Cup of Faith - Day 29

Scripture of the Day

Deuteronomy 10:9 - Therefore Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God said to him.

Devotion of the Day

Can you believe that today is our last day for our devotion of the day? It has been a wonderful 60 days together!! Today's devotion is from one of my new favorite sites shortdailydevotions.com.

Have you ever thought about how you will pay for your retirement when you get older? Maybe how long you have to work before your 401k is big enough that you don’t have to work anymore. If you haven’t yet, there will be a day when you do. 

When you are no longer on this Earth, that money you worked hard for and saved up for your whole life will go to your children as an inheritance. It will probably help pay off some debt or buy a new house or car for your kids. 

Inheritances can also rip families apart as they fight for who gets what and how much they get. What a shame that we work so hard and horde so much money for our retirement and an inheritance for our kids when there is the greatest inheritance of all to be fought for as a follower of Jesus.

“When the Lord divided Canaan among the tribes of Israel Levi received no share of the land. God said to him simply, “I am thy part and thine inheritance,” and by those words made him richer than all his brethren, richer than all the kings and rajas who have ever lived in the world. And there is a spiritual principle here, a principle still valid for every priest of the most high God.



The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. 

Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever.” – A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Focus Points for the Day

Question - Are you working to leave a financial inheritance for your children or family members? Have you thought about their spiritual inheritance you can have an influence over?

Action - Live in a way today that your children or nieces or nephews will see that Jesus is the most important thing you are living for!

Cup of Faith - Day 28

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 103:1 -Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalm 103:1

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from John Piper's daily devotional "Solid Joys".

The psalm begins and ends with the psalmist preaching to his soul to bless the Lord—and preaching to the angels and the hosts of heaven and the works of God’s hands. The psalm is overwhelmingly focused on blessing the Lord. What does it mean to bless the Lord? It means to speak well of his greatness and goodness.

What David is doing in the first and last verses of this psalm, when he says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul,” is saying that speaking about God’s goodness and greatness must come from the soul.

Blessing God with the mouth without the soul would be hypocrisy. Jesus said, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). David knows that danger, and he is preaching to himself that it not happen.

Focus Points of the Day

Question - What would it look like to only speak about God's greatness from your lips and not from your soul?

Action - Take time today to look at the greatness and goodness of God.  Bless the Lord with your whole being.

Cup of Faith - Day 27

Scripture of the Day

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -  ¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin  for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is called "Walking Billboard" from the website Our Daily Bread.

Pete Peterson’s first contact with Vietnam was in the Vietnam War. During a bombing raid in 1966, his plane was shot down and he was taken prisoner. Over 30 years later he returned as US Ambassador to Vietnam. One press article called him “a walking billboard for reconciliation.” He realized years ago that God had not saved his life for him to live in anger. Because he believed this, he used the rest of his life and his position to make a difference by pushing for better safety standards for children in Vietnam.

It is a great responsibility and honor to be appointed as a representative of your country to another. As followers of Christ we are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20). Just as God sent Christ to reconcile us to Himself (v.18), we now have the ministry of “reconciliation” (v.19). Our message is that all can be redeemed in Christ because God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (v.21).

In response to the reconciling love Jesus offers us, we can share that love with others. Let’s take our role seriously. Wherever God places us in this world, He can use us as walking billboards of reconciliation for Jesus Christ.

Good news kept silent is no news at all.

Focus Points for the Day 

Question - How are you a walking billboard for Christ?

Action - As you go out into the community today live in a such a way that others will see that you have been redeemed and live differently!

Cup of Faith - Day 26

Scripture of the Day

Mark 10:26-27 - "And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

 

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion entitled "God the True Hero" and is from the website shortdailydevotions.com.

Best sellers in box offices and book stores are filled with stories that mirror this sentiment. We love stories about the victorious underdog, about the person who is told he or she can’t do something, then works harder than everyone else around him or her and accomplishes it. Movies and novels about events like these are often heartfelt, wonderful and uplifting. But what do they really tell us about ourselves?



In today’s text, Jesus clearly stated that there is such a thing as “impossibility” for man “but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” What this means is that ultimately, God is the Hero. We, as His creation, have a part to play in His story, as little “h” heroes. We are the supporting cast that may have a brave scene or a series of profound lines, but in the real story, the real big “H” Hero is God. He graciously brings us into His wonderful story and gives us far more than front row seats, He gave us His Son and His shed blood.

The great thing about not being the hero is that we never have to worry about not being good enough. The true Hero in our life will never fail us like we can and will fail others. Rejoice in our grand Hero, God, from whom all good things flow, and never forget that not even death could hold Jesus.

Remember, the next time you encounter a story about overcoming the impossible, that we model in small what God is in big.

 

Focus Points for the Day

Question - How does it feel knowing that you don't have to worry about being "the hero"...that you don't have to worry about being "not good enough"?

