7 posts tagged “guidance”

THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

Jun 17, 2009
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IN THE BEGINNING GOD

Read Genesis 1:1–2:2, John 1:1–4

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. Genesis 1:3 NIV

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"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (John 1:1–3 NKJV)

We worship a God who brought forth an entire universe just by speaking. He is so powerful, and yet Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”(Matthew 10:30) There is nothing that concerns me that He misses or ignores. This same Lord of the universe ─ Father, Son and Holy Spirit ─ will be with me throughout eternity.

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Thank You, Lord, that nothing in my life goes unnoticed by You. As I marvel in the matchless beauty of the moon and stars on a cloudless night, how comforting it is to know that You see me. No matter how hectic life is, as I hurry about from day to day, You are always there to listen and guide my steps – And You will be there when my life on earth is completed and my faith becomes sight. For then I will see the “God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)

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"You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O LORD." Psalm 139:2–4 NIV

THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON

Nov 12, 2008
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WORDS OF WISDOM

Read Proverbs 1

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair– Proverbs 1:1-3 NIV

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When young King Solomon began to reign, God appeared to him in a dream saying, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5) Solomon, citing his youth and lack of experience requested, “give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”(1 Kings 3:9)

This humble request pleased God because Solomon placed wisdom above wealth and honor. God granted his request and told him, “I will give you what you have not asked for–both riches and honor–so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” (1 Kings 3:13) Solomon’s wise sayings have been recorded in the book of Proverbs, benefiting generations of believers.

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Lord, I too acknowledge my need for wisdom. Sometimes the choices are large ones, needing extended prayer and insight–but most are the daily little choices that will add up to a significant direction for our family. I come to You this morning for fresh insight from Your Word.

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Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge… Proverbs 1:5,7a NIV

WHY HAS THIS HAPPENED?

May 28, 2008
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[31]

GIDEON

Read Judges 6–7

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?" Judges 6:12 13 NIV

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For seven years God had allowed the Midianites to attack Israel, and they so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help. (6:6) Israel had repeatedly returned to idolatry, followed by defeat and desperate prayers for help. Then God would send a leader to deliver them from their enemies. Once again God listened to their cry, and this time, His choice of a deliverer was a young man named Gideon.

The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon saying, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." Surprised by this greeting, Gideon questioned, "If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?” Gideon could not understand how God was going to use him–the youngest member of his family in the smallest tribe–to lead Israel to victory. The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have…Am I not sending you?" (6:13–14)

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Lord, like Gideon, sometimes we don’t understand why certain things happen the way they do. But I know that You have promised never to leave or forsake us. Give us the faith to trust Your provision in our lives, even when we cannot see how You are going to do it.

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Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJ

THE JORDAN RIVER

May 14, 2008
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Read Joshua 3:1–4:24

"In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them… 'The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea.'” Joshua 4:21–23 NIV

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The people Joshua was called to lead had not experienced the miracle at the Red Sea. They had heard the stories, but now they themselves watched as God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea. No sooner had the priests set their feet on dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before. (Joshua 4:18b)

Later at Gilgal, Joshua took twelve stones and set them up as a memorial. Then he spoke to the people saying: "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What are these stones?' then you shall let your children know saying… 'The LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over'… that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever." (Joshua 4:21–24 NKJV)

We can never overestimate the importance of teaching our children what God has done. When they love and serve the Lord, our own influence will be multiplied many times over – but if we fail to pass on our faith, no other ministry will make up for the personal loss.

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Lord, help us to find “stones of remembrance” that will serve as object lessons for our children. Give us thankful hearts to acknowledge You in everything we do.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6

MOSES AT THE RED SEA

Apr 20, 2008
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Read Exodus 13:17–14:31

The LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. Exodus 14:21–22 NIV

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When Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go, God instructed Moses to take them the long way around so they wouldn’t face war with the Philistines because, "If they face war,” He said, “they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. (13:17–18) When they came to the Red Sea with the Egyptians pursuing them, it was no surprise that they were terrified.

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Thanks be to God, their salvation was not dependant on their great strength and courage. Moses told the people "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (14:13–14)

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Thank You Lord, that victory does not depend on my own strength. When I am overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, I need only to be still and watch what You are going to do. Like Moses and Miriam I can sing, “The Lord is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.” (Exodus 15:2a)

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"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them …" Exodus 15:13a NIV

THIS SAME JESUS

Mar 20, 2008
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Read: Acts 1:1-11

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He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 NKJV

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After forty days of being with Jesus and rejoicing that He was truly alive, the disciples asked Him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6) He told them that it was not for them to know the times and dates, "But," He said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:7-8)

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Then just when they must have wanted to ask Him many other things, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight! Just imagine how alone they must have felt at that moment. We know now - and they knew in just a few days - that they would not be alone.

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Lord, I praise You that You have given us Your Holy Spirit to guide us. Thank You that Though we cannot see Him, He dwells within us and prays for us according to Your will.

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They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:10-11 NIV

Answered Prayer

Feb 28, 2008
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When Ron and I were first married, He was still a full time student. Two weeks before our wedding we were apartment hunting near Cal State Fullerton. Our budget was very limited, so all the apartments we looked at were depressingly run down or more than we could afford. We stopped for lunch and decided we had better pray about finding the right place to live. After lunch we went to a market for a paper, and as we sat in our car looking at the rental section, a man walked up to our car and asked us if we were looking for an apartment. We followed him to a beautifully landscaped apartment building, newly painted, quiet, two bedrooms, one mile from the college and just the amount we could afford to pay. Over the next month, God directly and speedily answered our prayers for various financial needs. In the years to come we would learn about waiting on the Lord for answers - but I think when we were starting out, He just wanted to point us in the right direction.

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Do you remember a time when God obviously answered a prayer for help and guidance?