49 Isaiah 50:10,11 Self-made 'Fire'

JMD Devotional 49 Isaiah 50:10,11 Self-made 'Fire'

Who is among you who [reverently] fears the Lord, who obeys the voice of His Servant (Jesus, the Messiah), yet who walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor [in his heart]? Let him rely on, trust in, and be confident in the name of the Lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God. Behold, all you [enemies of your own selves] who attempt to kindle your own fires [and work out your own plans of salvation], who surround and gird yourselves with momentary sparks, darts, and firebrands that you set aflame!--walk by the light of your self-made fire and of the sparks that you have kindled [for yourself, if you will]! But this shall you have from My hand: you shall lie down in grief and in torment.

I saw a spectacle on my way to work today, a Fire Station with a smoldering roof surrounded by fire men and trucks and hoses. How can a scene like that escape its own irony? What is the first spiritual allusion that came to your mind? I thought of the Church. How many fallen preachers, who relied upon their own charisma, and who got big enough in their own eyes to permit a 'little sin', indiscretions that ended up consuming not only their whole ministry, but also damaging the faith of their followers and disgracing the reputation of all God's Kingdom in the world. Without vital union we are rebels at heart.
Amen

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*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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48 Song of Solomon 3:5 Let it Sleep

JMD Devotional 48 Song of Solomon 3:5 Let it Sleep

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the hinds of the field that you stir not up nor awaken love until it pleases.

If love and sexual passion are stirred up prematurely, in adolescence, then the magnitude, beauty and impact of one's life's love will be diminished. These things are good and wonderful and worth waiting for. This principle applies to married adults as well, who might awaken desire when they are alone, or at an inappropriate time. Let it sleep. Longing can be a beautiful kind of fast, that builds upon itself when not expressed.

Dear God,
How I wish I understood courtship growing up. I was reckless, impatient and striving for so much before its proper time and setting. Please heal the damage my blundering ways have caused and teach me to wait for pleasures until you give them to me.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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47 Psalm 55:22 Bottled Angst

JMD Devotional 47 Psalm 55:22 Bottled Angst

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).

David poured out everything that was 'bottled up' within his soul-restlessness, distraught feelings, moaning, distraction, pain, terror, fear, trembling, horror, fright, overwhelmed, a desire to 'fly away' from his problems, betrayal and violence-he gave it all to God, and God took it.

Dear God,
I don't know why I bottle up so many sorrows; why I store them up instead of dealing with them as they come. I am grateful that when my heart aches from the sum of them that I may bring my burden to You and not be turned away. You save all of my tears in a bottle; how precious and tender that is to me.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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46 Isaiah 49:14-16 God's Tatoo

JMD Devotional 46 Isaiah 49:14-16 God's Tattoo

But Zion [Jerusalem, her people as seen in captivity]
said, The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has
forgotten me. [And the Lord answered] Can a woman
forget her nursing child, that she should not have
compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may
forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have
indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the
palm of each of My hands; [O Zion] your walls are
continually before Me.

It is natural to feel forsaken and forgotten in the
midst of trials and hardship, but our feelings lack
knowledge. (We also unconsciously imply that our
Heavenly Father is not being a good one.)

Dear God,
Thank you for making it abundantly clear how much You
care for your people. When I feel lost in the crowd,
help me to remember that You will leave the 99 safe
ones to seek the one lost sheep. What affirmation can
top the blessed truth that I matter to You? Praise
God!
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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45 Isaiah 49:4 Apparent Failure

JMD Devotional 45 Isaiah 49:4 Apparent Failure

Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in empty futility; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense is with my God.

It is a sad lament, to look back at a life's work and sacrifice and see no enduring physical results. But God echoes back in verse 6, "Is it too light a thing" that you should play a role in ushering in my plan of salvation to the world? Even a small role is not a trivial thing.

