which will come before us on our computers, our television sets, cell phones, and many, personally. Allow us as followers of Christ to be able to firmly stand by the Word of God throwing light on those things of darkness and deflate those whose efforts are to hurt, shame, or try in lowering that which we find sacred. Why corrupt that which saves peoples' souls? For they live in the darkness and know no better! Allow the Light to rid us of the darkness around us. Amen!

Morning Inception: His Law Never Void

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.
- Luke 16:17


Man's law can be changed. Worse than that is with enough money and influence man's law can be overlooked or overturned.
But not with God's law. Once it was spoken by God it never changed. He will never overlook a law that has been broken.
Man's law is supposed to protect us, but can be abused. God's law is there to glorify Him and His truth. Amen!

Night Etching: My Rock Never Forgets

I say to God, my rock: "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" -Psalm 42:9


There are 400 years of silence between the last of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. During that time, the Jews were being oppressed and crying out to God.
God hears His children, but many times we need to be patient for God's answer. For His timing is perfect.
During the 400 years between the two testaments, a couple of things happened that helped to glorify God to prove He is the One and only God. One, the Romans dominated the earth. This made travelling actually easier, and so easier to preach the gospel. Second, Alexander the Great conquered most of the Mediterranean. He had all businesses speak and write Koine Greek, the language the New Testament was written. In time, the language became dead and thus, the words of the New Testament were not subject to change because of culture and thus, words meaning changed.
After all this, God sent His Son, perfect timing to help relieve His people's mourning.
Be patient, my brother and sister, for our Rock is waiting for the perfect time to squash our enemy. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: The Helper

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26


When a problem or hurdle comes in to our life, the first thing we do is roll up our sleeves and think we have to solve them by our self. According to this verse, this is not true. For Jesus said when He leaves that the Father will send a...what? Will He bring an onlooker...a cheerleader..No! Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will be our Helper!
Before tackling that big problem...or huge hurdle, take a moment and pray. Although you may not know what to pray, the Helper will help. Need inspiration or an answer? Allow the Spirit to guide you. The Helper is here to help in Jesus name. Amen!

Morning Inception: Foot Loose

for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. -Proverbs 3:26


Climbing the side of a mountain can be a scary adventure, even for a veteran climber. All sorts of unforeseen accidents can happen such as strong winds, sudden weather changes, or fallen rocks. What can make these unexpected incidents seem safer is for the climber to use ropes as he climbs. This way, even the veteran climber has a safety net.
God is our rope for those unexpected accidents that can happen. Having the Word in our heart can help to give us confidence through any challenge and strong footing on those slippery slopes. Amen!

Night Etching: God of My Life

By day the Lord commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. -Psalm 42:8


He is called the God of our life for He is with us day and night. During the day, the psalmist writes, that He commands His steadfast love. The day is when we are most active whether we are working or studying or travelling or taking care of the children. This is the time when are energies are most exerted. This is the time the Lord commands His steadfast love. A steady dose of the love that strengthens and encourages us to complete our daily duties.
At night, the psalmist continues, is the time that His song is with us. This is the time of the day where we rest and reflect. His song is all the times He was with us today.
And our part is a prayer to the God who gives and sustains our life. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: We Know Him

If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him. -John 14:7


This is the verse after the disciple Thomas says to Jesus, "Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?" Then Jesus told Thomas and the others that He is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. Jesus also told them that He was the only way to the Father.
Many times we are like the disciples, who spent three years in ministry with Jesus. We are afraid to trust our heart to God. In this verse, Jesus tells Thomas that if He has seen Me that He has seen the Father. He wants Thomas to trust His heart and His whole self to Jesus, and carry on His work.
We must trust our hearts and our whole selves to His Spirit who was left behind to help us. Don't be afraid, but be of good courage. Trust in Him. Amen!

Morning Inception: True Word

Every Word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. -Proverbs 30:5


This day will be loaded with bombardments of fiery darts from the evil one, the world, and our selfish desires. If we go without protection, we will be hurt quickly and often. Our day will begin and end dreadfully without protection.
But once we load up and be ready to be truthful and compassionate and patient, our shield is ready to deflect. May those who try and attack us feel our love as we take refuge in Him. Amen!

