13Nov
06Aug
Praise Him Anyway!
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.O-bservation:
In this book that bears his name, Habakkuk prophesied the coming fall of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians. He mentioned a number of terrible coming judgments on Judah, but ends by saying, "No matter how bad it gets, I will rejoice and be glad in God my Savior. In fact, I will "Praise Him Anyway!"A-pplication:
The word was out across national lines that this dreaded foe was on its way. This enemy of God's people had mowed down every nation in its path. Now the Babylonians were coming after Judah. God was allowing it to happen in order to get Judah’s attention. Trust me, it took a LONG time. Sometimes so much evil is going on around us in our own world that God will allow certain atrocities to occur to get our attention. The question is, how long will it take for us to "GET IT?" In the meantime, no matter how bad it gets, we are HIS people. As the people of the Most High God, we must determine that regardless of what may come, we will ... "Praise HIM Anyway!"P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, I'm not completely unaware. I watch the news and read the reports of disasters and tragedies of every description on this planet. But this AM, I woke up with my mind ... "Fixed On Jesus!" With all that is in me, I will "Praise YOU Anyway!" Amen
15Jul
It Was God
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Isaiah 23:9 The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.O-bservation:
This verse is Isaiah's answer to those who asked, "Who did this to the city of Tyre?" (vs. 8). Isaiah answered by saying, "God planned it! He planned it in order to bring down her pride in all her splendor, and to humble everyone who thinks they are something in all the earth."A-pplication:
Tyre was the largest seaport in Lebanon at the time of this prophecy, and had wealth beyond measure. Even today it is the fourth largest city in Lebanon and the largest seaport in that country. At least a hundred years passed between Isaiah's prophecy and Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar laying a 13-year siege on Tyre. In time the city was destroyed, and just like Isaiah predicted it was right at seventy years before it was rebuilt. Here’s the message to every one of these crazy, prideful mockers of Almighty God that stand and dare God to respond while they blow cities and people up: Just like He did in this story ... God Will Respond. But for right now, it's imperative that we understand GOD always knows what is happening. He's never caught off guard, nor is He frozen in panic over evil events. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, there is a heavenly edict guaranteeing that humanity's choices can be redeemed. Whenever I see a life transformed I know ... "It Was God!"P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, I will always yield to YOU! My life is a life that YOU transformed. When people ask me today, how did your life change? I always answer, "It Was God!" Amen
13Nov
The Gift of Prophecy
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
1 Corinthians 14:3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.O-bservation:
The Great Apostle used this chapter to instruct the church on some of the gifts of the spirit and how they are to be administered in the church. When it came to "The Gift of Prophecy," Paul said, "The Gift of Prophecy" is a gift given by the Lord to an individual in order for that individual to speak strengthening, encouraging, and comfort to others.A-pplication:
It's important to note that there's a difference between "The Gift of Prophecy" and "The Office of the Prophet." "The Office of the Prophet," is held by a person who is able at certain times to send a clear clarion call or word from God for a congregation, a city, or a nation. The Word will leave no one in doubt as to what has been said or what the hearers need to remain alert for. "The Gift of Prophecy" is indeed a gift, but one that all of us can strive to attain. Here's what I have experienced in my life. When I speak words of strengthening, encouraging, and comfort I am actually PROPHESYING something the hearer can run toward. On the other hand, when someone is prone to "Call Out" the negative in someone else, the "Called Out" one is usually not drawn to but rather is repelled by the speaker. The true Gift of Prophecy leaves the hearer with hope. Any time HOPE is near, people believe they can reach it. That's ... "The Gift of Prophecy."P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, As I leave my place of devotion this AM, may I leave with a desire to PROPHESY to others. Let me strengthen and encourage and comfort everyone I meet. Amen
10Jul