Trusting God’s Timing.....By Lynette Kittle

 Trusting God’s Timing (Genesis 40:14)

By Lynette Kittle

“But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison” - Genesis 40:14

Have you ever experienced feeling forgotten by someone who promised to keep in contact with you, or said they would recommend you for an opportunity, but then seemed to have disappeared and forgotten all about you?

Scripture tells us about the extraordinary life of Joseph, a man who understood what it meant to be forgotten by others. Sold into slavery by jealous brothers who truly did want to forget all about him, their actions led to Joseph’s imprisonment.

While serving time with fellow inmates, Joseph interpreted a dream for the chief cupbearer who was also imprisoned at the time. Joseph asked to be remembered by him when he was released. But, following a quick release, this inmate forgot all about Joseph’s assistance. Genesis 40:23 explains, “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.”

So, was the cupbearer just a terrible person who purposely forgot Joseph? Was he a self-absorbed individual totally ungrateful for his help? Or, was his delay in remembering Joseph all in God’s timing? It’s a question we too may want to consider when it seems like we’ve been forgotten by someone we thought for sure would remember us.

Genesis 41:1-13, describes what followed. After two full years had passed, the chief cupbearer’s boss, the Pharaoh, had a dream that he didn’t understand. When all his advisors and consultants couldn’t interpret the troubling dream for him, the chief cupbearer had an “aha” moment where he remembered Joseph.

This “aha” moment led to Joseph being called before Pharaoh to interpret his dream, an act that led to his release from prison and being placed into a high position within the kingdom (Genesis 41:41).

Although forgotten throughout his life by others, God didn’t ever forget Joseph, working through his life in remarkable ways (Acts 7:9-10).

Like Joseph, when we have felt forgotten by others, we can take comfort in knowing God remembers us. We can also trust God is at work in our lives, whether by way of those we are hoping will think of us, or through those who may surprise us.

I have a family member who was praying and asking God for a job, when friends who were thousands of miles away, ones he hadn’t been in contact with for years, “just happened” to be looking through a box that brought him to mind.

In thinking of him, they had an “aha” moment, where they felt prompted to contact him in consideration for an upcoming opening at their organization. In calling to reconnect with him, they discovered he was looking for a job, which led to his being hired for the position.

So, whenever we’re feeling forgotten by others, we can choose to trust God hasn’t forgotten us. We can believe He has a plan for our lives and will bring us to the minds of those who know us, in His perfect timing and according to His will.

Who has God brought to your mind recently? Anyone you haven’t thought about in years? Take time to consider why you’re thinking of them, and ask God if He is prompting you to reach out to them.

The Pillar of God’s Presence.....Craig Denison Ministries

 The Pillar of God’s Presence

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview: 

God’s presence is real, full of love, and completely transformational. It takes what was broken and brings healing. It takes what was lost and guides us to our rightful place in the Father. It satisfies the weary, brings light to the darkness, and pours out the refreshing rain of God’s love on the dryest, deepest parts of the soul. Scripture contains story after story of God coming down to meet God’s children where they are, and your heavenly Father has the same heart for you as he did them. He longs to make the reality of his presence known to you. He longs to refresh you with his nearness. You were created for encountering God, and you will never be satisfied until you continually live in the experience for which you were created. Allow your desires to be stirred up to encounter the living God this week as we read powerful stories of God’s people encountering his manifest presence. May you respond to God’s word by seeking out that for which you were made: continual encounter with your heavenly Father.

Scripture:“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” Exodus 13:21-22

Devotional:

One of the greatest realities of God’s presence is the way it guides us. Exodus 13:21-22 provides an illustration for an important truth God would have us know today: when we need guidance we can run to his presence and discover his leadership in abundance. Scripture tells us, “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.”

Even in the Israelites’ sin, God faithfully led them. Even in their lack of faith, he still provided miraculous leadership. And now, through believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been filled with the presence of God himself. We’ve been given the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit who is always present with us and in us. As amazing as it is that God led his people with pillars of cloud and fire, how much more incredible is it that we have been filled with the very presence of God by the work of Christ? Jesus made a way for us to know the will of God with every moment as we fellowship with the Spirit of God himself.

