30th
Understanding, Wisdom, and Discernment
Text: I Kings 3:9 (KJV) “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?*”
King Solomon did not ask God for riches and pleasures, but instead asked God for an understanding heart, discernment between good and bad, and wisdom to rule God’s people. Christians should not be absorbed with having the biggest house on the block, the latest technology, and latest “toys.” We should follow Solomon’s example and ask for understanding of the scriptures, wisdom to live our lives, and discernment between good and evil. Having these three things will also give us the correct view of God and will stop all our false views of God, like seeing him as traffic cop ready to give us a citation or illness for doing wrong. God is our loving Heavenly Father. Let us seek his good gifts of love, grace, and mercy in addition to understanding, wisdom and discernment.
Worship Song (“Give Me, O Lord, Right Views of Thee”): “Give me, O Lord, right views of Thee, Thy glorious nature, love, and might; And draw my spirit’s eyes to see, The things concealed from mortal sight; And in the soul which Thou hast wrought, O breathe the understanding thought.”
29th
Praise God, Even when Your Enemies are Attacking
Text: Psalm 57:5(KJV) “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.”
While fleeing from his enemy King David stopped and asked for God to be exalted above the heavens. When we are attacked by enemies like the world, our flesh, the devil, sickness, too many bills, job stress, angry co-workers, or belligerent people, let us stop and praise God and ask for Him to be gloried and exalted throughout our attack. When we cry, “HELP, LORD!” Guess what? He comes to our rescue.
Worship Song (“Above the Heavens Be Exalted, O God,” Words and music by Helen Green(c) 1997): “I will praise You, O Lord, I will praise You among the nations, I will sing of You, I will sing of You among the people; For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens. Your faithfulness, Your faithfulness reaches the skies.” Chorus: “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, Let your glory be over all the earth, Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, Let your glory be over all the earth.”
28th
Never be Afraid to Speak about Jesus
Text: Acts 18:9-10(KJV) “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, `Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.’ ”
The Lord came to the Apostle Paul in a vision at night and told him not to be afraid to speak about Him and proclaim the good news of the Gospel. At times we may be afraid of how our neighbors, co-workers, friends, or family members will react if we speak about Jesus, or pray for them. We must stop and remember that Jesus tells us, “Be not afraid and hold not thy peace.” This means we are not to be ashamed of Him ever!
Worship Song (“Never Be Afraid”): “Never be afraid to speak for Jesus, Think how much a word can do; Never be afraid to own your Savior, He Who loves and cares for you.” Refrain: “Never be afraid, never be afraid, Never, never, never; Jesus is your loving Savior, Therefore never be afraid.”
27th
LORD, Lighten the Darkness
Text: 2 Samuel 22:29(KJV) “For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.”
King David sang praises to God and asked God to be his lamp and lighten the darkness. The Bible also says that God’s Word is a lamp unto our path and light unto our feet. So today, if all the sin and darkness in this world gets you discouraged or feeling hopeless, stop, don’t give up, and go to the Bible for your Light in the darkness.
Worship Song (“Lighten the Darkness”): “Lighten the darkness of our life’s long night, Through which we blindly stumble to the day, Shadows mislead us; Father, send Thy light, To set our footsteps in the homeward way.”
26th
I Will Call upon the LORD
Text: 2 Samuel 22:4 (KJV) “I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”
King David sang praises to God for delivering him from all his enemies. It was God who fought for David. Today, do not let your three enemies, the world, your flesh, and the devil defeat you and make you hopeless. Instead, call upon the LORD and be hopeful in Him.
Worship Song (“I Will Call upon the LORD”): “I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised, So shall I be saved from my enemies. The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock, And let the God of my salvation be exalted.”
25th
The Way to Handle Unjust Criticism–Look up to God
Text: 2 Samuel 16:12 (KJV) “It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.”
King David was cursed and criticized by Shimei. When we experience people gossiping about us, or unjustly criticizing us, we want to “get our “Mr. T. on” and say, “I pity the fool who messes with me.” Brothers and sisters, we must stop trying to defend ourselves and model King David. Let us look upward to God daily to be our Defender.
Hymn (“Looking Upward Everyday”): “Looking upward every day, Sunshine on our faces; Pressing onward every day, Toward the heavenly places.”
