by aubree davis | Apr 22, 2020 | Devotions
The word joy appears at least 10 times in one form or another in the book of Philippians. That is surprising, considering Paul likely wrote the letter from a Roman prison cell. Through Paul’s example we learn that joy does not depend on our circumstances, and is something we can cultivate in our own life. Let’s take a look at what Paul had to say to the Philippians.
Philippians 1:4-5 “always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, or your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”
The Philippian church was founded by Paul and his ministry team on his second missionary journey (Acts 16). Through the years they partnered with Paul in ministry by providing financial aid to he and his ministry team, (2 Cor. 11:9; Phil. 4:15-16) and by giving generously to help fellow Christians in Jerusalem experiencing financial hardship. The thought of their generosity was the source of Paul’s joy in our text.
My heart is filled with joy at the thought of church members who faithfully give tithes to help support the church, and give offerings to help us support missionaries and bless those in need of benevolent care. Additionally, there are many who partner with us by generously giving of their time and talents for the various ministries at our church. During the current stay-at-home orders from our government, you find these ministry partners providing on-line Bible studies, devotions, musicians leading us in worship and audio-visual techs helping us produce virtual services, as well those who connect with you by phone and email through the week.
Take a moment to think of the many ways you benefit from the individuals who use their time, tithe and talents for the glory of the Lord. Then, reach out to them via a phone call, text or email and let them know how you are blessed by their service.
For additional study on the subject of joy, consider Romans 16:4; Ephesians 1:6; Colossians 1:3; and 1 Thessalonians 1:2;
by aubree davis | Apr 21, 2020 | Devotions
Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
To dwell means to sit and stay awhile, where you go to really feel alive. As Adam Clarke wrote, “it is here we are covered with the cloud of God’s glory – the protection of the all-sufficient God.”
The Psalmist cites two fascinating places in this verse, the “secret place” and “the shadow of the Almighty. In my mind, they are one and the same. This is that special place where you get alone for an encounter with God. For Daniel it was a room in his home (Daniel 6), for Elijah it was a cave (1 Kings 19), for Jesus it was the Mount of Olives and for the disciples it was an upper room.
Perhaps it is a secret place because it is where you go to be alone with God, where you shut out all the concerns of life and bask in His incredible presence. It is here where you get a change of perspective from how unfair life is to how good God is, from how big the problem is to how big God is. It was here the Psalmist described God as “the Most High” and “the Almighty.”
Let’s sing: “Shut in with God in a secret place, there in the Spirit beholding His face…”
by aubree davis | Apr 20, 2020 | Devotions
2 Kings 19:1 And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
Threats come in various forms. For Hezekiah, it was a letter from an Assyrian general stating his intent to invade his land, steal his property and kill his people. As king of Judah, Hezekiah had successfully dealt with other threats, but this was no ordinary threat. The Assyrians had taken control of all land and people from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. Let’s review the general’s threats and see if it sounds familiar to you.
“On whom are you depending” (v.20)? This was a threat designed to undermine Hezekiah’s confidence in God’s ability and willingness to meet his needs. “Make a bargain with me” (v.23). This was the threat of compromise. “Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord” (v.31). This was the threat of trying to silence the voice of faith in God.
Hezekiah knew he did not have the resources to defeat the Assyrians, but he knew who did. In chapter 19 he turned to the Lord in prayer. First, he took the letter (threat) and laid it on the altar in the temple and presented it to God. If you are wrestling with threats to your finance, health or relationships, go to the altar and lay it before the Lord. A portion of Hezekiah’s prayer is quite telling. In verse 15 it states, “O LORD God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.” Hezekiah knew a pagan general in a chariot was no match for Almighty God who sits on the throne in heaven. This reminds me of Isaiah’s bold statement in 54:17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” (Isaiah 54:17).
Another important principle is found in 19:2, when Hezekiah invited others like the prophet Isaiah to join with him in intercessory prayer. My friend, you do not have to face your battle alone. You can call me, text me or email me and we can face this battle together. I assure you there are many other friends who are eager to join with you in your journey. I look forward to hearing from you.
