New Every Morning

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
(Lam. 3:22-23)

Relying on God

In Exodus 15, Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise to the Lord for helping them escape Pharaoh. As Moses lifted his staff, the waters of the Red Sea parted, and the Israelites were able to cross on dry ground. All night, the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided with a wall of water on their right and their left. All of the Egyptian horses, chariots and horsemen pursued the Israelites into the sea; as soon as the Israelites were safely crossed, the Lord instructed Moses to stretch his hand back over the sea so that the waters would flow back into place at daybreak. The Israelites saw the great power of God against the Egyptians, feared the Lord, and put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant.

Shortly after this miracle, Moses led them into the Desert of Shur. For three days, they traveled without food or water. When they finally came to a place with water, they couldn't drink it because it was bitter (Marah). They began to grumble and complain. Moses cried to the Lord for help. The Lord showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the bitter water, and it turned sweet, so they could drink it.

Being Tested--What Is It?

The Israelites were beginning a time of testing by God in the wilderness for 40 years until they would reach the border of Canaan, the promised land. They were told to pay attention to the commands of the Lord and keep his decrees, and He would protect them from disease.

In the Desert of Sin, the Israelites were hungry and complained that if only they could still be slaves in Egypt, they would have food to eat! They had already forgotten how far they had come by escaping the Egyptians.

The Lord heard their complaining, and promised to provide them with food. That night, quail appeared for them to eat meat. Then the next morning, a layer of dew covered the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes of bread remained. They said, "What is it?" because they had never seen this strange type of food. Moses told them it was their daily bread the Lord would be providing for them.

They had to gather the bread (manna) every morning. This would be a reminder to them that their provision comes from God. They could only gather what they needed for the day. If they tried to store up extra until morning, it would be covered with maggots and smell. On the sixth day, they were allowed to gather double so they would have plenty for the seventh day (Sabbath), a day of rest.

Application

Even today, much can be learned and applied from this Old Testament story. It is good to acknowledge God as the source of what we have. He gives us rules to humble us and keep us mindful of His power and presence. Even when we trust that our needs will be met, the Lord honors discipline and daily work (gathering food). Sometimes the Lord uses other people in the transaction of needs being met (Moses interceded for drinkable water). If we have enough for today, we should be content (not worry about tomorrow). If we work hard while we can, we can enjoy a day of rest!

ABC's of Christian Faith

As a fun Bible exercise, I tried to remember scripture verses for each letter of the alphabet. It worked for most letters, with some minor exceptions, especially depending on which Bible translation was used.

While I was searching online for images, I found a "Gospel Alphabet" already done! It was shared by a blogger at this link. All verses below were found at BibleGateway.com. Enjoy, and come up with another list!

A

"...All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 NASB)

B

"But as many as received Him, to them gave He the right
to become children of God." (John 1:12 NASB)

C

"Create in me a clean heart O God;
and renew a steadfast spirit in me." (Psalm 53:10 NIV)

D

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility
value others above yourselves." (Phillipians 2:3 NIV)

E

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive
to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against
those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:12 NIV)

F

"The fool says in his heart there is no God." (Psalm 53:1 NIV)

G

"God opposes the proud,
but gives favor to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5b NIV)

H

"... Be holy, [God says],
because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16 NIV)

I

Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 NIV)

J

"Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant." (Hebrews 7:22 NASB)

K

"Keep in mind Jesus Christ, risen from the dead." (2 Timothy 2:8)

L

"Let us love one another. Love is from God." (1 John 4:7)

M

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you." (1 Peter 1:2 ESV)

N

"Now without faith it is impossible to to please God." (Hebrews 11:6 HCSB)

O

"Obey your leaders and submit to them." (Hebrews 13:17 HCSB)

P

"Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is
to look after orphans and widows and
keep oneself unspotted by the world." (James 1:27)

Q

"...Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger." (James 1:19 ESV)

R

"...Reject foolish and ignorant disputes,
knowing that they breed quarrels." (2 Timothy 2:23 HCSB)

S

"...Submit to God, resist the Devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 HCSB)

T

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." (Hebrews 13:6)

U

"...Understand what the Lord's will is." (Ephesians 5:17)

V

"...Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord..." (Hebrews 10:30 AMP)

W

"We love because He [God] first loved us." (1 John 4:19 AMP)

X

"Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith." (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Y

"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy people." (1 Peter 2:10)

Z

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep
your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." (Romans 12:11)

Prayer, Faith, and Trusting God

The Importance of Prayer

Jesus taught us to pray in the New Testament. This was the prayer that our church congregation recited every Sunday morning by memory when I was growing up. Today, it still reminds me how I ought to pray, although I often forget.