Dear God,
Please don't let discouragement drain our spirits and kill our enthusiasm. Help us to affirm the significance of serving in even the smallest of positions in your kingdom; for what a privilege it is!
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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44 2 Chronicles 20:3 Reacting to a National Crisis

JMD Devotional 44 2 Chronicles 20:3 Reacting to a National Crisis

(Word came that three kingdoms were coming to attack Judah with an overwhelming number of warriors...)
Then Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself [determinedly, as his vital need] to seek the Lord.

How did he act on this crisis?
>He proclaimed a national fast, informing and involving everyone affected
>He prayed before his people acknowledging God's rule
>He presented a logical case before the Lord as Judge
>He brought out all the families before the Lord (to appeal to God's heart)
>In faith he exhorted, "Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established!"
>He gave thanks and praise to God before God's response was known
>God caused the three kingdoms to annihilate each other leaving the spoils of war for Judah to collect.

Dear God,
I confess an ungodly pessimism that preempts your intervening in a difficult situation.
How much of your glory have we missed because our faith was small?
Help your Church to learn this great lesson of faith in the face of overwhelming adversity.
May we may give you opportunity to act on our behalf so your name will be glorified in our times and in our land. May we face the unknown worshipping You.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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43 Leviticus 22:31 Plan A

JMD Devotional 43 Leviticus 22:31 Plan A

So shall you heartily accept my commandments and conform your life and conduct to them. I am the Lord.

It is the right way.
It is the easy way.
It is the path to blessing.
But before we commit to Plan A we invariably want to try out our own Plan B:
The wrong way.
The hard way.
The cursed road to self-destruction.

Dear God,
Your way is right and true and good, the straight path. Forgive me for making it so crooked and complicated in my retched duplicity. Please restore the simplicity of honest obedience and an unreserved commitment to righteousness.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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42 1 Peter 3:7 'Safe Relationships'

JMD Devotional 42 1 Peter 3:7 'Safe Relationships'

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

I've heard a husband scold his wife for concealing the truth; and were that the whole story, we could form a quick opinion along the lines of lying is wrong, half-truths are still lies, deceit is not right, etc. But what if the controlling and overbearing nature of the husband does not make it safe for those around him to be truthful? If he tends to be over critical and react harshly to household matters that come up (i.e. EXPLODES!); no matter how 'truthful' he may be he bears responsibility for his influence in forming the climate and culture of deceit. I have, in my worst days, been there. If people aren't telling you the truth, check yourself to ensure your reactive patterns don't foster exactly what you get.

Dear God,
How can I end up so wrong when I strive to be so right? Forgive me for thrashing around relationally, and for not being sensitive and gentle when problems arise. I keep welding the mallet of principles when I really should just be listening to and affirming my loved ones. Teach me how to be like Jesus, who did not break a reed, nor did He quench a smoking flax. Help me to remember tenderly that my loved ones have fragile spirits. Please continue to repair the damage I've done, and heal what has been done to me as well.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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41 Deuteronomy 4 The Gravity of God

JMD Devotional 41 Deuteronomy 4 The Gravity of God

Chapter Summary
Vs 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it...
Vs 6 So keep them (the commandments) and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples... (your witness)
Vs 7 For what great nation is there who has a god so near to them as the Lord our God is to us in all things for which we call upon Him?
Vs 9 Only take heed, and guard your life diligently...
Vs 20 (You belong to Him, He rescued you from 'Hell')
Vs 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
Vs 26 (Disobey and die!)
Vs 29 (If you seek Him with all of your heart you will find Him.)
Vs 31 (God is merciful)
Vs 35 ... there is no other besides Him.

Dear God,
Oh the profaneness of anyone taking You casually or lightly! You are my awesome God! You are the Righteous Judge of all the Earth, my Savior, my Father, my Healer and my King! Incline my heart to obedience and holy reverence, godly fear and sincere worship. Help me to display and testify faithfully of your reality. May your love be satisfied in me.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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40 John 6:48 Fresh Bread Daily

JMD Devotional 40 John 6:48 Fresh Bread Daily

I am the Bread of Life [that gives life-the Living
Bread.]

