Daily Devotional Thursday 1-4-07

REFLECTIONS ON PSALM 20

The Lord hears in the day of trouble and comes to the rescue (v. 1, 6b) This chapter tells us several things that He does—
1. (v. 1)God defends you—“ the Name of the God of Jacob (who was showered with much affection from God) defend thee. The word defend can mean “set you securely on high.”
Verse eight also has this idea: “we are risen, and stand upright.”
In time of trouble, God makes it possible for you not to collapse or buckle, but be found standing when those around would fall.

2. (v. 2) God sends help from the sanctuary. The throne room of God is the control-center of the universe. From there the help is prescribed.

3. (v. 2) God strengthens thee out of Zion. v. 6-7 God gives saving strength. (Why trust in chariots or in horses? They are not strong enough for real trouble.) Zion is another word for God’s control tower. There is no greater power port.

4. (v. 3) God remembers and accepts your sacrifice and offerings. God keeps the most accurate records of what you have in faith and love done for Him!

5. (v. 4) God grants your heart’s desire and fulfills your counsel. Psalm 37:4, 5 declares, “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart, commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it—bring it to pass) God gives security. Your heart need not tremble, be anxious, fret, or worry.
6. (v. 5, 6, 9) God fulfils all thy petitions, He hears from His holy heaven—He saves. Salvation is not only from sin, but from distress or defeat or desperation.

Rebecca Pugh
Tennessee

Prayer Corner:

James Forlines, FWB International Missions director needs our prayers.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 1-3-07

“WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD”


Colossians 1:10 is part of Paul’s prayer for the Colossian believers.
When we walk worthy of the Lord we fulfill two things:

1. We live (or walk) to please the Lord.

Jesus said, “I do those things that please the Father.” This was most clearly seen in His obedience to God’s will for His life. (“Not my will, but Thine be done.”)
Jeremiah 7:23 says,“Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.”

2. We live to up our potential in the Lord.

---“being fruitful in every good work” Every woman wants to be productive and effective. This is the key. As we live to please our Heavenly Father, He fills in the gaps of our inadequacies and miraculously energizes our work with goodness and fruitfulness. There is no human explanation for this phenomenon.

---“increasing in the knowledge of God” There is nothing greater than to develop and grow in knowing God Himself. Jesus said in John 17:3, “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way. When we do His good will, He abides with us still… (“Trust and Obey”)

Rebecca Pugh
Tennessee


Prayer Corner:

Farther Still studies on prayer by Lorene Miley is a must for this year.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 1-2-07

MARY KNEW THE WORD

Luke 1:46-55

The song of Mary, the Magnificent, gives insight into why God chose this young girl of Galilee to be the mother of His Son. She knew the Word.

In her moment of joy, she sang Scripture. Glance at this passage in any cross-reference Bible and you’ll find references to several Psalms and other Old Testament books. These weren’t just the lyrics of a popular praise song of her day. Mary’s song was obvious overflow from her own heart.

Even in our churches today, the number of teen girls who’ve memorized Scripture and can apply truths and principles to their own situation is slim. But in Mary’s day, it was probably even more unusual.

In this Mideastern, male-dominated society, where women did not formally study the Scripture, and only worshiped from a distance, Mary somehow gained a grasp on God’s promises. How was she able to do this?

Credit her upbringing. No doubt, she was taught by someone. What a humbling yet rewarding responsibility we accept as parents, seeking to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Credit her character. Some children and youth are just more sensitive and attuned to spiritual things. Mary was certainly one of these individuals.

Credit her faith. Mary’s belief was genuine and deep. She “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

May the example of Mary challenge us to internalize the Word, to apply its truths to every situation, and to know a faith so deep and true that songs of praise overflow from our hearts and remain on our lips.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee


Prayer Corner:

The future of WNAC (Women Nationally Active for Christ) ministries will be bright as we pray for its success.

Daily Devotional Monday 1-1-07

POWERFUL WORDS

Luke 1:37
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The angel appeared to the young girl, Mary, proclaiming her as “blessed and highly favoured” by God. She would bear a son, the promised Messiah. When Mary earnestly questioned the how of this happening, Gabriel described the supernatural process in which the Spirit of God would come over her and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, impregnating her with the Christ.

