January 9 2019

Strengthen yourself in the Lord

Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6

David found himself in a precarious situation.  
Not only did he need to figure out a way to go after the enemy, even in his fatigue, to get back the woman and children that had been taken captive, he needed to protect himself from the crowd that were holding him responsible.  
What did David do?  
Did he set up a committee, ask for everyone to pray for him or close himself up in a safe place away from the people.  
No, David strengthened himself in the Lord.  
David pulled it together; he looked to the Lord for both his own personal strength and safety and for the wisdom to carry out the plan that was required to lead the others. 
Sometimes we spend a lot of time looking to those around us to help strengthen us in the midst.  There are times when that is appropriate.  
But as a people who claim to have a relationship with the Lord, we must learn to also go to the Lord ourselves and be strengthened directly by Him in the midst of the situations we find ourselves us.  The Word tells us that “we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin”. Hebrews 4:15 
Jesus, our High Priest, knows what we go through, can sympathize with us and encourage us and strengthen us in the midst.  
What strengthening do you require today?  
Turn to the Lord.  
He is waiting on you!

January 8 2019

The Lord is my Shepherd

The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Psalm 23

Sometimes there isn’t much to say.  
When there isn’t much to say we must remember what we know.  
The Lord is my Shepherd.  
I shall not be in want.  
What do you need to be reminded of today?  
Find it in the Word and remind yourself of it.  
Write it out, speak it, share it.  
Because even when there isn’t much to say – 
there is always a Word.

January 7 2019

Bless the Lord


I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psalm 34:1-11

Bless the Lord!  
He puts us in the right place at the right time for the right reason.  
Allow Him to use you!