Quote: "Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone; it
has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made
new. --Ursula K. LeGuin

Bread in Bible times was made fresh daily, and it was
the staple of life. In our modern world we reduce
things to a concept, punch our ticket, and move on. If
'Jesus' is stale to you, maybe you're not 'kneeding'
Him daily. DC Talk popularized 'love is a verb'
(action.) Love will go stale if you treat it
passively, letting it just sit. You must work with it
and reform it continually so it 'feels warm.' Do we
sometimes serve God and others cold, stale love?

Dear God,
How glad I am that your name is "I Am." Thank you for
always engaging me in the present, and for expressing
yourself like bread, fresh from the oven. You are my
vital need, You give me life abundant.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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39 Isaiah 42:8 Roadmap or Relationship?

JMD Devotional 39 Isaiah 42:8 Roadmap or Relationship?

I am the Lord; that is my name! And my glory I will not give to another, nor praise to graven images.

How do we react to those precious times when we sense a special closeness with the Lord? Do we take what we were doing at the time as the secret recipe and try to create a formula to use again to give others the same experience? (As if we moved God rather than He moved us?) In our enthusiasm to share there is a tendency to create images in the form of programs and formulas. Is a 'principle' all God is to us? Does a spouse want to be 'solved' or made into a 'project'? God wants us to walk with Him, and foolish people want a roadmap instead. Wake up and see what is being given up---a personal guide, companion and friend!

Dear God,
I want to know You, to sense your presence, to be in harmony with You, and to enjoy our relationship! Lead me, help me to seek You as my vital need, and forgive my iniquity.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
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Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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38 Psalm 18:33,36 Heights of Testing

JMD Devotional 38 Psalm 18:33, 36 Heights of Testing

He makes my feet like hinds' feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places. You have given plenty of room for my steps under me, that my feet would not slip.

Why is the way so hard sometimes? A rock-climbing wall may have 'plenty' of finger and toe holds for the well-initiated climber, but to the novice it looks impossible. God put a lot into us, and He expects a lot out of us. The mission requires it. Some of His work in our lives will only congeal outside of our comfort zone through difficult testing. It is under stress that our faith matures.

Dear God,
Please help me to get past my insecurities and the paralyzing fear of failure so I can embrace the tests and challenges that You have placed before me. May I be fully committed to your Kingdom's work, and be willing to sacrifice comfort and rest for a far greater good. Plant your vision in my heart, keep me on track. Enlarge my steps and establish me that I may stand as a testimonial of your redemptive work in my life to your praise and glory.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
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Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
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**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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37 Psalm 18:25-27 Great Mirror

JMD Devotional 37 Psalm 18:25-27 Great Mirror

With the kind and merciful You will show Yourself kind and merciful, with an upright man You will show Yourself upright, with the pure You will show Yourself pure, and with the perverse You will show Yourself contrary. For You deliver an afflicted and humble people but will bring down those with haughty looks.

God expresses Himself as a mirror, camouflaged in reality, always teaching and correcting. He reflects our actions to judge or bless ourselves in perfect righteousness.

Dear God,
I always want You to make an exception for me and my sins, but that is really asking You to be unjust. Help me to crave righteousness for its own sake, and to honor your holiness. Chastise me when I stray, give me the correction I need. Help this little mind to know that the hand that corrects me is connected to a heart that is passionate for my redemption and success. Cultivate moral purity and the highest ethical standards in my life for your glory and pleasure.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
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Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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36 Galatians 5:13,14 What Freedom's For

JMD Devotional 36 Galatians 5:13,14 What Freedom’s For

For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.

John 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

Bill Gothard defines ‘freedom’ as the God-given ability to do what’s right. Sinful, immoral and hateful actions are not expressions of freedom but of bondage.

Dear God,
Please forgive me for being so quick to take offense against a brother of a sister, for being so hasty to judge. By your Holy influence in my life help me to love others the way Jesus has loved and continues to love me. Make me into a living sacrifice in deed, for your Kingdom and Glory.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
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Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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