DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Each day, the Brook Cherith adds devotionals and scripture verses
2 Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
I am thankful that we are not left alone in this world. God knows how to take us safely through temptations, trials and difficulties. God also is aware of those who do evil. No one will get away with anything. Our God is merciful, but He is also fair and just.
2 Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
In a time of great confusion as to what it means to be a Christian, the seal, or stamp of God’s ownership remains the same. First, God knows His own. He is not confused or deceived by anyone. Secondly, true children of God depart from iniquity. True children of God live with a purpose to do right all the time, in every situation.
Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Joel affirms that our God is the great deliverer. Notice that whosoever calls on the Lord shall be delivered. God is fair, impartial. You are not too insignificant to be seen and heard by God. In the city of God, in the home of His family, there is deliverance. God has promised, and He is faithful.
Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
There is sowing that must be done before any 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 107:9 For 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 10:27 The 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.
Jer 29:7 And 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 37:8 Cease 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.
Mat 5:7 Blessed 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 16:8 I 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.
Pro 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Even the religious activities of the wicked are detestable to God. It is a right heart that God seeks. God delights in the prayers of those who are upright, those whose intentions and motives are right, leading to a holy life.
1 Pe 5:6 Humble 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.
Mat 28:1 In 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 28:2 And, 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 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: Mat 28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. Mat 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. Mat 28:6 He 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.
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mat 11:29 Take 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 11:30 For 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.
Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Joh 3:16 For 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 3:17 For 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.
Mat 6:30 Wherefore, 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 15:17 Better 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.
Pro 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
How often we are reminded that the only safe and sure path in life is the path of obedience and righteousness. When we live our life in integrity, doing what is right, we live securely. But, those who live dishonestly will be found out.
Psa 9:10 And 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.
