Comfort in God’s Presence

Psalm 63:1-8

As our land has been ravaged by the ongoing drought, we can surely understand what a deep need the Psalmist feels in referring to a “dry and weary land where there is no water.”  He seeks God as the answer for a soul that thirsts and promises, “I will lift up my hands and call

on your name.”

Sometime in our times of trouble it is hard for us to lift up our own hands and call on God to meet our needs.  But as we meditate on these days of Lent and as we cling to the promise of eternal life that comes through Christ’s Resurrection, we can indeed find comfort, assurance, and rest.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, may our souls cling to you and may we feel your presence every day of our lives.  Amen.

Dianna Morgan

Our Deliverer

Daniel 3:19-30

This the story of the 3 Israelites, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.

These 3 had been taken as captives from Judah by the king of Babylon, Nebachadnezzer.

King Nebachadnezzer had ordered everyone to fall down and worship the golden idol or they would be thrown in a fiery furnace. 

They refused to worship another god and said they trusted the true God.

The fiery furnace was heated up to 7 times the normal.  They were bound and thrown into this furnace. 

King Nebachadnezzer saw 4 men walking around.  He then ordered the 3 to come out.  They weren't burnt and didn't even smell like fire. 

WOW!!  What an awesome God!!

Prayer:  Thank you Lord Jesus for protecting us and being with us as we go through the trials of life.  Amen.

Denise Linzman

Victory

2 Chronicles 20:1-22

As we live life, we soon come to realize that unexpected and unwanted crises, issues and even battles come when we feel the least prepared to face them.

In today’s scripture, King Jehoshaphat is alarmed by such an unexpected crisis, a battle. Jehoshaphat realizes that he has a problem bigger than he can deal with – and he cries out to God for help; and calls the people of Judah to prayer and fasting as they wait to hear from God. After some time, God responds to the cry for help with encouragement and a promise of deliverance.  In response to God’s promise, King Jehoshaphat displays unwavering faith – he worships God, he praises God for the victory promised and he obeys God’s instructions – facing the battle head on, while praising and giving thanks.  As promised, God leads Jehoshaphat and his people to victory.

When we are facing unexpected crises, issues and even battles, we can learn from King Jehoshaphat.  We too can seek God first and acknowledge our need for help; waiting for an answer - while knowing/expecting that God will respond.  We can respond to God’s answer with faith: praising God for the answer, worshipping Him, obeying His instructions and facing the battle head on with praise and thanksgiving.

The battles we face may be more or less severe than the battle King Jehoshaphat faced, but God can deliver us, He can lead us to victory.  To God be the Glory!

Prayer:  O God – thank you for your presence with us always – in good times and in times of crisis.  Help us to acknowledge our need for you and your help.  Guide us, Lead us, and Encourage us thru the battles that we are facing.  You are our hope and our deliverance.  All honor, glory and praise are yours.  Amen.

Delyn Cronk

Warnings from History

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

In this passage Paul is warning us not to be like the Jews that Moses led out of Egypt and into the promised land.

"If you think you are standing firm, be careful you don't fall."  No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  Remember Gods promise.  God is faithful.  He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you for your many promises.  Help us to live up to your teachings as best we can and forgive us when we fail you.  Amen.

David Herndon

Faith Journey

Romans 4:1-12

Paul uses Abraham as an example of a faithful & righteous man.  Abraham was a man of good works, a religious man and when God appeared to him and spoke to him, he set out to follow God.  He trusted God to lead him to a land he'd never seen before, to take care of his family and to lead him into a place that would fulfill the promises of God--no questions asked!

Having faith in God is not just believing He exists--it is trusting innately and wholly with not just our lives, but all the tiny things that make up our lives.  All those things that we hold on to, those things that we are so afraid to relinquish control of.  It is hard sometimes to have faith that God ultimately knows best when issues are so dear to our hearts.  Should we really bother God with such things when He is busy taking care of our sins & saving our souls?

True faith is trusting God with the great as well as the small.  It is a continuous effort to give over everything in our lives into Gods hands.  He knows the best way for us to live.  Faith is an ongoing effort, not just a belief.

Prayer:  God of promises, help me feel your presence and be faithful in my life's journey. Amen.

Dana Askins

Faith No Matter What

Psalm 27

Psalm 27 starts out, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?”  Good question huh?  The answer is simple with God’s help: No One.  This Psalm shows us David’s faith in the Lord.  King David had enemies as any King would but he did not let that bother him.  He had faith in the Lord that he would help defeat his enemies.  This is the same faith we should have in our everyday lives.  No matter what happens in our lives we should know that God is with us and is there for us.  Sometimes it is hard for us to see God in everything, but He is there and we should have faith that His will is the right thing for us.  When we deal with bad news or a tragic event in our lives, it is hard to deal with, but through it all God is right there with us fighting our enemies, all we have to have is faith.  

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for being there for us no matter what.  We pray that you will continue to be with us.  Help us to have the faith we need in this world that you are with us every minute of every day.  Amen.

Dale Peters

My God

Psalm 118:26-29

This scripture tells that God is going to send to His people their light and salvation.  It also lets us know that we have our own personal God, that He is good, kind and will love us forever.  We are to give Him (offerings) our thanks and praise.  It gives me a sense of happiness and well being that He is my God.  My own personal God is with me always.
 

PRAYER:  My God, you have provided my salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ.  I will give to you my thanks and praise forever and ever.  Amen.

Cynthia Peters