DEVOTIONAL
Enduring Setbacks

As a teenager, David was anointed as the next king of Israel. But instead of ascending to the throne in a blaze of glory, he spent years running from Israel’s current king (his father-in-law) who repeatedly tried to kill him.

During this time, David laments to God: he has honest conversations about his situation while holding onto the hope that God can—and will—restore him. Psalm 59 is the result of one of those conversations.

David’s laments allowed him to express his grief, cry out for justice, and remember God’s faithfulness. Focusing on God’s faithfulness reminded David of God’s character, and knowing God’s character helped him hold onto hope. That’s why he could say, “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16 NIV)

Talking honestly with God helped David recognize that even though his current situation wasn’t good, God was still good, and still worthy of being worshiped. David believed that God was still in control, and that he would one day see the fulfillment of God’s promises.

And one day, God’s promises did come to pass. But God didn’t waste the years David spent as a fugitive: instead, He used them to help David become the leader and warrior Israel needed. The setbacks David endured actually strengthened his character and prepared him for his future purpose. Although his circumstances were painful, God was faithful.

And God can—and will—be faithful with your life.

When you place your hope in Jesus, you never grieve in vain because the God who is now is also the God who will be forever. And He is constantly advocating and acting on your behalf. That’s why, no matter what you face, you can hold onto this hope: Jesus can turn your setbacks and sorrows into setups for your good and His glory.

God can take your pain and use it for His purposes. He can make a way through your desert seasons. He is your source of strength and your refuge in times of trouble. Nothing is impossible for God.

So today, continue to draw closer to Him, and look for evidence of His faithfulness. As you intentionally pursue God, look for ways to worship Him like David did.

What a blessing it is to start each day with our Bibles (and coffee), reading the "love letter" YHVH has given to us in His Word. Today's posts are all about the importance of making a firm habit of reading the Bible each day. https://archive.aweber.com/awlist6425868/KEdpo

Too often Christians consider religion as restricted to Christianity and Jews to Judaism. Religion is not found in the Old Testament and instead uses the more direct action of worshipping or bowing down to either the Creator or an idol. Maybe we could learn from that and instead of being concerned with what religion someone is or how religious someone may be ask to whom or what they worship or bow down…

Thought for Today: Thursday August 03:

Remember today: YHVH loves us for ourselves. He values our love more than He values galaxies of new created worlds.

BARRENNESS

A healing prayer for a barren woman who wants to have a child

References:
Psalm 113:9 --- Psalm 37:4 --- Romans 10:17 --- Ephesians 3:20 --- 2 Peter 1:4 --- Genesis 18:14 --- Psalm 18:30 --- Isaiah 40:31 --- Proverbs 3:5-6 --- Jeremiah 29:11 --- Psalm 63:3-5 --- Ephesians 6:4 --- John 16:23

Healing Promise:
“He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise Adonai” (Psalm 113:9)

Healing Prayer:
Abba, I ask You to confirm Your Word to me by settling me in my home as the happy mother of children. I believe the promise of Your Word, which loudly declares to me that You will give me the desires of my heart. O Adonai, to have a child is a great desire of my heart and I believe You will answer my prayer for a child. Thank You my Abba. Truly, Your Word imparts faith to my heart. In fact, I believe You are able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all I can ask or think, according to Your power, which is at work in me by Your Spirit. Hallelujah! I rest in Your exceedingly great and precious promise Abba. I know that nothing is too hard for you. Therefore, I ask You now for a baby, because I know You are able to perform the same kind of miracle in my life that You did for barren women in the Bible. Thank You for all You are teaching me as I wait before You. Your ways are perfect my Adonai and my YHVH. You enable me to mount up with wings like an eagle as I wait before You. Without any reservation therefore, I will trust in You with all my heart. I choose not to lean towards my own understanding. Instead, I will acknowledge You in all my ways and I know You will direct my paths. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayers my Abba. Your plans for me are so wonderful; to give me a future and a hope. I claim our promise now as great hope fills my heart with joy. Because Your loving kindness is better than life to me, my lips shall praise You. Thus will I bless You Abba. I will lift up my hands in Your Name. Thank You for satisfying my soul in every way. My mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. I look forward to welcoming the child You are giving to me. I dedicate myself to raising this child in the nurture and admonition of You my Adonai YHVH Most High. Thank You my Abba, for Your wonderful love and care. In the wonderful Name of Yeshua I pray, amen.

Watch our latest short video entitled, “What Paths Are We Choosing?” up on our YouTube channel now! If you enjoy these videos, let us know by liking and sharing the video. Check it out!

"tansy moth caterpillar foot" collage.

Talk to me about people who make intriguing Strange things!

Every working day I create an OOM for the Strange things of our Maker.
ofourmaker.com

#dailycreatedoom 2023/08/02

Whenever I see a "climate friendly" label on a product,

I am about 100% less likely to buy it.

Just cause I don't post about politics all day doesn't mean I'm not paying attention or getting angry at the injustice I see.

While steeling my resolve, my anger won't do much for the rest of you. So I'll keep doing my best to encourage you all to lean ENTIRELY upon our great God in all matters and spread a smile or two when I can.

So what's everyone up to today?
Eat anything particulary yummy?
Did you kid say or do something that made you laugh or smile today? What book of Scripture have you been reading from lately?

#chitchat ?