Action - Make a list today of the IMPOSSIBLE things you would like to do WITH GOD. Talk to him about them today.

Cup of Faith - Day 25

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 1:23 - “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”)

John 10:10-11 - ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. This is written from the perspective of Jesus talking to you.

Learn to enjoy life more. Relax, remembering that I am God with you. I crafted you with enormous capacity to know Me and enjoy My Presence. When My people wear sour faces and walk through their lives with resigned rigidity, I am displeased. When you walk through a day with childlike delight, savoring every blessing, you proclaim your trust in Me, your ever-present Shepherd. The more you focus on My Presence with you, the more fully you can enjoy life. Glorify me through your pleasure in Me. Thus you proclaim My Presence to the watching world.

Focus Points for the Day

Question - Do you ever think about your pleasure in God as something that proclaims who God is to the world?

Action - Try to live today with childlike delight...savor the blessings round you...tell the Lord how much you trust in Him. Allow your pleasure in God to shine to the world around you!

Cup of Faith - Day 24

Scripture of the Day

2 Timothy 2:1-7 - You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. ³ Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. ⁷ Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is entitled "Example That Encourages" by Albert Lee from the website Our Daily Bread (odb.org).

The story is told that in the late 1800s a group of European pastors attended D. L. Moody’s Bible conference in Massachusetts. Following their custom, they put their shoes outside their room before they slept, expecting them to be cleaned by hotel workers. When Moody saw the shoes, he mentioned the need to others because he knew their custom. But he was met with silence. Moody collected all the shoes and cleaned them himself. A friend who made an unexpected visit to his room revealed what Moody had done. The word spread, and the next few nights others took turns doing the cleaning.

Moody’s leadership style of humility inspired others to follow his example. The apostle Paul reminded Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:1-2 NIV). 

When we remember that our strength is a result of God’s grace, that keeps us humble. Then in humility we pass on God’s truth by being an example that encourages and inspires others to follow.

Humility is the result of knowing God and knowing yourself.

Focus Points for the Day

Question - Can you think of a leader you have known that lead in a humble way? Did you find that leader easy to follow?

Action - In this devotion we read about one man doing an act of service for others without them knowing it was him. Your challenge for today is to do an act of service for another without them knowing it was you!

Cup of Faith - Day 23

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 16:9 - The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

 

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is entitled "God Draws Crooked Lines" from shortdailydevotions.com.

“The shortest distance between two points is a straight line”. We all learned this in geometry. The problem is, we often try to apply this geometric principle to our lives. We make our lists, set our goals, map out the path to get there and off we go, praying for God’s assistance in getting us there. Everything’s fine as long as it all goes according to plan.

But the truth is, we don’t live in some 2 dimensional, theoretical plane that adheres to these geometric laws. Life is messy. We live in a world of all kinds of forces. Relationships, finances, health issues, fears, desires, sin, injustice, and all kinds of things pulling us in different directions.
So what happens when our straight line from point A to point B is acted upon by all of these other forces? Our lines get crooked, and we don’t like crooked lines.

When our lines get crooked we get upset, disappointed, mad, frustrated, we play the “what if” or “if only” game. We have regrets, we give up, or we get depressed. Sometimes, we feel guilty and feel like we’ve let God down because after all, God draws these neat and tidy little straight lines from point A to point B, right?

Well, if God’s will is this straight line from point A to point B, what about Joseph? He became the most powerful man in Egypt only behind Pharaoh. But Joseph didn’t chart that course and map that out. He didn’t graduate from Egyptville High School with honors and attend the University of Egypt Law School. Nope, let’s see, he made his brothers mad, got thrown in a pit, was sold into slavery, got a good job, got taken advantage of by a bad woman, got thrown in jail, interpreted a dream, was forgotten, got another good job, became rich and powerful and saved his people. That circuitous route wasn’t Joseph’s plan, but it WAS God’s plan, and it took an entire lifetime.

So, maybe we should stop being disappointed that we haven’t gotten from point A to point B and stop feeling like we’ve let God down. Let’s acknowledge that His ways are not our ways and REST in the fact that, those straight lines… WE DREW THOSE… and GOD DRAWS CROOKED LINES.

 

Focus Points of the Day

Question - Have you ever thought about how God draws crooked lines? What is a time when God drew one in your life?

Action - Take a few moments and sketch out a few big life moments and then mark the "crooked line" stops along the way. It will be amazing to see how God used every step...even when it felt out of the way.

Cup of Faith - Day 22

 Scripture of the Day

 

Mark 12:28-34 -  ²⁸ One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
²⁹ “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.^{[a] 30} Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’^{[b] 31} The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[c] There is no commandment greater than these.”
³² “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. ³³ To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
³⁴ When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

 

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is entitled "Power of Simplicity" by Bill Crowder. It is taken from the website "Our Daily Bread" found at odb.org.

