BibleTrekToday.com

Category: God’s heart for hurting people

  • Guided to Glory!

    Scripture reading for September 11: Psalm 73:23-26 “Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my Portion forever.”

    Jude 20-22 “But you beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt, . .”

    Have you ever envied someone who appeared more prosperous or blessed than you? This psalm deals with the honest confession of a person who struggled with envy and coveting the apparent prosperity and blessing of the wicked. Evidently he was suffering with some affliction as well and he entertained thoughts like “in vain have I kept my heart clean.” (vs 13) But as he continued the psalm, he entered God’s sanctuary and saw the end of the wicked in judgment by the Almighty. Though they had lived in apparent luxury, they would be swept away in a moment at the judgment.

    In spite of the psalmist’s doubts and envy, God was with him and held his right hand, leading him with His unfailing counsel. He revealed that in the end, in spite of the suffering and eventual death, he would be with God in glory. God would be the strength of his heart and his Portion forever!

    Jude, wrote to the church to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. (vs 3) Jude was aware of the battle for our faith waged by our flesh and our enemy, Satan. Jude encouraged believers not to be deceived by the false, but to build up their faith through prayer in the Holy Spirit. They must faithfully wait for the mercy of God and show mercy on others who struggled. That’s our merciful Father and Lord guiding His church home to eternal glory!

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your mercy and the Wonderful Counselor You sent to live in us and help us to pray and stand in our faith. Thank You for empowering Your Church to share that message with the lost and doubting. In Christ’s Love, Amen.

  • Jesus’ Shining Face!

    Scripture reading for September 8: Psalm 67:1-3, 6-7 “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face to shine upon us, that Your way may be known on earth, Your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You!” . . . “The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear Him.”

    John 20:21-22 “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.“

    Today’s psalm comes from a worshiper in Israel and was sent to the choirmaster as a song. It was a prayer for God’s grace and favor to be made known among His people. The Aaronic blessing was part of this song, and asked God to turn His shining and glorious face towards His people. This wasn’t just for a supernatural experience, but to fulfill God’s stated purpose of showing His saving and healing power to all the nations of the earth. As Israel sang praises to their Lord, Who was smiling on them and pleased with them, they would enjoy the blessings of His grace in salvation and forgiveness of sins, deliverance from their enemies, and healing of their sicknesses and diseases. All the ends of the earth would be drawn to the God Who smiles and blesses His people. The earth would yield its increase and God would pour out more blessings on all who praised Him. As praises go up, blessings come down.

    God answered the prayer of this worshiper in the sending of His Son to reveal the smiling and gracious face of the Father Who wanted to pour out blessing on His people. God the Father sent His Son to heal the sick, deliver the bound, and seek and save the lost. He recruited disciples who would take His blessing to the ends of the earth. To equip them, He looked each one in the face and breathed on them, giving them the Father’s blessing–the Holy Spirit. They were sent in His peace to do as Jesus did!

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for turning Your smiling face upon us and giving us grace and blessings. May we who have believed obey Your simple instructions to take this Good News to all the earth! Amen.

  • God Knows All Hearts!

    Scripture reading for July 23: 1 Kings 8:37-40 “If there is a famine in the land, if there is a locust or caterpillar, if their enemy besieges them in the land at their gates, whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house, then hear from heaven Your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart You know, according to all his ways (for You, You only know the hearts of all the children of mankind, . .”

    Prayer is a matter of the heart. Hearts that were humble and sincere and revered God and His Word were invited to ask the Lord, Whose presence had filled Solomon’s temple to bring healing or deliverance. Solomon asked God for grace in hearing and acting on each request. He stated that he believed God would bring an answer according to the condition of the heart. Only God knows each person’s heart.

    Even in this time of the Old Covenant, God made provision for healing sickness, plagues, and disease. He loved His people and wanted them to enjoy health and blessings. He also knew that the law could not truly change the heart of His people, it could only reveal sin like a mirror. God encouraged His people to pray and seek Him for all their needs. The temple of the Lord built by Solomon as a dwelling place of God was given to help His people grow in faith and build a relationship with Him. As their hearts moved them, they could pray and God would respond.

    But God’s plan was not a physical temple, but to dwell intimately with His people. Each person now can ask God in Jesus’ Name for whatever is needed and it will be supplied. “In that day you will ask nothing of Me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in My Name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in My Name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23-24)

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for grace for each of us Your children to ask for healing or provision and knowing that You will hear and answer. Examine my heart and heal it. Amen.

  • Day 5–Called by Name

    Scripture reading for January 30: 1 Samuel 3:8-10, 21 “And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if He calls you, you shall say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” . . . .”And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the Word of the Lord.”

