“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

Chapter 17: Pages 221-238, Job 38-41

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Job 38:4-7

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 2 "Providence Over Nature" - moving to chapter seventeen "Earth, Water, Wind, Plants, and Animals". 

Here, Piper draws on a comprehensive set of scripture examples to "show God's close attentiveness in directing every aspect of [the] natural world", including earth, water, wind, plants and animals.  Piper believes there are three reasons why we should examine this attentiveness: (1) the natural world is of far greater harm to us then human-kind, and "[w]e need to know the measure of God's providence over the parts of reality that threaten our lives most[;]" (2) for us to have deep conviction in God's providence over the natural world, we need to look more closely at both the "macro" and "micro" level of his "rule in nature[;]" (3) "if we don't see the close attentiveness of his governance of the natural world in Scripture, we will not see his purposes in that governance."

Piper pauses to admonish unbelievers and believers alike for how they fail to see God at work in the natural world: "[t]he world and even thousands of Christians give no praise and thanks to God for millions of daily, life-sustaining providences because they do not see the world as the theater of God's wonders." He turns to one of the key purposes of writing the book "is to help Christians live in the radical, free devotion to seeking the kingdom first, because our doctrine of providence moves us to really believe God's control is detailed and powerful and merciful enough to clothe every lily on the planet and give us all we need to live out his righteousness."

We are reminded that the purpose of examining God's role in the natural world is "the glory of God, which we see and heart and taste and feel and smell in it, might be joyfully, thankfully admiringly experienced as part of the inheritance purchased for us by the blood of Jesus."

Finally, Piper wraps up the chapter by using Job 38-41 to help illustrate how we should view God's role in the natural world and how His providence over nature fits into the broader context and discussion of God's providence.  "God used [the] same natural world [that brought so much calamity into his life] to silence Job's blaming mouth and to open his eyes to the countless God-governed wonders which brought him to repentance (Job 42:6) and blessedness (Job 42:10, James 5:11)."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You created the heavens and the earth and all of its inhabitants, you sustain all things and all of the details of everything are planned and held together by You.  I am amazed at Your glory and praise Your glory.  You are so full of mercy and compassion for me and I know You care about the details of my life - thank You Jesus!  But I am undeserving.  I continue to sin yet I don't want to...worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.

2 Samuel 11

But the thing David had done displeased the Lord. 2 Samuel 11:27

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "David: Giant Problems and Colossal Collapses*".

*Title of lesson five from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day four starts with Max Lucado drawing an analogy of being in high altitudes for how we often rise to wealth, power, status, etc. and we lose sight of how we got there.  We also lose sight of others and their needs and who they are - we only see them as below us and perhaps we like such a perspective - it might feed our ego.  When we fail to recognize our proper position (we exist to glorify God and not for ourselves), Satan notices this and we very prone to temptation.  David falls prey to lust and then covers up his sin with more sin.  Yet, while few know of David's sin, God knows and nothing is hidden.  

Lucado provides us with a number of verses to help us with temptation:

• ...[D]o not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27
• “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
• Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11
• Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
•  When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. James 1:13-14
•  Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
• You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4  

As a means to fight temptation, Lucado wants us to acknowledge our Maker, without whom we would be and have nothing.  As well, we must recognize our sinful nature and brokenness. Our humility should drive us into His arms and a daily, lifelong, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, You created me, You sustain me and You came to save me - suffering and dying on the cross for me.  I am in awe that You would do all this for me - knowing everything about me, including my sin, which by the way continues.  I am not deserving of such blessings - not by a long shot.  I am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?

Moses

Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? Deuteronomy 4:32-34

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Moses: A Glimpse of God's Glory*".