Night Etching: Sheep Astray

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. -Isaiah 53:6


Jehovah-Rohi means ,"the Lord my shepherd." A sheep is a very misguided animal. All the sheep does is basically feed all day by either eating the grass or regurgitating the grass eaten. The sheep does not pay attention to where it grazes and can literally fall off the side of a cliff.
We are no different than sheep. If we go our own way, instead of the Lord's, our lives can end in tragedy.
God is a fair judge and not following His ways, breaking His law, amounts to the punishment of death. But God has allowed His Son to take on all our sins, so that we may live. Thank You, Jesus! Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Through Faith

Whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. -Romans 3:25


Propitiate means to win or gain favor of someone by doing something that pleases them. There is nothing that we can do that can please God except to have faith in His Son Jesus. By the law we were shown to be sinners because we could not but sin.
But Jesus came down, died on the Cross a spotless Lamb. God sent His Son as that act that pleased Him so that we could gain favor with Him. We must just believe in Him.  Amazing! Amen!

Morning Inception: Fear Not

Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. -Isaiah 54:4


Think of someone you love very much; your spouse, a parent, a child, or a grandchild. If you had a hard day whether at work, or school, or at home, and then that person came to you, stood beside you, and hugged you, what would you feel? Would you think of the burdens of the day or would you think of the love that you had just received?
That is the power of God for us. Shame, hurt, fear, disgrace...all roll off when we're in His presence! Amen!

Night Etching: The Lord My Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. -Psalm 23: 1-3


Sheep have seven stomachs. When they initially eat the grass they don't receive any nutrients from the grass. They only receive nutrients from the grass when they lie down in the pasture and regurgitate what they had eaten before. This is the same way for us when we read God's Word. We don't receive any nourishment from His Word when we initially read, but when we take time to meditate on what the meaning is in our lives.
Also, the psalmist talks about how the Lord leads us beside still water. A sheep must never drink around rushing water for if they ever fall in, their wool will become soaked. Once soaked the wool becomes very heavy. The sheep will drown.
The sheep must find still water to drink from for nourishment and for safety. Praise the Lord for always leading us where we need to go. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Justified by His Blood

Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God. -Romans 5:9


When there is a large debt that is owed to a creditor, the feeling of anxiety is so bad we can literally feel the weight on our backs. What if this debt was so large that we knew we could never pay it off in our lifetime ? A sense of hopelessness and desperation would overcome our emotions. We would feel as if the one we owed the debt could do anything and take anything they wanted at anytime. We would never feel secure.
But if someone paid off that enormous debt for us, how would we feel? And would we worry about the repercussions from the one we owed the debt? No longer could that person do anything to us? Where is that weight now? Amen!

Morning Inception: Your Dwelling Place

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place-the Most High who is my refuge--no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. -Psalm 91:9,10


A plague starts when conditions are unsanitary. The risk of a plague increases with poor sanitation, overcrowding, and a high pestilence problem.
But in God's presence, dwelling in His Word and living under His strength, Christians have found a refuge, a place of safety, away from all those problems. Life is hard even when you live right. Not just any solution is the right one even though it may solve initial concerns. Only under His roof will you be able to see through a problem or concern all the way. Make Him Lord! Amen!

Night Etching: He who Forgives and Heals

who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, -Psalm 103:3


Jehovah Rapha means "the Lord that heals." Here is another verse stated by a psalmist that says the Lord that heals. The healing that the Lord is so good at performing is that which touches us spiritually and emotionally. In every one's life we all will stray off course and cause hurt to others. Sometimes that hurt can be our families. But all hurt, if given time, can heal. When we hurt someone, for example our family, the first thing we need to do is give that hurt to God. We ask for forgiveness from Him. He is always ready to forgive us, if we truly mean it in our hearts. Then He will allow the healing process to begin. As with our physical bodies, the greater the damage, the more time the healing process takes. The important part is beginning the healing. May God give you the strength to begin the healing process, no matter what the problem may be and the strengthen to be patient as the healing works. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Nailed to the Cross

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumsion of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirement that was against us, Which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the Cross. -Colossians 2: 13, 14


In this verse, we are viewing the method of God of how He can take each and every one of our vile sins against Him and treat us as His sons and daughters with total love.
God, being our spiritual doctor, diagnosed each and every person with a deadly disease called sin. Our prognosis is death. But there is a cure, only one cure. He took our disease and nailed it to the Cross. This means that the spiritual death we were suppose to die from, He placed on His own Son, who died that death for us instead. Pray that God will show you what implications this has for your future. Amen!

