Tag: preparation

September 30, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

God Is in Control, but Be Prepared

Opening Verse:

“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”
—Proverbs 3:25-26 (KJV)

Introduction:

Life is unpredictable, and the world around us often feels out of control. Whether it’s storms, unrest, or unexpected challenges, we might be tempted to worry. But as believers, we are reminded that God is always in control. Our task is to be ready for what may come but to trust fully in the Lord.

Devotional Story:

A farmer lived in a land where powerful storms often swept through. Though the storms were fierce, the farmer never worried. He kept his farm prepared—his crops covered, his animals sheltered, and his house sturdy. He did everything he could to be ready, but his trust was not in his own preparations. He trusted in God to protect him and his family. Each time a storm approached, he prayed, knowing that no matter the outcome, God was his refuge.

Similarly, we must prepare for the challenges life throws at us, but our faith should rest in God’s power, not our own. God has promised to be our confidence and protection.

What This Means:

Even though life can be full of unexpected storms, both literal and metaphorical, we don’t need to live in fear. We are called to act wisely and be prepared, but we must always remember that God is our ultimate protector. While we prepare, we trust that God is in control of all things, and nothing happens outside His will.

Think About This:

  • How can you prepare both spiritually and physically for life’s unexpected challenges?
  • Do you trust God to protect and guide you, even when things seem out of control?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my protector in times of trouble. Help me to be wise and prepared for the storms of life, but more importantly, help me to trust You fully. I know that You are in control of everything, and I place my confidence in Your hands. Guide me through every trial and remind me of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
—Psalm 18:2 (KJV)

September 5, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

God Prepares Us for the Future

Opening Verse

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
— Romans 8:28, KJV

Introduction

God often allows situations in our lives that seem difficult or confusing. But these experiences are not random. They are part of His divine plan to prepare us for what lies ahead.

Devotional Story

There was once a young man who lost his job unexpectedly. At first, he felt lost and frustrated. He couldn’t understand why God would allow him to go through this hardship. But in the months that followed, he found himself with more time to seek God and deepen his relationship with Him. He also learned new skills that he hadn’t considered before. Eventually, a better opportunity came along—one that required the very skills and faith he had developed during that difficult season.

In hindsight, he realized that losing his job wasn’t a setback; it was preparation. God had been at work behind the scenes, allowing that tough situation to shape him for a future he couldn’t yet see.

What This Means

God sees the bigger picture of our lives. What we go through today may not make sense right now, but God is always working for our good. The hardships, delays, and unexpected challenges are often God’s way of preparing us for something greater in the future. Trust that He is in control and knows exactly what He is doing.

Think About This

  • What situations in your life have you struggled to understand?
  • How might God be using those experiences to prepare you for what’s next?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for working in my life even when I can’t see it. Help me to trust You in every season, knowing that You are preparing me for something greater. Give me the strength to walk through every challenge with faith, believing that Your plans for me are good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
— Jeremiah 29:11, KJV

April 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Ready for Transformation

Opening Verse

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14, KJV)

Introduction

Listening to a challenging sermon in church can stir emotions, especially when it confronts us with truths we might not be ready to hear. It’s like going to a waterpark dressed inappropriately and then being surprised by the inevitable.

Devotional Story

Imagine heading to a water-park dressed in your everyday clothes instead of a swimsuit. You decide to ride a water slide, fully aware of the splash at the end. When you reach the bottom and emerge soaked, you get mad. Why? You knew what to expect but weren’t properly prepared. This scenario mirrors our experiences in church when the Holy Spirit, through the pastor’s words, aims to cleanse and renew us. If we arrive unprepared or resistant, the message can feel uncomfortable, even though it’s exactly what we need.

What This Means

The Holy Spirit’s guidance through a sermon is meant to refresh and renew our spirits, much like water on a slide. However, if we are not ‘dressed’ in humility and openness, we might find ourselves reacting poorly to the splash of truth we encounter.

Think About This

Reflect on how you prepare your heart before attending church. Are you open and ready to receive whatever message God has prepared for you, or are you guarding yourself against potential challenges to your comfort zone?

Prayer

Lord, help me to approach Your word with readiness, dressed in the spirit of openness and humility. May I not resist the refreshing splash of truth, but welcome it, knowing it brings growth and deeper communion with You. Amen.

Closing Verse

“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” (1 Corinthians 2:15, KJV)

April 11, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Trusting God in Battle

Opening Verse

“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.” – Proverbs 21:31 (KJV)

Introduction

The wisdom of Proverbs often speaks to the balance between human effort and divine providence. This verse captures the essence of preparedness and trust.