Few people take time to study the US Internal Revenue Service income tax regulations—and for good reason. According to Forbes magazine, in 2013 tax codes surpassed the four million-word mark. In fact, the tax laws have become so complex that even the experts have a hard time processing all the regulations. It’s burdensome in its complexity.

The religious leaders in ancient Israel did the same thing in their relationship with God. They made it too complex with laws. The growing burden of religious regulations had increased to the point where even an expert in Moses’ law struggled to understand its core. When one such leader asked Jesus what mattered most in the Commandments, Jesus responded, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31).

The law of Moses was burdensome, but faith in Christ is simple and His “burden is light” (Matt. 11:30). It’s light because God was willing to forgive us and love us. Now He enables us to love Him and our neighbor.

God’s love in our heart gives us a heart for Him and others.

 

Focus Points of the Day

Question - Have you noticed a change in your heart that when you spend more time with the Lord...learning about him and his great love for you..that you have more of a heart for others?

Action - Focus on having a heart for others today. Make a point of trying to meet needs of others with a joyful heart. It might be a stranger at the store or your own kids at home.

Cup of Faith - Day 21

Scripture of the Day 

Psalm 77:14-20 -  

¹⁴ You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples.
¹⁵ With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

¹⁶ The waters saw you, God,
    the waters saw you and writhed;
    the very depths were convulsed.
¹⁷ The clouds poured down water,
    the heavens resounded with thunder;
    your arrows flashed back and forth.
¹⁸ Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
    your lightning lit up the world;
    the earth trembled and quaked.
¹⁹ Your path led through the sea,
    your way through the mighty waters,
    though your footprints were not seen.

²⁰ You led your people like a flock
    by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is entitled "Finding God's Pathway" by David C. McCasland from the website Our Daily Bread (odb.org).

The Channel Tunnel opened on May 6, 1994, nearly two centuries after it was first proposed in 1802 by Napoleon’s engineer, Albert Mathieu. Today the 31-mile passage beneath the English Channel allows thousands of people, cars, and trucks to travel by train each day between England and France. For centuries, people had sailed across the Channel until this surprising new way to go under it was completed.

God planned an unexpected route for His people too—one we read about in Exodus 14:10-22. Faced with certain death, either from Pharaoh’s army or by drowning, the Israelites were near panic. 

But God parted the Red Sea and they walked through on dry land. Years later, the psalm writer Asaph used this event as evidence of God’s mighty power, “Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there! You led Your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds” (Ps. 77:19-20 nlt).

God can create roads where we see only obstacles. When the way ahead of us seems uncertain, it’s good to remember what God has done in the past. He specializes in pathways in any circumstance—pathways that point us to His love and power.

Focus Points for the Day

Question - Have you had a time in your life when God had an unexpected route for you?

Action -  Read this prayer today! Thank You, God, for the miraculous ways You have worked in the past. Help me to remember Your power and faithfulness when I can see only trouble and difficulty. The God who created a way for our salvation can certainly see us through our daily trials.

 

Cup of Faith - Day 20

Scripture of the Day 

Isaiah 55:6-9 - “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is entitled "Which Way Do I Go?" from shortdailydevotions.com

One of the biggest questions every follower of Jesus asks is “What is God’s will for my life?”  We can be reassured from Isaiah 55 that as we seek God, He wants to be found and He wants us to know His path.  We are also challenged by the idea that our desires and the paths we would ordinarily follow may often be radically different from what God desires. This scripture has several implications:

• Our perspective is limited. We cannot see anything beyond what our five senses tell us, right here and right now. We cannot see into people’s hearts around us. We don’t know with certainty what the future holds- not even 10 minutes from now. At any given time, we only see a small part of the big picture.
• Our perspective is broken. Due to selfishness, pride, and everything else that dwells in us under the banner of sin, we have a skewed perspective concerning ourselves and the surrounding world. Our inner compass points us towards what we want. The problem is that what we want may not be what is right and best.
• God’s perspective is perfect. God can see everything going on in the world right now. He sees everything going on in every person’s mind and heart. He views everything from eternity past and in eternity future with one glimpse. Additionally, His path is set on everything that is right and best.

Focus Points of the Day

Question - As you pray about God’s direction for your life, do you let go of what you think you know? 

Action - Today imagine your heart and mind as a blank slate...open to the Lord's writing for your life.

Cup of Faith - Day 19

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 34:15 - The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

 

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is titled "The Upright Thumb" by Jennifer Benson Schuldt from the devotional Our Daily Bread. It can be found at odb.org.

According to an African fable, four fingers and a thumb lived together on a hand. They were inseparable friends. One day, they noticed a gold ring lying next to them and conspired to take it. The thumb said it would be wrong to steal the ring, but the four fingers called him a self-righteous coward and refused to be his friend. That was just fine with the thumb; he wanted nothing to do with their mischief. This is why, the legend goes, the thumb still stands separate from the other fingers.

