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Lord, Please Use My Mistakes to Save Others–Jonah 1:16

June 20, 2011 in Becoming a Christ Follower, Believing God in the Hard Times, Christian Living, Depression, Family, Finances, Giving Our Best to God, Jonah, leadership, Prayer, Sin, Success, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Journey to Knowing Him More with 6 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 14:1-14; 2 Chronicles 25:1-24; 2 Kings 13:12-13; 2 Kings 14:15-16, 23-27; 2 Chronicles 25:25-28; 2 Kings 14:17-22; 2 Kings 15:1-5; 2 Chronicles 26:1-21; Jonah 1:1-4:11

Jonah purposely rebelled against the Lord by heading in the opposite direction of Nineveh, his next “ministry opportunity.”

This wasn’t an optional assignment.  God went after Jonah and some innocent bystanders, the crew of a ship headed to Joppa, got caught in the middle of Jonah’s mistake.  

At first it looked as though they were going down with Jonah…

But the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart.  –Jonah 1:4

The crew came to the conclusion that Jonah was the problem:

Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit.  “Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?”  –Jonah 1:7-8

Once Jonah told them he was a Hebrew and a worshiper of the Lord, the God of Heaven who made the sea and the land (Jonah 1:9) AND that he was running away from the Lord (Jonah 1:10), they knew they were going down unless they did something quick.  They asked Jonah what they should do…

“Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.” –Jonah 1:12

The sailors tried everything they could think of to save Jonah, the ship, and themselves.

Instead, the sailors rowed even harder to get the ship to the land. But the stormy sea was too violent for them, and they couldn’t make it.  Then they cried out to the Lord, Jonah’s God. “O Lord,” they pleaded, “don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.”   –Jonah 1:13-14

Everything they tried failed.  So…

Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once.  –Jonah 1:15

The storm was about Jonah’s mistake, it wasn’t about the sailors.  But God used Jonah’s mistake to show Himself to the sailors, so that they could know Jonah’s God.

The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.  –Jonah 1:16

Friends, even our mistakes aren’t just about us.  God can use our biggest and greatest mistakes for His Glory and His Plan.  Give Your mistakes to Him and watch what He’ll do for His Kingdom and your Circle of Influence.

Heavenly Father, I have made some “Jonah-size” mistakes.  I give them to You.  Use them for Your Glory!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Amos 1:1-6:14

Lord, Help Me to Be Loyal Like Elisha–2 Kings 2:2

June 15, 2011 in 2 Kings, Believing God in the Hard Times, Christian Living, Discipleship, Family, Friendship, leadership, Parenting, Success, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Hurting World, Tough Times, Trust, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-25; 2 Kings 4:1-44

Today’s Devotion: Every Month 2,240,000 People in the World Want to Know About…

Heavenly Father, in today’s world loyalty is a lost art.  When the going gets tough, most people just pack up and leave.  Whether we’re talking about marriages, families, friendships, churches, the workplace, or one’s dreams and goals…

“till death do us part”

isn’t cool in the 21st century.

Elisha was extremely blessed because he committed himself to being by Elijah’s side till the end of his ministry:

And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” So they went down together to Bethel.  –2 Kings 2:2

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Jericho.” But Elisha replied again, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together to Jericho.  –2 Kings 2:4

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.” But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together.  —2 Kings 2:6

Lord, Elisha was hungry for Your Spirit:

When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.”

And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”  

“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” –2 Kings 2:9-10

Father, did You grant His request because of his loyalty, commitment, and desire?

As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.  Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River.  He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.

When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.  –2 Kings 2:11-15

Heavenly Father, show me where to place my loyalty.  Show me where and when to give my total commitment. I want a double portion of Your Spirit.  I want to succeed in all that You’ve called me to do.  I want the spirit of Elisha!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-8:15

Have You Asked God? 2 Kings 1:16

June 14, 2011 in Believing God in the Hard Times, Christian Living, The 2011 Prayer Journey, Tough Times, Trust with 2 Comments

 

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Kings 1:1-18; 2 Kings 3:1-27; 1 Kings 22:41-49; 2 Chronicles 20:31-37; 1 Kings 22:50; 2 Chronicles 21:1-4; 2 Kings 8:16-22; 2 Chronicles 21:5-7

And Elijah said to the king, “This is what the Lord says:  Why did you send messengers to Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to ask whether you will recover?  Is there no God in Israel to answer your question?  Therefore, because you have done this, you will never leave the bed you are lying on; you will surely die.”

2 Kings 1:16

When you have a question about life, where’s the first place you go?