*Title of lesson four from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day three starts with Max Lucado with Aaron confronting Pharaoh to "let my people go (Exodus 5)". Although not without resistance - Pharaoh ultimately let's the Israelites leave Egypt.  His heart hardens once again as he sends his army into the wilderness to capture the fleeing Israelites.  God of course parts the Red Sea, closes it up once Israel passes through to dry ground, and then swallows up the Egyptian army (Exodus 14).  Throughout this whole process, God demonstrates His power - plagues and miracles.  His miracles and love fail to relent as Israel soon forgets how God did all this for them and they grumble about a lack of food - God provided for their needs in ways unimaginable for them so once again they could be clear about the source of their provision (Exodus 16).  Some however, failed to trust God.  

Lucado points how God designed a daily collection process (of manna) and this daily dependence on God is His intent.  We are to daily go to God for first and foremost spiritual provision and of course provision for all things. He created us, sustain us, and God wants us to embrace this through a daily, lifelong relationship with Him.

Our daily "collection process" with God must include an element of gratitude and worship - similar to Moses' words for what God for Israel. 

Once again, John Piper provides this great post on worship and why it is important - Piper points out that we cannot be merciful to others without being "worshipful" - otherwise our actions simply become another "social agenda" to do good. 100% agree!  Worship serves many purposes - of course to direct our hearts towards God and from there God directs our hearts towards others.  Our worship must be daily and a key focus must include gratitude for what He has provided - and the list should be long for all of us!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God indeed not only for what You have done for me personally but for what You have done for so many people I know - what a great God You are!  Thank You for the daily provision You provide and SO much more - I am not deserving for all that You do for me.  I worry and I have many other sins daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare....For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

 Isaiah 54:4-56:8

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare....For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:2, 8

Day 198 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Isaiah as God seeks to comfort Israel in exile.  This morning's reading from my commentary* starts with God referring to Israel as his wife - a clear expression of His deep love for Israel (Isaiah 54:4-8). God then references the Great Flood and His covenant with Noah, and He establishes a covenant with Israel just as He did with Noah - "never to rebuke you again...nor my covenant of peace to be removed" (Isaiah 54:9-10).  God then describes the New Jerusalem and how Israel's future security rests in the salvation (from sin/Satan and death) of the coming Messiah (Isaiah 54:11-17). God then describes Israel's restoration and it is of course not an earthly definition of restoration as He exhorts us not "spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy" (Isaiah 55:1-5).  We are then told that our restoration requires our obedience and righteousness (Isaiah 55:6-7, Isaiah 56:1-2).  Restoration is further described as certain (Isaiah 55:8-13) and available to all, including the Gentiles (Isaiah 56:3-8).

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

As Isaiah prophecies the coming of Jesus and all that accompanies Him, we are encouraged to look upon Jesus not as a Savior expected by the world.  Jesus sustains unlike any other - that is why He is the one true God and that is why He is my Lord and Savior.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who sustains all that I am - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You feed and sustain me.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced.

Isaiah 48:16-50

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Isaiah 50:4-7

Day 196 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Isaiah as God seeks to comfort Israel in exile.  My commentary* describes how God addresses Israel through Isaiah, and urges Israel to draw near to God and listen to His words (Isaiah 48:16-19).  He promises redemption, glory and splendor through Israel - God's chosen people (Isaiah 48:20-49:4) - and all believers should understand that we exist to serve and glorify God. Isaiah points to the coming Messiah (Isaiah 49:6), tells Israel that their exile will end and that those in exile will not be forgotten (Isaiah 49:8-21), reminds Israel that exile was punishment for sin (Isaiah 50:1-3), exhorts Israel to understand that God is with Israel, even during periods of punishment and suffering, and that Israel is to view such punishment and suffering as a test of faith and that Israel should remain obedient in its faith/trust in God and endure (Isaiah 5:4-9). 

Yesterday, in Sunday school, our class discussed how in our country, believers in Christ are increasingly under attack and it is becoming more important that we stand firm in our faith and proclaim our faith regardless of the circumstances.  It is God alone who sustains us and He will never leave or forsake us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, sustains me and never leaves or forsakes me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin continues daily - worry, gossip, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalm 35, 41, 43, 46, and 55

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

Day 109 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I continue with "Psalms of the Troubled Soul".

