by aubree davis | Mar 8, 2017 | Devotions
Song of Solomon 7:10 “I am my beloved’s and his desire is toward me.”
Song of Solomon illustrates through a love story God’s passionate love for His people. The Lord Jesus is depicted as the Bridegroom and we, the Church, His bride.
The reference beloved describes one who is closer than a friend; it is a lover or close family member. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then you are His beloved. He, the Lord and lover of your soul, has such a deep longing for you that His arms are outstretched because He wants to embrace you.
I find this verse to be humbling, because I know all too well my faults and frailties. I can understand the Lord tolerating me, but Solomon said He desires me. As Paul noted in Romans 8:35, nothing can separate you from the love of Christ — nothing and no one!
Spend some quiet time with Him today, and feel His embrace.
by aubree davis | Feb 6, 2017 | Devotions
Text: Ezra 4
Perspective: The book of Ezra illustrates how the process of restoring a spirit of worship in a community or congregation, or in your personal life can be challenging. Some challenges will be subtle, almost undetected if you do not have a discerning heart. Other challenges such as fear, intimidation and frustration will be more obvious. There are authorities, both spiritual and fleshly, who will stop at nothing to derail your efforts. The good news is, there isn’t anything or anyone who can stop the Christian who is determined and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Consider the words of King David: “I will hope continually, and will praise YOU yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of YOUR righteousness and YOUR salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits.” (Psalm 71:14-15).
by aubree davis | Jan 17, 2017 | Devotions
The parables of Hidden Treasure and the Pearl are told in Matthew 13:44-45. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Salvation and fellowship with Christ are a treasure to be pursued with total abandon. The merchant who found the “pearl of great price” determined to sell all he had in order to purchase the pearl. Similar to his liquidating every asset to purchase that one jewel, I’m asking God to help me to be completely “sold out” for Jesus and to inspire others to live this way also.
God’s Word instructs me: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all [these necessities] will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
The Matthew 13 parables describe this as a joyful activity. Today, I hope you will enJOY your pursuit of Jesus, hide Him in your heart, but don’t be afraid to share the secret!
by aubree davis | Jan 15, 2017 | Devotions
Text: 2 KINGS 19
King Hezekiah faced a situation that appeared hopeless. The Assyrian army had already defeated every foe in their path and now had their sights on Jerusalem. Hezekiah responded by turning to the prophet Isaiah and asked him to pray for God’s help. Without hesitation Isaiah prophesied the Lord would quickly bring deliverance to His people. Suddenly, hopelessness was replaced by hope!
Have you ever noticed the enemy is relentless in his attacks? The Assyrian general wasn’t intimidated by a prophet and he sent a letter repeating his threats. Hezekiah responded by taking the letter to the temple, laying it before the Lord and praying fervently. God wasn’t intimidated by the threats of the enemy and sent a death angel who killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night. The mighty Assyrian army retreated in defeat because Almighty God was looking after His people.
When you face an overwhelming situation, seek Godly counsel and pray fervently about the situation. Expect the enemy to launch a counter attack, but maintain a prayerful attitude and hold firmly to the promises of God.
by aubree davis | Jan 11, 2017 | Devotions
We are in the middle of prayer emphasis week at Southwest Assembly of God, and the theme Scripture we’ve adopted is Galatians 6:2. “Carry each others’ burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Some time back, a couple of verses from the old testament about idolatry grabbed my attention: Bel bows down, Nebo* stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary. They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, they themselves go off into captivity. (Isaiah 46:1-2)
In these verses, Isaiah described the burden of idolatry. In contrast, we read and consider our great “burden bearer”, the One true God in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
He daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19) and invites us to cast our care on Him (Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7). And as His hands extended, we followers of Christ help each other bear the load of life’s troubles through acts of kindness, words of encouragement and fervent prayer!
I’m grateful that the “load is lighter” because of my burden bearers – my Lord and my Christian brothers and sisters! May God be praised!
*Bel, the chief deity of Babylon, and Nebo, believed to be the god of learning, writing and astronomy, could not keep Babylon from being destroyed.
