“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

Isaiah 18-20 and 30-31

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. Isaiah 30:15

Day 189 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 as today we see the impact of Israel's fall on Judah.  My commentary* describes how fear of an Assyrian conquest of Judah pushes some in Judah to seek "an alliance with Egypt ([at the time] ruled by Cushites from Ethiopia)". Isaiah delivers God's message of warning against such alliances and to trust in the Lord.   

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

Today I am reminded of Isaiah 55:8 where is says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  Like those in Judah who trusted in Egypt's military strength, I too often trust in the world vs God.  Yet I must find my strength in God alone.

I am also reminded of Exodus 14:10-14 where Moses points the frightened Israelites to seek God in the stillness of a complete surrender to Him as the Egyptian army barrels down to recapture them and return them to bondage in Egypt:

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides rest, strength and salvation - I must simply surrender my life and trust in You.  Help me do this please Lord.  You have blessed me and there are areas where I yet to surrender.  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.

Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath. It will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has caused them to stumble into sin.

Ezekiel 7

Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath. It will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has caused them to stumble into sin. v19

God does not dislike wealth - He created it.  Yet wealth cannot stand in our way of or replace our relationship with Jesus.  We cannot idolize wealth.  In Ezekiel here we see how it caused Israel to "stumble into sin".


In the Bible God often deals harshly with those who put wealth above or in place of God.   

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5)

Yet even Jesus knows the truth about how hard the rich find it to part from their wealth (see Luke 18:18-30)

John Piper talks about being rich in good deeds.

See also wealth.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have blessed me.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am undeserving of how You have blessed me.  I have too often placed my security in money and this is sinful!  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.

Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians.

2 Chronicles 16

Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians. v12

Asa, King of Judah, relied on the earthly powers of himself and others vs on God.  See also v7-9:

At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.”

I am very guilty of this sin in my life - and this is the source of my worry. 

We must avoid leaning on our own strength and understanding.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 

See also posts on:

trust in self

trust in others

trust in humans 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is so full of love and compassion, and You have a great plan for me...I know.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not worth such love because 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.  Help me 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.

“Do not be afraid of the Babylonian officials,” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.”

2 Kings 25

“Do not be afraid of the Babylonian officials,” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.” v24

Not everyone in Judah went into captivity (v12) and Gedaliah was appointed to rule over those left behind.  Yet Gedaliah was swiftly assassinated (v25).

This is a reminder for us all that while we are to respect earthly authorities placed above us, we should not trust in them above God.  Gedaliah was not in a position to make such a statement that "it will go well with you". 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

 

See also additional posts on this topic.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are in control and You are worthy of my reverent fear and love.  You are full of grace and compassion and I have experienced Your love in overwhelming abundance.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I worry and I am harsh with my words and actions. Please forgive me 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.

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.

1 Samuel 12

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish. v24-25

Samuel anoints Saul as King - doing what the Israelites wanted and what the Lord allowed.  God is in control - but we are not puppets - He gives us free will and He wants us to willingly love and devote ourselves to the Lord.  Here Samuel warns the Israelites that they should not stray from the Lord.  

This warning applies to us just as well.  We may want an earthly king (or any kind of idol) but we must remember that first and foremost we must serve the King of Kings and Lord of All.   


You shall have no other gods before me.

You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.  Exodus 20:3-6

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God worthy of my full attention - You deserve to be the highest priority in my life.  You are all powerful, all knowing, and You love me and provide for everything I need.  I don't need anything else but You.  Thank You Jesus for how You provide for all of my needs.  I am grateful.  Yet I often 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.  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.

And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”

1 Samuel 8

And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” v7-9

When we cry out to the Lord because of troubles we experience we must be mindful of what God is doing - the Israelites turned away from God and God either punished them or allowed difficult circumstances to befall them.  Here the Israelites sought an earthly King - essentially admitting that God alone is insufficient.  

I must be mindful that when I complain or worry - it is that I don't believe that God alone is sufficient.

Please forgive me Jesus!