Morning Inception: Carried Along by the Holy Spirit

Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someones own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. -1 Peter 1:20-21


Some people try to intimidate us by our weak position in a situation or by the strength of their position. Our enemy wants to make predictions of how our lives will turn out if something goes wrong or we make a bad decision. There is only One with that ability to make predictions in our lives and He is our Lord God. Never allow another to frighten you with their words or predictions, but instead be empowered by God's love and care.

Night Etching: Jehovah Rapha

And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the Lord made for them a statue and a rule, there He tested them saying, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in His eyes, and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.
-Exodus 15: 25-26


During the Exodus, the people travelling came upon some water. Unfortunately, the water was too bitter to drink, and the people began to grumble at Moses. Moses cried out to God to make the water drinkable. God instructed Moses of what to do and the water became sweet.
Then the Lord told the people that if they followed His commandments that He would not inflict the diseases that He had inflicted on the Egyptians.
In that statement God showed that He was in control of those things which make people sick to the point of death. They call Him, "Jehovah Rapha, "the Lord your healer."
There is no greater healer to give our sicknesses to than Him. May we lay our concerns before His feet. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Preach the Gospel

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
For the Word of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. -1 Corinthians 1:17, 18


In this chapter, Paul is discussing among the Christians not to quarrel. The church is having a debate of who was better whether Paul, or Apollo, or Cephas?
Paul is trying to tell the people that we all have our different service to perform according to God!
Let me ask you, what is more important for growing a flower, the sunshine, the water, or the ground? That's right, they all are important and each have their particular function. So it is with each of us in the kingdom of God. Don't worry what others are equipped to do, just concern yourself with the gift that God has given you...and be thankful! Amen!

Morning Inception: Word of His Lips

With regard to the works of man, by the Word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. -Psalm 17:4


In this psalm, David is letting God know that He is serious about doing right by Him for he is in need of God's help.
There are times in everyone's life where we are part of a group who may want to do something wrong or harmful. A group can be very persuasive. It's very hard to stand out against the group. As Christians, we are to follow Christ and His ways no matter the consequence.
In this verse, David is  expressing to God that he avoided the ways of the violent. David did so by the powerful Words of God. Using God's Word in a time of hard decision may set us a part from the group but may also allow others the opportunity to stand against the group as well. Amen!

Night Etching: Jehovah Mekaddishkem

And the Lord said to Moses, "You are to speak to the people of Israel, and say, 'Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. -Exodus 31:13,14


Jehovah Mekaddishkem means, "the Lord who sanctifies." What does sanctify mean and why does God want that for us?
Sanctify means to be set apart to be dedicated to God.  The Sabbaths were very important for that is when all the Jewish people would stop their work for a 24 hour period. They would begin with a small ceremony, dinner with the family, and the rest of the time was spent resting from their work.
God created the world in six days and the day after He rested. Why did God rest? He never sleeps and He never slumbers; our God never tires. So, why did He create a day of rest?
He created the day of rest for His people; a way to set them apart to be dedicated to honoring Him that day. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Grace of the Lord Jesus

"But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." -Acts 15:11


This statement happened during a meeting where the apostles and the elders were considering a question about whether the Gentiles who were being converted needed to be circumcised according to the custom of Moses in order to be saved.
The above verse was the reply that quieted the crowd. For the grace of God needs no assistance when the heart of a person has surrendered to Jesus.
God makes no distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles for He cleansed each hearts the same way. He cleansed their hearts by faith.
For only faith will save you, faith alone. Amen! 

Morning Inception: God is Our Refuge

God is our refuge and strength, a very present in help in trouble. -Psalm 46:1


Refuge is a word whose use is usually only connected with the Bible. But the word was an important one in biblical times especially for those who accidentally killed another person. In those times, as directed by God's Word, if a person accidentally killed another they would flee to a city of refuge, so that family members of the victim could not take revenge. Once there the judge who presided over the city would have a trial. If found innocent, the person on trial would then have to stay in that city until the judge died. But, at least he was safe.
God is our refuge that we can run to for strength in our times of trouble that ails us. Amen!