Then the angel stilled her fearful, questioning heart with this pronouncement, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (literally: not any word from God is without power.)*

Every word from God is power-packed, spoken with omnipotent authority. What He says, He will powerfully accomplish. What a comfort for Mary. What a comfort for us today.

Knowing that God’s words—all of them—are laced with power, assures that we should not let our heart be troubled. We can come to Him, knowing we will find rest for our souls. We can trust that if we abide in Him and His words—those powerful words—abide in us, we can simply ask and it will be done.

Mary responded in humble obedience. May we do the same, as we hear and read and internalize His powerful words.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee


*Life Principles from the Women of the Bible, Book 1 by Wayne Barber, Eddie Rasnake and Richard Shepherd. AMG Publishers. p. 164.

Prayer Corner:

Let's begin 2007 by committing to read God's Word and pray each day.

Daily Devotional Monday 1-1-07

POWERFUL WORDS

Luke 1:37
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The angel appeared to the young girl, Mary, proclaiming her as “blessed and highly favoured” by God. She would bear a son, the promised Messiah. When Mary earnestly questioned the how of this happening, Gabriel described the supernatural process in which the Spirit of God would come over her and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, impregnating her with the Christ.

Then the angel stilled her fearful, questioning heart with this pronouncement, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (literally: not any word from God is without power.)*

Every word from God is power-packed, spoken with omnipotent authority. What He says, He will powerfully accomplish. What a comfort for Mary. What a comfort for us today.

Knowing that God’s words—all of them—are laced with power, assures that we should not let our heart be troubled. We can come to Him, knowing we will find rest for our souls. We can trust that if we abide in Him and His words—those powerful words—abide in us, we can simply ask and it will be done.

Mary responded in humble obedience. May we do the same, as we hear and read and internalize His powerful words.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee


*Life Principles from the Women of the Bible, Book 1 by Wayne Barber, Eddie Rasnake and Richard Shepherd. AMG Publishers. p. 164.

Daily Devotional Sunday 12-31-06

HIS NAME IS NEAR

“Unto thee, O God do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks, for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

“and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God…. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…

“…The Word is [near] thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.

Draw [near] to God and he will draw [near] to you…

But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the LORD God, that I may declare all thy works.

(Psalm 75:1; Matthew 1:23; John 1:1,14; Romans 10:8; James 4:8; Psalm 73:28)


God’s name is near. He is with us. He dwelt among us. He comes to dwell within us as we believe through faith that Christ died and was raised from the dead. We ever desire His nearness—a nearness He calls us to declare to a world, still distant and distraught.

Rejoice today in Immanuel. Draw near to the God whose name is near. Declare His wondrous works to those around you this Christmas.

—Sarah Fletcher, Tennessee

Daily Devotional Saturday 12-30-06

HOW LONG?

Psalm 74

How long? Innocent, excited children count the days until they can claim the gifts under the tree.

How long? A family struggles to make ends meet, living from paycheck to paycheck with lean times in between.

How long? A friend endures chemotherapy, wondering when life and health and hair will return.

How long? A couple face days with ambivalence, joyful that a son is in rehab, reticent yet hopeful that he will complete the program and stay clean.

How long? Aging parents live in limbo, homeless, awaiting permits and progress on a new residence nearer children and grandchildren.

How long? A widow grieves for the husband she buried Thanksgiving weekend, imploring when she will feel whole again?

How long? Church members wait by a hospital bedside, pleading for a man left unconscious from a wreck days ago.

How long? The psalmist Asaph asked that same question. He declared, “We see not our signs, there is no more any prophet; neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

Asaph consoled his doubts with this affirmation: “For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”

Imagine the “how longs” in the years immediately prior to the birth of Christ. For 400 years, it seemed God was silent. No prophet spoke. No new promise or sign was given.

Yet a young girl in Galilee named Mary still hoped and believed and rejoiced declaring, “he hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy. Yes, God was working salvation, awaiting the fullness of time when He would send His Son to earth. God promises; He fulfills; He knows how long.

Whatever our struggle, our longing or our need, Lord, give us hope and strength to trust in You, no matter how long.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee

Daily Devotional Saturday 12-23-06

Deliverance

When circumstances overwhelm us,

We feel our faith in God is waning,

Think again. Faith is still alive, and God does respond to it, though in ways we may not recognize immediately.