    The story of Samuel, the young boy who was born to his mother and father as an answer to their prayers for children, helps us to again explore how our Lord calls us. Samuel was born in answer to passionate prayer from his childless mother. Eli, Israel’s priest had accused her of drunkenness until she explained her prayer for a son, promised to the Lord. After he was weaned, he was given back to the Lord to serve at the tabernacle at Shiloh under Eli. While serving there, God spoke to him by calling out his name. Samuel thought it was Eli calling for him and three times he responded. The third time, Eli told him he should respond by answering, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”

    The Scripture goes on to reveal what the Lord told Samuel about the coming judgment of Israel and the corrupt priesthood of Eli. Scripture also notes that God appeared to Samuel and revealed Himself to him through His Word. God’s Word is ultimate truth and is powerful to produce faith and love in us. This all comes through an established relationship with God. He calls to us and knows our name. He reveals Himself to us through His Word and gives us His Name! He provides the Holy Spirit to indwell us and guide us into His Word and walking by faith. Our humble response should be “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears!”

    Prayer: Father God, Thank You for the personal calling of us by name. You respond to our need for identity and relationship by inviting conversation. I affirm my desire to hear Your instructions and will respond to Your calling of my name in humility and attentive faith. Amen.

  • Day 4–Called to Strength and Courage!

    Scripture reading for January 29: Joshua 1:1-3, 8 “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised Moses.” . . .Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””

    The Lord’s call and instructions to Joshua is a great word for all faith responders! We are called by God to arise and go into whatever situation or trouble we are facing. The Jordan River was the boundary of the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that belonged to them. Joshua, Moses’ assistant had walked for forty years with them through the wilderness as a consequence of the unbelief of the older generation of Israelites. As Moses lead God’s people out of Egypt through the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea, so Joshua was to face the flooding Jordan river as the first obstacle to lead God’s people through to inherit their land.

    It is interesting to note that God promised Joshua that every place that the sole of his foot would tread, God would give to him. Joshua must do the walking out of God’s commands in trusting faith, no matter what the obstacle or enemy facing him. God promised His presence as they walked. In that presence of the Lord God was their strength, courage, and deliverance! How easy it would be to become frightened or deeply insecure when impossible situations confronted them. God knew their tendencies and with His Word and Presence would give them grace to overcome and possess their inheritance!

    This is exactly what God calls us to do as first responders. As we walk into danger or trouble, we rely on God’s Word and presence with us through the Helper, the Holy Spirit. We choose to trust and obey and reject fear and dismay.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Word that brings faith and courage to face life’s trouble. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and guide me to respond as You to those who are in need. Amen.

  • Day 2–Called to Blessing and to Bless.

    Scripture reading for January 27: Genesis 12:1-2 “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” vs. 4 “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.”

    As we continue to consider God’s calling of each person to the plans and work that God has prepared, we can learn from the life of Abram, a shepherd living in the land of the Chaldean’s. God spoke to Abram, asking him to leave behind everything familiar in his home country, including his father’s household. He was not told where he was being directed or how long the journey would take. Abram was already seventy-five years old and had a wife and servants. Abram responded to God’s invitation and gathered his family and herds and a nephew, Lot, and left for the land God had promised him.

    God did not force Abram to obey, but God did make Abram promises that were amazing if he chose to obey. This is the essence of faith. We choose to trust God and believe what He says and promises over what we can see with our eyes or understand with our minds. God promised to make Abram a great nation when he had no children, only an older wife! God promised to bless Abram and make his name great among men when Abram was just a simple aged shepherd. God promised to do all of this in order to make Abram a blessing to all the families of the earth! (Genesis 12:3) God’s plans are amazing and beyond human understanding. They are prepared for those who by faith will respond!

    As ‘faith responders’ who have chosen to follow Jesus, God has promised to lead us to a land we do not know presently–heaven! He will make our names great through His Name. We are blessed to be a blessing.

    Prayer: Father God, I respond to Your call to follow Jesus and allow Him to lead me daily into Your perfect will and plans. I desire Your blessing and to become a blessing to all You send me to! Amen.

  • Week 5–Day 1–God Calls; We Must Respond

    Scripture reading for January 26: Jeremiah 1:4-6 “Now the Word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I (Jeremiah) said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”

    I remember knowing a call from God when I was barely five years old. I announced to my Dad and Mom that I was going to be a preacher when I was old enough. My Mom was a believer and had prayed over me many times and taught me God’s Word, even at that young an age. My Dad was not a believer and he stated plainly, “No way! That’s the lowest occupation on earth!” Mom didn’t argue, but hid the statement I made in her heart and continued to instruct me and pray. God had already called me as a young child! I had responded as best I knew at five years of age!

    In today’s passage of Scripture, we observe that before Jeremiah was even formed by God in the womb, God knew him! Our existence goes beyond our conception or our birthday. God forms each person and give them their genetic makeup and giftings. Billions of chromosomes come together from mother and father but are knit together by God Himself. (Psalm 139:13-16) Before birth, God’s appointed plans are designated by Him for the individual. He knows us intimately and personally and thinks about us with love and affection. (Jeremiah 31:3)

    But does this mean that we have no free will? Each person is sovereign and must choose to willingly love and serve God and seek out His will and plan. This sometimes happens early in life, while others go their own way for a time resisting God’s call. Sometimes, like Jeremiah and many others, we have shortcomings we think disqualifies us to follow God’s plan. But through relationship and humble trust and yielding to God we make progress! Instead of excuses, we should ask God to supply whatever we lack.

