As I sit here reflecting on the past few days and the ways I felt that I have faltered in some of the things I know I should have done, I went to the Psalms to find solace and to find that I’m not the only one that has been guilty of short comings when it comes to honoring the Father at all times, which brings me to share the fruits of my journey through the Word this morning. May this help someone the way it has blessed me.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I come before you today with this prayer and message on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere and most of all for myself. We as Christians all at one time or another have a problem with money and giving. Money in itself is not evil. So much good can be done through the proper use of money. I pray for wisdom and insight from You so that we will be good stewards of the financial resources which You have entrusted to our care. Please help us to invest in ministry, help other people, and think of our families as we endeavor to do Your will, with what You have provided. We know at times we don’t have much and other times we have more, but whatever the amount is, may it be used to meet our needs, our family’s needs, and the needs of the kingdom for financial support. Please help us to be wise and frugal, not foolish and materialistic. Please work through us as vessels of honor for You, to minister in the world around us. Please multiply whatever we are able to give, like the fishes and loaves of bread, that it may multiply our personal and local church ministry to reach people for You, save souls, and exhort every member of the body of Christ. May You be glorified in everything we say and do, In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
David’s Source of Direction
A psalm of David.
Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you. My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
– Psalm 143:1-8
As I read this Psalm I was reminded in my spirit that David is the only person in the Bible whom God describes as a man after His own heart. Despite David’s many setbacks he continually sought to know and do God’s will in his life. Like many of us, his will got in the way of a sinless life.
In the morning hour, David sought to hear from God. I can imagine David sitting on the open deck of his palace looking over the hills of Jerusalem, listening to God. There, in his morning watch, he felt God’s unfailing love. He reaffirmed his trust in God. He also understood that the key to knowing God’s will lay in spending such moments alone to reflect on what God had done and was doing in his life.
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10).
Sometimes we fall prey to believing that God is not concerned, and that He doesn’t lead us in our work life. We are tempted to think that He leads us in other areas, but not in our daily workplace. The truth is that God is in every aspect of life and desires to direct us.
Now the question is this; do you need direction in your life today? If so, David provides the best example of gaining direction. Set aside the morning hour to draw close to His presence. There, you will sense His unfailing love for you. His direction for your life will be a natural by-product of this time of communion with Him. Ask God to lead you by His Spirit today.
Quote of the Day
As a child, we always wanted surprises, whether it was a piece of candy, a little toy from the store, or perhaps a trip to our grandmother’s. It doesn’t take too much to make a child happy. But, as we grow older, the cost of the surprises seem to be more and more. It comes to the point most surprises don’t excite us anymore. The flowers lose their smell, and they become limp, after a few days. The candy is never the right kind of chocolate. The clothes never fit. And, who gets cards anymore? BUT ‘Daddy’ has endless surprises. He wants you to come to Him, abide in Him, and the surprises are yours for the asking. He loves you more than anyone could ever love you. His tenderness goes beyond that we can show to each other. He says come sit with me, love me with a never-ending love, and I will give you your dreams, and be with you always. What better surprise, than to have Him show up when you most need comforting! ~Barbara Sanders~
WITH HOPE AND FAITH
REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY