Power-Fall

The evening news described airport delays and car accidents as folk weathered the latest snowstorm. While people complain "It's supposed to be spring," the truth is that we need water, and especially after a dry summer.

One snowflake or drop of rain seems inconsequential, but en masse, it delivers water to replenish earth's crops. A torrent can disrupt life, carve river beds, and help bring fruit. A steady supply can seep deep into the soil and prepare it to help produce a harvest.

Isaiah says God's Word is like that.

Just as our Creator sends snow and rain to water the earth and provide seed and bread, so He sends the Word. Like rain, it waters our souls. Like snow it blankets us with truth. If we will let the Word soak into the deep places of our lives, it will do the hidden work of causing seed to grow and bringing spiritual food to make us strong.

That's a lot of power falling.

Makes me want to spread wide my arms and let the Word settle on my tongue and slip down into my thirsty heart.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth ... so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It ... will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)

 

Reflect on your life. Can you see a connection between the power of God's Word and fruitfulness?
 
How have the scriptures carved a river bed in your heart?

Reflections on Psalm 77

It's past midnight and your thoughts won't quiet.You shift your face on the pillow, but its softness is no comfort for worry. So you cry out silently to God. You beg for sleep and ask the Lord to take care of each situation that's playing in your mind.

That's what Asaph did.

"Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever?.... Has God forgotten to be merciful?" (Psalm 77:7-9)

Distress blames and makes innuendo. Fear stands in the background, and worry stews.


Regardless of our source of worry, we have a choice. We can continue worrying, counter productive as it is, or start recalling God's interventions.

That's what Asaph did. It works for me too.

He meditated on God's mighty interventions. In His people's great trouble, Jehovah, more powerful than any opposition, intervened. Directing creation, He opened a path through the sea. It's true the Israelites could not see God, but they saw His work. He had promised to deliver and He kept His promise.

Like a shepherd who cared for his flock, the Lord delivered the people He loved (verse 20).

Troubled? Remember to meditate on God and His help. Your confidence will grow, and your relationship with the Lord will be revitalized.

True rest is the reward of trusting our Shepherd's guidance and power.


FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Cherish a memory when God made a way out when you were backed in a corner. Let that revive confidence in God's help. 

Will you take 30 seconds to praise the Lord for His "mighty arm"? That can set the tone for the next 24 hours if you so desire.

Put your Foot in the Water

Last week, my devotional took me to Joshua chapters 3 and 4. My guess is that you may not read much from Joshua either, so I encourage you to read the passage for yourself.

When God instructs us to do something difficult, God will show us how to accomplish His goals. Even if it means crossing a river at flood stage.

We are like the tribes of Israel who were progressing toward their promised land. Unlike the tribes of Israel though, our enemies are often internal, like fear or procrastination. However, if we are attentive for God's voice, He will give us details for our next steps.

Crossing the river was the only way do what God instructed -- conquer the land of promise. But raging waters are no match for people, and they knew that. To take the precious ark and stand in swirling waters must have been dangerous. But God told them to do it, and they did.

God was the One with the power they needed.

The scriptures say that as soon as the priests put their feet in the water, God stopped the flood so the whole army could walk through on dry ground. Can you imagine their joy as they took stones from the river bed to build a marker for this miracle?

If God has spoken clearly, then God will take care of the consequences of our obedience. Even if it seems treacherous, God will take us across the river. After all, He has the power.

For Your Consideration

What might you be afraid of in taking the next step to following Christ?

What intervention do you need from God to obediently cross your river?

I found the picture of the Jordan River at an interesting site that develops many lessons from the account. Though I only scanned it, it looks meaty and worth a visit. http://mudpreacher.files.wordpress.com