DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Each day, the Brook Cherith adds devotionals and scripture verses
Psa 126:5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
There is sowing before and reaping can be done. Sowing involves work, but it also involves risk. We are investing our lives in sowing for good, without the ability to bring a harvest. I am thankful that we serve the God of the harvest who is faithful to bring the increase. It is only after a period of faithful sowing that we will see the faithfulness of God, and our joy will be overflowing.
Psa 107:9For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
There is a longing that only God can fill. Those who hunger and thirst after God and His way will be blessed. People chase after all kinds of things seeking to be satisfied….it is only those who long for God that really find a place of satisfaction.
Pro 10:27The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Satan will always tells us that we are the loser for living right. The opposite is true. A reverence and respect for God that results in an obedient life tends to a long and full life. It tends to happiness, lower anxiety, health and prosperity. The disobedient, the wicked, are the ones who really lose, both in this life and the life to come.
Ecc_9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
We are to give effort to the opportunities that God in His providence provides for us. This echoes Jesus admonition to work while it is day. We are to give diligent effort to the affairs of this life, and especially to the work of the kingdom of God. Discouraging times can cause us to slack in our efforts, but we need reminded to stay diligent in the affairs of this life while we have opportunity. We only have this life to accomplish these things, and most importantly, we only have this life to accomplish the things which pertain to the kingdom of God.
Heb 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
There are many fearful things to be faced in life. Yet, with God as our helper we need not fear. Who can stand against God? Who is a match for the mighty Creator of the universe? We can say boldly, without fear “God is my helper”.
Jer 29:7And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
We are just pilgrims passing through this land on the way to our home. Yet, we are encouraged to seek the peace and well being of the land where in we dwell, for in doing so, we also be able to experience that peace. Pray for our country.
Psa 37:8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Anger is a natural emotion to certain situations. It is a natural emotion to being done wrong. However, it is also very dangerous. Evil is never far away when we are angry. We should seek to calm our anger, cease and forsake our anger. Don’t allow your anger to cause you to act or speak in a way that is not becoming of one who claims the name of Christ.
Psa 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
God is our hiding place, our refuge. He is our strength and help. His help is right at hand, never far away. Let’s find our assurance and safety in Him. His help is always near and readily available.
Mat 5:7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
It is easy to forget the great mercy and forgiveness we have received. When some does us wrong, it is easy to want to “even the score”, to “make things right”, to take revenge. We are reminded that it is the merciful who will receive the blessing of mercy. Let us ever keep this in mind as we deal with others.
Psa 16:8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
An awareness of the presence of God can keep us steady. The expression “at my right hand” reminds us that He is ever presence, close at hand. We “set the Lord before” us by staying aware of His presence. In doing so, we will find the strength to remain steadfast.
Rev 4:11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Oh how much our Lord is worthy of praise!! Everything that was created in this world was created by Him and for Him. We need to keep a proper perspective on this life. We also were created by Him and for Him. Let’s allow our hearts to well up in awe to the Creator God.
1 Pe 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
We are reminded that the proper attitude toward God is humility. God takes special note of the humble. This passage alludes to the discipline and correction that God gives His children. Sometimes we are tempted to lash out at the trials or difficulties that God may use to discipline or correct us. Humility, though, is the right response. Accept the correction as from a loving heavenly Father. In due time, God will lift us up.
Exo 33:14And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Another precious promise of rest! It is the presence of God that brings us peace and rest. It is the assurance of His care, His love and His mercy that brings us rest. He has promised that His presence would go with us.
Mat 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mat 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Mat 11:30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Jesus extends an invitation to come to Him and find rest. How much we need peace and rest. Are you struggling under a heavy burden? Then this invitation is for you. Notice the meekness and kindness of Jesus. He is compassionate, He will restore the fire where just smoke remains. He will strengthen when is seems all strength is gone. He is not a hard task master; His way is not hard and burdensome. Come to Him and find the rest you long for.
Deu 20:4For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
It is a great comfort to know that we are not in life’s battles alone. As God’s children, He is with us, to fight for us. Were it not for this fact, many of life’s battles would seem terrifying, insurmountably difficult. But, we are not alone! The very Creator of the universe is by our side. There is nothing, no battle, no trial, no difficulty, that is too much for our God!
Mat 6:30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
We are so very prone to fret and worry! Jesus challenges us to consider how well God takes care of His creation. If God is concerned about the grass and plants, how much more is will He take care of His very own children! (O we of little faith) Let us look to the great Creator with the trust and faith that He so richly deserves.
Pro 15:17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Hatred, ill will and bitterness spoil everything. Where love is, life is good. Even the finest things of life are spoiled by ill will, hostility and hatred. Many people chase many things they think will make their life good, while neglecting the most important ingredient. Let’s make sure we pursue that which will make life good. Live in love.
Mat 28:1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. Mat 28:2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. Mat 28:3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: Mat 28:4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. Mat 28:5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. Mat 28:6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
We celebrate today the greatest event in all the history of mankind…the event to which all of creation was looking. Full salvation of both body and soul was accomplished. The power and guilt of sin was removed at the cross just days earlier. This Easter morning the power and fear of death was defeated. Jesus arose from the grave, in a resurrected body. His resurrection proved He was the Son of God, and gave us the promise and hope of victory over death. Not just life, but life without end in a resurrected body, in a new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more wickedness, sin, suffering, sickness and sorrow. Let us pour out our hearts in praise and worship today.
Psa 9:10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
The better we know God, the more we will trust Him because He is altogether trustworthy. God has not, does not and will not forsake those who seek and trust Him. Determine to know Him better and trust Him more.
Joh 3:14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: Joh 3:15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Joh 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Joh 3:17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
This day is a solemn day…it is the day we remember the unspeakable gift made for our forgiveness. As Jesus was lifted up on the cross to die, our forgiveness was purchased. It was the love of God that gave this unspeakable gift, so that we might receive the gift of life without end. Allow yourself time today to meditate on this truth. Then, spend some time in humble worship and adoration with our Savior.
