Devotions to Sustain You

Confession time. I had forgotten that I was supposed to post to the blog today.

At first, I panicked but then I looked back at devotions I’d written through the years. I decided to share a few with you.

God Will Fight for You                                                                   II Chronicles 20: 15 (KJV)   

In Exodus fourteen, the Israelites are staring at the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in pursuit.  Have you ever felt trapped with a relentless enemy and an immovable obstacle blocking your freedom, preventing the healing you need?

I struggle with bouts of depression and self-doubt.  Just when I think I’ve won the battle and these problems are far behind me, they pounce like a cat hiding on the other side of the sofa.  I want to retreat to my room and never come out again.

Exodus 14:14 says “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” 

Did you hear that?  God will fight for you. The Israelites had to stand back and let God do the fighting or become plunder for the army and food for the fish.

My only choice is to be still, and watch God fight for me or give it all up.  I’m not ready to surrender yet.  I’m a bit OCD and “be still” sounds like a foreign language to me, but I’m making a resolution.  I’m going to be still and let God fight for me.  Maybe God brought me to the breaking point so He could teach me His truth, and I could share it with you. 

So, join me in this resolution and agree to be still and let God be God.

Jesus’ Arms

I work at a large gated complex. To enter the property, the gates’ arms must open and allow the car to pass through. I have a special tag on my windshield, and when the gates’ sensor reads the card it automatically opens and lets me in.

One morning, I realized that these gates are a lot like the Pearly Gates in Heaven. They won’t open and let mere humans enter into the presence of God. They stand guard to keep all sinners out. But 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ opened His arms on a cross to usher me and you, if you accept Him, into Heaven. His death gives us life and access to the very throne of God.

Are You as Smart as a Sparrow

I wish I was as smart as a sparrow or as confident as the lilies. That sounds strange doesn’t it? In the Bible, Jesus tells us not to worry.

He says, “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Luke 12:27 (NIV).

Lilies don’t worry but God takes care of them. Jesus also tells us that God knows when even a tiny sparrow falls to the ground. If God is concerned about a sparrow, He’s definitely concerned about us.  Each one of us is worth more to God than numberless sparrows and the most beautiful lily.

The sparrows know God is in control so they don’t worry. Lilies look up to the sky soaking in the gifts of the sun and God’s love. They don’t worry. The next time I’m fretting over things out of my control, I’m going to look at a lily or watch a sparrow flitting through the yard.

I can learn a lot from the sparrow and the lily. What about you?

I hope you enjoyed these devotions. Hopefully, they will help you start your week strong.