Daily Devotions

Friday, September 25.

Because we’re human, we all experience feelings of inadequacy from time to time. But the real issue facing us is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how we will respond to such a challenge.

The Israelites felt inadequate as they stood on the edge of the Promised Land. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply with their own weakness and inability, and they didn’t trust the Lord’s promise. So they refused to conquer the land and as a result were made to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. How tragic that they never saw the land God wanted to give them.

Like the children of Israel, we become fearful and expect to fail. As the obstacle grows in our mind, we run from the challenge and toward safety. However, turning away from a God-given task will lead us not to security but into bondage. Faith, on the other hand, will set us on the path our Father has planned for us.

When the Lord calls you to an assignment beyond your abilities, rely on what you know about Him and His promises. You will discover that our faithful God always empowers us for the work He wants us to accomplish.

Deuteronomy 1:3.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, and the absence of fear.” Mark Twain

Thursday, September 24.

For us, jealousy isn’t attractive, but for God, it’s a holy attribute. God is unhappy when we worship anyone besides Him. Only He deserves our praise.

When reading in the Old Testament, we may not understand why people would bow before idols, surely they didn’t think that these objects were living and powerful. But we make a similar mistake, placing too high a value on money, relationships, power, and the like. Though not bad in themselves, such things can become the focus of our worship. That’s why the Father is jealous for our heart.

There are two reasons God won’t tolerate our misplaced devotion. First, He deserves the glory. And second, there is nothing better for us than His love. Praising Him above all else is actually in our own best interest. Therefore, when our heart doesn’t belong solely to Christ, He will use discipline and reminders so we will prioritize Him.

This week, notice where you spend your time and money and what dominates your thoughts. Even if your pursuits seem good on the surface, pray about what might be an idol in your life. Confess any misplaced affection, and ask the Lord for help in making Him the object of your devotion.

Memory verse: Psalms 100:1

“When you enter his presence with praise, he enters your circumstances with power.” Intentionallife.com

Tuesday, September 22.

Have you ever read about sacrifice in the Old Testament and wondered what it was for? The only payment for sin is death, and the Lord graciously allowed animals to be offered as a substitute for human lives. So people regularly brought sacrifices to God as atonement. However, it was only a temporary solution and had to be repeated often.

In order for mankind to be eternally freed from the guilt of sin, God required that the once-for-all sacrifice had to be completely pure (Leviticus 22:20). What’s more, it could not be an animal. After all, the guilt belonged to man; therefore, the world was in need of a perfect and sinless person to be offered.

What an impossible situation: Man was responsible to pay the price, but God alone was capable of sinlessness. The only possible solution was for Jesus Christ, who was wholly God and wholly man to offer His life on our behalf. Unlike the blood of bulls and lambs, Christ’s blood was a fully sufficient one-time payment for all sin.

This is why we say that we’re saved by the blood of Christ. Jesus did what we could not. He set us free from our sins. Consider the immensity of the sacrifice He made on your behalf. Have you thanked Him lately?

Memory verse: Romans 6:23.

“You can never lose sight of the ocean until you lose sight of the shore.” Unknown

Thursday, September 17.

Joshua needed God’s guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life. He already knew the outcome of the battle against Jericho since the Lord had promised him success. The specific strategy God gave him, however, was so atypical that it must have made his jaw drop. But despite any concern they may have felt, Joshua and the entire army believed the Lord and followed the unusual plan to the letter.

Although we won’t face that exact situation, there will be times when obedience to God’s Word will be a challenge because it goes against our natural reasoning. Therefore, we hesitate, rationalize, or make excuses why we can’t possibly do what He says. For example, consider these commands:Don’t be anxious about anything, but pray about everything (Philippians 4:6).Forgive one another just as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).Fix your hope, not on the uncertainty of riches but on God (1 Timothy 6:17).Consider it joy when you encounter trials (James 1:17).

Just as Joshua’s instructions didn’t seem reasonable, these directives don’t always make sense to us either, but God insists they’re for our good. It’s our job to trust His wisdom and obey.

Memory verse: ! Timothy 6:17.

“Prayer is the best way to have intimacy with God.”