So, how can we follow the Spirit as the Israelites followed the pillars of fire and cloud? How can we discover the abundance of leadership available to us through the presence of God? First, we must acknowledge our need of his leadership and seek out his counsel. He can only guide those who choose to follow. If you choose to go your own way in life you will step outside the guidance of his presence. It’s in seeking his will that we discover the vast reservoir of the Spirit’s perfect leadership. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Acknowledge him. Acknowledge the reality of his presence in your life in all your ways. Trust in his guidance rather than your own understanding, and watch as he makes straight all of your paths.

Second, you have to believe that God can and will guide you when you ask for his leadership. Isaiah 58:11 says, “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” This world is suffering from a lack of God’s guidance. We live in a world continuously searching, striving, and yearning for some sort of message of leadership. All around us the blind lead the blind into greater depths of darkness, continually searching for what we have already found in God. God longs to satisfy your desire for leadership. He longs to make you “like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” All you have to do is ask him. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” God will guide you when you seek him for wisdom. He will lead you to the perfect will he has for you if you humble yourself before him and commit to following him. All you have to do is ask and follow the Spirit’s guidance in however he chooses to lead you. He will make his leadership clear if you stay behind him and listen.

Last, you must follow his leadership to experience the fruit of his guiding presence. The prize of a winning lottery ticket remains worthless until it is cashed in. The contents of a gift remain useless until it is opened. You have been given the most incredible gift of all: God’s guiding presence in your life. Proverbs 3:13-18 says,

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.

But until you choose to follow the wisdom of God in your life, you won’t experience an ounce of its value. Until you follow the wise guidance of the Holy Spirit, you won’t experience the incredible, abundant life he has in store for you. James 1:22-25 commands us,

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Persevere today in God’s presence. Seek out his wisdom and counsel during guided prayer. Lay the burden of leading your own life on his mighty and loving shoulders, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into the abundant life he has prepared for you.           

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire and ability to lead you.           

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” Exodus 13:21-22

“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3

2. Now meditate on the value of God’s leadership in your life. Trust in his word. Believe that his wisdom is far greater than your own. Trust in Scripture that what he leads you to is far beyond anything you could discover yourself.

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.” Proverbs 3:13-18

“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11

3. Now ask the Spirit for wisdom and guidance in your life. Where do you need the mind of Christ today? What issue before you do you not know how to handle well? Where do you need the leadership of God? Lay your questions at his feet, and pay attention to how he responds to you. Wait for an answer in his presence and continue to look for his responses throughout your day. Trust that he will guide you perfectly into every good thing he has for you.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

The prayer of Paul to the Ephesians is my prayer for you today. May you be blessed with the vast reservoir of God’s wonderful guidance:

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.” Ephesians 1:16-19

Extended Reading: Proverbs 3

    

The Life-Changing Beauty of Cleaning Up.....TRACIE BRAYLOCK

 The Life-Changing Beauty of Cleaning Up

TRACIE BRAYLOCK 

“‘Can anyone hide himself in secret places [so] that I cannot see him?’ says the LORD. ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24 (AMP)

Green juice poured over the kitchen countertop like a waterfall. I stood there for a moment in disbelief, staring at the contents of my extra-large cup that had turned on its side and spilled everywhere.

I made up my mind not to complain and immediately began the cleanup process. It had only taken seconds for the juice to spread far and wide, and I didn’t want it to settle any more than it already had.

As I began the deep clean, searching for spaces covered in green, I noticed cracks and crevices in my kitchen that I had never paid much attention to. I began admiring the craftsmanship of the cabinets and the workings of the revolving tray of the Lazy Susan, the fine details that I often overlook while navigating day-to-day life, as they were now demanding that I take notice.

As I scrubbed, I wondered what spaces in my life were in need of attention.

In my early years of motherhood, the responsibilities the new role entailed made it increasingly easy for me to focus my time and attention on everyone else. But I also allowed unaddressed concerns in my life to evolve into dampening fear, discouragement and feelings of disconnection from God. At the time, I was convinced I was too busy to let God into the tender spaces.

In Jeremiah 23:24, the Lord poses this question: “‘Can anyone hide himself in secret places [so] that I cannot see him?’ says the LORD. ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the LORD.” This verse serves as a reminder that God is always there, waiting to heal those tender spaces in us.