24th
Ready to Serve the LORD and Others
Text: 2 Samuel 15:15 (KJV) “And the king’s servants said unto the king, `Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.’ ”
King David’s servants said to him that they were ready to do what their King appointed. As Christians, we have Jesus as both Savior and King over our lives. We are honored and blessed to be in the service of this Highest King, so we obey through love and gratitude. Be ready to do everything God asks of you joyfully, and your rewards will be truly great!
Hymn (“Ready”): “Ready to suffer grief or pain, Ready to stand the test, Ready to stay at home and send others if He sees best.” Refrain: “Ready to go, ready to stay, Ready my place to fill, Ready for service, lowly or great, Ready to do His will.”
23rd
Adultery, Flee from it, Before You Fall in it’s Pit
Text: 2 Samuel 11:2-5 (KJV) “And it came to pass in an evening tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, `Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?’ And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, `I am with child.’ ”
King David sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba. Christian men and women are often quick to throw judgment on King David and Bathsheba. Before we do that, we need to step back and ask ourselves, “Do we commit adultery in our hearts by lusting after another man or woman who is not our spouse?” That’s how it started with David. We need to keep away from not only pornography, but also lustful music videos, magazines, soap operas, and even close relationships with someone of the opposite sex, especially at work or in our neighborhood. Adultery is a sin against God and badly damages many people–your spouse, your children, and even your own body and mind. Flee today, there’s no other way!
Song (“How David, When by Sin Deceived”): “How David, when by sin deceived, From bad to worse went on! For when the Holy Spirit’s grieved, Our strength and guard are gone.”
22nd
Leave Your Burdens There at Jesus’ Feet
Text: Psalm 55:22 (KJV) “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
King David encourages us to cast our burdens upon the LORD and He will sustain us. So, my encouragement to us today is that if we are feeling overwhelmed with bills, bills, and bills, high costs of gas and food, pressures at work, loneliness, etc. we need to stop despairing and cast all of our cares upon the LORD. He will strengthen and sustain us. In closing, here is the story behind today’s hymn. A fellow who was a constant worrier visited Mr. Charles A. Tindley (writer of today’s hymn). After listening to him for a while, Tindley said, “My advice to you is put all your troubles in a sack, take ’em to the Lord, and leave ’em there.”
Song (“Leave It There”): “If the world from you withholds of its silver and its gold, And you have to get along with meager fare, Just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird; Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.” Refrain: “Leave it there, leave it there, Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out. Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”
21st
My Chains Fell Off and I Want to Keep Them Off
Text: Acts 12:7 (KJV) “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, `Arise up quickly.’ And his chains fell off from his hands.”
The Apostle Peter had his chains loosed by an angel and was freed from the prison. Jesus has freed us from the chains of sin and the prison that lasts for all eternity for those who reject Him, namely “The Lake of Fire.” God daily keeps the chains of sin off us as we love and obey Jesus.
Song (“And Can it be That I Should Gain?,” Verse 4): “Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray— I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.” Refrain: “Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?”
20th
Blest, Blest Forever
Text: 2 Samuel 7:29 (KJV) “Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.”
King David asked for God’s blessing in his life and with his progeny. We are blessed forever not because of who we are but because of Who we know and have a relationship with. That relationship is with Jesus, Our Savior and Lord. As an aside, do not be led to think that if you follow Jesus you will be blessed to have the newest car and biggest mansion in your neighborhood, and if you do not have these things you are not blessed. In following Jesus we may have abundant physical blessings, but these are very much secondary to our spiritual blessings and our gift of eternal life. If we are faithful to God in this life, we will receive rewards in heaven that are greater than anything on this earth. Yes, we are blest, blest forever!
Song (“Blest, Blest Forever”): “Only a little while, sowing and reaping, Only a little while, our vigil keeping; Then we shall gather home, no more to sever, Clasped in eternal love, blest, blest forever.” Refrain: “Blest, blest forever, No more to sever, Clasped in eternal love, Blest, blest forever.”
19th
The Secret of Success
Text: 2 Samuel 5:10 (KJV) “And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD GOD of Hosts was with him.”
What was the source of King David’s greatness and success? King David went on and grew great because “The LORD GOD of Hosts was with him.” If you want to be successful and have true joy in your life do not depend on yourself, a denomination, any self-help book, a relative, a spouse, friends, or even your pastor. Instead go to God. Be near Him at all times, humble yourself before Him, and learn to do and say all things to please Him. Then you will truly be successful.
