Wednesday

In the book of Isaiah there are a lot of prophecies that God gave Isaiah letting him know of some things that would be happening in the future, especially about a baby that would be born without a human father.  When you read this book if you ready carefully you’ll find a lot of things that have happened already and things that are for today too.  It really is quite the book. 

The devotional today really spoke some things to me.  If you break down the 23^rd Psalm verse by verse you’ll see how it truly applies to us today with the economy like it is and all.  Psalm 23:1 starts off telling us if the Lord is our shepherd we will NOT want.  One version say’s it like this “The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not lack."  In other words, God will supply all of our needs, paying our bills and everything else we are in need of.  Another version says “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all that I need."  That’s pretty encouraging to me.  Verse 3 says “He renews my strength."  The amplified says “He refreshes and restores my life."  Isn’t that encouraging?  When we get weary and tired all we need to do is go to Him and get refreshed and strengthened.  Verse 4 as the devotional talks about, we walk through the valley of death, we sure won’t be staying there or like the devotional says we’re not going to pitch a tent.  He will walk us through it.  When we get through that valley with Him we’ll be stronger then ever.  I really love the 23^rd Psalm.

Today’s Reading

Isaiah 1:1-2:22
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 22:26-27

Daily Devotional

Psalm 23:4 Amp.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

People ask me all the time, “How can you be so optimistic during such tough economic times?" The answer to that is simple—it’s not over yet! The scripture says that the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shining brighter and brighter. We may be facing difficulty, but there are brighter days ahead. I choose to focus on where we are going, and that gives me hope and encouragement because I know that the tough times won’t last.

All throughout history, God’s people have faced challenging times. There were plenty of times they didn’t see a way out, but God did. He always makes a way when there seems to be no way. His hands are never tied. He’s not limited by what’s happening in this natural realm, and when we look with our eyes of faith, we will see our future the way God sees it—bright and full of victory!

I love what it says in Psalm 23:4 that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord is with us. Notice it says “walk through." It doesn’t say we are going to pitch a tent and hang out in those hard, dark places. No, it says we are going through; we’re moving forward. Be encouraged because you are going to make it through that difficult time. You are going to come out stronger, wiser, and full of faith and victory.

I encourage you today to get your mind and thoughts focused on moving forward. If you have to, make a sign and put it where you can see it every day. I have a plaque hanging on my backdoor that reminds me of this very thing. In big, black letters it says “Move forward, I will be with you." Our whole family sees it every time we are coming or going. Those words live with me, and whenever I’m tempted to be discouraged by cir****tances, I am reminded to take a step of faith.

I want to remind you that no matter what’s happening around you, keep moving forward. God is with you, and He promises to deliver you. Stand strong in faith and focus on what lies ahead because there are brighter days right out in front of you!

Thursday

The devotional really spoke to my heart this morning.  Praising Him at ALL times, even if things aren’t going right today, let praise continually come from our lips, not complaining or self-pity but praise to Him, we’ll find out that whatever isn’t going our way will definitely go God’s way when we praise Him and give Him all the thanks and glory. 

Today’s Reading

Isaiah 3:1-5:30
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Psalm 53:1-6
Proverbs 22:28-29

Daily Devotional

Hebrews 13:15

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Jesus opened the way to heaven for us.  He removed the barrier between God and us so we can enter into His very presence.  That’s why Verse 15 says, “By Him" which means “By Jesus" we can go directly to God.

The writer of Hebrews says “…Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God…"  Offer means it is a willing deal.  No one is going to make you praise the Lord.  Praise that is forced upon you is not really praise.  Offer means it is a free will offering.

Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times:  His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Give Thanks

Ephesians 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

These three scripture references say that we are to offer praise and thanksgiving to the Lord continually, at all times, always.  The fruit of our lips is to be offered up to the Lord as a continual sacrifice. 

In the Old Testament, offerings were regularly given to the Lord.  When people sinned, they had to offer a sacrifice.  As I was thinking about it, I could just imagine them going continually to offer the innocent blood of animals to cover for their sin. 

Aren’t you glad the Lamb of God paid, once and for all, for our sin?  But we are still in the offering business.  We are still bringing sacrifices, but this time it’s not a dead animal.  It is a living praise that we are to bring continually to God with the fruit of our lips.

The fruit of our lips means the words that we speak of what is in our hearts.  Some people say, “I’ve got praise in my heart."  If it is in your heart, it will come out of your mouth.  The fruit, or the produce, of your lips are the words you speak in praise and thanksgiving to God.