When you have areas in your life that are marred by sin, shame, silent struggles or suffering, know that you don’t have to ignore them, push them aside or sweep them out of sight. God is right there with you, willing to help with and hold what you’d rather leave hidden.

My friend, God knows exactly what you’re going through.

The tantrum your child had that left you flustered in the middle of the store.
The terrible news you never saw coming.
The terrifying experience that left you paralyzed by fear and indecision.
The tragedy you simply don’t know how to heal and recover from.

He’s aware of the impact these situations have had on you and is waiting for you to welcome Him into those spaces so you can receive the care and cleaning you’re in need of.

I want to remind you that you don’t have to sit in and stare at the messes, accidental or otherwise, that have seeped into the crevices of your life. You can take every aspect of who you are straight to God Himself and allow Him to clean your wounds, your worries and whatever is there that you can’t even see.

As the Master Craftsman of your entire being, He’s not only aware of what’s bothering you — He knows what you don’t even bother to deal with or pay attention to. He sees all, fills all of heaven and earth, and desires to help you in all that you’re experiencing. When you give God your hidden spaces, He will restore your peace, provide you comfort and infuse your life with so much joy.

There’s no reason to hide. Give God your burdens, your bruises and your barriers so He can clean them up. Then enjoy the life-changing beauty that’s revealed in the process.

Dear God, thank You for being near, for dwelling with us and caring for all of who we are. You know the spaces in our lives that are in need of attention, and we invite You into them to refresh us through and through. Thank You for changing our lives for Your glory, time and time again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Impossible Love Made Possible.....Dr. Charles Stanley

 Impossible Love Made Possible

Dr. Charles Stanley

Galatians 5:22-23

When a lawyer asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest, He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matt. 22:37, 39). What an overwhelming assignment!

In our own strength, none of us can live up to this obligation, but the Lord has provided a way for Christians to do the impossible. The indwelling Holy Spirit works to produce His fruit in us, and first on the list is love (Gal. 5:22). In fact, the other eight qualities are really just descriptions of its expression.

Whenever we demonstrate kindness, patience, or gentleness, we see the Lord’s love at work through us, especially when the other person has been unkind and doesn’t deserve such pleasant treatment. This fruit is not produced by trying harder to muster good will toward someone who is irritating or hard to get along with. Instead, think of the process more like sap running through a branch on a grape-vine. The branch doesn’t make grapes; the sap does. In the same way, the Spirit flows through us, producing God’s love in us, so that we can pass it on to Him and others.

Agape love is the reason we are able to care for someone who mistreats us—it’s God’s doing, not ours. Even the adoration we offer the Lord is not something that we can produce in our own heart apart from His assistance. Though the command to love is enormous, God’s grace makes it possible.

Do You Believe This.....By Emma Danzey

 Do You Believe This

By Emma Danzey

John 11:25-26 says, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’”

I Am the Resurrection and the Life
There is only one person who ever resurrected Himself from the dead. This means, there was no medical intervention or intervention from others. Jesus, Himself, brought His dead body back to life. It is an important thought to remember that had there just been a cross, we would not be celebrating. It is because of the resurrection, the empty tomb of Jesus that we have victory and life today.

Webster’s Dictionary defines resurrection as “the rising of Christ from the dead or the state of one risen from the dead.” When Jesus declared Himself as the Resurrection and the Life, He was telling HIs disciples, and the world that He was God and He was the Messiah that they were waiting on. It is because of His death and resurrection that we can all have eternal life. Although we are sinners, He bore our sins on the cross. Every thought, action, and sinful feeling, He took on for us and placed Himself under the punishment and judgment of God. He became sin for us, so we could have the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) 

Whoever Believe in Me, Though He Die, Yet Shall He Live
Jesus makes a promise that whoever chooses to believe in Him will have eternal life. Yes, the reality of death still very much exists. There is a 100% death rate in the world because of sin. However, Jesus brings the message of hope that even though we each must face physical death, we can be spiritually made alive in Christ forever. We will never be separated from God again and His sacrifice covers us completely to enter into the holy presence of the Lord. 