Matthew 6:9-13, King James Version (KJV)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The Challenge to Pray

I am often too "busy" to pray at length, but I have been recently challenged to spend more time in prayer. I began a list of specific family, friends, projects, personal goals or needs, etc. to pray for during a time I set aside, either during a quiet devotional time or while I am walking. For anyone reading this, join me in this challenge, even if it is only 2-3 times a week at first.

How to Pray

Praying is simply talking to God, either verbally or in one's mind. It acknowledges a relationship with our Creator, and it exercises faith. I recited many prayers as a child during Sunday school or church, and I did believe in God, but it was not until I was 15 that I actually prayed a fervent prayer of faith.

This was a prayer that acknowledged my need for God to be with me, not just an idea but more of a daily source of trust and companionship with the Almighty God. It went something like this:

"God, if You are there, and you truly hear my prayer. I need You to be with me, to save me, and to help me."

The words of the psalm below often remind me of how I felt at one emotional low point:

Psalm 40:2, Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 

He brought me up from a desolate pit,
out of the muddy clay,
and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure.

"Thank you, Lord, for the times when you have delivered me from trials or danger, sadness, or pain. Please continue to guide my steps, and keep me safe in Your presence."

Prayer Guidebook
Our prayers are more effective when we truly believe in the power of prayer, and we pray according to God's will, or biblically (not just for things we want).

I did an online search for prayer resources, and I found this helpful list of scripture references (see the Praying In Victory and Praying Scriptures links below) to use during prayer times, as a reminder of the promises we can claim in the presence of God.

Each page is categorized by need, and it is has been translated in a few other languages. Thank you, PrayingInVictory.com and PrayingScriptures.com for these online websites!

Psalm 145

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12)

Psalm 119 - The Power of God's Word

Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet

(Psalm 119, verses 1-8)

Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!

Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,

who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!

You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.

Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!

Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.

I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!

Psalm 119:14 New Living Translation

"You are my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me."
(Psalm 119:114
The Message Bible)

What the Lord Hates (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The book of Proverbs chapter 6 begins with "Warnings Against Folly," and verses 16-19 speak to the clamoring voices we see and hear daily on the TV or radio. This passage spoke to me this evening as I watched some of the political news coverage before having to turn it off. Heavenly Father, please heal our land.

There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him: 

haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

2 Chronicles 7:11-22 ESV

Psalm 19: The Law of the Lord is Perfect

A psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Titus 3: Learning to Do What is Good

In the first two chapters of Paul's letter to Titus, he gave instructions on how to choose godly church leaders and how members of the church should behave. The societal norms in the first century Roman church were very different than modern society today. I struggled through the second chapter's descriptions of how slaves are to obey their masters, and how women are not permitted to speak. I fully understand why these rules were written as this was the practice at the time and for a slave or woman to rebel, it would be very scandalous.

The true minister of Christ is expected to be pure and beyond reproach, not disobedient or disrespectful, practicing humility while being able to teach others. I am beginning to learn that God can use any one of us, but our roles and methods may be very different.

In Titus 3, Paul describes who we used to be versus who we are in Christ.

AT ONE TIME WE WERE…

Foolish

Disobedient

Deceived

Enslaved by passions and pleasures

Living in malice

Living in envy

Hated and hating one another

"BUT, when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy" (Titus 3:4).

NOW WE ARE TO BE…

Spiritually washed, reborn, and renewed by the Holy Spirit

Heirs (of Abraham) having the hope of eternal life based on our faith in Jesus Christ

Those who trust in God

Careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good

Pursuing things that are excellent and profitable for everyone

BUT AVOID…

Foolish controversies, genealogies & arguments

Quarrels about the law (O.T. law)

Things that are unprofitable and useless

A divisive person, warped & sinful; they are self-condemned

In the first-century church, just as now, our faith and spiritual devotion are daily choices and a spiritual discipline that makes us stronger in our faith as we live by our faith and are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12

In the New Testament, Jesus said there are two commandments that sum up the O.T. law. These can be found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark or Luke,

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

Before Paul closes his letter to Titus, he urges him to remind everyone to devote themselves to doing what is good, "in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives". This is my favorite verse of this chapter. Lord, please help us to provide for others and live productive and fulfilling lives led by our faith and good works--surely, this is true religion, to take care of others and love them.