God’s Promise Of Celebration
Sunday, August 10
Isaiah 25:6-9
“In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat” (v. 6, NLT).
The prophetic book of Isaiah is the perfect kindling to spark hope in desolate times. Can you remember the best celebration you’ve ever participated in? In my mind, I’m thinking of good music, good food, and big smiles.
If we know how to put together a great party, how much more amazing will our Father‘s celebration be! A celebration that comes on the hills of being restored is senior next level. God promised healing to destitute lands. That translates to healing of destitute hearts and the end of being in a dark and gloomy place. Let us always have confidence in God’s Word and anticipate the great celebration he has prepared.
Dear God, help us to keep our focus on and our confidence in your Word. Teach us, Lord, that your Word will come to pass. Help us to be confident in the face of adversity. Show us the way. Amen.
The Strength Of God’s Promise
Monday, August 11
Psalm 33:12-22
“The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield” (vv. 16-20, NLT).
The best equipped army has no bearing with God. We have a dependency on God that goes beyond our comprehension. We can have the best designed defense, but what makes us strong is our trust in God.
Dear Lord, we depend on you. We revere you, we love you. We know that we need you. The only fear that is adequate is the fear of that which would cause us to turn away from you. Keep our hearts and our minds content and in your will. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
God’s Promises Remain
Tuesday, August 12
Genesis 15:1-6
“Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’ And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith” (vv. 5-6, NLT).
Today’s Scripture reminds us that insomnia is not a new thing. Abraham was communing with God while the stars were out. That means it was night and the stars filled the sky.
Can you imagine how beautiful God’s promise was to Abraham? From that point on, all Abraham had to do was to focus on the stars to be reminded of God’s promise.
What has God prompted us to reflect on to be reminded of his promise to us?
Dear Lord, thank you for helping us to identify your promises. Thank you for helping us to remember your promises. We trust you and we have faith and confidence in your Word. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Promise Through Faith
Wednesday, August 13
Hebrews 11:1-6
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen” (vv. 1-2, NLT).
Confidence is necessary for faith, but this is not the vain confidence that leads to arrogance. Humility and trust are key elements of the faith we offer as followers of Christ. Faith requires our humility as we seek to learn and understand God’s Word. It is important that we do not focus on how the Holy Spirit will move to change hearts. Rather, we trust in faith.
Dear God, let us be confident in your Word as we live humbly by walking in faith in your Word. Help us not to be arrogant and always to recognize that everything we have is because of you. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Called To God’s Promise
Thursday, August 14
Hebrews 11:7-12
“It was by faith that Noah….It was by faith that Abraham….It was by faith that Sarah” (vv. 7, 8, 11, NLT).
For those of us who have had a couple of years in this walk of faith, every once in a while we may be inspired to do something different. In this passage, we are reminded of the hall-of-famers who stepped out in faith. They heeded a call from God without knowing every detail. All they knew was what that God had something better for them in store—a promise.
Abraham was called to an unknown city. Enoch was called to an unknown lifestyle. What is unknown for us? How can we walk into an unknown where God has called us? We do so, proclaiming our confidence in faith.
Dear God, we know your Word is true. We know you know what is best. Thank you for presenting us with opportunities to show our faith in you. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Promise Of God’s Care
Friday, August 15
Luke 12:22-31
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need” (vv. 29-31, NLT).
Sometimes we forget that God knows what’s in our hearts and on our minds. He also knows what’s in front of us and what’s in our hands. Let us be encouraged to trust God’s promise through times of uncertainty. We can be vigilant—it is important to be aware, but we cannot allow ourselves to be consumed. If we enter a danger zone, it is a natural emotion to be concerned. But let us not forget that God is in control.
Dear Father, thank you for the way you care for us. You know our faith can be shaken. Please help us remember your promise in difficult seasons. Amen.
Promise Of The Kingdom
Saturday, August 16
Luke 12:32-40
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom” (v. 32, NLT).
God did not give us a spirit of fear; however, he knows that in some instances fear is our natural response when we are asked to approach life differently. He calls us to rise above the inert selfishness that causes us to believe we know what is best for us and how best to get it.
Let us remember that our God is King, and he knows the best way to serve us and all of his children. In response, we do our part to serve and to be served. What an amazing concept!
Dear God, please give us a mind of servanthood. Help us to remember that fear is based in our own selfishness. Teach us to embrace your kingdom. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
