LIVING WATER

One of my favorite attributes of Jesus is that He is Living Water.

Perhaps it’s because I am so much like the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well in Sychar in John 4. Like that sinful woman, I have failed God more times than I can count. The good news is that no matter how grave the sin or how often I miss the mark of His perfect plan for me, He still offers me Living Water that washes my sin away.

Micah writes that God hurls our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

The following quote is from Our Daily Bread at odb.org.

Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom knew the importance of forgiveness. In her book Tramp for the Lord, she says her favorite mental picture was of forgiven sins thrown into the sea. “When we confess our sins, God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever. . . . I believe God then places a sign out there that says No Fishing Allowed.”

Isn’t that a beautiful image of how God’s Living Water works in our lives?

Sunday Supplication

Jesus, thank You for being my Living Water. Thank you for using Your Living Water to wash all my sins away. Pour Your water into my thirsty soul this week and refresh me water that never stops flowing into my heart. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4:10-14

Tuesday Treasure

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

John 7:38

Wednesday Wisdom

LORD, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water. Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

Jeremiah 17:13-14

Thursday Truth

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

Revelation 7:17

Friday Fact

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:1-2

Saturday Song

OUR BANNER

Jehovah-nissi

The LORD is my BANNER!

I first discovered this name of God in Kay Arthur’s Bible Study Lord, I Want to Know You. If you’ve never studied the names of God, I encourage you to grab a copy of her book and delve into the original meanings of His names.

What did Moses mean when he first built an altar in Exodus 17 and named it The LORD is my Banner?

The Israelites were in an intense battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim. While Joshua lead the Israelites in the battle, Moses stood on a mountaintop with Aaron and Hur. When he held the staff high, Israel was winning. However, when his arms grew tired and he lowered his arms, the Amalekites were winning. Moses sat on a rock while Aaron and Hur supported his arms over his head, and God gave the victory to the Israelites. The Lord told Moses to make sure Joshua remembered this by writing it on a scroll. In addition to the scroll, Moses built the altar as a memorial to God that He was the Banner who won the victory that day.

Albert Barnes wrote about Jehovah-nissi, “The meaning is evidently that the name of Yahweh is the true banner under which victory is certain.” (Barnes’ Notes on the Old Testament)

Why is this important for you and me?

Barnabas Piper wrote, “God is our banner because we live to celebrate and honor His faithfulness to us, shown in myriad ways, from the rising sun to the risen Christ. God is our banner because we remember all His deeds and His words graciously given to us in  scripture. God is our banner because He gives us identity, and our label is “God’s children,” because of the saving work of Jesus. God is our banner because we are his representatives to the world, making Him visible and showing the beauty of His transforming work. God is our banner because all of this is an invitation, a gravitational pull, a summons, a tug to any who would believe but do not yet know what that means or how to do so.” (https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/jehovah-nissi-the-lord-is-my-banner.html )

If you are struggling today, allow Jehovah Nissi to be a Banner over you, fighting for you, and slaying your enemy!

Sunday Supplication

Jehovah-nissi, as I praise You this week as my Banner, remind me of the many battles You’ve won on my behalf. Wave Your Banner of victory over me this week, and protect me from the assault of the evil one. In Your Name, Jesus, I pray. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

Let him lead me to the banquet hall,

and let his banner over me be love.

Song of Songs 2:4

Tuesday Treasure

In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. … He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.

Isaiah 11:10, 12

Wednesday Wisdom

But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.

Psalm 60:4-5

Thursday Truth

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples;”

Isaiah 49:22a

Friday Fact

May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

Psalm 20:5-8

Saturday Song

BURDEN-BEARER

Have you ever heard someone say, “God will not put more on me than I can bear”?

Every time I hear someone utter this phrase, I cringe. It is a verse that has been misquoted for decades. Most people relate it to 1 Corinthians 10:13, but that is not what that passage says.

1 Corinthians 10:13 reads “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

That verse is talking about temptation, not burdens.

The truth is that God will often allow burdens into our lives that we can’t bear. Why? So He can be glorified. By allowing us to endure burdens, He teaches us to lean on Him and to trust Him. And He promises if we carry our burdens to Him, He will give us rest.