Song ( “God is Always Near Me”): “God is always near me, Hearing what I say; Knowing all my thoughts and deeds, All my work and play.”
18th
Faithful Friend
Text: 2 Samuel 1:26 (KJV) “I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.”
Here David mourns the death of his close friend, Jonathan. This verse has been badly misused to imply that David and Jonathan had a homosexual relationship. This is a tawdry distortion of a strong bond of friendship between two men. Jonathan and David each considered the other a true brother. The vast majority of close relationships between persons of the same sex are normal. Do you have a close person (or persons) of the same sex with whom you have a Godly relationship of prayer, comfort, and encouragement? Praise God if you do!
Song (“Faithful Friend,” by Twila Paris and Steven Curtis Chapman): “I will be an open door that you can count on, Anywhere you are, Anywhere you’ve been. I will be an honest heart you can depend on. I will be a faithful friend.”
17th
The True Source of Encouragement
Text: I Samuel 30:6 (KJV) “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”
David was greatly distressed because the people wanted to use him as a “scapegoat,” or source of blame, because their sons, daughters, and wives were taken by the enemy. David did not pick up the latest self-help book or drown his sorrows in a bottle of booze, but he encouraged himself in The Lord, his God! So today, if you need encouragement, go to God, read his Holy Word, pray to Him, and wait for Him to be your Rock!
Song (“I Go to the Rock,” by Dottie Rambo): “Where do I go? When there’s nobody else to turn to; Who do I talk to? When nobody wants to listen; Who do I lean on? Oh, When there is no foundation stable; I go to the rock, I know He is able, I go to the rock.” Chorus: “I go to the Rock of my Salvation I go to the Stone that the builders rejected; I run to the mountain; And the mountain He stands by me; When the Earth all around me is sinking sand; On Christ the solid rock I stand; When I need a shelter, I go to the Rock.”
16th
Grace upon Grace–God’s Grace
Text: John 1:16-17 (KJV) “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
I have spent much time thinking about God’s grace towards me and how I am truly blessed to receive “grace for grace,” which means “grace upon grace,” or “abundant grace” from God. The word “grace” here is the Greek word, charis, which is interpreted as “the Divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in one’s life.” It means, “being acceptable to God.” There is an acrostic which conveys the meaning of grace. It is, G-od’s, R-iches, A-t, C-hrist’s, E-xpense. Let me encourage each of us to stop today and thank God for His abundant grace, and share this with others so they, too, can know the grace and peace of God in their turmoil!
Hymn (“Grace, Greater than our Sin”): “Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured, There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.” Refrain: “Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin.”
15th
More like the Master
Text: Psalm 51:10 (KJV) “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
This is King David’s prayer seeking God’s forgiveness after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Sometimes even Christians are quick to verbally attack King David for his failings, when Jesus Himself said that if we lust or have anger in our hearts, we have committed adultery and murder. Even when we are at “our best” as we may think, we still need to be more like the Master, Jesus. Why not take a few minutes today and say, “Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and make me more like You today!”
Hymn (“More like the Master”): “More like the Master I would ever be, More of His meekness, more humility; More zeal to labor, more courage to be true, More consecration for work He bids me do.” Refrain: “Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone; Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own. Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore, Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.”
14th
Worship God Only
Text: Acts 10:25-26 (KJV) “And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, `Stand up; I myself also am a man.’ ”
Cornelius tried to fall down and worship the Apostle Peter. The Ten Commandment, The Old Testament Law, Jesus, and, here, the Apostle Peter, tell us that we are to worship God, and Him alone. Do not worship a false religion, a person, an object, a sport, or a celebrity, etc.! Worship only the triune God: God the Father; Jesus the Son; and The Holy Spirit the Helper.
Hymn (“O Worship the King”): “O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing his power and his love; Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.”
13th
He has Delivered Me out of all Tribulation
Text: I Samuel 26:24 (KJV) “And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation.”
David assured his beloved friend Jonathan that God would deliver him from all his tribulations even though he was on the run for his life from Jonathan’s wicked father, King Saul. God is our faithful deliverer. He sent his Son Jesus to deliver us from all sin, the sting of death, and the power of the grave. He delivers us from all our tribulation if we but call out his Name, Jesus!
Hymn (“Deliver Me from Evil”): “Deliver me from evil, preserve me, Lord, from wrong; Against the foes that gather, be Thou my Helper strong; From those who plot to hurt me and spread the treacherous snare, Preserve me, Lord, and keep me safeguarded in Thy care.”
