That They May Know

Read Joshua 3

God wants His people to know He is real.  He orchestrates the most elaborate ways to demonstrate to us He exists.  Joshua 3 contains another example.

The Lord is preparing Joshua for what God is going to do.  He says “By this you shall know I am with you as I was with Moses.” What’s the first thing you think of when you think of Moses?  You might think of the parting of the Rea Sea.  Here Joshua is with the children of Israel and the Jordan river blocks their way into the Promised Land.  God prepares Joshua and Joshua prepares the people.

As the priests, the Levites and the representatives from each tribe step into the Jordan river, carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord, the water stacks up in a heap! The children of Israel walk across the Jordan on dry ground.

Only God could make that happen!  So again God shows His might through the physical miracle that they shall know it was Him.

God still does things to let us know He’s with us.  For me, I’ve experienced times of extraordinary peace in the middle of chaos.  Other times a particular verse resonates strongly during my quiet time.  Then throughout the day I come across that same verse either by hearing, seeing or reading about it in an email.  To me, this is one way He’s letting me know – yes – that was ME speaking to you.  Answered prayer is another way He confirms His existence.  I’m not saying every prayer is answered.  However, many of them are.  When I notice it has been answered it amazes me God cares so much for me!

So what ways does God let you know He’s real?

Lord thank you for wanting us to know.  Thank you for your unique way of letting each of us know you are real.  Lead us this day in your truth.  In Jesus’ name we come. Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

Be Mindful of God

Of the Rock who begot you, you are unmindful and have forgotten the God who fathered you. Deuteronomy 32:18 NKJV

God lists us up.  He raises us to places of influence.  You think you got that promotion on your own?  Think again.  God exalts those who are mindful of Him.

God gave us certain skills and abilities.  He expects us to use them. He leads us to the place of employment.  He gives us wisdom for decision making.  He rewards us financially for the work we do. If not for Him, we wouldn’t be where we are.

Everything we have is a gift from God.  It is God who provides for us.  You might not see the connection, just as the children of Israel seemed to forget.

• Do you have a job? Be thankful.
• How about a place to live? Praise God.
• What about a form of transportation? Thank Him.
• Do you have clothes to wear and food to eat? Rejoice in God.

Remember God knows what we need.  He knew us before He made us.  He planned the family we would be born to and live with.  He counts the very the hairs on our head.  All the days of our life are known in advance by Him.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Today’s verse is a warning to us. Of the Rock who begot you, you are unmindful and have forgotten the God who fathered you. Don’t be like the children of Israel. Don’t take for granted all that God does for us.

Be mindful of God instead.  Be on guard.  Set reminders everything.  As you get ready in the morning, thank God for the clothing you’re putting on.  As you put on each piece, think about God’s armor from Galatians 6:10-20. As you eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, praise God for providing nourishing food to keep our bodies healthy.  While driving to work or school or the store, thank Him for the car you’re driving.  As you enter your workplace, thank Him for employment and ask Him to help you be a godly influence there.  You get the idea.

Be mindful.  God gave us a brain.  Let’s start using it to bring glory to God by remembering all He does for us.

Lord God Almighty, if we stopped to consider all that you do for us we would never cease praising you. Open our eyes to the various ways you provide for us.  Let our hearts be joyful as we discover the depth of your provision for us.  In Your name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. 

What’s there to fear?

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

Have you ever been in a situation you had no idea how it would turn out?  It can be confusing, frustrating and cause us to live in fear.

God’s Word reminds us to be strong, of good courage and not fear what’s before us.  God has a plan and purpose for us.  What He purposes always comes to pass.

God is trustworthy.  He cannot lie, but always tells the truth.  There is no deception in Him.  He is not a schemer or manipulator.  He is a Miracle-Maker.  What is impossible to man is very possible for God.

Every situation we find ourselves in is an opportunity to glorify God by not fearing and trusting in Him instead.  The Lord our God, He is the One who goes with us.

The God who spoke the world into existence, the One with unlimited creativity who designed every plant, animal and person to be completely unique, the One who heals people with a simple word or touch or glance, this is the Mighty God who goes with us.  God who works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose is the same God who will never leave us or forsake us.

What is there to fear when the One True God is with us?

Father God Almighty, there are many things that cause us fear down here.  Strength our faith and belief in You.  Help us to trust you completely, for you are completely trustworthy.  Let us not lean on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge you so you will direct our path.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

Effort or Revelation?

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV

Have you ever been stuck in needing to know something?  There’s a situation happening in your life and you have this unrelenting need to know why it’s happening.  Ever been there?