This tale reminds me that at times we may feel we’re standing alone when wrongdoing surrounds us. 

In Noah’s day, the earth was filled with violence; every thought in every heart was “evil continually” (Gen. 6:5,11). Yet “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (v.8). Fully devoted to God, Noah obeyed Him and built the ark. The Lord, in His grace, spared him and his family.

We too have been shown God’s grace through His Son Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We have every reason to bring Him honor and stand strong for Him in our daily lives. He is always near, even abiding in us, so we never really stand alone. His “ears are open to [our] cry” (Ps. 34:15).

 

It’s easy to stand with a crowd; it takes courage to stand alone.

 

Focus Points of the Day 

Question - Do you ever feel like you are standing alone in your faith?

Action - In our scripture today we are told that God sees the righteous and hears the cries of the righteous. This can be a great comfort to us when we feel like we are standing alone. When you speak to God today know that he hears your prayer. 

Cup of Faith - Day 18

Scripture of the Day

Joshua 1:5 - No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.

 

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from shortdailydevotions.com.

Joshua 1:1-9 is one of the most often quoted, cited, and even commercialized of Old Testament texts; specifically verses six through nine. Here we find the Lord encouraging and emboldening Israel’s new leader using powerful phrases like, “Be strong and courageous,” and that he would “have good success wherever” he went. 

Joshua was to be a great man in Israel, blessed by God and exalted before the people (Joshua 3:7). But when we consider a man or woman of God’s prestige we should never forget about their verse five!

Here’s what we mean: Joshua’s greatness, like Moses’ before him, was to be a direct result of God’s constant presence.

Moses and Joshua may have each grown to be exceptional individuals in their own right, but it was God’s presence that made them great. It was God’s presence that molded them into becoming great leaders of men. God’s presence precedes greatness. God’s presence precedes effectiveness. And it’s God’s presence that precedes anything of eternal worth at all.

Don’t fall for the trap of seeing men and women as great in and of themselves (or seeing yourself that way). Remember, it is by God’s presence and favor first that we can accomplish the work He has set before us. “Be strong and very courageous” is always preceded by a verse five, action is always made both possible and effective by God’s presence first.

 

Focus Points of the Day

Question - Do you fall into the trap of seeing men and women as great in and of themselves?

Action -  Look for your verse five and remain focused on God’s presence in your life today.

Cup of Faith - Day 17

Scripture of the Day

Jeremiah 18:1-6 - This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ² “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” ³ So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. ⁴ But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
           ⁵ Then the word of the Lord came to me. ⁶ He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is from "Our Daily Bread" devotional online odb.org. The title of the devo is called "Broken But Beautiful" by Cindy Hess Kasper.


Recently, my daughter showed me her collection of sea glass. Also known as beach glass, the varied bits of colored glass are sometimes pieces of pottery but often they are pieces of shattered glass bottles.

Originally the glass had a purpose, but then it was casually thrown away and became broken.
If the discarded glass ends up in an ocean, its journey is just beginning. As it is relentlessly tossed about by currents and tides, its jagged edges are ground down by the sand and waves and eventually are smoothed away and rounded off. The result is something beautiful. The jewel-like sea glass has found new life and is treasured by collectors and artists.

In a similar way, a broken life can be renewed when it is touched by God’s love and grace. In the Old Testament, we read that when the prophet Jeremiah watched a potter working, he noticed that if an object was marred the potter simply reshaped it (Jer. 18:1-6). God explained that in His hands the people of ancient Israel were like clay, which He would shape as He saw best.

We are never too badly broken for God to reshape. He loves us in spite of our imperfections and past mistakes, and He desires to make us beautiful.

When melted by trial, we can be fully molded by the Potter....this is the same message that Paul delivers to the church of Corinth. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). God takes the old and broken and fashions it into something new and useful.

Focus Points of the Day

Question - What is something "old and broken" that you need God's help to fashion into something "new and useful"? 

Action - Ask God today to take your broken spots and reshape them into something beautiful. This may be a past mistake, a sin you struggle with or even hurt feelings. Talk to him about today. He has the power to simply reshape your life!

Cup of Faith - Day 16

Scripture of the Day

2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

 

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from the website shortdailydevotions.com.