Daniel 6:16 God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver you.

Daniel 6:26-27 He is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth.

Deliverance may come in the form of a lower utility bill: You had only enough to cover the bill, but an unexpected offering was taken at church and you in faith put in a $20 out of the "utility bill envelope."

Deliverance may come in the form of a card: You're seemingly drowning in responsibilities, chores, and commitments, and yes, monthly hormones are peaking out. But God has gently nudged a friend to send you a card reminding you of her prayers for you. Amazing strength flows through that paper.

Deliverance may come from a little eight year old who says "Mommy, I love you" and gives a big hug! When the days are dreary, the long nights weary, I know our Savior cares.

Deliverance may come from a hidden can at the back of the pantry you forgot you had, but it's just what is needed for tonight's supper.

Deliverance is relief God's sends to aid His children.

-Rebecca Pugh

Tennessee

Daily Devotional Friday 12-22-06

Have a Mary Christmas

Luke 10:42

"But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

My husband called me Martha. I bristled at the name as I retorted, "I'm not a Martha; I'm a Mary, well, maybe a mixture of the two." Our pastor had just preached a sermon about having a Mary Christmas rather than a Martha one. Truth is I am more of a Martha than I'd like to be and a lot less of a Mary than I wish to be. I accepted my pastor's challenge for the holiday season; choose to be a Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus. Soak in the glorious truth that Christmas is God with us.

In the Luke 10 story, Jesus commended Mary for desiring to sit at his feet rather than bustling about with much ado about nothing. Christmas is a busy season for all of us and especially for those who like to cook, decorate, send cards, attend Christmas programs and social activities, plus work a full-time job. With such busyness, a Martha complex comes easily. We, like Martha, get frustrated with co-workers, church sisters and even family when we are so intent on taking care of every minute detail rather than choosing to enjoy the wonder of Christmas.

What have I done to make this Christmas a Mary one? I'm reading through the book of John and meditating on the life of Jesus. I'm paying attention to the words of Jesus and applying His teachings to my daily activities. I'm consciously trying to be a light to those I meet while shopping. I'm smiling and saying kind things to public servants. I'm trying to be patient with family and friends when things do not necessarily go my way. You know, it's a lot more fun being a Mary. Why don't you try having a Mary Christmas?

Marjorie Workman

Tennessee

Daily Devotional Thursday 12-21-06

Mary's Thoughts

Luke 2:19

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."

The pain of birth is past and gone,

As I behold my firstborn Son

So small He is, and yet so dear,

I wipe away a joyful tear.

He sleeps: His tiny fists enclose

A tattered edge of swaddling clothes.

The manger filled with pungent hay,

The slight smell of cattle drifts slowly away.

A miracle, this Son of mine

So human: and yet so clearly divine:

Begotten of God to become a man,

The culmination of God's great plan.

But to me, He is just a baby boy,

A mother's pride; a mother's joy.

He's restless in his makeshift nest,

So I clasp Him snugly to my breast.

And as the hours move swiftly past,

I cherish each moment, to make it last,

Knowing that soon my helpless Son

Will face His task that must be done.

"His name will be Jesus," the angel said.

A Savior, the word fills me with dread.

For I know there must be a terrible cost

Involved in saving people who are lost.

The shepherds come from nearby hills,

Their simple story is full of thrills,

The angel of the Lord appeared,

Instilling trust, eschewing fear.

To tell good tidings of greatest joy

About my Son, my baby boy.

Savior was the angel's word.

"A Savior which is Christ the Lord."

He makes no sound as they come near,

Just stretches and yawns in lack of fear.

I watch them worship at His feet,

And ponder the mysteries of God so deep.

A God that could send His only Son,

Born of a woman: a lowly one.

My soul doth magnify the Lord,

My spirit rejoices in His word.

As I look down on His angelic face,

I'm thankful for God's great mercy and grace.

And whatever shadows tomorrow may come,

Today I rejoice in the birth of my Son.

Joan Warren

Oklahoma

Daily Devotional Wednesday 12-20-06

Chariot of Salvation

Acts 8:29

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near and join thyself to this chariot.

