A thought from a recent devotional is that our relationship with God is our greatest strength. By spreading our wings of faith, we are lifted higher, and the Holy Spirit enables us to reach new heights.
A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post Step Ahead with Faith and about the unlikely hero named Gideon. Before anything else, Gideon prepared to carry out the plan received from God. Even though Gideon was hesitant and had doubts about his ability to follow through with the plan, he passed the test by receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit and taking the initiative to carry out the plan step by step.
Here is a video to encourage you today: Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. Receive this encouragement to step ahead with courage. To not be afraid but listen to the voice of Truth. To overcome whatever blocks your progress as you fulfill God’s plan for you.
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control – Proverbs 29:11
Detailed in “Endure Some Distress and the Lord Will Bless” was that David wanted to take his anger out on Israel for their sin instead of letting God be in control and be the judge. There is freedom in obeying God’s way because God cares for us more than we care for ourselves. He understands our needs more than we do.
One thought obtained was that sacrificing a little time and being obedient with a daily quiet time, prayer, and planning is a sure way to successfully get ready for the challenges each day brings. Let us start with a few minutes of praise with the song Build My Life by Pat Barrett (feat. Cory Asbury) as we start building our day on a firm foundation.
We have good days and bad days but each day is a new day and day by day, little things can become big things that lead to the amazing with Gods help. Rather than let anger pull you down, take a look at your daily routine. Are there little things you could tweak or fine-tune? As you step ahead this day, start with just one task to accomplish and before long you will be doing more than you thought possible.
Sometimes, we have to sacrifice a little time and endure some distress in order for the Lord to bless. Being obedient with a daily quiet time is a sure way to successfully get ready for the challenges each day brings. It’s a choice we make every day and every step of the way.
Reading today in 2 Samuel 24, we note that anger took David in the wrong direction. Israel had been sinful, and David wanted to take his anger out on them. Rather than have faith in the Lord, David believed he had to take control rather than hand over control to the Lord, so he told his army commanders to conduct a census of the fighting men (v. 2).
The transgression led to punishment from the Lord who gave David a choice of three types of punishment. Either three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of plague (v. 13). David chose “three days of plague”.
But then we begin to see the greatness of David which is evidenced by his intercession for his people. He obediently took the steps needed to make things right with the Lord. He paid for a threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord and oxen to sacrifice as offerings. He was seeking divine favor so the plague would be withdrawn from the people. The Lord did give favor and the plague on Israel was stopped (v. 25).
Let us be thankful today that because of the cross, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and has paid the debt so that all who accept Jesus as Savior has found divine favor.
This day with You Lord, help us to be slow to anger by being anchored to Your love from above. If there are activities we need to tweak or priorities we need adjust, Holy Spirit prompt us towards those changes so we can step ahead toward better tomorrows. We sacrifice a little time each day for a quiet time with You, prayer, and planning. Lord … we put You in control and obediently get ready for the challenges before us this day. For we pray this in Jesus’ name … Amen.
Has anything like this happened in your days, or even in the days of your fathers? Tell your children about it, let your children tell their children, and their children another generation. – Joel 1:2-3
David’s life had its ups and downs as choices were made. Some were good and others were not but the combination of innumerable choices he made in life brought him to the exact point as written about in “Illuminate the Path”.
Like David, talk or write about the people that have touched you and made you a better person. About the experiences you’ve gone through and that honor God. For they are the devotionals that are powerful and useful to others as they step ahead in their own victory.
Like the song My Story by Big Daddy Weave, tell your story so future generations are blessed with knowledge and experience that illuminates the path forward.
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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 