Notice the phrase breathed out? Some translations render it given by inspiration. These phrases come from the Greek word theopneustos, which is the combination of theos, meaning God, and pneuma, coming from the root pneu, which describes a dynamic movement of air (wow that was a long sentence). There are instances where it can be translated to breathe or emit a fragrance as well. So in this simple phrase, breathed out, there is a depth we don’t often perceive. This word theopneustos then is really the picture of God breathing or emitting His own substance into something. Read how Rick Renner, a great author and teacher, described this word:

“Let me give you this very simple example of the word theopneustos. If I hold a deflated balloon that is without form to my lips and breathe into it, the balloon will inflate. The blowing of my breath into that deflated little piece of rubber causes it to fill up so that its true form becomes visible. When the balloon is fully inflated, I tie a knot at the base to trap the air within. Now the air that filled up the balloon and caused it to take form is the same substance that empowers it to sustain its form. It was my breath that created its form, and it is my breath that now sustains it. And if the molecules inside the balloon were analyzed, it would be found that a part of me is held inside in the form of the air I breathed into it.”

Today, the same essence, energy, and power that breathed out God’s Word still resides in it. God Himself breathed upon men who wrote as He moved in and upon them, and the Scriptures took form. Just as Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us, or took form, so God’s life took form in Scripture and will do the same in us.

Expect God’s word to powerfully move and sustain you today.

 

Focus Points for the Day

Question - Do you expect God's word to move you or sustain you when you read it?

Action - Since the devotion talks about God's breath filling the Word like our breath fills a balloon take this opportunity to either imagine or actually blow up a balloon focusing on this concept. It is a powerful image to capture in our minds.

Cup of Faith - Day 15

Scripture of the Day

John 14:6 -  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Colossians 4:2 -  Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion comes from "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.

Hold my hand, and walk joyously with Me through this day. Together we will savor the pleasures and endure the difficulties it brings. Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you: stunning scenery, bracing winds of adventure, cozy nooks for resting when you are weary, and much more. I am your Guide, as well as your constant Companion. I know every step of the journey ahead of you, all the way to heaven.

You don't have to choose between staying close to Me and staying on course. Since I am the Way, staying close to Me is staying on course. As you focus your thoughts on Me, I will guide you carefully along today's journey.  Don't worry about what is around the next bend. Just concentrate on enjoying My Presence and staying in step with Me. 

Focus Points of the Day

Question - I know we have talked about this in previous devotions but it is worth revisiting. Do you worry about what is around the next bend?

Action - The lesson today says that staying close to God is staying on course. When your thoughts turn to worry about something that "may" happen in the future STOP and try to focus on what we know is true. God knows every step of our journey. He wants to walk with us...hand in hand.  Talk to Him about your concerns. 

Cup of Faith - Day 14

Scripture of the Day 

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion by Dennis Fisher called "Confident Access" comes from the devotional "Our Daily Bread" which can be found at odb.org.

Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island located about a half-mile off the coast of Normandy, France. For centuries it has been the site of an abbey and monastery that has attracted religious pilgrims. Until the construction of a causeway, it was notorious for its dangerous access that resulted in the death of some pilgrims. At low tide it is encompassed by sand banks, and at high tide it is surrounded by water. Accessing the island was a cause for fear.

Access to God for Old Testament Jews was also a cause for fear. When God thundered on Mt. Sinai, the people feared approaching Him (Ex. 19:10-16). And when access to God was granted through the high priest, specific instructions had to be followed (Lev. 16:1-34). Accidentally touching the ark of the covenant, which represented the holy presence of God, would result in death (see 2 Sam. 6:7-8).

But because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can now approach God without fear. God’s penalty for sin has been satisfied, and we are invited into God’s presence: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace” (Heb. 4:16).

Because of Jesus we can come to God through prayer anywhere, anytime.

Then boldly let our faith address
God’s throne of grace and power,
There to obtain delivering grace
In every needy hour. —Watts

 

Through prayer, we have instant access to our Father. 

Focus Points of the Day

Question - Do you feel like you can approach to God with any concern without fear?

Action - Hebrews 4:16 tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace. When you pray today speak with boldness as you tell God the concerns of your heart.

Cup of Faith - Day 13

Scripture of the Day 

Nehemiah 9:17 - "They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them."

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from a great website shortdailydevotions.com

The Israelites time and time again were saved by God through miracles as they were in and leaving Egypt. But they continually rebelled from God. Reading these accounts in Scripture can easily make us feel competent and prideful.

Our minds are filled with the notion that if we had seen the miracles the Israelites saw, we would never have forgotten them. Generally, we could rightly assume that none of us reading this has ever seen a sea part, a river turn to blood or manna from heaven. But, we think that if we did, we would never act faithlessly as the Israelites did toward God.

What if we are looking at this scripture and others similar in the wrong way? We can claim we have never seen God do a “big” miracle, when God is blessing us with “little” miracles every day. The job you have, the healthy family, your relationships, even your salvation are all gifts, all blessings. We are told that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). If our good gifts come from God, then we are right to assume that they aren’t our doing and come from the Lord. This can and should translate into a humbling experience that allows us to trust God more while striving not to be like the Israelites who seemed to continually forget God’s miraculous works in their lives.

Focus Points of the Day

Question - What are the good gifts that God has blessed you with?