Everyone Who Lives and Believes in Me Shall Never Die
Jesus tells us that everyone who lives and believes in Him will never die. He is referring to eternal life. Although we face physical death, we will never face eternal separation from God when we accept Jesus. I was once encouraged to think of sin like the distance between the Grand Canyon from one side to the other. If God was on the other side, thousands of miles away, the gap would be too far to jump to in my own efforts. If I ran and jumped next to the best Olympic athlete, even though he would get closer to God, he still would fall short. In life, we cannot base our salvation on what we bring to the table. We cannot earn our way to heaven. A relationship with Jesus comes from accepting Him and the beautiful part is that He is calling everyone. He wishes that all the world would come to repentance.

Do You Believe This?
This is the personal section of this message from Christ. He can tell us all day through the Bible that He is the Way to having forgiveness and a relationship with God, but we each have to come to a point of making a choice. He asks, “Do you believe this?” Our faith cannot be piggybacking upon what our parents believed, it is not based on what country and culture we are from, it is the simple question of do I believe that Jesus, the Son of God died for my personal sins so that I could have a relationship with God? If the answer is yes, Scripture says if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. This means saved from hell, saved from separation from the Lord, saved from the identity crisis, saved from fear of life after death. Not only do you have eternal security and hope, you get to have a wonderful relationship with God through the Holy Spirit now. You will have the gift of God’s presence with you now and always. This is why we celebrate Easter. This is the joy of having life with Christ.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Have you made a personal decision to accept Jesus as your Savior? If so, thank Him for how He rescued you. If not, what’s stopping you from placing your faith in Him today? He is extending His great love and forgiveness for you.

Further Reading:

• John 3:16-17
• Romans 10:9
• Philippians 2:6-11

 

A Prayer for the Middle of the Night....By Asheritah Ciuciu

 A Prayer for the Middle of the Night

By Asheritah Ciuciu

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." - Psalm 3:5

"He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."  - Psalm 121:3-4

As we begin, take a deep breath and become aware of God’s presence around you and within you, right this very moment.

Recite God's Goodness
Almighty God of the Universe, You are the One who has watched over me from the day of my birth, even to the middle of this night. I praise You because You're holding me even now. Thank You that You never sleep, You’re never off-duty; You’re never unaware of what’s happening in the world and in my life. Thank You for Your constant presence and protection. You have been so good to me!

In the next few moments, think back on the ways in which God has shown His protection, His presence, and His provision in your life, and take time now to praise and worship Him for that.

Express Your Neediness
Lord, I confess that I'd rather be sleeping right now, and it’s frustrating to not be experiencing the rest and sleep that I know my body needs. Instead, I'm awake. I bring to You those worries and frustrations that keep me up. God, help me find my rest in You alone. If You've awoken me with a purpose, for prayer or vigil or service, help me do so in Your power and strength. But if not, please let me fall back asleep quickly so that my body and mind may be refreshed for the work You have for me to do tomorrow.

In the next few moments, bring to God those worries and burdens that are heavy on your heart. It might be that dream that woke you up or that unfinished task that gives you no peace. Whatever burden you’re carrying, cast your cares upon the Lord and leave it all in His loving and capable hands.

Seek His Stillness
Take a few deep breaths, breathing in God’s presence, His comfort, His love, and on the exhale, breathe out your worries, your burdens. Picture yourself safe and secure in God's loving arms as He holds you in a tender embrace; picture His presence surrounding you like a warm blanket. Picture yourself resting your head on His shoulder, being held in His embrace. Just be still with Him, the God who watches over you, who never slumbers or sleeps.

Trust His Faithfulness
Heavenly Father, You know all things, You see all things, and You hold all things together in Your loving hands. God, You know the cares that have woken me up this night, so I entrust them back into Your caring hands. I know that You don’t fall asleep, that You don’t leave me to walk through this life alone. You know, and You see, and You will provide. I love You, Lord. I love You and I trust You with my whole life. Help me to rest in You tonight.

So if there’s anything else that is still heavy on your heart, picture yourself taking it in your hands and placing it into God’s capable and loving hands. Leave it with Him, and say “God, I trust You.”

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you before His glorious presence, without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, be glory and majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all generations, now and forevermore, Amen. - Jude 1:24-25