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Lord, Help Me to Wait Well–Exodus 32:1

February 11, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Exodus, leadership, Obedience, Patience with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Exodus 32:1-34:35

Heavenly Father, as I read about Aaron and the children of Israel worshipping a golden calf while Moses was on the mountain talking to You, I got really mad. I thought, “Stupid Israelites!”

“How could they do that, after all You had done for them; after all the miracles they had seen?

“After all, Aaron had just been anointed priest over all Israel and he made the idol for them!”

“What was wrong with him ?”

“Why couldn’t he wait, he knew Moses was with God?”

But then I thought, “Dianne, you don’t wait well either.” “How many times have you taken matters into your own hands because things weren’t ‘happening fast enough’?”

Lord how many times has our impatience gotten in the way of Your plans for our…

Relationships
Health
Careers
Finances
Ministries
Spiritual growth

Jesus, forgive us for our impatience. Forgive us for thinking others things or people can do what only You can do. Help us to trust Your timing.

Help us to say with Moses “Lord, if You don’t personally go with us, then we don’t want to go at all. For Your presence among us sets us apart from all the other people on the earth.” (Exodus 33:15)

Lord, give us grace for the waiting room.

Lord, teach us to serve You while we’re waiting.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Exodus 35:1-36:38

Lord, Have Mercy on Our Wayward Children–2 Samuel 18:5

April 29, 2012 in 2 Samuel, 2012 Journey, Depression, Divorce, Failure, Family, Forgiveness, leadership, Parenting, Patience, The Hurting World, Tough Times with 0 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.

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!

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

When It Seems God is Refusing to Answer–1 Samuel 28:5-7

April 18, 2012 in 1 Samuel, 2012 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Depression, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, Finances, God Speaks today, God's Merciful Ways, Patience, Prayer, The Promises of God, Word of God 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!

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, Thank You For Observant Friends–2 Samuel 14:1

April 27, 2011 in 2 Samuel, Christian Living, Friendship, Living a Life that reflects the Son, Patience, Prayer, The 2011 Prayer Journey with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 20:2-3; 2 Samuel 13:1-14:33

Devotion: The Reaping Begins

Heavenly Father, I’m not sure that King David and Joab were friends, but Joab definitely acted like a friend in today’s story.

Joab realized how much the king longed to see Absalom. So he sent for a woman from Tekoa who had a reputation for great wisdom. He said to her, “Pretend you are in mourning; wear mourning clothes and don’t put on lotions. Act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for a long time. Then go to the king and tell him the story I am about to tell you.” Then Joab told her what to say. –2 Samuel 14:1-3

Lord, we all have times in our lives when we need someone to help us get our head on straight. Sometimes we’re just too close to the situation, we truly “can’t see the forest for the trees.”

Jesus, thank you for using my friends to encourage, challenge, trouble-shoot, counsel and correct. Lord, help me to be that kind of friend. Give me the grace and mercy to be a friend that builds others up, always. Teach me to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) to my friends AND family.

Lord, help me to be a “Joab” kind of friend to someone today!

In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!

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

To Whom Can I Show Kindness? 2 Samuel 9:1

April 25, 2011 in 2 Samuel, Becoming a Christ Follower, Christian Living, Giving Our Best to God, leadership, Patience, Prayer, The 2011 Prayer Journey, The Hurting World, The Journey to Knowing Him More, The Power of Words with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 8:15-18; 1 Chronicles 18:14-17; 1 Chronicles 6:16-30, 50-53, 31-48; 2 Samuel 9:1-10:19; 1 Chronicles 19:1-19

One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” –2 Samuel 9:1

The king of Israel was just sitting around thinking about who he could be kind to…amazing!

When’s the last time you (or I) thought about showing kindness to someone?

Where should time for “Holy Spirit Led” kindness fit in our list of priorities for the day?

We say we want to be used to bring glory to the Kingdom of God, but do we really mean it? Even if it means spending time with someone who may not be that “kind.”

David could have just given Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth his grandfather inheritance and sent him on his way. But David didn’t just through money at the need, he invited a bitter and crippled stranger, Mephibosheth to eat at his table for the rest of his life. Now that’s kindness.

Showing Kindness = Showing Value

Heavenly Father, stir my heart today. Show me who You want me to show kindness to. Teach me how to love like You love. Help me to make other people feel valued and special. Remind me as many times as it takes,“it’s not about me!”

Thank you for David’s example!

In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!

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Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Samuel 11:1-12:14; Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:15-25; 2 Samuel 5:14-16; 1 Chronicles 14:3-7; 1 Chronicles 3:5-9

Lord, Should I…? 2 Samuel 2:1

April 20, 2011 in 2 Samuel, God Speaks today, Living a Life that reflects the Son, Patience, Prayer, The 2011 Prayer Journey, Trust with 2 Comments

Today’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

Today’s Devotion: Are You a Lion Chaser?

Heavenly Father, Oh how I would love to have a relationship with You like David! He knew when to ask, how long to wait, what Your voice sounded like and when to move.

After this, David asked the Lord, “Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?”

“Yes,” the Lord replied.

Then David asked, “Which town should I go to?”

“To Hebron,” the Lord answered. –2 Samuel 2:1

Lord, help me.

Direct me.

Guide me.

Holy Spirit, speak loudly.

Father, have mercy on me when I miss Your instructions or don’t follow them correctly.

Jesus, thank You for the grace Your death on the cross brought. I would be so lost without You.

Lord, what should I do with this wonderful day You’ve given me?

Waiting for Your Instructions…

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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