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You alone are sufficient for me for I know that provide for all things and You steady my feet during times of difficulty.  Thank You for seeing me through hard times and providing for me during all times and for the overwhelming blessings You pour out for me.   I am not worth such love and blessings.  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.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as Your 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.

Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.

Deuteronomy 14

Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. v22

God requires us to tithe - it is a reminder that all of our blessings come from God and that we are to trust God to provide for us.

We must also care for our church leadership - who is referred to by Moses in v27.

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5:17

Lord Jesus help me tithe so I have a reminder of how You are the source of all blessings and only You provide, that I must trust in You.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has blessed me beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet my sin continues - I am harsh with my words. Please forgive me 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.  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.

So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today.

Genesis 19

So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today. v37-39

Much like Abraham takes matters into his own hands (vs trusting God) - see Genesis 12 and 20, both of Lot's daughters would not trust in the Lord to provide a family of their own.   Although Abraham is noted as a righteous man, taking matters into our own hands vs resting in the Lord is a serious matter - see also Acts 5 where Ananias and Sepphira were struck down by the Lord for holding back in their giving to the church.

Where ever we lack trust of the Lord in our lives, God wants us to come to Him.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

 

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, full of love and compassion for Your children.  You provide - all of the time and for all things.  Thank You Jesus.  I should not worry...but I do.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You instead.  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 strength and wisdom.  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.

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

Proverbs 11

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. v28

This past Friday, I posted about how we should not place too much trust in others vs God.  The same thing is true about trust in our own abilities. This morning, I am warned about how trust in riches vs God leads to ruin. 

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Deuteronomy 14:22

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Ananias and Sapphira's tragic end is testament to the ruin described in Proverbs 11:28 

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God and You have blessed me beyond what I deserve - I am rich indeed!  You have blessed me in many ways, including good health, family that love and support me, friends, church, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing - I continue to worry and stress far too much.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin.  Help me turn towards You instead. 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...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing.

Proverbs 11

Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. v7

I know I too often place my satisfaction and hope in other people.  While others may provide a measure of satisfaction we must understand that we cannot place too much hope in what others can provide - otherwise we idolize people and place them in a position that only Jesus can hold.

See also:

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

 

Stop trusting in mere humans,
    who have but a breath in their nostrils.
    Why hold them in esteem? Isaiah 2:22

 

You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:17

 

Do not put your trust in princes,
    in human beings, who cannot save. Psalm 145:6

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, only You fully satisfy and fulfill my heart.  Thank You Jesus that You are always with me - that You provide Your Word and the Holy Spirit. Your Hand in my life protects me, encourages me, teaches me, heals me, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I worry, I am lazy, 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, 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...and serve You. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.

Psalm 146

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. v3

We are tempted, in this world, to place our hope in ourselves, in others, in financial security, etc.  These are all idols and we are commanded to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:37-40).

Other places in scripture also tell us that, like it does in today's verse, worship of self or others will not save - see also posts here, here and here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God, full of love and compassion for me even though I am not deserving.  Thank You Jesus.  I need You desperately, to save me and to forgive me from my sins and to save me from the sting of sin and death.  Please forgive me for my sin and help me overcome and turn from my 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 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.

“You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

Psalm 142

“You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” v5

God is without a doubt our protector.  He also provides - all things (James 1:17). In times of distress as David was in when he wrote this psalm, he drew upon the only thing he had left - his God.  Matthew Henry's commentary provides great insight into David's experience here.  There will be many times in our lives when circumstances are difficult and others, including those close to you, let you down.  Yet David reminds us that it is in these times when when we have clarity how great God is and how we should place our hope in Him alone - for He is always with us and He will never forsake us.

“Never will I leave you;

    never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my rock, my provision, and my hope.  You have seen me through many difficult times and You have never forsaken me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love - I know I have disappointed You and let You down but You never will.  Thank You Jesus. I need You desperately for my sins...to cleanse me and to help me defeat the sting of sin and death.  Please forgive me for my worry and stress.  Help me overcome 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.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects of 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.