Devotional Story

In a small village, there was a farmer who owned a horse. When rumors of war reached his ears, he decided to train and prepare his horse for battle. Every day, he would spend hours ensuring the horse was strong, fast, and obedient. Neighbors admired his dedication but also reminded him, “Trust not only in your horse but also in the Lord.”

One night, as the threat of conflict became imminent, the farmer couldn’t sleep. He went outside to pray, seeking assurance beyond his preparations. In that moment of prayer, he felt a profound peace, realizing that true safety comes from God.

The next day, against all odds, the village remained untouched by war. The farmer’s horse, though prepared, was never needed in battle. The farmer learned firsthand that while it’s wise to prepare, ultimate safety and victory lie in God’s hands.

What This Means

This story illustrates the balance between doing our part and relying on God. Preparing the horse symbolizes our responsibility to prepare and work diligently. However, recognizing that safety and success ultimately come from the Lord teaches us humility and trust in His divine plan.

Think About This

How often do you rely solely on your preparations and efforts, forgetting to place your trust in God? Reflect on areas in your life where you need to seek God’s guidance and trust in His protection and plan.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to prepare diligently for the challenges ahead, but let us never forget that our safety and success come from You alone. Help us to trust in Your divine will and to seek Your protection in every aspect of our lives. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

February 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Urgency of God’s Judgment

Opening Verse

“Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.” – Isaiah 34:1 (KJV)

Introduction

Isaiah 34 beckons everyone, near and far, to listen closely to the Lord’s declaration. It is a solemn call to witness the scope and seriousness of God’s judgment upon the nations.

Devotional Story

In a small village, there lived two friends who shared everything since childhood. One day, they found an old book in the attic, warning of a great storm that would come to their village. The first friend took the warning seriously, preparing and urging the village to do the same. The second friend, however, laughed it off, considering it an old tale with no relevance to their lives.

As the sky darkened and the first signs of the storm appeared, the villagers remembered the warning. Those who had prepared found shelter and safety, while those who had ignored the warning scrambled in fear and confusion.

What This Means

Isaiah 34 isn’t just about ancient judgments; it’s a timeless reminder of the consequences of ignoring God’s warnings. Just like the villagers who heeded the warning, we are called to listen and prepare our hearts for God’s word.

Think About This

Consider the areas in your life where you might be ignoring God’s warnings. Are there habits, attitudes, or relationships that you need to change in response to His word?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to heed Your warnings with seriousness and urgency. Give us the wisdom to prepare our hearts and lives according to Your word, so we may find safety and peace in Your promises. Amen.

Closing Verse

“For it is the day of the LORD’s vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.” – Isaiah 34:8 (KJV)

November 2, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

40

“But the days of Noah were forty days on the earth, and the waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth.” – Genesis 7:17 (NKJV)

Introduction:

In many cultures and religions, numbers often carry symbolic meanings. In the Bible, the number 40 is of particular significance. It typically represents periods of testing, trial, or probation.

Key Point Summary:

The biblical significance of the number 40 shows us that after periods of trials and testing, there’s often a new beginning or transformation.

Devotional:

The number 40 appears numerous times in the Scriptures. Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments. The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. And as our verse above tells us, it rained for 40 days and nights during the flood in Noah’s time. Each instance was a time of testing and spiritual preparation for a new phase or mission.

“And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.” – Matthew 4:2 (NKJV)

Contextual Insight:

In the ancient Near East, numbers often carried symbolic rather than strictly numerical value. The number 40, commonly found in the Bible, usually denotes a period of probation or testing. It’s a time of preparation for what’s next, whether that’s entering the Promised Land, embarking on a public ministry, or the world starting afresh after the flood.

Personal Reflection:

Have you ever faced a prolonged period of trial or testing in your life? What transformations or new beginnings came from that experience?

Practical Application:

1. Identify a current challenge and commit to facing it for the next 40 days.
2. Set aside time for reflection and prayer during these 40 days.
3. Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor.

Prayer:

Lord, as we reflect on the significance of the number 40 in Your Word, we seek Your guidance during our times of testing. May we find strength in Your promises and see the transformations You have in store for us. Amen.

Conclusion:

Though challenges and trials may seem endless, they often serve as periods of spiritual growth and transformation. Embrace these moments, trusting in God’s plan and the new beginnings that await.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Further Reading:

Exodus 34:28, Numbers 14:34, Ezekiel 4:6

Faith Notes:

It’s remarkable to note how the number 40 isn’t just a random number in the Bible. Its recurrence signifies a divine orchestration and a deeper meaning for us to grasp.

Reader Participation:

Have you encountered a significant ’40’ in your life? Perhaps a milestone, challenge, or period of growth? Share your stories, and let’s inspire one another with the transformative power of perseverance and faith.

“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)