  • Your spouse
  • Your best friend
  • Your pastor
  • Your boss
  • A teacher
  • A counselor
  • Facebook, Twitter
  • A book on the subject

While these are great areas for support that God uses to minister to us, it’s the “when” that we need to think about.

Ahaziah, Israel’s new king who succeeded Ahab was seriously injured and sent messengers to the temple of Baal to ask the god of Ekron if he would recover. Israel’s God, the one and only living god, was not happy about Ahaziah consulting pagan gods instead of “the God of Israel.”  He sent Elijah to tell king Ahaziah that he would not recover because he consulted the wrong god.

God is definitely a jealous God who knows that looking to Him first brings about His best for us.

If you’re like me your probably thinking, “I don’t go to pagan gods!”

Or do I?

In my 20s and 30s I would immediately go to anyone who would listen for prayer, counseling, encouragement, comfort, and guidance—except the Lord.  Literally, I didn’t whisper a one-sentence prayer before looking for someone to tell my troubles to.

Then as I got older and harder from life’s difficulties I tried to fix it myself; yes, I would pray…it actually was more like telling God how I thought He should fix it.  I’m sure He was thinking, “Dianne, is there no God in your life?”

So I guess from my Heavenly Father’s perspective I’m no better than Ahaziah. I’m just thankful God is more patient with me than Ahaziah!

We need family, friends, and professionals to support us; we just need to go to God first and seek His guidance and His plan for our lives.

Heavenly Father, I’m thankful that I’m getting better at going to You, my Creator first.  Lord, forgive me for all the times I’ve run to other people or things when you have the answer to every question I could ever have.  Yes Lord, You are my God and I will seek Your counsel, comfort, guidance and encouragement before I run to people and things!  Holy Spirit, help me to seek You early each day before the cares of this world overwhelm me .   Thank you for Your patience!  You are the God of my life!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!

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Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:   2 Kings 1:1-25; 2 Kings 4:1-44

Lord, Help Me, For The Glory of Your Name–Psalm 79:9

May 19, 2011 in Believing God in the Hard Times, Christian Living, Giving Our Best to God, Living a Life that reflects the Son, Psalms, Success, The 2011 Prayer Journey, Tough Times with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 79-82

Today’s Devotion: How to Get All Your Prayers Answered

Heavenly Father, there are so many reasons “I” want You to help me with my life.

“I” want a life free from pain, discouragement, and sorrow.

“I” want to live life to it’s fullest.

“I” want to be rescued from my enemies.

“I” want to go to heaven when I die.

But as “I” read the psalmist’s prayer “I” realized it’s not about me…

Help us, O God of our salvation!

Help us for the glory of your name.

Save us and forgive our sins

for the honor of your name.  Psalms 79:9

It’s about the glory and honor of “Your” Name.

Lord, use my life to honor Your Name today.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!

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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 83; 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1; 1 Kings 2:13-3:4; 2 Chronicles 1:2-6; 1 Kings 3:5-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-13

Lord, I’m Too Distressed to Pray–Psalms 77:4

May 18, 2011 in Believing God in the Hard Times, Family, Prayer, Psalms, The 2011 Prayer Journey, Tough Times with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 75-78

Today’s Devotion: I Trust You to Take Care of Me

Heavenly Father, the psalmist said what so many of us feel during the tough times of life.

I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! 

When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. 

All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help.

You don’t let me sleep.

I am too distressed even to pray!  –Psalm 77:1-4

Father, I believe this is when the church and believing friends and family are at their finest.  When we are too distressed to pray, having friends and family come along side us to carry our heavy loads  can get us through our darkest times.  I can’t count the times that You have sent someone to pray for me when I was too distressed to pray for myself. I felt like You were loving me through them.

Lord, help me to be that person to someone today.  Help me to pray for them when they’re too distressed to pray for themselves.

Jesus, help us to know that when You ascended back to heaven after Your crucifixion and resurrection, You sent the Holy Spirit to pray for us and comfort us when we are too distressed to pray for ourselves (John 16:7).  Jesus, help us to realize that just saying Your name, will call the host of heaven’s armies to our rescue.

Lord, thank You for never leaving us, even when we’re too distressed to pray.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 79-82

My Depressions Deepens–Psalms 143

May 15, 2011 in Believing God in the Hard Times, Depression, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Hurting World, The Journey to Knowing Him More, Tough Times with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 131, 133; Psalms 138-141, 143

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Psalms 143:7

Have you ever been in this place?  King David, “The man after God’s own heart,” who wrote these words knew about depression.  He probably didn’t call it depression. Depression is a term that has become a household word only in the last 40-50 years, but he certainly mentioned one of the common characteristics of depression–hopelessness:

What do you do when you’ve lost all hope?