In closing I would like to offer a prayer for you, adapting part of Hezekiah’s prayer in 2 Kings 19:14-19.
“O LORD God who dwells between the cherubim, you alone are God. You made the heavens and the earth. Incline your ear and hear our prayers; open your eyes & take note of the threat we face today. I come against the issues that threaten your Church and your people. Let all the people of our community know you are the source for our hope, our peace and our victory. Let all men take note that you alone are God. Amen!”
Let’s sing: “When your enemy presses in hard do not fear, the battle belongs to the Lord. Take courage my friend your redemption is near, the battle belongs to the Lord…”
by aubree davis | Apr 17, 2020 | Devotions
“Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.” (John 2:6) Photo by Gina Brummett, 2020, Stone water jar in Cana, Israel
“Listen to my Son.” God the Father said it; Mary the mother of Jesus said it; and Jesus, himself said, “Hear me.”
Matthew’s gospel records a fascinating story that has been labeled “The Transfiguration” because Jesus’ appearance was changed right in front of his inner circle of friends. (ch. 17)
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. . . While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17)
It wasn’t the first time the disciples had heard similar words. Here on the Mount of Transfiguration –if they were clear-headed enough to remember it– they may have recalled another day when they had heard, “Listen to my son.” That time they were attending a wedding with Jesus and almost witnessed a ruined reception when the beverages ran out.
(From John, ch 2) “..a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
The obedience of the servants saved the day as they participated in Jesus’ first miracle. The transformation of water to wine was done discreetly, but it was done in full view of the disciples and, apparently, as much for their benefit as for the wedding party and guests.
Through this miracle, Jesus “revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” (See John 2:6-11)
When the disciples heard God’s voice on the mountaintop, they fell facedown , terrified but fully persuaded to listen to Jesus’ words that followed “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”
These two stories should compel us to listen to what Jesus says to us. Now, while you likely have some extra time at home -avoiding coronavirus- take the opportunity to research the “red letters”.* A transformation greater than “water to wine” happens for those who will “do whatever he tells you”. (i.e. Repent, Forgive, Love, Believe, Follow……) Hearing and obeying have a great outcome: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
While we are not in the same position as the disciples to see Jesus’ physical features change in front of us, we do have the opportunity to behold His glory with greater clarity every day.
The Son says, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”
*Jesus’ words typically printed in red in most editions of the New Testament. Click here for a compilation of “red letter” verses.
by aubree davis | Apr 16, 2020 | Devotions
Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.
.“In the beginning God…” God existed before there was any concept of time, before there was a solar system, or earth, air, water, plants, animals, angels or man. God was before anything and anyone. He was there in the beginning of your life and even marked you with His image and for His purpose. You will find him at the beginning of each day, ready to just spend time with you, and guide you through the day.
“God created the heavens and the earth.” The amplified version states God prepared, formed, fashioned and created the earth. In verse one it just says God created. Beginning in verse three it tells how He created, by speaking every part of creation into existence. He spoke life into existence. However, when it came to man, He didn’t just speak man into existence, He gave special attention to create him (you and me) in His own image.
“The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.”
Something significant happened between verses one and two. Verse one states God created and verse two describes darkness and a void. Something incredibly exciting is described in verse two where it states the Holy Spirit hovered, or brooded over the face of the water, the void and darkness, then God began to speak creation into existence one stage at a time. God created, He spoke, He brooded and each time He brought forth life.
Let us take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to just brood in our life and our home. If we feel chaos, He will bring life. If we feel a void, He will bring life.
Consider these verses for your meditation.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. To wait means to bind together, perhaps by twisting; to gather together; to patiently wait.
Psalm 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. To rest means to be astonished; to stop; to be silent; to wait.
Let’s sing: “Here I am waiting, abide in me I pray; here I am longing for you. Hide me in your love, being me to my knees; may I know Jesus more and more…”
