BELIEVE HIS PROMISES

The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldn’t believe his promise to care for them. Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord. [Psalm 106:24-25 (NLT)]

When the Israelites scouted out Canaan, they saw a rich and fertile country. Rather than believing God’s promise that the land would be theirs, however, they focused on their fears of the land’s inhabitants. Not only did they forget all of God’s previous miracles that led them out of slavery and through the wilderness, but the Israelites also doubted His promise to safely deliver them into Canaan. In fear, they refused to enter it. Because they were unwilling to take a simple step of faith, these people never lived to set foot in the Promised Land and it was forty more years of wandering in the wilderness before their offspring eventually did.

O Lord, what gifts of yours are we missing simply because we don’t trust you? What steps of faith do we need to take in order to enjoy your many blessings? Don’t let us forget your past miracles when faced with present challenges.

 

RIVERS OF DIFFICULTY


5-19-13 RIVERS DIFFICULTYscenery-Yellowstone-Grand Canyon-WEB2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. [Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

When going through troubled waters, we can either sink or swim. Thank you, God, for being with us to keep us afloat and for the assurance that our hard trials cannot damage us.

HOW TO BE HAPPY

I have learned how to be happy with whatever I have. I know how to get along with little and how to live when I have much. I have learned the secret of being happy at all times. If I am full of food and have all I need, I am happy. If I am hungry and need more, I am happy. I can do all things because Christ gives me strength. [Philippians 4:11b-13 (NLV)]

In crisis or calm, in failure or success, in poverty or plenty, in weakness or strength – Lord, show us how to be content in all circumstances. No matter where we are, who is with us, or what we have, your presence is all we need. Thank you.

Can you walk on water?

He [Jesus] said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” [Matthew 14:29-31 (MSG)]

Instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus, Peter looked down at the turbulent waves surrounding him. Once he focused on his problems, fear overtook Peter; instead of walking on water, he began to sink. If we always keep our thoughts centered on Jesus, however, there will be no room for fear in our hearts!

Thank you, Lord, for reminding us that as long as we keep our eyes on you, all things are possible, even walking on water!

STORIES OF FAITH

How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. [Hebrews 11: 33-35a (NLT)]

Extraordinary things have happened because of people’s faith in God. O Lord, what leap of faith do you want me to take and what wonderful things could happen?

SEEK HIM

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. [Psalm 105:4 (NIV)]

…the one who seeks finds… [Matthew 7:8 (NIV)]

When we fail to see the Lord, it’s not that he is missing; we just aren’t looking. Father in heaven, please don’t let us lose sight of you.