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Lord, Help My Motives to Be Pure–2 Samuel 3:9-10

April 21, 2011 in 2 Samuel, Christian Living, Discipleship, Giving Our Best to God, Holiness, Living a Life that reflects the Son, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Power of Words with 2 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 3:6-4:12

Today’s Devotion: Assuming Could Get You Killed

Heavenly Father, today’s reading was filled with impure motives.  It’s so easy to deceive others and ourselves into thinking our hearts are in the right place, but You, Lord know the truth.

Abner, had revenge written all over his plot to help David “get what the Lord had promised him.”  –2 Samuel 3:9-10

May God strike me and even kill me if I don’t do everything I can to help David get what the Lord has promised him!  I’m going to take Saul’s kingdom and give it to David. I will establish the throne of David over Israel as well as Judah, all the way from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south.” 

Abner’s impure motives ultimately got him killed.

Holy Spirit, show me the real condition of my heart. Do a daily motive check on my attitudes and point out the things that aren’t pleasing to You.  I join with David in asking You to create in me a clean heart…

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. –Psalm 51:10-11

Father, I’m so amazed that You always get Your will and Your plans accomplished whether we work with You or against You.  I want to enjoy life in the flow of Your Spirit and Your will…It’s the sweet spot we’re all looking for.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Lord, You are a God who can be trusted!

You are who You say You are and You will do what You say You will do!

I trust you!

Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3; 1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 2 Samuel 5:17-25; 1 Chronicles 14:8-17; 2 Samuel 5:6-10; 1 Chronicles 11:4-9; 1 Chronicles 3:4b; 2 Samuel 5:13, 4-5, 11-12; 1 Chronicles 14:1-2; 1 Chronicles 13:1-5; 2 Samuel 6:1-11; 1 Chronicles 13:6-14 

Lord, Deliver Me From Selfishness–1 Samuel 30:23

April 19, 2011 in 1 Samuel, Christian Living, Living a Life that reflects the Son, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Hurting World with 2 Comments

 Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 30:1-31; 1 Chronicles 12:20-22; 1 Samuel 31:1-13; 1 Chronicles 10:1-14; 1 Chronicles 9:40-44; 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 1:1-27

Today’s Devotion: The Day They Wept Until They Could Weep No More

Heavenly Father, selfishness is so prevalent in today’s world.  I must confess that some days I think the older I get the more selfish I become.  I certainly don’t want to be one of those grouchy old people who has to have everything “their way!”

Thank You Lord for the example of David.

Then David returned to the brook Besor and met up with the 200 men who had been left behind because they were too exhausted to go with him. They went out to meet David and his men, and David greeted them joyfully.  But some evil troublemakers among David’s men said, “They didn’t go with us, so they can’t have any of the plunder we recovered. Give them their wives and children, and tell them to be gone.”

But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the Lord has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us.  Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.” From then on David made this a decree and regulation for Israel, and it is still followed today.  1 Samuel 30:21-25

Lord, You have given me so much.  Help me to remember that EVERY good and perfect gift is from You (James 1:17).  Help me to “share and share alike” as David said.

Lord, help me to follow David’s example by asking You for guidance.  Holy Spirit, I know that if I bring my selfish tendencies to You, You will help me replace them with a heart like David’s.

Lord, use who I am and what I have to bless someone today.  I give myself to You!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 2:1-3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:1-4a; 2 Samuel 23:8-17; 1 Chronicles 11:10-19; 2 Samuel 23:18-39; 1 Chronicles 11:20-47

When God Refuses to Answer–1 Samuel 28:5-7

April 18, 2011 in 1 Samuel, Believing God in the Hard Times, Christian Living, Fear, Patience, Prayer, Psalms, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Journey to Knowing Him More, Tough Times with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 26:1-27:7; 1 Chronicles 12:1-7; 1 Samuel 27:8-29:11; 1 Chronicles 12:19; Psalm 56

What do you do when it “seems like” God is refusing to answer your prayers?

Do you react like Saul?

Meanwhile, Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him. He was buried in Ramah, his hometown. And Saul had banned from the land of Israel all mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead.

The Philistines set up their camp at Shunem, and Saul gathered all the army of Israel and camped at Gilboa.  When Saul saw the vast Philistine army, he became frantic with fear.  He asked the Lord what he should do, but the Lord refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets. Saul then said to his advisers, “Find a woman who is a medium, so I can go and ask her what to do.” 

His advisers replied, “There is a medium at Endor.”

Or do you trust like David?

O God, have mercy on me,

for people are hounding me.

My foes attack me all day long.

I am constantly hounded by those who slander me,

and many are boldly attacking me.

But when I am afraid,

      I will put my trust in you.