12th
Strengthen and Encourage the Brethren
Text: I Samuel 23:16 (KJV) “And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.”
Jonathan, the son of King Saul, encouraged and strengthened his friend David in the things of God when David was on the run for his life from Jonathan’s own father. Do you know someone who is feeling down, depressed, discouraged, or ill? Why not take time and e-mail, call, write, or visit that person and “encourage and strengthen” him or her in the things of God. Give comfort in the same way that God and others have provided you in your times of illness or struggle.
Hymn (“Strengthen for Service, Lord”): “Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands, That holy things have taken; Let ears that now have heard thy songs, To clamor never waken.”
11th
God be with You till We Meet Again
Text: I Samuel 20:23 (KJV) “And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.”
David told his beloved friend Jonathan that God would watch over them forever, even when they were apart. I have some dear friends that I miss so much. I woke up this morning with this thought: “Even though we miss those who are apart from us, as Christians, we will get to see one another forever in heaven. So, do not be sad if the miles distance you from friends and family. God will be with you, my friends, until we meet again!
Hymn (“God Bb with You till We Meet Again”): “God be with you till we meet again; By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.” Refrain: “Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again.”
10th
God Can and Will Deliver You from all Your Enemies
Text: I Samuel 17:37 (KJV) “David said moreover, `The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said unto David, `Go, and the LORD be with thee.’ ”
David said he was not afraid of Goliath because God would deliver and protect him. Are you fearful today due to an enemy whether financial, spiritual, or even flesh and blood? Do not fear my beloved brother or sister as God can and will deliver you from your enemy. All you have to do is call out to Him in prayer.
Hymn (“By Whom was David Taught,” Verse 5): “But unbelief, self will, Self righteousness, and pride, How often do they steal My weapon from my side! Yet David’s Lord, and Gideon’s Friend, Will help His servant to the end.”
9th
A Fool Will Lose it All
Text: I Samuel 13:13 (KJV) “And Samuel said to Saul, `Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.’ ”
Because of Saul’s disobedience and foolish acts, God spoke to Samuel and said that God had taken away the kingdom of Israel from Saul. We need to turn from our foolish ways. We may not lose our salvation, but if we persist in loving things of this world, and/or fellowshipping with children of darkness over children of light, God will take away our rewards in heaven. All our works will be burnt up as “wood and hay and stubble.” We may be saved but have no “rewards/crowns” to cast at Jesus’ feet. What a sorrowful feeling that will be!
Hymn (“Turn Back, O Man”): “Turn back, O man, forswear thy foolish ways. Old now is earth, and none may count her days. Yet thou, her child, whose head is crowned with flame, Still wilt not hear thine inner God proclaim, `Turn back, O man, forswear thy foolish ways.’ ”
8th
This is My Father’s World
Text: Psalm 50:12b (KJV) “…for the world is Mine, and the fulness thereof.”
The world belongs to God. Why does this world belong to God? Because He is God and He is the Creator of heaven and earth. Be a good steward of God’s creation and worship God and thank Him daily for creating you, the earth, and the universe!
Hymn (“This is My Father’s World”): “This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears, All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought, Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.”
7th
A Bold Witness
Text: Acts 4:20 (KJV) “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
The religious leaders threatened and tried to silence the Apostles Peter and John from “preaching and teaching in Jesus’ name.” Peter and John had such zeal for Jesus that they stated, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Jesus said if we confess Him as our Savior and LORD before men and women here on earth, He will confess us as his disciples before the Father in heaven. Do not let any coworker, neighbor, family member, friend, or foe tell you that you need
to not speak for Jesus. Also, if you get any rewards in this life, remember to give God, “all the praise, honor, and glory.”
Hymn (“Speak for Jesus”): “Speak for Jesus; He hath touched you, Raised you from the death of sin; Use for Him the life He gives you; Rise, and precious jewels win!” Refrain: “Arise and speak! Arise and speak! Christ is listening now above; Arise and speak for Him who saves you, Arise and speak for Him you love!”
6th
We Need another Heart–God’s Heart
Text: I Samuel 10:9 (KJV) “And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.”
God gave King Saul another heart to lead Israel: God’s heart. God calls us to faith in His Son Jesus Christ and then his Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts and gives us Godly emotions, and the right things to say and do. When we have another heart–God’s heart–we love Him, serve Him, and help those in need. Let us pray today, “Create in me a clean, clean heart, O God.”
