DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Each day, the Brook Cherith adds devotionals and scripture verses
Psa 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
The Lord is good! We can know by experience that the Lord is good. In fact, we are invited to experience His goodness. Blessed, or well off, is the person who puts their trust in God, the person who makes God their refuge. When we trust the Lord, when we place our confidence in Him, we will undoubtedly experience His goodness.
Mar 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mar 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Forgiveness is the heart of Christianity. It is central to our relationship with God. Our greatest need is forgiveness….we have no other hope for our sins. Forgiveness is not our right; it’s not what we deserve. Our forgiveness cost Jesus suffering and death. Forgiveness is also vitally important in our relationships with one another. We forgive others because of God’s forgiveness to us. A merciful attitude recognizes our unworthiness of God’s great love and grace. Forgiveness is the release given another for an offense committed against us, the debt is canceled. Nothing more is due, nothing more is owed. Forgiveness can be hard, but receiving forgiveness from God requires that we have a forgiving attitude. When we struggle with forgiving others, let’s remember God’s love and forgiveness given to us.
Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
This Christian life is not without difficulties. We go through most of the struggles of life that the unsaved go through. We also face difficulties that come from being a Christian in an evil world. The good news is that we are not in this alone. The huge advantage we have in life is that we have a real and living God who is looking after us. Though our struggles may be many, God has promised to keep us and deliver us from all of them. We need not fear. We have a loving heavenly Father who is on our side. Bravely face the future knowing our God will be there to help and deliver in every situation.
Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to take care of, to help, orphans and widows in their suffering and needs, and to keep oneself uncorrupted from the world. Both of these requirements are essential. We must maintain a walk with God that is free from the evil of this world, as well as have a heart of compassion toward those truly in need around us. We cannot neglect either duty and possess pure religion. Let’s give attention to living a clean life, and then let our love for others be lived out in service.
Mar 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mar 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mar 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
There seems to be an anti-Christian sentiment creeping across our society and country. If we are not careful, this can cause us to become ashamed or embarrassed to be identified as a Christian. This verse gives us a sober thought: there is coming a day when the only thing that matters is whether we are identified with Jesus Christ. If we want to be identified with Him on that great Judgment Day, then we will identify with Him here, in this life. There is nothing to be gained in this life that is worth losing our soul. Whether being a Christian is popular or not, let us gladly be identified with Christ.
Eccl 11:6 KJV) In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
Unfavorable conditions should not keep us from continuing to work in the kingdom of God. Many times do not seem favorable, but the truth is, there is no perfect time. Observing the conditions may cause us not to sow, say “what’s the use”, “nothing will come of it”. But let me ask you: What kind of conditions have revival sprung from? Revival has usually come in a very dark hour. We cannot wait for favorable conditions to do the work God has called us to. God has a purpose for us where He has called us, and when He has called us. Let’s be about our Father’s business.
2Ch 20:15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 2Ch 20:16 To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 2Ch 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
We allow ourselves to suffer far more anxiety and fear than we ought to. Really, the only thing we need to be greatly concerned about is whether we are on the Lord’s side. If we are on the Lord’s side, He has promised to deliver us and provide for us. The battle is not ours: it is God’s. Fear not, don’t be dismayed. This command is often repeated in both the Old and New Testament. Fear not, instead, obey God and trust Him. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. What a privilege to have God fight our battles for us in life. We can trust Him and experience the real peace promised to us in this great salvation.
Mat 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
The golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This simple rule is the essence of all the commandments. Treating others as we would want treated is the natural response of loving others as ourselves. This is the heart of all the commandments. When in doubt as to what our response in a situation should be, apply this rule. How would I want to be treated?
Psa 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
It’s good sometimes to be aware of the shortness of life. We only have so much time, so it is important that we make good use of that time. Time is like money; we only have so much and must budget it wisely. Let’s make sure we are making good use of our time and investing in those things that really matter. Let’s live our lives in light of eternity.
(Josh 13:1 KJV) Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
This was a critical time in Israel’s history. This was a time after the children of Israel had crossed into the Promised Land. They had already accomplished very much in conquering and possessing the land. They had seen the conquest of Jericho, where God caused the walls of this great city to fall. This was after the battle of Gibeon when the sun stood still, and God cast hailstones upon those who fled. They had overcome and destroyed 31 kings (mentioned in chapter 12) covering a large portion of the land. Yet God had a message for them…The message was that there remained much work to be done. Their calling was to conquer the whole Promised Land; there was still work to be done. God has been good to us, we have experienced His goodness and many victories. Yet there is much work to be done. As we begin a new year, let’s pledge ourselves to continue faithful in the work of God. There remains much to be done.