The next time you hear someone misquote that scripture, gently tell them the truth.

“GOD will not put more on me than HE can bear!”

Today, if you do not know God as your BURDEN-BEARER, run to Him. Lay your burdens at His feet and leave them there. He will give you rest.

Sunday Supplication

Lord, thank you for being my BURDEN-BEARER. There are so many things I face day-to-day that I cannot handle on my own. This week, I ask You to take my burdens and cares from my shoulders and give me rest. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Tuesday Treasure

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Psalm 68:19

Wednesday Wisdom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

Thursday Truth

I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

Psalm 30:1

Friday Fact

Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Psalm 55:22

Saturday Song

HOLY ONE

In John 6 there is a story of Jesus teaching the crowds in Capernaum. Because some of His followers didn’t understand His teachings concerning the blood and bread, verse 66 tells us that “many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.”

After this, Jesus turned to the twelve and asked, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

I love Peter’s response to Jesus’ question. He answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that YOU ARE THE HOLY ONE OF GOD.”

If Jesus asked you that question today, how would you respond?

The truth is we answer that question everyday whether we realize it or not. When we face trials and struggles in our lives, we either choose to stay with Jesus and draw close to Him, or we decide to leave and wallow in our pit of despair. When we are faced with temptation, we choose to follow Jesus, or we leave Him and fall into sin. When we’re needing to make an important decision, we either seek Jesus and His guidance, or we run to a friend or someone else for direction. When we get out of bed every morning, we make a choice to spend time with Him or leave Him behind and rush into our day.

What we truly believe about Jesus dictates how we will respond in each situation. If, like Peter, we truly believe Jesus is the HOLY ONE, we will respond as Peter did.

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You are the Holy One of God.”

Join me this week as we seek Him and praise Him as the HOLY ONE OF GOD!

Sunday Supplication

Jesus, Holy One of God, thank you for never leaving me on my own to face the trials and struggles of this life. Teach me this week what it truly means to believe in You as the Holy One of God who has the words of eternal life. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

Tuesday Treasure

LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die.

Habakkuk 1:12a

Wednesday Wisdom

This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

Isaiah 48:17

Thursday Truth

For I am God, and not a man— the Holy One among you.

Hosea 11:9b

Friday Fact

LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.

Habakkuk 3:2-4

Saturday Song

ABBA FATHER

When I lost my dad in 2008, I often focused on how blessed I was to be his daughter. I remember a day when someone told me I was his favorite. I knew it wasn’t true because my dad treated each one of his three children as his favorite. I’d see him working alongside my sister as they cared for his ailing mother, and I’d realize that she was his favorite. When Dad and my brother would leave for a hunting trip, I knew that as his namesake, he was the favorite. There were days he’d look at me with a grin and I’d believe I was his favorite. Dad’s lack of favoritism didn’t happen by chance. He learned it from God.

It humbles me to think that I am the Lord’s favorite, but so are you and the billions of other people out there.

I imagine God seated on His throne pointing to one of His children. “Jesus, look at that one. She loves me so much. She’s my favorite.”

Maybe He steers Jesus’ attention toward a man. “Did you see what he did? He’s my favorite.”

Perhaps the Lord looks at a newborn child and with tears in His eyes says, “Oh, Jesus, isn’t that baby beautiful? She’s my favorite.”

One definition in the dictionary labels a favorite as “a person treated with special or undue favor by a king.” Do we truly understand that we are treated with undue favor not just by a king or world leader, but by The King of the Universe? We don’t deserve it. We never will. Yet He favors us anyway.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus hung on a cross searching the future for your face and mine. With the most sacrificial act of love ever shown to mankind, Jesus declared, “This blood is for you because you are My favorite.”

In John 11 a man named Lazarus was sick. His sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” THE ONE you love. They knew a secret that many people have yet to discover. Lazarus was Jesus’ favorite. So was Mary. So was Martha. So was each one of His disciples. So is every single person who has ever lived. So are you, and so am I.

We are all God’s favorites.

