Hosea 6:3 – June 9, 2020
Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth.

Thought:
God’s restored presence and blessings would be like the rain that waters and renews the earth. The “latter” rains of Israel came in the spring and caused the plants to grow. The “former” rains came in the autumn and softened the ground for plowing and sowing. For us, knowledge means information, facts, and concepts. But in Biblical times, knowledge was centered around personal relationships.

Knowing God means entering into an intimate relationship with Him. It means identifying with Him and learning to view everything as God does. Knowing God will transform our thoughts and actions, our priorities, values and our relationships with one another.

Let the presence of God in your life be on display today, and the let the relationship you have with Him be evident to those around you.

Psalm 99:5 – June 8, 2020
Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool, He is holy.

Thought:
The footstool of the Lord is sometimes said to be the earth (Isaiah 66:1); but more specifically, Zion is the Lord’s footstool. When the Israelites came to the temple in Jerusalem to worship, they pictured themselves as being at the feet of the Creator.

Worship to me is complete abandonment. Forgetting self and letting God work through me in whatever way He sees fit. Worship is focusing on the character of God and responding. God wants our surrender and as you worship Him, imagine being at His feet.

Whatever today brings, worship God through it.

Psalm 80:3 – June 1, 2020
Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!

Thought:
There is this idea of restoration throughout the scriptures. It is a beautiful picture. We have all seen someone who life has been restored, from where they once were to who they are today. Many make a good living restoring old houses and restoring cars is a popular hobby now a days. What about a restored life and nation? God is in the restoration business…He can restore brokenness within a person and He can also restore our nation. Restoration involves repentance, and repentance involves humbling ourselves and turning to God and seeking forgiveness.

A restored life is a forgiven life.

Lean on God today…Pray for His face to shine upon us individually and as a nation.

2 Timothy 2:19 – May 27, 2020
Nevertheless, the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Thought:
Paul is continuing to encourage Timothy to flee from false teaching, from those who distort the truth, and those who might dilute it. Paul encourages Timothy so that Timothy could encourage others. This should be a daily reminder for all of us. Here is what we need to stand on today, that the solid foundation of God’s truth doesn’t change, it is not distorted or diluted, it is not shaken and will never fade. When we follow God’s truth, we will live God’s way.

1 Timothy 1:1 – May 26, 2020
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope.

Thought:
Apostle means “sent one.” Paul was on a mission from God, and it’s because of Jesus Christ, the anointed One’s promises that he embraces this calling. God called and gifted Paul to do His work and share His message. Who are we to say that God doesn’t call and commission people today? Of course, we should always be cautious and discerning; those in leadership must have proven their godly character and their ability to be used by God. They must also be confirmed by other godly leaders. Once this has been confirmed, we should encourage those called to a special mission. We should work alongside of them for the betterment of the Kingdom.

We stumble when we think the Church is ours to lead; it is Christ’s. He is our leader and guide and it is by His Spirit that we will have the discernment necessary to do what He has appointed us to do.

Psalm 30:7 – May 18, 2020
Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

Thoughts:
Security had made David feel invincible. Although he knew that his riches and power had come from God, they had gone to his head, making him proud. Wealth, power, and fame can be intoxicating, making us feel self-reliant, self-secure, and independent of God. However, this false security can easily be shattered. Don’t be trapped by the false security of prosperity. Depend on God for your security, and you won’t be shaken when worldly possessions disappear. God’s favor surrounds each one of us…Don’t take it for granted.

1 Timothy 2:8 – May 15, 2020
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Thought:
I can tell you that certain circumstances that have happened this week have led me to this verse. The situation brought anger and confusion, instead of immediately praying, I lashed out. What I quickly realized was that anger and controversy make prayer difficult, I was speaking from my mind, not my heart and that displeases God. Our goal is to have a right relationship with God and others. And in that we must be willing to yield, lifting holy hands, and trust God’s plan.

It is still not easy, but my relationship with God is far more important than anything else…and the last thing that I want to do is displease Him.

1 Timothy 1:19 – May 13, 2020
Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their conscience; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.

Thought:
Paul had been shipwrecked many times, in this passage, he metaphorically describes what it looks like to turn from your faith. The imagery of being shipwrecked captures the spiritual state of aimlessness that results from a misguided conscience. One that isn’t grounded in faith. Part of our daily battle is to make sure our daily choices align with our faith and good conscience. Certainly, we will fail, that is precisely why we need His grace so badly.

Don’t go through life with a shipwrecked faith, treasure your faith in Christ more than anything else.

Psalm 16:11 – May 12, 2020
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Thought:
I love this verse. It doesn’t really matter what I am going through, the struggles I may be facing or the overwhelmingness of a situation, I know that I can turn to God and He will help me navigate through whatever it is. Today, as life comes at you hard, ask God to “Show you the path of life.” In your meetings, on your zoom call, at the store. Let His presence control the flow, let His Spirit produce a contagious joy within you. He holds the key to life. Afterall, He created us.

Give God the Glory He deserves today….

May 7, 2020 – National Day of Prayer
“The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a nation as it enables us to recall and to teach the way in which our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with critical decisions. It stands as a call for us to humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people. The unanimous passage of the bill establishing the National Day of Prayer as an annual event, signifies that prayer is as important to our nation today as it was in the beginning.”

Verses for today:
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

“Always pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1

“Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4