Deuteronomy 7; Psalm 90; Isaiah 35; Revelation 5

My identity in Christ is probably the most important part of my walk with Jesus. When it is threatened, I can go into places of despair quite easily. God’s Word and His promises are the hopes that sustain me during these times and today is no exception.

 Do this because you belong to the Lord your God. From all the peoples on earth he chose you to be his own special people. Remember that the Lord your God is the only God and that he is faithful. He will keep his covenant and show his constant love to a thousand generations of those who love him and obey his commands. So do not be afraid of these people. The Lord your God is with you; he is a great God and one to be feared. – Deuteronomy 7:6,9,21 GNT

I am holy to God, He chose me to be His and I am special to Him. God is so faithful and wants me to love Him and follow Him. I do not have to be afraid for God walks with me.

It is helpful to get inside the prayer life of so many great leaders in the Bible and the prayer of Moses in Psalm 90 is no exception.

I come away with these thoughts – I know God’s hand is on me and it causes me to be full of faith. In Him I am secure. God never fails, never changes, is the same for ever. God calls me by my name and how can I resist such grace. He teaches me the value of time and that my real place is in eternity. So I take time to repent and ask for forgiveness for my sins, for not engaging in His Word and not taking time to pray. I also ask God to fill me with wisdom and I find that He meets me in my quiet time to love me. There is a transforming power that comes from Him working in me. I take on His image more each day. It is His favour on my life that makes His work in me so established.

As I spend time with Him I know that others see the results of that experience when they see my joy.

They will reach Jerusalem with gladness,
singing and shouting for joy.
They will be happy forever,
forever free from sorrow and grief. – Isaiah 35:10 GNT

Chris Tomlin sings a song called “Is He Worthy?” that really expresses my heart. It reaches into the book of Revelation where the call came asking who was worthy to open the scroll.

And I saw a mighty angel, who announced in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” – Revelation 5:2 GNT

The song that was sung was that Jesus was worthy – He is the one who has redeemed by His blood for all peoples everywhere and because of this I am invited to reign with Him.

And sang in a loud voice:

“The Lamb who was killed is worthy
    to receive power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,
    honor, glory, and praise!” – Revelation 5:12 GNT

My prayer today Jesus is no different – You are Worthy!

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

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Leviticus 11-12; Psalm 13-14; Proverbs 26; 1 Thessalonians 5

In summarizing the reading from Leviticus 11, I came away realizing I may not be as diligent in my walk with God when it comes to defiling my character. There is a lesson in mortality as the penalty of sin that is illustrated here. The law demanded constant watchfulness. In the same spirit I believe I need to watch and pray.

I would also like to give you my general thoughts on Psalm 13.  I have had times when God seemed distant. Not really sure why even though I could come up with a few thoughts that we may all agree on. There are other times when everything is right and yet God is far away, does not speak, I seek Him but He seems to be hiding.

This is David in Psalm 13. Out of the depths of his heart he repeats five times the haunting cry, “How long?” and “How much longer?” Psalm 13 tells me what to do when God seems distant.

Enough with the summaries, here are three short and to the point orders.

Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 GNT

I spent some time with the second point – “pray at all times.” This is about maintaining an attitude of prayer, being aware of God’s presence and staying in constant communion and close relationship with the giver of joy.

It is my posture of unceasing dependence on God. I am abiding in, trusting in, depending on and acknowledging His presence in my life at all times.

 Father, You are my joy. When I spend time with You my life is filled with joy. “I rely on your constant love; I will be glad, because you will rescue me. I will sing to you, O Lord, because you have been good to me.” How many times has something not supposed to go right and yet You stepped in and made sure I was safe, cared for and protected. For all those times I missed You doing what You do best, I thank you. You are the difference in my life and You matter most. I love You.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)