I praise God for what he has promised.

      I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

What can mere mortals do to me?

They are always twisting what I say;
they spend their days plotting to harm me.

They come together to spy on me—
watching my every step, eager to kill me.
Don’t let them get away with their wickedness;
in your anger, O God, bring them down.

You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.

My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
This I know: God is on my side!

I praise God for what he has promised;
Yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?

I will fulfill my vows to you, O God,
and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.
For you have rescued me from death;
you have kept my feet from slipping.

So now I can walk in your presence, O God,
in your life-giving light.

Wait, wait, wait on God.  When fear comes over you put your trust in your God.  Make a conscious choice to be like David.

Heavenly Father, help us to refuse to take matters into our own hands like Saul.  We will wait on you to rescue us.  When we’re afraid we will trust in You.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 30:1-31; 1 Chronicles 12:20-22; 1 Samuel 31:1-13; 1 Chronicles 10:1-14; 1 Chronicles 9:40-44; 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 1:1-27


Lord, No One Cares What Happens to Me–Psalm 142:4

April 16, 2011 in Believing God in the Hard Times, Christian Living, God Speaks today, Psalms, The 2011 Prayer Journey, Tough Times with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Samuel 22:1-2; Psalm 57; Psalm 142; 1 Chronicles 12:8-18; 1 Samuel 22:3-23; Psalm 52; 1 Samuel 23:1-12

Today’s Devotion: The Answer He Didn’t Want to Hear

Heavenly Father, Your Word is amazing!  No matter what I’m feeling, You know and You understand.  Reading David’s psalms is like reading my own thoughts during life’s tough times:

A psalm of David, regarding his experience in the cave. A prayer.

I cry out to the Lord; 

I plead for the Lord’s mercy. 

I pour out my complaints before him

and tell him all my troubles. 

When I am overwhelmed, 

you alone know the way I should turn. 

Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. 

I look for someone to come and help me, 

but no one gives me a passing thought!

No one will help me;

no one cares a bit what happens to me.

Then 

I pray to you, O Lord. 

I say, “You are my place of refuge. 

You are all I really want in life. 

Hear my cry, for I am very low. 

Rescue me from my persecutors, 

for they are too strong for me. 

Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. 

The godly will crowd around me, 

for you are good to me.”  Psalm 142

Father, thank You for Your Word.  Thank You for understanding how I feel.  Thanking You for listening to my complaints.  Thank You for caring about me.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 23:13-29; Psalm 54; 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44

Lord, I Want the Confidence of David–1 Samuel 17:32

April 14, 2011 in 1 Samuel, Christian Living, Giving Our Best to God, Living a Life that reflects the Son, Success, The 2011 Prayer Journey, Trust with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 17:32-19:17; Psalm 59; 1 Samuel 19:18-24

Today’s Devotion: It’s Not Where You Start, It’s Where You Finish

Heavenly Father, David amazes me!  I’ve read this passage many times, but I don’t think I’ve ever noticed his extreme confidence.  The wonderful thing about David’s confidence was it was in You, not himself.

Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.”

But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God!  The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” 1 Samuel 17:32-37

Lord, David made stepping out in Your service look so easy.  Your Word doesn’t show him

Praying…

Pleading…

Bawling and squalling…

Waiting…

to find Your will for this season.

He just did it!

He looked to his preparation and level of expertise, the current situation and the bigness of his God and just did what needed to be done.

Lord, is it really that simple?

Is serving You really this simple?

Talents, gifts, abilities

+ Preparation, training  from my day-to-day life

+ Current situation and need

+ Confidence in Your Power in my life

= Your Will for my life today

Holy Spirit, I know that serving You is a moment-by-moment experience, not a mathematical formula but it helps me to simplify it in this way. Lord, use me today. Like David, my confidence is in You!

David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord

was with him. 1 Samuel 18:14

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; Psalm 34

Lord, I Want to Please You–1 Samuel 15:22-23

April 13, 2011 in 1 Samuel, Christian Living, Giving Our Best to God, The 2011 Prayer Journey with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15:1-17:31

Today’s Devotion: What Part of “Completely” Do You Not Understand?

Heavenly Father, it’s so easy to be critical of Saul. It’s so easy to see his mistakes but Saul’s mistakes are our mistakes:

But Samuel replied,

“What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?

Listen!

Obedience is better than sacrifice,

and

submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,

and

stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”       –1 Samuel 15:22-23

Lord, at times I act just like Saul.  I’d much rather give an offering of money or time than be obedient to the things You’ve told me to do in Your Word.  I would rather claim ignorance than submit to Your command to study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15).

Jesus, help me to realize that knowing Your Word and rebelling against it is as sinful as witchcraft and wanting my way more than Your way is as bad as worshiping idols.