The children of Israel had that problem too.  Moses gave them some good advice.  “The secret things belong to the Lord our God…” He suggests that the unknown or secret things belong to God and are not for us to know, so move on.

Moses continues saying, “but those things which are revealed belong to us…” In effect he is admonishing the children of Israel to leave the unknown to God and focus on what has been revealed to us.  That’s great advice.  Focusing on the uncertain only creates worry and anxiety.  However, focus on what is known is more tangible, concrete, stable and comforting. This verse is reassuring for a number of reasons.

First is suggests God is the one in control.  He decides what we need to know giving our current situation, state of maturity and belief in Him.  He gives us exactly what we need in that moment, no more and no less.  Second our knowledge doesn’t come from the effort, strain or desire we place in studying God’s Word.  It is good to study God’s Word, but we must recognize our dependence on God to reveal His Truth to us.  The third reason this verse is reassuring is because what is revealed belongs to us forever.  God’s wisdom is not granted temporarily.  It is given forever.  The truth He reveals cannot be taken away.  Oh, we may forget it sometimes but God even ensures against that by giving us His Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit’s job is to bring to remembrance all God has shown us.  How fabulous is that?

Some folks think studying God’s Word is like mining for gold.  It takes a lot of hard work to uncover a single nugget of truth.  But those who think that are relying on their own effort to understand.  Yes, there is effort involved in studying God’s Word, but God is the one revealing His truth at the appropriate time.  Have you ever read a passage of scripture and found more meaning in it than the first time you read it?  The first time you might get some understanding, but some time later you read the same verse and this time it has a fuller meaning.   That’s God showing you a little more.  There is the element of obedience required, where we continue to read and study God’s Word.  The payoff happens when God decides to unlock His Words when you’re ready for the truth.  It’s a beautiful thing when that starts happening.

Why does God reveal anything to us in the first place?  The answer is wrapped up in the last part of today’s verse: “that we may do all the words of this law.”  God wants us to succeed. He wants His children to prosper. Following God’s plan is the only way.  When He reveals Himself to us, we are more likely to trust and follow Him.  It’s a process that will last our entire life.  He reveals a little more each day.  We learn to trust Him more with each circumstance.  Therefore, we are more inclined to trust Him with the next situation that arises.

God is in control.  Our effort doesn’t increase our knowledge because God reveals truth in His timing.  His Holy Spirit helps us not forget the truth He reveals, so we may have it forever.  Is God great or what?

Thank you, God, for revealing what we need to know when we need it.  We trust you to provide exactly the truth needed for every situation.  We come to you in complete dependence on you.  In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

Nothing is Impossible for God

And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. Genesis 21:1 NKJV

Sarah who was barren and also in her 80s or 90s had laughed when the Lord told her she would conceive and bear a son. Sometimes God’s promises seem impossible. With God nothing is impossible. If He says it will happen you can rest assured it will happen. God can do the impossible.

I once was filled with bitterness, resentment, anger, hatred and murderous thoughts. My heart was hardened by years of disappointments and unmet relational needs. But then I learned of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for me. I called upon His name. He met me where I was and lifted me out of the pit I was in just like Psalm 40:2 NKJV says: “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.”

As I began the journey of my new life I discovered the truth of Romans 12:2 NKJV: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” God’s word did renew my mind! And just as Ezekiel 11:19 NKJV says: “Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh,” God replaced my stony heart with a tender heart of flesh.

What I thought was impossible proved to be incredibly possible with God’s help. I know now God does what He says He will do. He can be trusted. He is faithful and just.

Is there something you think is impossible for God going on in your life today? Trust Him. He won’t let you down. Instead He may give you the desires of your heart, when you delight in Him just as Psalm 37:4 NKJV says.

Lord God Almighty, we are thankful nothing is too hard for you. Thank you for being faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Draw us near you today. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

Two Reminders

Read Genesis 17.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1-2 NKJV

Change comes from God. As we see in the first verse, “walk before Me and be blameless.” When we are connected to God we will live differently. But sometimes it’s hard to remember that. We need reminders of what God has done and what He promised to do. So God gave Abram two reminders.

The first reminder is an actual name change. God said Abram was no longer Abram, but Abraham and Sarai was no longer Sarai, but Sarah. A change in identity is necessary for those walking with the Lord. God is Almighty. He is pure and sinless. He can not be in the presence of sin. The sin must be dealt with before we be in relations with God. Therefore, He changes Abram’s and Sarai’s identities to Abraham and Sarah as a verbal reminder God is the one in control and enabling them to be blameless. So it is with those who believe in Christ. We are no longer our own. We are now God’s, a new creation created in Jesus Christ. We have a new identity too. We are Christians.