Evening Etching: Law of the Spirit of Life

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. -Romans 8:2


There is an old story that gives the kind of example of the burdens we place upon ourselves when going our way instead of the Lord's:
God once placed a 2 lb. rock in a man's wheelbarrow and told him to wheel the stone up the mile long hilland place it at top. Well, as the man was easily going along he met another man whose wheelbarrow had broken. He also had a stone in his wheelbarrow. The other man asked the man that if he was going to the top of the hill, would he mind carrying his? The man agreed since even the two stones were light.
Wasn't too long when the man met a pretty lady who had five stones. She winked her eyes, and of course he took her stones as well. Along the way, the man kept meeting people who asked him to take their stones.
When the man got about three quarters of the way, his wheelbarrow fell over and he could not go any further. He cried out to God and asked God for help. God came. The man asked God why He had placed such a burden on him. But God responded by telling the man that He had only asked him to take one stone up the hill. He told the man that the rest is what you put on yourself.
This is what happens when we go another way than His. For His burden is light. We are usually the ones that place the heavy burdens on ourself by not following His ways. Feel the freedom of Christ. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Why Jesus was Sent

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. -John 3:17


Jesus came into the world to fulfill the law. The Jews thought Jesus, the Messiah, came back to re-establish His people as the chosen Ones, again. He did, but just not the way they expected.
Many thought Jesus would lead His people into battle, a bloody battle, to take command. But Jesus did not come to harm or kill people. Jesus came to save them.
Gandhi during the 1940's wanted, as many of his fellow countrymen did, freedom from Great Britain so they could manage their own country. Although many of the British ways angered Gandhi, such as natural-born Indians were treated like second class citizens compared to the British who were there, he did not want to harm them. So, Gandhi created his non-violent rebellion where he wouldn't harm the British, yet create in their hearts shame when they harmed the people of India. His plan worked as India gained its independence.
Jesus didn't come in judgment upon the children of God, but as a Savior. For if we believe in Him, we shall be saved. Amen!

Morning Inception: He's Never Out of Reach

Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear; -Isaiah 59:1


Another day is starting. Do you have a worry or concern that seems as though God has not acted upon or seem as though He has not heard you? Remember, God never sleeps and He never slumbers. Some worries or concerns need time in order to be sorted out. But God will answer, for there are no concerns He will not address or worries He has not heard.
Continue to pray and continue to persevere. Amen!

Night Etching: Jehovah Jireh

And Abraham lifted up his eyes his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, "The Lord will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided. -Genesis 22:13,14


When troubles were very many during a financial crisis after the business I owned was coming to an end, I placed my faith totally in Him. What I thought was one of the worst experiences in my life, I now look back as one of the best.
My business had failed. Between that and my personal debts, I owed a lot of money. My debts exceeded my revenue. I was a new Christian and placed my total trust in Him. As a ritual, on Mondays, I would write down all the debts that were due that week on a piece of paper. I would then total all the debts owed for that week, not worrying about any other week. I would then pray to God for that amount. One week we had a tremendous amount that was due. I was honest when I spoke to God saying, "I don't see how You are going to cover that." In the mail during that week, we received a refund from two years back from the government for the amount that we needed. I was amazed at what He does when we leave all in His hands!  The term Jehovah Jireh means, "the Lord will provide." He does! Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Falling Short

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. -Romans 3:23


This is one of the verses used in evangelizing others in the salvation to Jesus. As a devotional, this verse can be taken as a depressing or inspiring verse depending on your view or your mood.
This verse also can be dangerous for some to use as an excuse for sinning against God.
Christians have to see this verse as an honest statement of our spiritual condition. Realizing this, Christians also must know that we are in need of help and a Helper every day about our condition.
That is why we must praise our Lord God for sending this Helper in our times of need.
Whether on our knees or with our head bowed, pray to Him to direct our paths and guide our feet. Amen!               

Morning Inception: Law of Liberty

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. -James 1:25


What is the law of liberty?
A law is a regulation given by a governing authority for the purpose of guidance in the allowance or non-allowance of a certain or general activity.
Liberty is the freedom from oppression in the form of political structure, physical well-being, and spiritual independence.
For Christians, the term law of liberty means that our Creator who created all things has a law that if we respect and abide through all things and situations will bring goodness of feeling and being in all we do. Amen!