During my study in Acts 8:26-41 about the Ethiopian Eunuch and Philip, I was also reading in Habakkuk and ran across this term "chariots of salvation." Habakkuk 3:8 uses the term "chariots of salvation" referring to God's symbolic instruments of victory, help, and strength.

Certainly, the Ethiopian Eunuch was riding in a chariot that was his "chariot of salvation." For in that place there was help for his soul from God's Word!

It made all the difference for him! It changed him! He went on his way rejoicing (v. 39)

Likewise, when we sit with God's Word open and our hearts in faith seek to know the truth, we are figuratively sitting in a "chariot of salvation." For in that place, God dispenses help through His quick and powerful Word for whatever our need. As a bonus, joy, a fruit of the Spirit, comes.

Rebecca Pugh

Tennessee

Daily Devotional Tuesday 12-19-06

STAND AND SEE

Exodus 14:13

"Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show (accomplish for) you today."

Do we see what God is doing? Are we aware of His magnificent glory in our lives? Are we bowed down in adoration or just bowed down in self-pity?

The songwriter's words are "I'm rejoicing night and day, as I walk the pilgrim way, for the hand of God in all my life I see!"

Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows stay?

God's Word is alive; it is real; it is truth.

God speaks to us saying not to be afraid.

He is busy on our behalf. Are we looking? Are we seeing? Are we watching?

Rebecca Pugh

Tennessee

Daily Devotional Monday 12-18-06

UNWRAP THE GIFT

Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was not room for them in the inn.

When God gave His gift to Mary, she wrapped him in swaddling clothes.

Shepherds came from the field and found the stable just as the angels had told them. And Mary surely unwrapped God's gift so they might look upon the infant child.

No doubt, Mary unwrapped her gift for the wise men who'd traveled from distant lands. When they saw the Christ child, this gift of God's love, they changed their plans and took a new way.

As Simeon took the babe in his arms to bless Him at the Temple, this gift was unwrapped again. Mary shared her gift with others.

Some years later, Herod and his men of war wrapped this same gift in a gorgeous robe as they mocked and persecuted Jesus at His trial. Solders then unwrapped the gift and placed HIm on a cross, lifted up before the world.

The gift was wrapped again by Joseph of Arimathea, who laid the crucified Christ in his own tomb. When Mary and other women came to unwrap the gift, to prepare Him for burial, they found the wrappings. The gift was not there.

God gave His Son so we could receive the gift of eternal life. Have you received this gift and unwrapped it? What are you doing with this gift? Has the gift been placed on the shelf of your life? Was it scattered among the wrappings and tossed aside? Or is it still as precious as the day you received it?

Unwrap the gift. Share Christ this Christmas.

adapted from an article by

Gladys Tonkin

Virginia

Daily Devotional Sunday 12-17-06

WHERE ARE WE?

Jeremiah 7:13

I spoke to you rising up early, and speaking, but you did not hear.

I called, but you did not answer.

God is there.

Where are we? Are we in His presence enjoying His peace?

His Word is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.

Have we availed ourselves of its authority?

The meal is prepared.

Are we sitting down to enjoy it?

Daily Devotional Thursday 12-14-06

SLOSHY FOOTPRINTS

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glority your Father which is in heaven."

Several Christmases ago, my in-laws gave the kids a playhouse. They pulled up, in the yard, with a truckload of lumber and said, "Where do you want it?"
I said, "Uhh…uhh…I think over there would be a nice spot." Well, in my "over there" moment, I failed to remember that the water faucet is also "over there."
My kids love it. They can dig ponds and fill them with water. They build sand castles outside the sandboxj and spray them down with the water hose. However, when the kids take a break from playing and come inside, they track sandy, sloshy footprints through the house.
When I look at those sloshy footprints on the tloor, I remind myself of God’s wonderful love. God’s love overflowing in us should spill out onto others. As Christians we can also leave footprints, not so others may follow us, but so they can find God.