God, forgive me for being like Saul.  I want a heart like David.  Have Your will in my life today.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 17:32-19:17; Psalm 59; Samuel 19:18-24

27 Words–1 Chronicles 4:10

April 8, 2011 in 1 Chronicles, Blessings, Christian Living, Prayer, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Promises of God with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Ruth 4:13-22; 1 Chronicles 2:9-55; 1 Chronicles 4:1-23; 1 Samuel 1:1-8

Today’s Devotion: Oh That You Would Bless Me

Heavenly Father, why do I make talking to You so difficult?  Why do I compare my prayers to others?  It must make you laugh!

Jabez used 27 words to communicate his needs to You…

“Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” –1 Chronicles 4:10

And You granted him his request.

Lord, can I use Jabez’s prayer?

Lord, oh that You would bless me and expand my territory!  Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1:9-4:11

Lord, Help Me to Wait for Your “As it Happened” Moments–Ruth 2:1-3

April 7, 2011 in Believing God in the Hard Times, Christian Living, Discipleship, Giving Our Best to God, God's Merciful Ways, Life Lessons, Ruth, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Journey to Knowing Him More, Trust with 1 Comment


Today’s Scripture Reading: Ruth 1:1-4:12

Today’s Devotion: Don’t Settle

Heavenly Father, the way You set things up is amazing!  Thank you for reminding me of that in today’s reading:

Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.

One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”

Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.”  So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.  –Ruth 2:1-3

Lord, I don’t believe this was a coincidence; I believe this was your plan from the beginning of time.

“As it happened,” Ruth became the grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17).

“As it happened,” Jesus Christ came from the lineage of Boaz and Ruth (Matthew 1:5).

Lord, help me to realize that the plans You have for me today are Your “As it Happened” moments for my life.  Help me to go into this day with excitement!  Carry out Your plans for my life today!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Ruth 4:13-22; 1 Chronicles 2:9-55; 1 Chronicles 4:1-23; 1 Samuel 1:1-8

Lord, I Don’t Want to do what “Seems Right” Judges 21:25

April 6, 2011 in Christian Living, Giving Our Best to God, Judges, Living a Life that reflects the Son, The 2011 Prayer Journey with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Judges 19:1-21:25

Today’s Devotion: All the People Did Whatever Seemed Right in Their Own Eyes

Heavenly Father, today’s reading was very troubling. How could people be that far gone?  How could they treat those women so inhumanly?

It looks like You gave us the explanation in Your Word:

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Judges 21:25

Lord, help me to never rely on what “seems right.”  Help me to filter my decisions through Your Word and not my experience, the culture, or what others are doing.

Holy Spirit, speak loudly and teach me what is right.  Use Your Word to lead me!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Ruth 1:1-4:12

God Can Use Weirdness–Judges 14:3-4

April 4, 2011 in Christian Living, Judges, Living a Life that reflects the Son, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Journey to Knowing Him More, Trust with 1 Comment


Today’s Scripture Reading: Judges 11:29-15:20

Samson was just plain weird!  I don’t know, maybe he was just a big tease but he sure didn’t seem “normal” to me.

In my opinion Samson…

  • Seemed spoiled rotten and very demanding
  • Thought he was all that
  • Enjoyed making people look stupid

His father and mother objected. “Isn’t there even one woman in our tribe or among all the Israelites you could marry?” they asked. “Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me! She looks good to me.”

But,

God

had

a

plan

for

Samson’s life.

In those days a man named Manoah from the tribe of Dan lived in the town of Zorah. His wife was unable to become pregnant, and they had no children.  The angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife and said, “Even though you have been unable to have children, you will soon become pregnant and give birth to a son.  So be careful; you must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink nor eat any forbidden food. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.” Judges 13:2-5

Do you ever look at people and think, “They’re just plain weird.  Surely, they’re not “God’s anointed?”

Samson’s poor parents.  It must have been so hard for them. They loved to play by the rules.  They even asked the Angel of the Lord about “the rules.”

So Manoah (Samson’s father) asked him (the Angel of the Lord) “When your words come true, what kind of rules should govern the boy’s life and work?” Judges 13:12

Samson disobeyed rules for a hobby.

Samson’s parents must have been at their wit’s end because they didn’t know that God had a purpose for Samson’s weirdness.

His father and mother didn’t realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time. Judges 14:4

Friends we need to be careful criticizing and judging “weirdness.”  It may be for the Glory of God.

Father, give us grace to understand people who have different ways of doing life than we do.  Help us to realize, YOU made them.  They fit perfectly in YOUR plan for them.  You are God and we are not!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Judges 16:1-18:31

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