DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Each day, the Brook Cherith adds devotionals and scripture verses
Pro 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Satan will always tell 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.
Psa 115:13 He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.
God is not a respecter of persons. It doesn’t matter how important we are, or how insignificant we feel, God will bless us if we show Him the proper respect and obey Him. Stay in a place God can bless you.
Heb 13:6 So 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”.
Psa 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Anger is a natural emotion in reaction 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.
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.
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 someone 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.
1Pe 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.
Num 6:22 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Num 6:23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, Num 6:24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: Num 6:25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: Num 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
This is the benediction blessing that the priests were to pronounce on the people at the conclusion of worship. As they left the worship ceremony, this was the thought that was to be on their minds. Notice first that it was God who commanded this blessing. This blessing expresses God’s intent and desire to bless His people. The blessing expresses God’s promise to keep, to protect, and to bless. His face shining on us has the idea of living with the smile of God’s approval on us. His countenance is His ever watchful care. How much God desires us to know His love and concern for us! How great is His desire to bless His children!
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.
Jos 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
It takes courage and strength to live as God has instructed us to live. There are forces that try to pull us both to the right and to the left. God’s blessing is on those who neither take away from His Word, nor add to it. We prosper spiritually when we follow God and God alone.
18 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 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.
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.
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.
Psa 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
We are prone to become self-centered, especially in times of difficulty. Here is a promise to those that are considerate of the needy around them. If we are compassionate on those in need, God has promised to be merciful and deliver us in our time of difficulty.
Isa 51:12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; Isa 51:13 And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
Isa 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Safety is promised to the servants of the Lord. Why should we be afraid of mere humans when we have the almighty Creator on our side? The servants of the Lord are promised that ultimately no weapon, no slander or lies will prevail against us. This is our heritage. Take courage, continue faithful, trusting God in the midst of opposition.
Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
The purpose of salvation is to have our relationship with God restored. In this great salvation the guilt of sin is cleansed and the power of sin is broken. We who have been redeemed will obey because our hearts and minds have embraced God's love, God’s will, God’s way, God’s laws. This great salvation brings a freedom from the guilt of sin, as well as freedom from the power of sin. Live in this freedom and fellowship with God.
Deu 20:4 For 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!
Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
This is a very well known verse, yet how difficult we find it to truly practice!We are instructed to not worry, but instead to bring all of our requests to God in earnest prayer. Notice also that our prayer is to include real thankfulness.If we do this, we are promised peace, the peace of God, the assurance of God that is only really known by experience.This peace, through Jesus Christ, guards us from fears and anxiety.
Psa 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
I am thankful that God is still working on me! The Psalmist expresses his confidence that God will do whatever further is needed to be done in his life. By His mercy, He will complete the salvation that He has begun. Don’t quit on God, and He won’t quit on you.