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 119

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. v114

Where is my hope?  Too often I place my hope in financial security, or in my own abilities, or on the actions of others.  Instead I should place all of my hope in God.  He is the only one who can do anything, at any time.  He is all knowing.  And His motives are pure - He loves me and He promises me that He will never harm me and that He will "prosper" me  and to give me "hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).  And God always keeps His promises (Luke 1:37).

What an awesome God we have!

My Prayer: Lord You are my hope and my shield.  You encourage and protect me from harm - thank You Jesus these blessings and many more!  I am undeserving of such blessings - I worry far too much.  That I do it at all is a sin.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin.  Help me 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...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

Psalm 118

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. v8-9

I often believe I have "bad" days or "bad" experiences either through my own doing or through the acts of others.  Yet here in these verses I am challenged to instead believe that God alone is in control (Colossians 1:16-18) and that the circumstances in which I find myself are of His doing, for His good and purpose and that God loves me.   I should not rely on myself or others but instead on the Lord and trust in Him.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Song: In Christ Alone

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  You created all things, are in all things, and hold all things together.  You don't need me - yet You redeem me and my sin and use it for Your glory and purpose.  You bless me even though I am undeserving.  Thank You Jesus but please forgive me and help me overcome my sin (bad attitude) 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 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.

He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.

Psalm 110

He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. v6

Jesus will judge the nations and He will crush the rulers of the whole earth.  The implications are many...including: we will all be judged, our time on earth is temporary, our faith in people and earthly matters is misplaced and that we should focus on faith in God, the eternal, and on pleasing God alone.

God reigns at all times.

See also posts here and here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God and worthy of my praise and worship.  You existed before the beginning of time and You will exist after the end of time.  You are always with me, You always keep Your promises and everything about You is perfect...and You love me.  Thank You Jesus.  Thank You for loving me even though I am FAR from perfect...in fact, I am broken.  I am weak.  I need You...desperately.  Please forgive me Jesus for my negligence in my relationship with You.  Help me overcome and 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 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. 

People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.

Psalm 49

People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. v12-13

Wealth and arrogance are dangerous indeed. There have been times in my life when I have trusted in myself primarily and on occasion as well.  God wants all of us...every day, all of the intimate details.  

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34

 

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

 

For more references on prayer, see here, in particular:

 

May [the Lord] give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

 

I DO want God to give me the desire(s) of my heart.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You existed before time began and You will continue to exist after time expires.  You are the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.  You know everything about me yet you chose me, came for me, then suffered and died for me, rescuing me from the slavery of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus - what an awesome gift - the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worth such a gift.  I worry - sometimes greatly.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me with my worry.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo and radiation.  Help me grow in my faith.  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.

I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.

Psalm 45

You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes.  I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. v4-8

While we may not fight in literal physical battle like David did, we fight Satan all day long....evil influences, dark thoughts, etc.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

It is only through Jesus that we can have victory over Satan, sin, and death.

We must focus on renewing of the mind.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, every good and perfect gift comes from above, from You, including victory over the enemy, sin, and death.  We need You desperately for this victory.  We must place our hope only in You...and not in our own powers.  Yet I often don't do this.  I trust in my own powers and then I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome 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.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo and radiation.  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.

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.

Psalm 27

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. v10

This is a tough one....there have been many times in my life where I would not have been able to persevere without others - family members, brothers and sisters in Christ, etc. Yet, above all, it is faith in Christ to provide for all needs that helps me persevere.  See recent post here.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:10

Key from the above verse is not just how everything comes from God, but that God can be counted on like no other.  We should have our faith in God, and not in people.  We cannot idolize people.  People change and cannot be counted on to the extent that God can be counted on.

See also post here from Psalm 146.

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.  When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Psalm 146:3-4

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and grace for me - even though I am not deserving.  You are my rock and You always provide - You can ALWAYS be counted on.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet again, I know I am undeserving of such a God.  Yesterday, I lashed out in anger to my family and used harsh and coarse words - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such 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.  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 and radiation.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin, and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.