-----Jeanice Moore
Arkansas

Daily Devotional Wednesday 12-13-06

The High Road

Just a few weeks before, I had made a personal commitment to God. I wanted to begin using my talents in church, but I was scared to get up in front of people. I prayed that people would see Jesus through me no matter what.
We were on our way home from a convention when a tornado warning came over the radio. Concerned about the two boys my in-laws were watching, I decided to call to see how they were doing.
My father-in-law answered the phone. "I was just calling to see how everything is going." I began…”
"Well, we've had an accident."
Thinking it was a little bump on the head, a bruise on an arm or something of that nature, I half-heartedly asked, "Oh, yeah? What's happened?"
He went on to explain that when they were going out to feed the animals, Josiah, our 3 year old, had been run over by their old farm pick-up. In an instant, his left arm, hip, and leg were in the way of the tires.
I was breathless. Absolutely speechless. The next hour to the hospital was the longest one of my life. Incredibly, Josiah hobbled away with a broken arm, a broken ankle, and a few bruises. No internal damage, no anticipated surgeries, just a few uncomfortable weeks off his feet.
After that long night in the hospital, we finally headed toward home. We decided to stop by my in-law's house to pick up the last of the boys' things they had left there. My husband Brian ran in and I stayed in the van with the children. My mother-in-law came out to see me. She had obviously been crying, and later I learned that she had been having nightmares about the accident. She had seen the whole thing and she couldn't get that image out of her mind.
I told her that she needed to forgive herself. We certainly didn’t blame them for the accident. It could have happened at any time to any of us. I shared that we believe God has a purpose for everything. We’d forgiven her, so she needed to forgive herself.
The dark cloud that seemed to engulf her suddenly began to lift. In the midst of everything, I had overlooked
how devastating this was for her—to not only witness the accident, but to know she was the responsible party.
The next day, I got a phone call from my sister-in-law. She said her mom was relieved to know I’d forgiven her. "I appreciate you taking the high road of forgiveness," she stated. "I honestly don't know if I could do that if it were my child."
It was at that moment I realized what God had done in me. He had answered my prayers and I hadn’t even noticed. He let others see Him through me.

—Tammi Brinkhoff
Missouri

Daily Devotional Tuesday 12-12-06

First We Get Up

FIRST WE GET UP...
Up from our warm and cozy beds of ease
Up from the recliner before the TV
Up from despair over world situations
Up from pettiness, resentment, competition
Up from discouragement over past failures
Up from the routine of daily living.
THEN WE GET DOWN...
Down from our lofty view of self
Down from the notion that we chart our own destiny
Down where we can see the needs of ourselves and others
Down on our knees to ask for forgiveness and guidance.
NEXT WE GET OUT...
Out, first, into our own community where people are empty, lonely, hurting, sad
Out where the good news of Jesus' love has been lost in life's struggles, never really heard or understood
Out to the young, to the old, the strong, the sick
Out to the rich in goods but poor in spirit as well as those lacking the necessities of daily living
Out to the addicts—whether addicted to success, pleasure, or, yes, even substance abuse
Out to those who suffer in innocence and those who have brought it on themselves.

AND WE GET IN...
In to minister to immediate physical needs
In to listen, encourage, show our love and tell of His coming, His death on the cross in payment of our sin, and the place He's preparing for "whosoever will"—every person who will call upon Him.


My prayer for you is increased joy, peace, happiness and boldness for the work
ahead as we...

GET UP, GET DOWN, GET OUT AND GET IN,
For Jesus’ sake and in His name.

—Jean Perry
North Carolina

Daily Devotional Monday 12-11-06

Praise for the Word

Psalm 56:10, 11
“In God will I praise his word, in the LORD will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust; I will not be afraid what man can do to me.”

Reading these verses reminds me of the preciousness of God’s Word in my own life. The Psalmist recognized the praiseworthiness and power of God’s Word. Interestingly, his praise for the Word accompanies his affirmation that he will trust and not fear.
I can identify. I’ve always struggled with fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of approval. And like the Psalmist, I, too, discovered the comfort of God’s Word in the context of fear.
The eerie music howling through our chimney had awakened me again. I was a young girl of eleven or twelve. Night after night, the sounds came, half like a trumpet, half like a wail. Night after night, I would lay, paralyzed with fear, waiting for the noise to cease. Sometimes I would awaken my mom and share my fears of the night. She would lovingly hug me, pray with me, and walk me back to bed. I’d resolve there was nothing to fear—it was only the wind. But the following night, the fear factor would rob my rest once again.
Then I found Psalm 4:8: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” I read and reread these words, and claimed them as my own. When the strange sounds swelled, I’d repeat this verse aloud in my bed until I knew peace and sleep.
This commenced a longtime love affair with God’s Word. Time and time again, in the midst of life’s crises, God has used a specific verse to speak directly to my need. And the power of the Word has melted my fears, and strengthened my trust.
That same powerful, praiseworthy Word can speak to your fear and your need today…and tomorrow… and throughout your days and nights, for His Word endures forever.
Yes, I praise His Word. In the LORD, I praise His Word.

—Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee

Daily Devotional Tuesday 12-5-06

Hiding

Psalm 32
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

Hiding. We all do it. Eve did. After her fateful sin, the first thing she and Adam did was hide—hide their nakedness from each other, then hide their sin from God.
Saul hid. Faced with the prospect of becoming Israel’s leader, he hid among the stuff on the day of his official kingly appointment.
David hid, too. He hid from Saul. David feared for his life at the hands of this once fearful king. David hid his sin. His secretive murderous plot eventually took the life of his own child and brought perpetual turmoil within his family.
Why do we hide? Fear. Fear of failure, fear of exposure, fear of punishment, fear of responsibility, fear of loss. Yet God reiterates throughout His Word, “Fear not.” We are to fear neither people nor possibilities. God is sovereign. But God also says, Fear Me. “Fear God and keep His commandments….”
In Psalm 32, David admits that he has been hiding. And He affirms that when we keep silent, God has a way of making us uncomfortable. Yet, when David acknowledges his sin and takes his iniquity out of hiding, he finds forgiveness and a greater covering. The very God from whom he wanted to hide, now becomes His hiding place.
When we come clean with God, who already sees and knows, He offers protection and victory over the very things we try to keep from Him. He covers our sins, surrounds us with songs of deliverance, and encompasses us with His mercy.
What are you hiding? What do you fear? Will you hide from God or in God?


Oh safe to the Rock that is higher than I
My soul in its conflicts and sorrow would fly
So sinful, so weary, Thine, thine would I be
Oh blest Rock of ages, I’m hiding in thee.

—Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee

Daily Devotional Monday 12-4-06

Childlike Faith

Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

The boys and I were almost home from basketball practice when Levi, my eight-year-old, began complaining that his head was hurting badly. The conversation continued like this.
MOM: And?
LEVI: Is there something that will help it?”
(You have to understand a couple things. One, I don’t give my children a lot of medicines. And two, Levi has a shunt, so headaches occur from time to time.)
MOM: I don’t know about something, but I know Someone.
Silence.
MOM: Who is the greatest physician?
Silence
MOM: Who was the greatest healer to ever live?
CASEY (my seven-year-old): I know; I know.
LEVI: God and Jesus.
MOM: Yes, Levi, you’re right. Now what you can do is pray, “Jesus, I believe in you and I know you can. There is nothing you cannot do, if only I ask.”
A few moments passed. He said nothing. I asked him if he had prayed. After another pause, he replied, “Okay, Mom, I did.” We drove a short distance farther, and I asked, “Is your headache better?”
“It’s gone, ” he replied. I then explained the importance of always thanking God for answered prayers.

The next day, Levi and I said a prayer before he went in for testing. I guided him in a prayer of belief that he would do well, and that Jesus would be there to help him. Later, he went with me to a WAC district meeting. I let him have my number for the door prize drawing. His number was the first to be called. After he ran up and got the clock he wanted, he shared, "Mom, I prayed for my number to be called first so I could get the clock, and it was." He picked the clock to share with Casey because he didn’t go.

I had been praying that God would teach me how to lead my boys to Him. Even though I was raised in church, my boys haven’t been. In just a few short prayers with Levi, he’s already got it. He knows he only needs to believe and ask. Childlike faith in action is such a wonderful thing. I now desire the same childlike faith I see in my son.
—Denice White
Arkansas

Daily Devotional Sunday 12-3-06

Strength for Today

Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Whether you’re beginning a new job today, doing all the errands on a normal morning, watching fearful news of the world’s happenings, or just being you, (with a cup of coffee), isn’t it wonderful to know we can trust and depend on our Lord for all the strength we need?
Thank you, Lord, for being my strength today.

—Linda Harvey
Arizona