Night Etching: Who Can Seperate From God

Who shall seperate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? -Romans 8:35


As we lay our head upon our pillow, and moments before we drop off to sleep, there is a couple of questions which we must ask  ourself.
Did I allow anyone or anything to place themself between me and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
Was I honest and sincere with everyone today or was I overstating matters a bit to make myself look better?
Was I humble and appreciative at work or at school or at rest today, or was I taking the day for granted and acted as though tomorrow was a given?
Was I a positive and godly example today or did I let someone gossip, talk bad about someone, or fake laugh at an inappropriate joke?
Lord, if I was a good and faithful servant, I praise You for Your strength and guidance.
But Lord if I lifted myself over You or was inappropriate today in Your eyes, please forgive me and help me correct my wrong and learn from my sin to be stronger the next time. Amen!

Mid-day Thought: All Have Sinned

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned--for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. -Romans 5: 12,13


Disobedience in Man was in our heart before God's law. The law just showed that Man, all men, are disobedient. Disobedience, or sin is prevalent in all men and women and thus, a danger to our spiritual condition. This condition came to us through one man, Adam, but all men would have done the same.
Whatever our spiritual condition is now, Jesus will give us the strength and direction in keeping sin under His control. Repentance, humility, forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust are all ingredients needed for our lives to either get back on or stay on track. May God be the glory! Amen!

Morning Inception: Our High Priest

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:15,16


In any organization that one comes across today will all contain a leader. Whether that organization be the place of one's work, the stores containing essentials and entertainment, or organizations where time is spent furthering a cause, all have leaders. These leaders, even in our place of work, are so busy making important decisions that efforts of trying to arrange a meeting are almost hopeless.
But Jesus, who is the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings always has time for us. He is not a top executive who only spends time being friendly with other top executives. Jesus, in every respect, understands our temptations and needs. He desires to meet with us. He understands and wants us to come to Him whenever we are in need.
Priest was a word placed on another person who showed love, understanding and comfort, and who was a leader in the community. This term today has been somewhat tarnished as those who were given that title have abused its privledges and responsibilities. Jesus has the title of High Priest and is One who has never tarnished the name. He is our example and the One for whom we can seek that love, understanding, and comfort. Come. Amen!

Night Etching: God is I Am

When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless, that I may make My covenant between Me and you, and may multiply you greatly." The Abram fell on his face. -Genesis 17:1-3


Think about something. Why does God go through the trouble of making a covenant with Man, instead of just telling us what we need to do for Him?  Remember, a covenant is an agreement between two parties. Each party having to fulfill a duty or responsibility to honor the agreement.
God made an agreement with Man who He knew could not keep his end of the bargain. And so goes the wisdom of God. He made a covenant with Man to show Man that His Word always comes true and comes through. On the other hand, God wanted to show Man that his own ways, no matter how sincere we try to be, will come back void. He wants Man to trust Him for when we do, our posterity grows.
Reflect on the day noticing the number of times people around including yourself, did not keep their word.
Reflect then, on the goodness of our God. He is worthy! Amen!

Mid-day Thought: Our Sun and Our Shield

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You! -Psalm 84:11-12


The Lord God is a sun. The psalmist did not write , "He is the sun", but "a sun." The psalmist identifies with the term "sun" as meaning that the Lord God is our light; our source of strength and growth. Our sun, as the One we look to for guidance and making all things clear.
The Lord God is a shield, like no other shield. He protects us from our enemies and from ourselves. He is a shield we hold on to tight in battle for the arrows of our enemies come in strong and come in fast.
We are confident in our Lord God for He is the commander of the Armies of Heaven, the Lord of Hosts. He has all power at His fingertips. We must trust in His leadership! For all who follow Him are blessed. Amen!

Morning Inception: Establishing Your Thoughts

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. -Proverbs 16:3


Wake up today with the intention of giving this whole day in every way to the Lord. Using the verse today there are a couple of ways to say this verse:
Trust all your actions to the Lord and all your plans will be stable, or
Seek in your occupation to lift up the Lord; your work will become curious and well-planned.


How would you rewrite this verse for your life?


Live it, then write it! Amen!