Action -  Take time today to make a list of the blessings you have in your life...little and big.

Cup of Faith - Day 12

Scripture of the Day

Colossians 1:27 - To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Matthew 28:20 - ...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

John 20:19 - On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is from the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.

Trust me in the depths of your being. It is there that I live in constant communication with you. When you feel flustered and frazzled on the outside, do not get upset with yourself. You are only human, and the swirl of events going on all around you will sometimes feel overwhelming. Rather than scolding yourself for your humanness, remind yourself that I am both with you and within you.

 I am with you at all times, encouraging and supportive rather than condemning. I know that deep within you, where I live, My Peace is your continual experience. Slow down your pace of living for a time. Quiet your mind in My Presence. Then you will be able to hear Me bestowing the resurrection blessing: Peace be with you. 

Focus Points of the Day

Question - Do you ever get upset with yourself when you feel frazzled?

Action - If you feel frustrated with yourself today try to remember that we have the promise of God's peace within us. Try to slow down in these moments and remember that truth.

Cup of Faith - Day 11

Scripture of the Day

John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Devotion of the Day

Our God is also a God of promise. He has made promises throughout scripture. He made a promise to Adam and Eve that if they eat of the tree in the garden, they would surely die. He made promises to others in the Old Testament like Abraham and Joshua. 

In the New Testament John writes about God's promises we have as New Testament believers. Here is a section of 1 John. Read the passage below and take note of the promises in bold. (1 John 5:10-15).

¹⁰ Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. ¹¹ And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹² Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
 
¹³ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

1st Promise - As a child of God we have life in Christ. 
2nd Promise - We are given the scriptures so we can KNOW we have eternal life. 
3rd Promise - When we ask for things in God's will, he hears us.
4th Promise - When we have confidence that he hears us that he will respond to our prayers. 

 

Focus Points for the Day

Question - When David said "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" he had confidence that he would spend eternity with the Lord.  Do you find peace knowing that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever? 

Action - Praying according to God's will is easy to forget. Take time to pray today asking God to fulfill your requests according to his will.

Cup of Faith - Day 10

Scripture of the Day 

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff,  they comfort me.

Devotion of the Day

Yesterday we talked about how our God is a God who provides. Today we are going to focus on how our God is also a God who protects!  If we think about the nature of sheep we are reminded that they often wander with their heads down. They walk to the nearest clump of grass and keep grazing. They may easily end up far from the herd and even in a dangerous place. 

The shepherd's job was to watch out for the safety of each lamb in the group. The shepherd would use his rod to pull a wandering sheep back to safety. 

In our lives we sometimes walk with our head down looking for the next "clump". This might be the next task on our to-do list, an upcoming event or even an all-consuming worry. As we move away from our shepherd towards the next "clump" we can end up far from where God intended us to be. 

The good news for us is that we have a shepherd who is willing to guide us and protect us. One of the best ways for God to guide us is through daily time in the Word. The Word is how God pulls us back to where we need to be. 

Focus Points for the Day

Question - We know that God has helped guide us back to where we need to be in the past. As you look back, try to think of a time when God pulled you back to where you needed to be? What clump were you headed to? Where did you end up instead with God's help?

Action - Take a moment today to sketch out a picture of the top 3 "clumps" in your life. Identifying them may help you to stay on track. When we are aware of how we fall away from God it can help us to break those patterns.

 

Cup of Faith - Day 9

Scripture of the Day 

Matthew 6:25-31 -   “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

 Devotion of the Day - A God Who Provides

This past weekend Jeff and I went to church in Denver Colorado. We both looked at each other and smiled when the preacher started his sermon and it was on Psalm 23!! He even talked about the cup overflowing!! Coincidence....I think not! God's providence is all around us! I was so thrilled to hear another perspective on a section of scripture that has been so important in my faith journey and in this study!

He broke Psalm 23 into three sections. I will share about them over the next 3 days! First, he talked about how God is a God who provides! The beginning of the Psalm 23 talks about the shepherd. The shepherd always provides for what his sheep need. The three big things he provides are rest, refreshment, and renewal. 

REST....he makes me lie down in green pastures 
REFRESHMENT....he leads me by still waters
RENEWAL....he restores my soul

Doesn't that just sound serene? In the busy, hectic pace of life I desire rest, refreshment, and renewal!!

Read the scripture of the day again.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

Do we really do this? Do we truly believe that we don't have to worry about tomorrow? The preacher Sunday noted that we often put a BUT here.

I wouldn't worry about (insert your worry) BUT it is just a huge deal.
I wouldn't worry about (insert another) BUT nobody else will take care of it. 

THERE IS NOT A BUT HERE....God tells us to NOT worry about tomorrow!

