Poured Out for the Lord
Numbers 28: While reading about the various offerings the Israelites were instructed to present to the Lord, my eyes were drawn to the command to “pour out the drink offering to the Lord at the Sanctuary” (vs. 7). My first thought was “what a waste”. This “pouring out” seems rather unproductive. This reminds me of my walk with the Lord at times. There are times when I feel that my life has great meaning and I can see the fruits of my “offerings”. But there are many times when it seems that living for the Lord bears no fruit…my prayers seem to be falling on deaf ears. I think the Lord showed me this verse to remind me that no offering to him is ever a waste. I just need to trust him as I pour myself out at his feet whether in prayer or in seemingly insignificant deeds.
Psalm 72: This chapter seems to be about Solomon pouring out (offering) a prayer for his son David. The verse that stands out for me is “He will rescue them from violence and oppression for precious is their blood in his sight” (vs. 14). Lord, help my own children desire to rescue the oppressed and view them as precious. I offer this prayer to you in faith believing that you will give them a heart for the lost.
Isaiah 19 and 20: Even in the midst of the rebellion of Egypt, the Lord sends a sign: “In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them” (vs. 19-20).Thank you, Lord that you give even the most rebellious of people a chance for redemption. Please help me to be willing to build an altar in dark places so that other men can pour out their hearts to you.
But how will they turn to you if I am not becoming more like you on a daily basis?
2 Peter 1: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 5-8). I often get to the self-control stage and blow it, but this too I need to offer to the Lord. Lord, I am weak…please help me to persevere unto godliness. I want to be like you…broken and poured out.
Sherrie, guest blogger
Sixty-six books in a year 