Enduring with the Lord's Help |
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Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. — Psalm 70:1-2 |
Read Psalms 69-71 David's psalms are a continual returning to urgent petitions. He asks God to hear him, to listen to him, to save him, and to be with him. He is often very desperate for deliverance. If not deliverance, then to know and sense God's presence is with him. If not to save him, then to please, please give him strength so that he does not faint and lose heart altogether. David complains about his enemies again. They seek his body, to see him weary in pain and suffering. They seek his life, to see it in ruin, destruction, and even death. They seek his soul, to torment him and disturb his mind. They are cruel and devious, and attempt to convince him to give up on God, to turn to immoral and wicked ways to save himself. Though David was indeed impoverished and unable to make ends meet, he cried out to God for help, maybe through teeth clenched tightly. He knew God was his only hope. He reminded God of the many times He had rescued him before. In so doing, he was also reminding himself. He begged God for rescue, but in the meantime, he begged God to just be with him, to give him strength to hold on, and that God would do so quickly. His grip on God surely slipped from time to time while being tossed to and fro. |
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If you are not facing physical enemies, you are surely facing spiritual enemies. Again, it is helpful to remember, especially when you find yourself in the wilderness, you have a very real Enemy who seeks to destroy. He is ever prowling around, searching for those he can devour. He seeks your body, to see it in pain and suffering. He seeks your life, to see it in ruin, pushing for physical and spiritual death. He seeks your soul, to torment you and to disturb your mind. He is cruel, utterly evil, and devious, and wants nothing more than to tempt you to turn away from God and turn to the world for your answers, or even more, to just give up and give in to sin. David admitted he was desperately poor and needy. Reminding God of all the times He had come through for David in the past, honored Him. These are the words and the pleas of a person of faith. If you are spiritually destitute and having a hard time making ends meet, believe it or not, you are in a very good place. Take your prayers to a God with infinite mercy, who does not despise the heavy sighs of a broken heart. On the contrary, He has pronounced His blessing over those who are poor in spirit, and joy can be found in the simple pursuit, as God is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. - And if searching for God and praising Him becomes your continual habit, God will be magnified.
Lord, when I meditate upon all the times You have blessed me and rescued me just in the nick of time, I am girded up in my faith knowing You have been so faithful. I am also reminded not to get secure in myself or my circumstances, but to stay close to You. Thunderstorms and tornadoes are seasonal. They'll likely be coming around again. If You choose not to remove me from the path of these storms, please walk with me through them that I might not faint and be swallowed whole. Are you lost and God is nowhere in sight? How much time have you spent looking for Him? Maybe it's time to double down and press in further until you find Him. Excerpted with permission from 10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms copyright Zondervan. * * * |
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| You're going to be okay because God is here for you, just waiting for your call. Remind Him that you are poor and needy. Remind Him of all the times He has saved you before. In so doing, you will remind yourself! Come share your thoughts on our blog. We want to hear from you! |
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Just a few minutes in the Bible every day can set your whole day on a wonderful course |
10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms |
$12.99 $7.14 (45% off) + FREE shipping on all orders $35 and more |
Embrace your time with the Lord, no matter how busy you are! 10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms offers encouraging insights and meaningful reflections in just 10 minutes. For the days when you most need the presence of God, 10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms is the perfect way to grow in your faith that fits into your busy schedule. This devotional invites you into the Psalms, a place of praise and reflection. Realign your heart with God's as you read through the Scripture and spend just a few minutes with Him. Whether you're on a quick lunch break, between classes, or relishing some peace and quiet during nap time, 10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms gives you what you need to keep going. Just 10 minutes a day will guide you into Psalms, helping you feel closer to God and His Word. With a beautifully designed interior, 10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms is small enough to easily slip into a backpack, handbag, or diaper bag. Keep it on hand for whenever you have a spare moment to connect with the Lord. |
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"I have really enjoyed reading Psalms and Proverbs. I find them very comforting and very knowledgeable. Truly happy with my purchase." - Chantal B. |
"I think this is an excellent gift or you can use it yourself for your devotionals each day. It is nicely put together so you read the word and then read the poem/application or song that goes right along with the devotion. The table of contents is also helpful so if you have a particular burden, you can go to that devotion and read it for that day such as "Persevere in Praise" or "History Reveals the Hand of God". A great buy!!" - Barb S. |
"This is a lovely little book and would make a great gift. You need a Bible so you can read the Psalms but the devotions are thoughtful and meditative. Each devotion certainly gives you things to think about, as well as being a learning tool. Very nice." - Jan B. |
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| 10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs |
This devotional invites you into Proverbs, the book of wisdom. Realign your heart with God's as you read through the Scripture and spend just a few minutes with Him. Whether you're on a quick lunch break, between classes, or relishing some peace and quiet during nap time, 10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs gives you what you need to keep going. Just 10 minutes a day will bring you closer to God and learning His Word. |
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| 10 Minutes in the Word: John |
10 Minutes in the Word: John invites you to delve into the gospel of John, the book where Jesus' love for us is most fully explained. Whether you're on a quick lunch break, between classes, or relishing some peace and quiet during your down time, 10 Minutes in the Word: John will bring you closer to God and understanding His heart. |
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We were never meant to live this lonely. ~ Jennie Allen Join author & Bible teacher Jennie Allen for the Find Your People Online Bible study this summer! There is a way to live life less lonely & God's plan for you is to build a culture of community in every part of your life. So, grab your people and let's reclaim God's vision for community together. |
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