Focus Points of the Day

Question - How do you rest in the Lord?  Do you have a special place and time where you can read his word and spend time in prayer? Try to take a few minutes later today to just rest in the Lord. Sit outside for 10 minutes and just breath deeply. Don't go with a list of requests or chapters to read...just sit and rest in the Lord. Talk to him about the rest you desire and thank him for always being with you!

Action - Try not to worry! This is a tough one!! But lets try to do it!! When those thoughts creep in your head stop them and remind yourself that there is no BUT with worry!

Cup of Faith - Day 8

Scripture of the Day -   

Psalm 42:11 - Why, my soul, are you downcast?  Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
 
Devotion of the Day -

Today's devotion is from "Solid Joys" Daily Devotional App by John Piper. This devotional was taken from his book "Future Grace" page 305. 

We must learn to fight despondency. The fight is a fight of faith in future grace. It is fought by preaching truth to ourselves about God and his promised future.

This is what the psalmist does in Psalm 42. The psalmist preaches to his troubled soul. He scolds himself and argues with himself. And his main argument is future grace: “Hope in God! — Trust in what God will be for you in the future. A day of praise is coming. The presence of the Lord will be all the help you need. And he has promised to be with us forever.”

Martyn Lloyd-Jones believes this issue of preaching truth to ourselves about God’s future grace is all-important in overcoming spiritual depression.

Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them, but they start talking to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc. Somebody is talking . . . yourself is talking to you!

The battle against despondency is a battle to believe the promises of God. And that belief in God’s future grace comes by hearing the Word. And so preaching to ourselves is at the heart of the battle.

Focus Points of the Day - 

Question - Do you listen to yourself or talk to yourself? Take a few moments to reflect on this question. If you feel like you have been doing more listening take a few minutes to work on the action focus point for today.

Action - Take time to read these verses and pick out the promises from God. Write down one verse and carry it with you today. Remind yourself of this promise during your day!

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:19

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:37-39

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/the-promises-of-god-10-powerful-bible-verses-1/#ixzz38jokm7lM

Cup of Faith - Day 7

Scripture of the Day

 

Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from the devotional Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham.  

Why does Jesus say we should be "pure in heart"? The reason is because our heart - our inner being - is the root of all our actions. From our hearts come our motives, our desires, our goals, our emotions. If our hearts aren't right, neither will be our actions.

Jesus put it this way: "From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness" (Mark 7:21-22). Not a very pretty picture!

But God wants to give us a pure heart - and He will. He does this first of all when we turn to Christ in repentance and faith, for "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). But He does it also day by day, as we submit to the Holy Spirit and - with His help - flee from evil and seek what is good. "Blessed are the pure in heart."

Focus Points for Today

Question -Are there times in your day that you need to flee from evil? Flee from thoughts of envy, pride,  or jealousy?

Action - Today your challenge is to give someone else the benefit of the doubt. When that car cuts you off or when someone makes a rude comment try not to jump to conclusions. Maybe that driver is headed to a special event for their child and they are late... maybe that co-worker had a fight with their spouse last night and is just trying to hold back tears at work. We never know the whole story. Instead of moving to evil thoughts...STOP and give them the benefit of the doubt.

Cup of Faith - Day 6

Scripture of the Day

 

Ephesians 2:7-8 - In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Hebrews 3:1 - Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 

Psalm 34:5 - Those who look at him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

I want you to experience the riches of your salvation: the Joy of being loved constantly and perfectly. You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel. If you like what you see in the mirror, you feel a bit more worthy of My love. When things are going smoothly and your performance seems adequate, you find it easier to believe you are My beloved child. When you feel discouraged, you tend to look inward so you can correct whatever is wrong. 

Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love.

Focus Points for Today

Question - Do you feel more worthy of God's love when you like the way you look or when everything seems to be going smoothly? When you feel discouraged in life do you automatically think there is something wrong with you?

Action - Whenever you have thoughts today of "fixing" what's wrong with you - STOP....and fix your gaze on God. Remember that he sees you as clothed in His beautiful love. Thank Him for loving you today even when we feel like something is "wrong" with us. Ask him to help you to see yourself as He sees you.

Cup of Faith - Day 5

Scripture of the Day

 

1 John 4:18 - Perfect love casts out fear.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is taken from the devotional Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham.  

When I understand something of Christ's love for me as a sinner, I respond with love for Christ and that love includes feelings and emotions.

But emotions come and go, and we must not allow them to mislead us. God loves me, whether I "feel" it or not. Christians who gauge their relationship with Christ only by their feelings seldom have a stable spiritual life.

What makes the difference? It can be summarized in one word: commitment. Feelings come and go, but commitment stays. We who have committed our lives to Christ may feel joy, gratitude, love, and so on. But even when we don't have those feelings, our commitment keeps us true to Christ. 

This commitment not only keeps us faithful to Christ when we don't feel like it; it also keeps away negative emotions such as doubt and fear.  

