This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. –Joshua 1:8
Highlighted in “Lined Up with the Way” was how announcing to others that the ONE true God brings victory results in constant joy. Idols and the things of this world are short term and unpredictable resulting in only short term happiness but God can dominate over any stumbling block in the way to bring you eternal bliss.
Take in the song Build My Life by Pat Barrett and build a life on God’s love. On a firm foundation you can put your trust in God and not be shaken.
This day will be amazing because the more we work at being obedient and take in God’s light, the more we are lined up with the way of God. Our faith flourishes so let us continue being obedient, having fun, and take satisfaction in finishing up each of our studies as today we finish up the book of 1 Samuel with the passage 1 Samuel 31.
The Philistines began to win the battle with Israel. They pursued Saul and his sons. Killing Saul’s sons, they then were after Saul but before they could kill him, Saul took his own life by falling on his sword. The Israelite army then fled along with the people who abandoned their towns. The Philistines then came in and occupied them.
The Philistines proclaimed victory sending messengers throughout the land with news in the temple of their idols and among their people. They put Saul’s armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths and fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan (v. 9-10).
Proclaiming conquest because of worship of idols is futile but announcing to others that the ONE true God brings victory results in constant joy. Idols and the things of this world are short term and unpredictable; therefore let us pray that God will give us obedience to Him today and throughout our journey as He dominates over the obstacles in our way.
Each of us has the potential to do amazing things for God’s glory if we let the Holy Spirit enhance our individual strengths by knowing His word, praying daily, and applying His principles. Let us step ahead today by being in sync with God’s way. Let us look at daily practices like the use of time, using our resources wisely, or other practices that can be tweaked for God’s glory.
This day with You Lord, help us to follow You by being obedient to the Truth. We may fall short at times but we know where to go for spiritual nourishment. The enemy is trying to keep us down but You keep us moving forward each day. Good routines like reading, studying, and obeying Your word will lead us along the path to eternal joy. Amen.
Christians call each other sister and brother because there is a family relationship. The purpose of this poem is to create teamwork so believers apply faith. Christians are related by the Spirit which flows through each of them and joins them to the good works of God.
A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? – Proverbs 20:24
A thought from “The Power of Prayer” is that difficult situations strengthen us in the Lord because when we go to the Lord in prayer, we receive a helper in the Holy Spirit so we know how to gain the victory.
As we read God’s word for advice on how to live and make decisions, we understand the plan and have Jesus as an example to follow. We can also be encouraged by songs like Come Let Us Return to the Lord by Matt Redman. The Lord will direct each step and as surely as the rising sun, we will get a great start by returning to the Lord and doing our part.
During setbacks, we have nothing left except to seek guidance from the Lord. The problems we face make us feel that the walls are tumbling in around us but through prayer, we are given a great power that guides us towards answers that are the start of comebacks.
Reading today in 1 Samuel 30, the Amalekites had raided Ziklag, burned it down, and taken everyone captive. When David and his men returned to Ziklag, their wives and children were gone and the city was destroyed. The men blamed David so he was greatly distressed but he found strength in the Lord his God (v. 6).
David inquired of the Lord on what to do and the Lord encouraged him to pursue the raiding party and rescue those taken captive. An Egyptian was found in a field who turned things around for David. The Egyptian had some information and David consulted with him to find out the location of the raiding party.
David and his men used this information to surprise attack the raiding party. The Amalekites were unprepared for the attack so the battle was won by David and his men so all the captives were rescued. All the plunder they had stolen was returned along with the flocks, herds, and other livestock. David was a hero and could have taken a large share of the plunder for himself but decided to share the wealth with others.
In our battles along this journey called life, we can enter into some discouraging times but like in today’s passage, God can use these times to strengthen us and we have prayer that connects us to powerful advice. Knowing God’s word, experiences, consulting with others, and the Holy Spirit are all resources used in gaining the victory.
Each day is a new day Lord. Yesterday is in the past and we have gained experience in how to better fight our battles in the future. Your word provides a plan and the principles taught by Christ will help us meet adversity, put things in perspective, and lead us into a future beyond what could have ever been imagined. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 