God is with us – Be Still…

James 1:2-3 – Being Tested

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” (James 1:2-3)

James’ words can be very reassuring, and he opens his letter with this encouragement. He probably knew firsthand about troubles since Jesus’ family and followers would have endured a lot of heartache and fear following Jesus’ death and resurrection. They would have been very open to attack for their faith.

Context (James 1:2-18): What a great chapter for us, even though it was originally written for James’ Jewish brothers and sisters scattered abroad. It’s all about faith and endurance. James tells us how to approach God, what being faithful looks like, how easy it is to fall into bad habits, and how God rewards our faithfulness. Continue reading “James 1:2-3 – Being Tested”

Numbers 14:26-45 – Learn Our Lesson

Read Numbers 14:26-45

The LORD’s punishment needed more explanation. Now we can more accurately imagine what happened in those days between God and his people. Those rebellious ones gave us so many examples of what not to do if we are trying to make God-honoring choices.

The people of Israel were in denial. They couldn’t believe God would put them out into the wilderness only for them to perish. God was only doing that as a consequence for the people’s disobedience. Their sentence to death in the wilderness was only because of their own stumble. Continue reading “Numbers 14:26-45 – Learn Our Lesson”

Psalm 46 – Our Fortress

Read Psalm 46

God is “always” ready to help the psalmist says. Do you believe that, too? It is certainly knowledge to cling to in the uncertain world we live in. Our confidence can soar when we think of how God wants to be in relationship with us.

One of my favorite verses comes from this psalm. However, knowing the whole context of the psalm gives it a bit of a different flavor than how I usually focus on the direction. Verse 10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The first part of this verse calling us to “be still” was the inspiration for my devotional blog. Continue reading “Psalm 46 – Our Fortress”

2 Chronicles 19:1-11 – Justice is Served

Read 2 Chronicles 19:1-11

Jehoshaphat received the message loud and clear that the LORD was not pleased with him for his diversion in aiding King Ahab. What would you do if someone told you the LORD was angry with you? It appears Jehoshaphat’s next plan was to show his honor to God by establishing judges again to rule the people.

Jehoshaphat spent time setting the stage for this justice system by traveling among the people. He reminded them of their roots by “encouraging the people to return to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.” If the king is setting that kind of example, the people should pay attention, right?

2 Chronicles 9:13-31 – Over the Top!

Read 2 Chronicles 9:13-31

I admit I got caught up in the details of this reading. I can’t fathom that many horses and that much gold! To say Solomon was a wealthy king is a definite understatement. After all, the LORD promised him wealth in addition to the wisdom Solomon had asked for. God always keeps his promises.

Perhaps I am amazed because I live in a developing nation and witness poverty every day, not elaborate palaces. I see how people live simply and contentedly. God has miraculously taken away any desire or expectation for extravagant wealth my heart may have ever had, too. Just perfect for a couple of missionaries situated in Mexico!