Today's psalms focus on cries for vindication in the eyes of enemies who gloat,  prayers for the weak and those who suffer betrayal by friends, prayer for insight in the face of opposition, prayers for refuge and strength in the God who rules over nations, and for comfort over the anguish of having disloyal companions. Undoubtedly, these examples of trouble mark just several of many circumstances where we can seek comfort and refuge from God.  I am thankful for sure that I have a God who will sustain me, even in the darkest of times.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. 1 Peter 5:7

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are undoubtedly a great God and I KNOW You love me - I am not deserving of such a God.  I sin...daily, placing other matters above You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such a sin and towards You always and first!  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary....Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced.

Isaiah 50

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary....Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. v3,7

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, I am encouraged that I have a God who sustains and helps me through difficult times. 

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who will sustain me through life's ups and downs.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

Proverbs 30

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. v8

There are those days in my life where I feel beaten down and attacked by Satan and my only desire in these moments is to feel the presence of God.  These past couple of days have been like this.  I don't want to worry.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

 

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13

 

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25

 

I know You love me Jesus - thank You.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has sustained me through dark valleys and difficult times - thank You Jesus.  I know You are always with me and You provide in all circumstances.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I often have too much stress.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life.

Deuteronomy 32

Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. v46-47

God's word IS our daily bread - without it we lack sustenance.

[M]an does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me - giving me many, many second chances - You are SO patient!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such efforts because I fail to give others such second chances.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

Deuteronomy 7

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. v9

God makes many promises and He is faithful.  This is reinforced elsewhere in scripture including Luke 1:37 where Gabriel comforts Mary with these words: "[f]or no word from God will ever fail".  It is comforting during periods of concern. 

God will always be with us and never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 73:23, Matthew 28:20)

God provides, sustains, and we are not to worry.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed are a great God, and You provide - all things during all times.  I have experienced Your blessing during both good times and difficult times.  I know You are always with me and You sustain me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I am harsh with my words.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.

Psalm 63

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. v2

As David has, I HAVE seen God's hand in my life, as He demonstrates a glimpse of His power and glory.  As I have drawn near to God He has drawn near to me (James 4:8) and I have felt the glow of His light...I continue to feel the glow of His light (Psalm 119:105).  Praise and worship is an essential part of our daily life with God.  

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Hebrews 13:15

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

As part of my praise, I am deeply grateful for how God sustains me and all things - see also here.

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God who has done wonderful things in the world and in my life, and in the life of those around me.  You are a great God who knows no equal.  You are the Lord of Lords and worthy of my praise.  I am deeply grateful for the gift of Jesus Christ and for his blood shed for me.  I am not worth such a gift as my worry, impatience, etc. continue - please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

Psalm 54

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. v4

Life, from an earthly sense, does not slow down and there are many days when it seems chaotic, stressful, etc.  It is in these moments when God is there to slow us down...to help us recognize that life should revolve around Him...after all He is the giver and sustainer of life and all things.

 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  Colossians 1:15-17

My Prayer: Lord, You DO hold all things together. Apart from You I can do nothing.  Yet here I am a sinner - worrying about what I should have done...what I can do...and this worry is sinful!  I am grateful for Your patience, mercy, compassion, gentleness, etc. I am not worthy of such love - please forgive me for my worry.  Help me overcome and turn from my worry and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

Satan Hates to be Seen
Hebrews 1

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. v3

Today's devotion encourages us to feed ourselves not just by food, water but also by the Word of God which as the above scripture states "sustains all things".  Part of the sustenance that God provides is protection from Satan for Just as Jesus was evil to repel Satan in the wilderness by quoting scripture (see Matthew 4), we too will defeat sin in our lives by being rooted in God and His word (John 15).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God and You are the ultimate sustainer and protector...I need no other provider, no other God except You.  Yet too often I worry - please forgive me Jesus.  Thank You for how You have been so gracious and patient with me but I continue to worry and be impatient.  Forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the remaining side effects from chemo and radiation.   Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, Dustin, and You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.