God allowed David to go through times of depression and hopelessness and had him journal these times in the Psalms so that you and I can make it through our times of hopelessness.  If you are severely depressed by all means seek medical help, but for many of us following David’s example could be the missing piece in our pursuit of hope. Here’s what David did:

Go to God–Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea (Psalm 143:1).

Tell Him exactly how you feel--My enemy has chased me.  He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to lie in darkness like those in the grave.  I’m losing all hope; I’m paralyzed with fear (Psalms 143:3-4).

Remember–I remember the days of old, I ponder all Your great works and think about what You have done (Psalms 143:5).

Spend time worshiping God–I lift my hands to You in prayer.  I thirst for You as parched land thirsts for rain (Psalms 143:9).

Update God on your Progress–Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depressions deepens.  Don’t turn away from me, or I will die (Psalms 143:7).

Trust God for the outcome–Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You (Psalms 143:8).

Ask for direction–Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you (Psalms 143:8b).  May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing (Psalm 143:10b).

Be teachable–Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God (Psalm 143:10).

Have the right motive–For the glory of Your name, O Lord, preserve my life.  Because of Your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress (Psalms 143:11).

Heavenly Father, I pray for my friends who feel hopeless tonight.  Pursue them.  Come close.  Lord, help them to know that Your Word is their lifeline.  Holy Spirit, speak to them.  Give them hope.  Heal their sadness.  Replace it with Your joy.  Lord, do it for the Glory of Your Name.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 144-145; Psalm 88-89

Lord, I Know You Will Provide–Psalm 37:25-28

May 10, 2011 in Believing God in the Hard Times, God Speaks today, Prayer, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Hurting World with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 35-38

Today’s Devotion: Nothing Can Stop Me Now!

Heavenly Father, we are living in tough times.  I’m sure they’re nothing compared to what past generations have suffered but many of your people are worried about putting food on the table for their families.

David, gave us words to hold onto in tough times:

Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing. Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the  land forever. For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. –Psalm 37:25-28

Lord, I remember a time many years ago when I wasn’t sure how I was going to feed my family.  I was a single Mom of two teenage daughters.  It was a very tough time.  We were so short on food that my daughters would tell their friends “you can come over but we don’t have snacks!”  We laugh about it now, but it was one of the most embarrassing times of my life.  When you can’t provide the basic needs of your family it leaves you feeling worthless.

I will never forget this one Saturday morning. I looked out the window and saw this strange car backing into my driveway.  I had no idea who it was, until I saw this sweet Asian lady from my church.  She came and knocked on the door and said in her broken English, “The Lord bought you groceries!”  She didn’t stop until she unloaded about $200 worth of groceries.  My girls and I were in awe.  We hadn’t told anyone we needed food, but Lord You knew.

Lord, times are tough and they may get tougher but with David I say, “I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.

Jesus, we trust You to provide for us! Lord, I pray for anyone reading this  who’s concerned about feeding their family.  Holy Spirit, supernaturally make a way for them to have nutritious, healthy food for their family.

Holy Spirit, speak to my heart.  Help me to share what I have with those in need.  I want to be generous to others.

Give me a heart like Yours, Jesus!

Amen and Amen!

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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 39-41; Psalms 53, 55, 58

Have You Ever Felt Abandoned by God? Psalm 22:1

May 8, 2011 in Believing God in the Hard Times, Psalms, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Journey to Knowing Him More, Tough Times, Trust with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 22-26

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.  At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”  –Matthew 27:45-46

I’ve read and heard these words countless times over the years but today I saw them in Psalms 22 and I was surprised:

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away when I groan for help?  
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.
They cried out to you and were saved.
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.    –Psalms 22:2-5
 

Yes, David penned those words many years before Jesus shouted them on the cross.

Jesus AND David felt abandoned by God.

Have you ever felt abandoned by God?

Have you ever felt like God did not answer?

I have.

David used a word that we need to remember when we feel abandoned:

Yet

My paraphrase of Psalm 22:1-5

Lord, I feel like you’ve abandoned me.  I call you, but You do not answer.  I know You hear me, but you are sending me no relief.

Yet, 

You are still holy.  

You still deserved my praise.  

Our ancestors trusted You when they felt abandoned.  

They cried out to You and You saved them.  

They were never disgraced by trusting You.  