And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.” Genesis 17:9-11 NKJV

The second reminder was a physical marker. God told Abraham that he and all the males among him should be circumcised. This is a very interesting area of the body for a reminder, is it not? The foreskin located on the man’s reproductive organ is not something that’s visible to most people. Typically, we keep our reproductive parts covered. So this reminder speaks of the change God causes is an internal change not easily seen by others. Not only is the reminder not commonly visible, but it is extremely personal. The symbol of God’s covenant is carved into the man’s physical body in such a way as he will see it each time he relieves himself. This speaks to the fact we need to remember God’s promises every day. Perhaps circumcise also is a means of dealing with pride also. Think about how a man takes pride in his reproductive organ. (You’ve heard men brag about their reproductive organ.) Having this extremely painful procedure done on their prize possession might speak to the fact that pride must be dealt with.

So what reminders do we have today to help us remember what God has done?

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NKJV

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

Lord God Almighty, you are the one who makes the covenants with His people. You are the one who changes us from the inside. Help us to remember all that you have done and all you promise to still do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

Where’s the Faith Now?

Read Genesis 16.

Previously God had told Abram all the promises He was making with Him. The one about having a son must have really meant a lot to Abram and to Sarai, enough so to take matters into their own hands.

After Sarai was done laughing about her becoming pregnant, she responds with no faith at all. She doesn’t believe what Abram’s is telling her. She doesn’t believe God is going to do it. Therefore, she does what any other efficiency and productivity minded person would do. She starts scheming how to make this things happen.

So Sarai comes up with a plan. She gives her hand maid to Abram as a wife thinking she could bare children through her. I never could understand that whole surrogate-pregnancy. It would be too emotional for me to handle! But get this, Abram signs up for it!

But the blame is not all on Sarai. What about Abram’s faith? A minute ago he believed God and his belief caused God to credit him with righteousness. Why did Abram agree to his wife’s plan?

Meanwhile, this hand maid named Hagar is treated like a piece of meat, used, abused and cast out. This reminds me of a book called “When Godly People Do Ungodly Things.” But God cares for her and her son, even as God’s “chosen people” mistreat her.

We can’t really fault Sarai or Abram for their actions because their too similar to our own. Has God told you He’s going to do something and you couldn’t wait so you tried to make it happen in your timing?

Psalm 46:10 NKJV says “Be still and know I am God.” What God says He will do will come to pass in His timing just as Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV says “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Lord help us to be patient and let you fulfill your plan and purpose in your timing. If there are things we are pushing along ahead of you, reveal them so we can rest in knowing you will bring it about without our effort. In Jesus’ name Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

Genesis 12 – Faithful

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The Lord tells Abram to leave his country, family and father’s house. In return the Lord said he would make Abram a great nation, make his name great and bless him. He also said he was blessing Abram so Abram could bless others. Along with that the Lord said anyone who curses you will be cursed. All the families of the earth will be blessed through Abram. What was Abram’s response? He departed as the Lord had spoken to him. He responded in quick obedience.

Later in the land of Canaan and Shechem, the Lord says I’m giving this land to your descendants. What was Abram’s response? He built an alter to his Lord and kept moving. He worshipped the Lord. He obeyed the Lord.

Now with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east, Abram builds another alter to the Lord and calls upon His name. What was Abram’s response? He sought the Lord’s counsel. Then he journeyed south.

Next we see Abram in Egypt during a famine. Abram fearing for his own life decides to lie about Sarai being his wife. He thought the Egyptians would kill him to take her. He starts handling things on his own rather than calling on the Lord. (See verse 10 through 16) What happened? Abram was obedient up to this point. What caused him to not trust the Lord?

But what encourages me the most is how God chose to continue using Abram, despite his lack of faith, his need to control things, his self-preservation, fear and his lying and scheming. God still worked despite Abram’s missteps.

And so it is with us. We may be obedient one time and disobedient the next, just like Abram. But God still uses us. He still works in us and through us to accomplish His great purposes.

God is not looking for the perfect. He’s looking for the faithful; those who will trust Him no matter what. But even if we do slip up and depend on our own strength once in awhile, God doesn’t leave us there. He draws us back into His care.

Lord, thank you for being willing to put up with less than perfect followers. Thank you for drawing us near time and time again. In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. She is creator of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com , YourBibleWitnessAtWork.com, and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

Neglecting Our Calling Due to Pride

Read Jonah.