    Prayer: Father God, I am in awe that You personally have taken time to design my life, even from before conception and birth! Thank You for life and Your plans for my life. I willingly respond to Your call to serve and offer my mind, body and spirit to You to do Your will. Amen.

  • Day 5–God’s Personal Pager

    Scripture reading for January 23: John 14:15-17 “If you love Me you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, Whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

    Again in today’s passage of Scripture, Jesus makes a promise to those who are in a loving relationship with Him through obedience of His Word. He promised to ask the Father to send the Spirit of Truth to live in them to help them. This ‘Gift’ from the Father would be a permanent Presence in each believer. The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of truth because God is a God of Truth. (John 14:6) The Spirit takes the Word of God and guides the believer in all truth. (John 16:13) The Helper with bear witness of Jesus through each believer. (John 15:26)

    Jesus taught that those in the world could not see or know the Spirit of truth. But the Spirit of truth also would bring conviction of sin, righteous and coming judgment to those in the world. God the Father sends the Holy Spirit of truth to accomplish His will and purposes through empowering those following Jesus Christ to be fruitful in their service of God and others.

    First responders carry either a pager or phone application like “I Am Responding” to receive calls to respond and the nature of the incident. Communication is vitally important to bring the right help and equipment on the scene in the shortest time. Good communication prepares the responders with information that helps them to properly and efficiently help and cooperate with other responders on the scene. If they are followers of Jesus, they also have God’s Holy Spirit of truth to direct them and empower them. God tells believers to ask Him for this ‘Helper’ and He will send Him. (Luke 11:13) “. . how much more with the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing each believer with Your personal Helper, the Holy Spirit. Thank You for drawing me into relationship with You and helping me to ask You for this special ‘Gift’. Enable me to listen to Your guidance and wisdom to help others most effectively. Amen.

  • Day 4–God’s Amazing Promise

    Scripture reading for January 22: John 14:13-14 “Whatever you ask in My Name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My Name, I will do it.”

    God’s emergency response communication network is built on personal relationships. God reaches out to each person inviting them into a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus builds a friendship with each person and knows all about them and their strengths, gifts and weaknesses. He invites each person to get to know Him and to become comfortable asking for information or direction and walking by faith with Him. Jesus prepares those who walk with Him to become disciples and then sends them out to respond to those who are hurting or in need.

    Out of our relationship with Jesus, He invites and encourages each person to ask the Father in His Name for whatever they have need of. As men and women have called upon the Lord and walked with the Lord for thousands of years, Jesus calls His followers to do the same. His Name represents all that He is as King of kings and Lord of lords. It gives access to His power and knowledge and insight. This promise reveals God’s desire to show us love in meeting our needs, regardless of cost. It promises continuous access to God and His emergency call-in system.

    We already know how important relationships are in the function of fast and effective response to incidents. We can see how we can draw on other resources not provided through our job but through our relationship with Jesus. Wise first responders maintain healthy relationships in the departments we serve in and with our Lord through daily prayer and devotions.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing a simple plan of communications that provides access to whatever we need through asking You in Jesus’ Name. Help me to remember this communication promise and humbly ask You for the help needed as I do the best I can with what You gave me. Amen.

  • Day 3–Walking with God

    Scripture reading for January 21: Genesis 6:8-9 “But Noah found favor (grace) in the eyes of the Lord. These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.”

    When I was in my early teens, my father and I were called by a frantic neighbor to come help rescue his son who had an accident with a tractor. This son had been up all night at a prom, and was doing chores on the dairy farm. He was hauling manure and spreading it on a field when he fell asleep and went down a sharp embankment to the creek-bed below. My dad and I were the first on the scene and dad helped me to lift a tractor tire off this boy and asked me to hold his head out of the water of the creek. I held up the tire and began to pray. His legs were still trapped in the soft mud under the overturned tractor. I called upon the Lord and prayed the scripture that I had just memorized, Psalm 23. My dad got a spade and dug under the trapped leg, freeing him. He was bruised, lacerated, but saved from death that day. God’s grace had provided for this young man and the responders!

    Noah was a blameless man who found favor with God because of his simple faith. God had revealed a coming flood that would destroy the world. He asked Noah to build an ark for himself, his family, and two of every species of animals. Noah chose to walk with God through this process and follow His specific directions. A side note, the ark God had Noah build did not have an engine, sail, or rudder. God would guide them through the flood!

    As first responders, we can face impossible or trying situations that are beyond our natural understanding or abilities. Not only does God answer prayers, He often leads us to provide the answer. It strengthens us to know that we are not alone as we say ‘yes’ to cries for help. All things are possible to those who walk in faith.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for inviting us all to walk with You throughout life. Teach me Your ways and lead me through the trials. As a responder, I know that I need Your grace and favor each day. Amen.