So I’m going to do the same.

Do you feel abandoned today?

Tell the Lord exactly how you feel and when you’ve said all you need to say, add this line:

Yet, You are Holy Lord.  I don’t understand but I praise You and I trust You.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 27-32

The Heart of a Parent

April 29, 2011 in 2 Samuel, Believing God in the Hard Times, Parenting, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Journey to Knowing Him More, Tough Times with 3 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 17: 15-29; Psalm 3; Psalm 63,
2 Samuel 18: 1 through 19:30

My heart breaks for King David.  His son; not his friend, not a co-worker, but his son—flesh of his flesh and blood of his blood betrayed him and was trying to kill him.  I had my share of trials when my kids were teenagers; at some point I probably “thought” I was going to die but my life was a walk in the park compared to David and it’s was a walk in the park compared to what some of you are dealing with today.

From the Truth Project we learned that the family unit was modeled after the relationship between the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  If you’re a parent you know that the love you feel for your child is a love that flows from a spring that will never run dry.  Guess where that capacity to love came from?  Your heavenly Father.  Not only does He love his only Son, Jesus with that crazy love, but he loves every human being ever born on this planet  with that same crazy love.

David was running for his life from his own son; hiding like an animal pursued by a hunter.

I know that most of us aren’t hiding in caves to keep from being killed by one of our children.  But I do know there are parents out there who didn’t get a good night’s sleep last night because of one of their children.  And yes, for all you young parents, that instinct to protect your children from life’s hard knocks is still there when your kids are adults.  And yes, when someone just “seems” to be treating your adult child poorly, you come unglued and want “to hurt somebody!”

When King David heard the news of Absalom’s death he took his King hat off and began to grieve like a parent.

The King was overcome with emotion.  He went up to the room over the gateway and burst into tears.  And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom!  My son, my son Absalom!  If only I had died instead of you!  O Absalom, my son, my son.   2 Samuel 18: 33

I have many friends who are walking with God on a road they never wanted to travel with one of their children.  Like David, this was NOT the way you planned it.  Whether it’s teenage rebellion, a gay or lesbian lifestyle, an addiction, divorce, criminal conviction, financial irresponsibility, teenage pregnancy, or a host of other issues; I’m sure you can relate to David when he said to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.  2 Samuel 18:5

As parents, we have pleaded and begged for mercy for our wayward children, just like David.  Sometimes it’s hard to keep going; to even keep praying.  What do we do when it seems no mercy is coming?

We keep asking!

Father, I pray for my friends who are going through a heart-breaking time with their “Absalom” child.  Holy Spirit comfort them as only you can comfort.  I join them is asking for mercy on their child’s behalf.  I pray that today is a day of miracles for those wayward children. Bring them home like the prodigal son.  Help those children to “come to themselves” and run to you Jesus!   Give these parents strength for today and hope for tomorrow!  Heavenly Father, we trust you with our children!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!  Let it be so Lord!

 
 
 
 
 
  
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Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 19:31 through 20:26; Psalm 7; 2 Samuel 21: 1-22;1 Chronicles 20: 4-8

Lord, Do What Seems Best–2 Samuel 15:26

April 28, 2011 in 2 Samuel, Believing God in the Hard Times, Living a Life that reflects the Son, The 2011 Prayer Journey, Tough Times, Trust with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 15:1-17:14

Today’s Devotion:  The Spirit of Absolom 

Heavenly Father, here’s another example of David’s amazing heart.  His son has worked a four year plan to steal the throne from him.  Now David’s running for his life and these are his words to Zadok, the priest…

Then the king instructed Zadok to take the Ark of God back into the city. “If the Lord sees fit,” David said, “he will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again. But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.”  –2 Samuel 15:25-26

Lord, this kind of trust is my desire…

  •  If You see fit
  • Do what seems best to You

Jesus, it sounds like Your words:

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”   –Luke 22:42

Father, thank You for the example of David.  Thank You for the example of Your Son.  As this day begins, my prayer is that You do what seems best for my life and Your Kingdom.

Father, yesterday we lost one of your examples–David Wilkerson. Reverend Wilkerson has been a world-changer for Your Kingdom.  I believe he lived his life, “Not my will but Yours be done.”  These were his last words on yesterday’s blog post.

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.

Lord, You can be trusted.  You are our hope!

Thank You for Your goodness and love.

In Your Name we pray.  Amen and Amen!

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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Devotion: 2 Samuel 17:15-29; Psalm 3; Psalm 63; 2 Samuel 18:1-19:30

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