by Jim Brummett | Jan 3, 2018 | Devotions
Text: Isaiah 45:2 “I will go before you…”
God made this promise to Cyrus, the powerful king of Persia, sometimes called “Cyrus the Great” who allowed the Jewish remnant to return to their homeland in Jerusalem. Go back to 44:28 and you will see God was very specific stating “Cyrus will say of Jerusalem, “Let it be rebuilt” and of the temple “Let its foundations be laid.” This is impressive when we consider this promise was given through the prophet Isaiah over 170 years before Cyrus was king of Persia. Think about it; years before the Jewish people were carried into Babylonian captivity, God knew when they would be returned to their homeland, the name of the king who would order it, and the very words that would be spoken in the edict.
Here we are at the beginning of a new year and none of us know what lies ahead. Yet, for the child of God, we can rest assured God already knows and will be with us and lead us every step of the way.
Promise: “…this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.”
by Jim Brummett | Oct 4, 2017 | Devotions
Habakkuk was a priest who ministered shortly before the Babylonian siege and capture of Jerusalem. In spite of his faithful priestly ministry and prayers of intercession, the Jewish people remained in a backslidden state, and the threat of Babylonian invasion grew more ominous every day. Habakkuk expressed his sorrow for the iniquity of the people, frustration over God not responding to his prayers in the timing and manner he expected, and his resolve to faithfully go about his duties as priest.
With this backdrop, consider Habakkuk’s words.
“I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the tower; and I will keep watch to see what God will say to me, and what answer I will give [as His spokesman] when I am reproved.” (2:1).
“Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive fails and the fields produce no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord GOD is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet & makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]. (3:17-19)
It takes dedication and trust in God to continue in your spiritual disciplines in the season of question and doubt.
Let’s sing: “We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord…”
by Jim Brummett | Sep 27, 2017 | Devotions
Text: Hosea 5:13 “When Ephraim saw that he was sick and when Judah saw his own wounds, Ephraim went to Assyria to ask the great king for help. But the king couldn’t cure them or heal their wounds.
The Jewish people were contending with serious problems. The prophet Hosea described the people living under the constant threat of invasion from foreigners, and the prophet Joel wrote of droughts and plagues that had decimated the farming industry causing a food shortage and financial depression. When things got tough, the people didn’t turn to God, they turned to a king hoping the government would have a plan or program to solve their problems. As you will see in our text, Hosea told them they were looking for answers in the wrong direction.
We are 2,800 years removed from the days of Hosea and Joel, but we face many of the same issues. The root issue of all our problems are spiritual. The Word of God details the values of God that are designed to assure the peace and prosperity of the people. When we address the spiritual aspects of our issues and apply the Biblical principles, the problem will be solved.
I am grateful for our government and the godly people who serve in it. I believe many of them serve with the right motive with a desire to see our community thrive. These leaders deserve our prayers and support. Our community also deserves the Christian community leading the way with a clarion call…
Joel 2:13 “Tear your hearts, not your clothes. Return to the Lord your God. He is merciful and compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive and to change his plans about disaster.”
by Jim Brummett | Sep 19, 2017 | Devotions
Text: Daniel 6
Daniel distinguished himself as a leader of men, a man worthy of respect. Yet he had his detractors who sought to bring him harm. Their plans were foiled because God’s hand of favor was on Daniel. In the end, God turned the tactics of Daniel’s opponents against them and Daniel was exalted.
This chapter encourages us to live by a high standard of ethics, to establish a reputation that is above reproach. It reminds us to fear God and not man, to trust God’s protection and provision. Concern yourself with God’s pleasure and not man’s approval and see where He takes you.
by Jim Brummett | Aug 31, 2017 | Devotions
Thoughts from 1 Samuel 1-3
It was a time of spiritual dysfunction. The priest Eil had two sons serving as priests who did not know the Lord. They stole offerings & committed adultery with women who volunteered at the temple. Eli chastised them but did not remove them from ministry.
Note: what we tolerate we eventually celebrate.
Hannah prayed fervently for God to end her barrenness. Her husband was a Levite, yet it was not he who prayed fervently, but his wife. Perhaps he was not as concerned as Hannah because he had a second wife who bore him children. Hannah was grieved while Elkanah was content.
Note: fervent prayer comes from a broken heart, never a contented heart.
Samuel was born to a mother who deeply wanted him & who prayed fervently to God. Given to Eli to be trained for temple service at age 3, Samuel grew up around the spiritual dysfunction of Eli’s two sons as role models. It must have been the effect of his praying mother, for Samuel grew to be a young man with God’s touch on his life, and he would become the key spiritual leader in the country who would anoint two kings.
Note: the power of fervent prayer is greater than the influence of evil & will have effect far into the future.