Hymn (“Heart, and Mind, Possessions, Lord”): “Heart and mind, possessions, Lord, I offer unto Thee; Thou art the Way, the Truth; Thou art the Life. Sinful, I commit myself unto Thee. Jesus Christ is filling all the heart of me. He can give me victory o’er all that threatens me. Jesus Christ is filling all my heart.”
5th
I Don’t Want any King but Jesus
Text: I SAMUEL 8:7 (KJV) “And the LORD said unto Samuel,’Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.’ ”
Israel rejected God from being their king and chose a human king named Saul. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we also need to take Him as our LORD (King) over our lives. No human can give us the wisdom , guidance, and provision that King Jesus can. I don’t want any king or queen over my life, but King Jesus!
Hymn (“King of My Life, I Crown Thee Now): “King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget thy thorn crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.” Refrain: “Lest I forget Gethsemane, Lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary.”
4th
Worship God, Not Idols
Text: I Samuel 5:1-7 (KJV) “And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod. When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. . . The hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof. And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, `The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.’ ”
The Philistines stole the Ark of God and tried to submit it to their fish god, Dagon. God cut up the heathen idol so that only a stump was left. God also struck the Philistines with “emerods,” which may have been bubonic plague. From this, God wants us to learn never to worship idols. Anything can be an idol, be it your job, your possessions, your family, your hobbies, and even organized religion. Put nothing ahead of almighty God!
Hymn (“God Eternal, Mighty King”): “God eternal, mighty King, Unto Thee our praise we bring; All the earth doth worship Thee; We amid the throng would be. Holy, holy, holy! Cry Angels, round Thy throne on high, Lord of all the heav’nly pow’rs, Be the same loud anthem ours.”
3rd
Speak, LORD for Thy Servant Heareth
Text: I Samuel 3:10 (KJV) “And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, `Samuel, Samuel.’ Then Samuel answered, `Speak; for thy servant heareth.’ ”
Samuel had thought that Eli was calling him out of his sleep, so Samuel went to Eli. Eli told Samuel that it was God calling Samuel, and he instructed Samuel how to reply. God is calling you and me today to do his will, to love Him above all others, and to serve Him and our fellow human beings. So, when you pray each day, spend some time in silent meditation and say, “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”
Hymn (“Speak, O LORD, Thy Servant Heareth”): “Speak, O Lord, Thy servant heareth, To Thy Word I now give heed; Life and spirit Thy Word beareth, All Thy Word is true indeed. Death’s dread pow’r in me is rife; Jesus, may Thy Word of Life, Fill my soul with love’s strong fervor, That I cling to Thee forever.”
2nd
Thy God is My God
Text: Ruth 1:16 (KJV) “And Ruth said, `Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.’ ”
Ruth told Naomi, her mother-in-law, that even though Ruth’s husband was dead, she did not want to leave Naomi. She also wanted Naomi’s people to be her people and more importantly the God of Naomi (The Only True God) to be her God. I believe that the secret to happy homes and happy friendships are the marriages and friendships where both spouses and all friends are bonded in Christian unity. Jesus’ brother James went so far as to say, “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.” Let us have our marriages and friendships centered around our faith in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit.
Hymn (“Entreat Me Not to Leave Thee”): “Entreat me not to leave thee, My heart goes with thee now; Why turn my footsteps homeward? No friend so dear as thou! Thy heart has borne my sorrow, And I have wept for thine; And now how can I leave thee? Oh, let thy lot be mine.” Refrain: “Entreat me not to leave thee, Entreat me not to leave thee, Or to return from following after thee; For where thou goest I will go, And where thou lodgest I will lodge; Thy people shall be my people, And thy God my God, Thy people shall be my people, And thy God my God.”
1st
A Mighty Fortress is our God”
Text: Psalm 46:1 (KJV) “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
This Psalm may have been written when the Assyrian army was getting ready to attack Jerusalem. The writer said to the people of Israel, “Do not fear, God is our refuge and strength, [our] very present Help in trouble.” Today, as Christians, we need to run to God, our eternal strength and fortress during the trials and temptations that are thrown our way by our three enemies, the world, our flesh, and the devil. Only God can protect us and guide us, so run to Him no matter what time of day or night that you are attacked.
Hymn (“A Mighty Fortress is our God”): “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.”