New Vision

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. 

God, speaking through the Prophet Isaiah, knew that the Israelites stuck in Babylonian captivity would need a new prescription - and a new view. He told them. I am doing a new thing! I am making a way in the wilderness. And His message of hope included the reminders that He had created them, redeemed them and would be with them. You are mine, He encouraged them.

In whatever you're facing today, the Holy Spirit can provide better vision for you to put the old behind you and look for the new. By God's love, it's popping up all around you. Can you see what He's doing in the midst of your pain and bondage? Let's put on our new spiritual glasses to see the new that God is doing even in our wilderness moments.

God of new beginning, Thank You for all Your Promises. Help me to see the new that You bring about even in my wilderness moments.  

Rescue Mission

The Psalmist David understood the pains of being weighted down with heavy burdens, feeling forgotten and lost & desperate for a rescue mission. In Psalm 38 - David cried out to God. He had experienced isolation, betrayal and helplessness. Still he prayed with confidence - Lord, I wait for You, You will answer, Lord my God. 

David didn't deny his predicament or minimize his inner turmoil and physical ailments. Instead he trusted that God would be near and answer him at the right time and in the right way.

When we feel weighted down by physical, mental or emotional burdens - God remains committed to the rescue mission He planned from the day He created us. We can count on His presence when we cry out to Him - Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.    

Daily Dependence

In human terms, children are meant to grow from dependence to independence. But in our relationship with God, maturity means moving from independence to dependence on Him. Prayer is where we practice such dependent ways. When Jesus taught His disciples - and all of us who have come to believe in Him - to pray - Give us today our daily bread, He was teaching a prayer of dependence. Bread is a metaphor for sustenance, deliverance and guidance. We're dependent on God for all that and more. 

There are no self-made believers in Jesus and we'll never graduate from His Grace. Throughout our lives, may we always begin our day by taking the posture of dependence as we pray to our Father in heaven.

Dear Jesus, You're my Creator and my Sustainer. Please help me to trust in You.  

A Labor Of Love

There are times when we'll be overlooked, devalued or unappreciated by those around us. Biblical wisdom reminds us - however, that when God has called us to task, we shouldn't focus on gaining worldly approval and recognition but should instead work at it with all our heart, as working for the Lord.

When we focus on serving God, we're able to accomplish even the most difficult tasks with fervor and gladness in His power and leading. We can then become less concerned with receiving earthly recognition and become more eager to receive the award only He can provide.