“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1)

May 18, 2012

Who is the one who would reflect all the glory to God and keep none for themselves? Such a one God will lift up and use. There’s no telling what God will accomplish through one who refuses to take the credit, giving all glory to God.

“Jesus answered. ‘This happened so the power of God could be seen in him'” (John 9:3)

May 17, 2012

Jesus’ answer for why a man was born blind. God can use our suffering to reveal His power to the world. But how we respond to suffering matters. We can decide to become bitter or better. Don’t waste the pain! Say “God, be glorified in my life!” Then, watch God move.

“A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash” (Proverbs 15:14)

May 16, 2012

GIGO – “Garbage in, garbage out.” What are you feeding your mind and spirit? There is more input pouring non-stop into our lives these days, but more is not necessarily better. Take time to feed your soul. Turn off the torrent of media for a moment and READ GOD’S WORD!

“Everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47)

May 15, 2012

What David said to Goliath. Where are the giants in your life today? Will you face them in the Name of the Lord? Not running away in fear. Not fighting in your own strength. But trusting the victory to God?

“Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22)

May 14, 2012

What Samuel said to Saul after he thought he could appease God with disobedient worship. We don’t manipulate God with our worship. It doesn’t satisfy His justice. He is looking for true worshipers, those that worship in spirit and in truth. Obeying God is worship. Love obeys.

“Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because of your unfailing love” (Psalm 109:26)

May 13, 2012

Hebrew – checed (kheh’-sed) love, lovingkindness, covenantal love. David prays for God’s salvation, not according to his own merit, but according to God’s checed love. God answers the prayer of one who prays this. Jesus, Son of David, Son of God, is the answer to David’s prayer.

“You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. Had you kept it, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever” (1 Samuel 13:13)

May 12, 2012

What Samuel said to Saul after he failed to wait on the old prophet. I must admit, I relate to Saul’s impatience. After all, Samuel was running late and Saul’s army was getting restless. Saul was worried about winning the upcoming battle when he should have been focused on being obedient to God. Be careful not to put God’s work before His worship.

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare” (Proverbs 15:1)

May 11, 2012

We want to give back as we get. It’s hard to be the one who gives the “gentle answer.” Yet this is the best way to defuse an escalating situation. This isn’t being a “doormat,” letting someone run over you. It’s actually a position of greater control, speaking the truth in love (Eph.4:15), not seeking to win, but to understand one another.

“Samuel said, ‘Stay here, for I have received a special message for you from God'” (1 Samuel 9:27)

May 10, 2012

Saul was busy searching for his father’s donkeys, but God had other plans for him. He asked Saul to “stay here” for a while. Hard to do when you have urgent duties. Yet, Saul stayed and listened and God made him king of Israel. Are you chasing the urgent when God is asking you to just “stay here” for a while?

“Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means ‘the stone of help’)

May 9, 2012

for he said, ‘Up to this point the Lord has helped us!’” (1 Samuel 7:12).
Has the Lord helped you? How have you marked it? Put out your Ebenezer and let others know what God has done for you.