by aubree davis | Dec 12, 2017 | Devotions
Thoughts from Luke 11 (written by Gina Brummett)
A mixed bunch had collected around Jesus. Thrill-seekers and critics, the dumb-founded and the hopeful, were all hearing unbridled gratitude burst from the mouth of a former demoniac like an uncapped soda under pressure. Yesterday the man had tried with all his might to utter a simple “hello” to a passerby. Today – after his encounter with Jesus – no one could get a word in edgewise.
The situation called for some explanation – some definition of authority, loyalty and protocol. Jesus delivered the whole package in one statement: “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.”
So moved by what she’d witnessed and heard, a woman in the crowd blurted out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you!” (Luke 11:27). Likely a mother herself, this woman could only imagine how much pride was welling up in the heart of Jesus’ mother. If His earthly mother happened to be in the crowd that day, perhaps Jesus and Mary exchanged knowing glances, a quick smile and nod of the head.
Mary would have remembered her own response, years ago, to the angelic visitation and the news that she would give birth to the Savior. “From now on all generations will call me blessed…” And here it was playing out before her eyes. “Yes, I am blessed to have raised this child!”
Mary’s thoughts would have been interrupted by Jesus’ response to the excited woman in the crowd. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
It surely took some effort for the un-named woman in the crowd to wrap her mind around this truth. Wrapping a child in loving arms – that was easy. Embracing Jesus’ words and obeying them completely – that was a different challenge. But looking over at the “un-muted”, hilariously happy spectacle of a man, she knew it was a challenge worth accepting.
Two mothers held the gaze of Jesus and whispered, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
by aubree davis | 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 aubree davis | 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 aubree davis | 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 aubree davis | 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.
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.