 

Even godly folks have times of pride.  Jonah is another example of what pride can do in our life. He apparently was a godly man, for he heard the call of God.  He knew his mission and purpose.  Yet, he tried to run away from God.  He tried to forget God existed.  He stubbornly chose to go the opposite direction God called him.   But God has His ways of drawing us back to Him.

 

On a ship headed in the wrong direction, God sends a mighty storm to get Jonah’s attention.  Jonah was fast asleep, while the rest of ship’s passengers were in turmoil because of the storm.  They woke Jonah up and cast lots (something like rolling dice) to determine whose fault it was for the storm upon them.  God has a wonderful sense of humor because the lots fell on Jonah. 

 

The men start drilling Jonah with questions:  “What’s your occupation?  What is your country? And what people are you of?” Jonah replies: “I am a Hebrew: and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”  Can you imagine answering like that?  Here you are running from the very thing God called you to do and with pride you answer their question.

 

Later, Jonah tells the crew to throw him over board to stop the storm.  God prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah.  While inside the fish for three days and nights, Jonah has time to reconsider his ways.  He calls out to God because of his affliction.  He recounts God miracles and he re-commits himself to God’s purpose.  So, the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.  There’s God’s humor again.  Can you picture a giant fish up-chucking a man on the beach?

 

Later still in the story, Jonah goes to Nineveh, speaks what God tells him and the entire village repents.  This is a wonderful thing, yet Jonah is angry.  Jonah spits out these words “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country?  Therefore I fled to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness, One who relents from doing harm.  Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”  Wow, Jonah is angry because he knows God is going to save the people of Nineveh!  If that isn’t pride I don’t know what is.  Jonah felt superior over these people.  He had judged them guilty and condemned them but God had other plans which made Jonah mad.

 

So Jonah goes out of the city to pout.  God goes with him and causes a plant to grow up over Jonah’s head for protection from the sun.  Look at God’s mercy even though Jonah is acting like a spoiled child.  God tests Jonah again by causing a worm to damage the plant.  Jonah fails the test by becoming angry over the loss of the plant.  God says to Jonah “Is it right to be angry about the plant?” To which Jonah replies, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!”  His pride made him stubborn. Even witnessing the salvation of 120,000 people, Jonah was displeased with God, consumed with the “tragedy” of his own way not transpiring the way he wanted it.

 

There is no evidence to indicate Jonah ever overcame his pride. However, by learning from his example and allowing God to have His way in us, we can overcome pride in our life.

 

What we learned from Jonah’s example:

1. Pride will hold back the purposes of God.  It doesn’t stop God’s purposes, but it may delay them a little. 
2. There is no place we can go to hide from God.
3. Pride makes us hypocritical.  We can claim to “fear the Lord”, but if our actions don’t not match our faith, we are a lousy witness for God.
4. Our pride will expose us to trials, temptations, and trouble as God intervenes to get us back on course.
5. Pride warps our thinking and turns the gracious, mercy and loving-kindness of God into something despised. 
6. Pride makes us stubborn, unable and unwilling to see God’s way is right.
7. Pride also causes us to focus on the small, insignificant things.

 

 

Dear Lord, you are so merciful, gentle and kind even to the most prideful.  Help us to recognize and cast out pride in our own life.  Draw us near that we may humbly accept your plan and purpose for us.  In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

What can we give the Lord?

 

God made the heavens, the earth and everything in them.  What can mere humans give back to Him? 

 

We can give Him our attention by reading His word. (Acts 17:11)

 

We can lay down our burdens before Him.  Our worries, cares and stresses do not overwhelm for they are in the His hands. (Matthew 11:28)

 

We can give Him our weaknesses so His strength shines through us. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

 

We can turn over to Him our desire to figure things out on our own, knowing His plan and purpose for us is to give us a future and a hope.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

 

We can give Him our mind to be renewed by His word so we will understand how perfect and pleasing His will is. (Romans 12:1-2)

 

We can give Him our life because He has saved us from destruction and giving us life eternal in Jesus Christ.  (Romans 6:23)

 

We can give Him our relationships so they will glorify God. (Colossians 1:10)

 

We can give Him our failings and past regrets so He will keep us humble. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

We can give Him control of our life’s direction for He knows what’s best for us. (Psalm 139:6-8)

 

Lord thank you for wanting obedience rather than sacrifice.  Thank you for loving us in our sinful condition.  Thank you for making eternal life possible for those who believe in Jesus and confess Him as Lord.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.