God blessed me with an earthly father who made me feel like his favorite every day of his life. Maybe you weren’t that fortunate as a child. You may have been neglected, abused, or unloved. Whatever the case, you can be assured that there is a Heavenly Father who is speaking to your heart today, “Child, you are my favorite.”

This week won’t you join me in praising God as our ABBA FATHER who treats us all as His favorites?

Sunday Supplication

Abba Father, thank You for loving me as if I truly was Your favorite. As I celebrate Father’s Day today, I praise You as my perfect Father who loves me unconditionally and eternally. Train me up as Your child to be worthy of Your love. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:14-17

Tuesday Treasure

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Galatians 4:4-7

Wednesday Wisdom

No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life.

1 John 2:23-25

Thursday Truth

But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.

1 Corinthians 8:6 (NLT)

Friday Fact

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Psalm 68:4-6

Saturday Song

KING

This week we will praise God as the King of glory.

Will you join me this week in reflecting on exactly what it means to you that He is King of kings?

For me, I believe that as my King, He has absolute and ultimate authority over me and my life.

But if I’m totally honest, I don’t live as if I truly believe that. If I did, I’d be more consistent in choosing His ways above my ways. I would desire to please Him in all things and not only when I feel like it. I’d live my best life subservient to Him and obeying Him without question. I would treat Him as King of kings and Lord of lords and allow Him absolute rule over my life.

How about you?

Please share this week what in means to you that God is your King.

Sunday Supplication

God, my King of kings, this week I praise You as the King who is worthy of ultimate and absolute authority over my life. If I’m tempted to stray from Your perfect plan for me by caving into temptation, remind me that as my King, You always desire what is best for me. Help me to live in obedience to You unswervingly this week. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.

Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory.

Psalm 24:1-10

Tuesday Treasure

But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth.

Psalm 74:12

Wednesday Wisdom

Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:2-3

Thursday Truth

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Psalm 84:3

Friday Fact

They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.

Revelation 17:14

Saturday Song

STRONGHOLD

We live in a world filled with chaos and turmoil. If you’re like me, your own personal life may be jam-packed with struggles and troubles. During these times it’s easy to open ourselves to one of the major instruments in the enemy’s toolbox. Fear!

Several years ago I found myself in a persistent, debilitating state of fear. The doctor had warned us that my dad would probably not live more than six months due to this damaged heart. Instead of basking in the joy of having him a while longer, I lived in constant dread. Every time the phone rang, I answered with trepidation in my heart. Dad lived another eleven months; however, fear robbed me of months of enjoyment I should have experienced during his final days.

In 1 John 4:18, John writes to the church, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” I began to pray for God’s perfect love to drive the fear from my heart, and He did. Had I clung to God as my stronghold in the beginning instead of allowing the enemy to grip my heart with fear, I would have saved myself a ton of anguish.

How about you? Maybe fear is not your issue. Perhaps you struggle with addiction or jealousy or anger or greed. Maybe pride has taken up residence in your heart. Whatever the temptation, we can be assured of one thing. If we do not allow God to be our stronghold, the enemy will seek to make sin a strong hold in our lives.

Grace Fox writes …

“Strongholds are rooted in faulty thinking and lies; God’s truth tears them down.”

Read her entire blog about strongholds by clicking this link:

www.gracefox.com/2018/05/11/who-or-what-is-your-stronghold

This week, let’s seek to rip the hold of sin from our lives by praising God as our STRONGHOLD!

Sunday Supplication

Father God, as I praise you this week as my Stronghold, fortify my heart against the enemy. When he tempts me to allow sin to take a strong hold on my life, draw me close to you. Be the Stronghold that binds me to You and You alone. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Tuesday Treasure

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Psalm 37:39-40

Wednesday Wisdom

The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

Joel 3:16

Thursday Truth

He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Psalm 144:2

Friday Fact

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:9-10

Saturday Song

STRONG TOWER

What image comes to your mind when you think of God as your Strong Tower?

If you’re like me, you may picture a castle with a tall tower offering protection from your enemies. Perhaps you see a lighthouse standing strong as a beacon of hope amidst the storms of life. Maybe you envision a mountain peak towering high above your troubles and struggles. Whatever you imagine when you hear the words Strong Tower, I suspect you are like me and long to run into the loving arms of your Savior far above the tempests of everyday life and shelter there safely in His care.

This week, I’ve chosen the song Strong Tower by Kutless as my song of the week.

Join me this week as we praise God as our Strength and Strong Tower. Let’s run into the safety of His arms.

Sunday Supplication

Father God, my Strong Tower, thank You for always being a refuge in the storm and a safe place where I can run when pursued by the enemy. As I praise You this week, if I’m tempted to give into fear or anxiety or worry, remind me that I have a safe place to dwell in Your all powerful arms of protection and strength. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.

Psalm 31:1-4

Tuesday Treasure

The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.

Proverbs 18:10

Wednesday Wisdom

Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? “You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Exodus 15:11-13

Thursday Truth

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Philippians 4:13 (AMP)

Friday Fact

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Psalm 61:1-4

Saturday Song

MIGHTY WARRIOR

Throughout the Bible we are assured that we never go into a battle alone. Because God is our Mighty Warrior, every battle and victory belongs to Him. Following are only a few examples:

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.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD. (Proverbs 21:30-31)

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:47 )

He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’ ” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)

In the New Testament, Paul reaffirms the Lord Jesus as a Warrior fighting for us.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

Join me this week as we praise the Lord as our Mighty Warrior who goes before us to fight our battles for us.

Sunday Supplication

Lord,  my Mighty Warrior, I praise You as the one who goes before me and fights for me. I am never alone on this battlefield of life. Thank You for the victories You’ve already won on my behalf and the triumphs I will see in the future. Help me this week to remember that every battle I face belongs to You. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

“Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring [you] quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy.”

Zephaniah 3:17 (HCSB)

Tuesday Treasure

“The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.”

Exodus 15:2-3

Wednesday Wisdom

But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten. LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.

Jeremiah 20:11-13

Thursday Truth

Let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim his praise in the islands. The LORD will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.

Isaiah 42:12-13

Friday Fact

The great day of the LORD is near— near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the LORD is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.

Zephaniah 1:14

Saturday Song

COUNSELOR

In her book, Jesus In Me, Anne Graham Lotz tells of how the Counselor was with her during her journey through breast cancer. After praying for direction in choosing the right surgeon and doctors, she opened her devotional to read Isaiah 30:21: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Almost immediately, God answered her prayer by opening doors and leading her to the perfect surgeon.

She writes …

I have learned, and am still learning, to lean hard on the Counselor. The writer of Proverbs encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” I must lean on Him in utter dependency as I intentionally, specifically, and personally ask for His counsel, claiming His promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”  (https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/jesus-in-me/)

Are you facing tough decisions in your life?

Are you dealing with  issues that are draining you mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually?

Perhaps, like Anne, you are facing serious health concerns. You might be going through a separation, divorce, or child custody battle. Maybe you’re a parent or guardian having to make hard choices about someone you love.

Whatever your struggles this week, the Counselor is available and willing to guide you in the way you should go. Sometimes He provides clear direction through scripture. Or He may work through a Christian friend, counselor, or pastor. Sometimes His answer may be “Wait” and that can be the hardest counsel of all to accept. Our job is to be receptive and follow His guidance whenever it may come and wherever it may lead.

As we praise Him this week as our Counselor, let’s tune our hearts and ears to His guidance and listen carefully for His voice as He says, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Sunday Supplication

Counselor God, I praise You this week as the One who is always there to guide me and lead me in the way I should go. Thank You, Lord, for loving me enough to direct my steps on this path of life. Help me to have an open, receptive heart as You speak to me this week, “This is the way; walk in it.” AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD— and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

Isaiah 11:1-5

Tuesday Treasure

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”

Psalm 73:24

Wednesday Wisdom

“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.”

Job 12:13

Thursday Truth

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Psalm 32:8

Friday Fact

“If you love Me, you will keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.”

John 14:15-18 (HCSB)

Saturday Song