DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

CUT THE ROOT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Last year I spent some time cutting down some vines from a tree close to my home. This year I did the same thing for a while, then asked myself where these vines are coming from and looked for the source. I found the source, a nearby tree. I decided that instead of focusing on the spreading vines, I will cut as close as I can get to the root and that I did. That being done, I don’t expect to see unwanted vines again. Sometimes in life, we find ourselves in situations in which we are just cutting unwanted vines every week, every month or every year. Could it be that we have been focusing on the wrong thing while the source of the problem remains intact? I assure you that unless you get to the root of the matter, you will be treating symptoms and facing the same problems for a lifetime. Unless you cut the root, the situation will not be going anywhere, at least, not away. Why not begin your search for the root of your situation/issue/problem today? Sometimes the root is external but often it is inside of us (Hebrews 12:15 is an example).

TRUST GOD

I Chronicles 5  

While the children of Israel were fighting a battle, verse 5 says, “They had called out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayers because they trusted him” (God’s Word translation).  The simple truth is that they were trusting God WHILE fighting the battle.  They were not trusting God and sitting passively waiting for some miraculous intervention.  They were taking action being actively engaged in battle clashing swords with the enemy.  Some people have not even sent out one application while others have not done anything to make themselves marketable (employable) or to upgrade their skills etc. and they say they are trusting God.  Serious?  Some students say they are trusting God for success, but they are not making sacrifices studying, no long hours, no all nights studying etc. and they expect God to come through for them.  What is the point?  While trusting God, take the action you need to take and believe God to work through your actions and beyond your actions.  If Israel didn’t engage in battle that day as much as they said they were trusting God, they would have been defeated.  It is not the words you say but the action you take that gives evidence that you are trusting God.  Now, in your current situation, take appropriate action as you really TRUST GOD!! 

 

SAY NO

Hebrews 11:24 tells us that “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.”  Faith is not just about doing certain positive things but also refusing to do certain negative things.  Sometimes it is harder to refuse than to do. Never be afraid to say no to things that violate the will of God for your life despite the appeal and intense pressure to say yes.  You will certainly be rewarded for your stand for righteousness. 

 

OPPORTUNITY IN DIFFICULTIES

How do you view your problems?  Israel encountered very serious difficulties in Egypt, but God delivered them.  What I learn from that is that “Difficulties are really opportunities for God’s deliverance” 

KEEP THE FAITH

Hebrews 11:39 says, “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.” Although the persecuted believers did not receive the promise, they kept the faith. To them, maintaining a good testimony was more important than receiving a promise. This is a sure sign of spiritual maturity in that our faith is in God because of who He is and not because of what He gives.  Stay faithful to Jesus regardless.  

REALITIES AT THE Red Sea

The Israelites found themselves blocked by the Red Sea and consequently delayed while being pursued by the formidable Egyptian army on the brink of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 14).  “It is what we do during our time of delay that will determine whether we experience deliverance or not.”  Are you being delayed having to wait longer than expected for something you desire?  Also, the Egyptians pursued them.  When you are of high value or have something of high value, don’t be surprised when people and even Satan himself pursue you and attack you.  They cannot afford to lose the contribution you made to them or for you to rise to such prominence to become a threat to them.  The Israelites became fearful when they looked around and saw the Egyptians’ might/ability and sure defeat, but Moses remained faithful because he looked up and saw God’s ability and sure deliverance.