Focus Points for Today

Question - What do you think of the statement from today's devotion "Christians who gauge their relationship with Christ only by their feelings seldom have a stable spiritual life"? Would you agree or disagree? Why?

Action - The writer says that our commitment to Christ can also keep us away from negative emotions like fear and doubt. Our verse of the day even says "Perfect love casts out fear". When we are in Christ we have a Perfect Love. Christ's love will cast out any doubt or fear we have -- when we allow him to cast it out. Talk to Christ today about a doubt or fear that you want to let go of. Let His love take care of it today!

Cup of Faith - Day 4

Scriptures of the Day

Psalm 5:11 - But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Ephesians 3:20-21 - Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Jude 24-25 - To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Joshua 1:5 - No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Devotion of the Day

Today's devotion is from Sarah Young's book "Jesus Calling". 
 
I am the firm foundation on which you can dance and sing and celebrate My Presence. This is My high and holy calling for you; receive it as a precious gift. Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life. Give up your striving to keep everything under control – an impossible task and a waste of precious energy.

My guidance for each of My children is unique. That’s why listening to me is so vital for your well-being. Let me prepare you for the day that awaits you and point you in the right direction. I am with you continually, so don’t be intimidated by fear. Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you, as long as you cling to My hand. Keep your eyes on me, enjoying Peace in My Presence.

FOCUS POINTS FOR TODAY –

Question – What are you afraid of? In the middle of the night what wakes you up in panic?  Tell God about your deepest fears. Thank Him for never leaving you and walking with you when you are fearful.

Action – Evidence of God is all around us – a beautiful flower, a kind stranger at the store, the love of friend sending a message…Keep your eyes open today to see God around you.

Cup of Faith - Day 3

Scripture of the Day

Ephesians 1:4 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. 

Proverbs 16:9 - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Devotion of the day

Here is another great devotion from Sarah Young's book "Jesus Calling".
 
You are my beloved child. I chose you before the foundation of the world, to walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you. Concentrate on keeping in step with Me, instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you. If you trust that My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, you can relax and enjoy the present moment... but your main focus should be staying close to Me. I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes.

FOCUS POINTS FOR TODAY –

Question – Have you thought about what God’s purpose is for you on Earth? If you aren’t sure take a few moments and pray, asking God to show you what purpose He has for you here. If you know what that purpose may be take time to ask Him in prayer how He wants you to act on that purpose today.

Action – Try not to make plans. For today only…enjoy the present moment. If you catch yourself making plans for the future remind yourself that today you will trust God with your future! 

Cup of Faith - Day 2

Scriptures of the day

Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 31:25 – She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Devotion of the day

Today's devotion is from a great book called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. She writes her devotions from the perspective of Jesus talking to you. I hope you enjoy!

Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don’t take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities – things that are beyond your control. Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain.

Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places. Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise. Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing My children laugh. I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly.

Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather take my yoke upon you and learn from Me. My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne.

FOCUS POINTS FOR TODAY –

Question - Are you trying to control things in your life that are beyond your control? If so, make a list of those things you try to control. Then say a prayer asking God to help you let go of those areas.

Action - Make a point to laugh today more often than usual. Each time you do remember that you can laugh because God has everything else in your life under control.

Cup of Faith - Day 1

Scripture of the Day 

^{Psalm 23:5-6}

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

 

Devotion of the Day

Here is where it all began. David writes in Psalm 23 about a table he is at with his enemies. He says that God anoints his head with oil and his cup overflows. This is the verse that inspired me to think about a life where our cup is overflowing. So what can we learn from Psalm 23:5?

An article I read about this verse said, "In David’s time, there were few “inns” or places for travelers to stay or even secure food. The rules of hospitality of the time required that residents along the traveler’s path at least provide food and drink for those who asked. At the end of the meal, the host would often pour a final glass of wine. 

If the host poured a half cup, it was a sign to the guest that the host’s obligation of hospitality had been met, and that it was time for the traveler to move on. But if the host poured the cup until it overflowed, it was an invitation to the guest to spend the night (or longer).

In Psalm 23, David has been granted hospitality at God’s table. At the end of the meal, God pours the cup to overflowing. It is God’s invitation to stay, to LIVE in His house, to be received into His kingdom."

Focus Points for the Day

Question - As Christian women God has poured into our cup until it overflows showing us that we too are invited to LIVE in His house and be part of his Kingdom. There is enough for us! Enough love, enough peace, enough blessings! So the question for today is....What does it look like when we are living a life with an overflowing cup?

Action - Take a water glass to the sink and fill it with water...then let it overflow. Use this image to remind you of God's action of filling your cup till it overflows! If you have a special child in your life show them the cup and tell them about how God wants to fill our lives with more than enough love, peace, and many, many blessings!


Credit
Christian Blessings Website (http://ptl2010.com/)
The Wiersbe OT Bible Commentary (pg. 902-903)