Read all of Psalm 84
"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;" (Ps. 84: 4-5a)
"Baca" is from Hebrew for "weeping". We all face valleys of weeping in our lives. There are times of difficulty and struggle. The person who has placed their faith and confidence in God will not only find their strength to go through these valleys in victory, they will find a way to turn the valleys into wells, springs of strength for others. Their example, their testimony will lead others to find a way.
In the book of Numbers we read, "Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it." (21:17). The Israelites had been traveling over the barren sands of the desert. They were famished with thirst. God told Moses to gather the people together and He would supply their need. The children of God began to sing praises to the Lord and they began to dig in the sands, and God sent springs of water.
The real instrument of digging the wells for the Israelites was their praise to God in the midst of difficult circumstances. Turn your difficulties into opportunities of praise. And God will send refreshing wells of strength in your life.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Time of Exile (Devotion)
"Conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile." (I Peter 1:17b)
This is written to Christians. The idea of "fear" here means "reverence for God". In other words, Peter's instructions are that while we live in this world, we are to remember that this is not our home and we are to live as those who will give an account of their life to their Father when they arrive home.
We tend to put down our roots and buy things like this world is our final desitination. The truth is we are sojourners, pilgrims, people living in exile. Our home is heaven and we are only here for a short period of time.
One of the difficulties we face in mission work in West Africa is how to make the Bible fit the every day practicalities of life. They are learning and know the stories. But how do they impact their daily lifestyle. As I think about that, it is the same problem that we have here in America. How do I translate the principles of truth into practical application to my life each day.
I see the story. I see the principle of truth. How does God want me to apply that today in my personal life? How will I make it real and genuine? What does God want me to do in light of His Word? It is what James talks about as a living faith, when he says faith without works is dead. As John Calvin once said, "Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone."
This is written to Christians. The idea of "fear" here means "reverence for God". In other words, Peter's instructions are that while we live in this world, we are to remember that this is not our home and we are to live as those who will give an account of their life to their Father when they arrive home.
We tend to put down our roots and buy things like this world is our final desitination. The truth is we are sojourners, pilgrims, people living in exile. Our home is heaven and we are only here for a short period of time.
One of the difficulties we face in mission work in West Africa is how to make the Bible fit the every day practicalities of life. They are learning and know the stories. But how do they impact their daily lifestyle. As I think about that, it is the same problem that we have here in America. How do I translate the principles of truth into practical application to my life each day.
I see the story. I see the principle of truth. How does God want me to apply that today in my personal life? How will I make it real and genuine? What does God want me to do in light of His Word? It is what James talks about as a living faith, when he says faith without works is dead. As John Calvin once said, "Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone."
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