3 Jn 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Happy New Year! My prayer for you is that this New Year will be a good year for you. Most of all, I pray that this will be a year of spiritual prosperity; that you will draw closer to God, that your love for Him will deepen, that your devotion to Him will be greater. I pray that you will find a greater joy in Him, that you will find a greater peace and security in Him. I pray that this year will be a time of real growth in faith and trust. But as John wrote in today’s verse, I also pray that God will bless you in all things, in meeting your financial needs and in granting you good health. I pray that God richly bless you in all things, both physical and spiritual. I pray your blessing in this life be equal to your spiritual blessings. Let’s do our part to prosper spiritually and trust God to provide the rest.
Psa 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! Psa 139:18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
The fact that God thinks on us is a marvelous thing. This passage tells us that God’s thoughts toward us are too great to be numbered. God’s thoughts toward us are good, for our good. The truth that God thinks on us, and considers us with loving kindness, is truly a wonderful thing. He watches over us with faithfulness. Consider God’s care for you, and allow that truth to give you courage and faith.
Psa 135:5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Psa 135:6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
Here is one of the truths that we need often to be reminded of: our God is a sovereign God. God is above all; He is greater than all. God created this world with a purpose and a plan. God is carrying out that plan; nothing has taken Him by surprise, nothing will thwart His plans and purposes. God did what He pleased in all of creation and He continues to do all He pleases. When the forces of evil seem so very strong, we need reminded that our God still is God. Take courage, our God reigns supreme.
Isa 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
When we think of something stable, we think of good solid ground, the rock mountains, the tree covered hills. Yet there is something more stable, more solid, more enduring than this earth. God’s kindness will outlast these fixtures of stability of the earth. The covenant of His peace, this great salvation, shall not be shaken, though everything else crumble. This is the promise we have from our God, our Savior, who has had mercy on us. In these uncertain times, trust in the kindness of our merciful, dependable God.
Psa 117:1 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. Psa 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Our God is worthy of praise, He is worthy of great praise. Throughout the Word of God there are two things that we are often reminded to praise God for: His merciful kindness and His truth. His mercy is great toward us, His compassion and love is unfailing. His truth in this passage refers to God’s great faithfulness. God is true to all His promises. God is true and faithful to us in every way. It is for His great mercy and faithfulness that we owe Him praise. He is worthy! Let’s praise God for His great mercy and faithfulness to us in every situation
Jas 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
This Christian life is not just of life of restraining from doing evil. This Christian life is also a life of actively seeking to do good. We do well to refrain from evil, but we also need to do those things which please God. We are to show compassion, to witness to those around us and work to build and promote the kingdom of God. Let’s take care that we live a full Christian life, both in the avoidance of evil and also in the promotion of good.
(2 Ki 3:16 KJV) And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. (2 Ki 3:17 KJV) For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.
God is able to do the impossible; there is a part only God can do. But we must first do our part; do what God has asked us to do. By faith, the Israelites were told to dig the valley full of ditches. They were in the wilderness, where there was no water, no source of water. By faith in God they obeyed and worked to dig the ditches. Obedience to God is a prerequisite to receiving help from God. We must do what God has called us to in order to receive the blessing of God. Do what you know God would have you to do and trust God to that which only He can do.
Luk 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. Luk 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) Luk 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. Luk 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) Luk 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Luk 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luk 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luk 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luk 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luk 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luk 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luk 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. Luk 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Luk 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luk 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Luk 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luk 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
(Luke 2:8 KJV) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (Luke 2:9 KJV) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (Luke 2:10 KJV) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
This should be a joyous time for those of us who truly know the meaning of Christmas. It brings hope, excitement and cheerfulness to us. Good tidings of great joy! Good news - this is good news!! Here is the good news: Jesus came to bring salvation. He came to bring forgiveness for our sins, to bring us back into fellowship with God, to turn away God’s anger, to bring us into a place where we can enjoy God’s love and fellowship, to bring us eternal life. This is great news…..really there can be no greater news than this. This is great news, and it is for everyone, not just for a lucky few, not just one big winner. Good news is cause for great joy, celebration. Let the joy of the coming of Jesus fill your heart today.
1Th 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Here we find some sound advice for a good life. First, we would strive to live a quiet life, not stirring up discord with gossip and meddling. We should mind our own business, keeping our own affairs in order. Finally, we should work to provide our own living and meet our own needs. We do well to give most of our attention to making sure that we do what we ought.
