S: Micah 6:8 "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
O: Micah was prophesying about the nation of Israel being captured by Assyria. He told them what He required of them: to do what is right (obedience), to love mercy (loving those less fortunate) and to walk humbly (considering others better than yourselves) with your God (submitting to His plan).
A: I seem to be getting hit over the head lately with the need to love others. As I learned yesterday from Hebrews this sharpens my faith. Today I learn that it was one of only three things that God was asking the Israelites to do.
P: Jesus, I want to spend my life loving mercy. You are mercy as pictured on the cross. Help me to know how to help those around me who are less fortunate. Help me to develop a heart for the poor materially and those poor in spirit.
"Psalms 9:9-10 (AMP) 9 The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation). 10 And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity]. "
Observations 1) The Lord is a refuge, a high tower for me. 2) Times of trouble are expected… we aren't necessarily delivered from them. 3) Knowing God's name implies experiencing him and his attributes. 4) Knowing/experiencing God regularly, will result in my leaning confidently in the Lord when I experience trouble. 5) God doesn't forsake those who seek and absolutely must have Him.
Application: I need to keep leaning into God and seeking Him. Not to receive anything, but because he is worth it. That is what He longs for is people who seek him. Many times I seek Him, because he is a means to an end. He will help my physical problems, He will help me manage life better, He will make my life fulfilling, He will give me results in ministry. Me-me-me. I need to spend some time in prayer, asking God to help me seek Him in a deeper way.
Prayer: Lord, I come before you, humbled, and kind of embarrassed. I really didn't know that my attitude toward you has been one of entitlement. I do disciplines in the Bible, and its your job to answer my prayers. But when you don't answer prayers the way I want .... or when unfavorable circumstances overcome me... it is clear that I'm easily offended. How could you do this to me? What have I done to deserve this? Lord, please forgive me for treating you like a vending machine. Forgive me for the arrogance that assumes its all about me. Lord, I thank you that you love me, and died for me, and have wooed me and called me into a relationship with you. But Lord, I feel like I'm experiencing only a little taste of what seeking you is all about. I don't know how to seek you any differently. But I come in dependence on You, and ask to lead and guide me into a deep relationship with you, like Moses and David had. Lord, I want you to be my highest joy. I want to be able to say that you alone are more than enough in my life. If there are areas in my life, where I don't see the idolatry in my heart, show me. Lord, teach me how to respond to your wooing. Amen.
S: Micah 6:8 "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
ReplyDeleteto do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
O: Micah was prophesying about the nation of Israel being captured by Assyria. He told them what He required of them: to do what is right (obedience), to love mercy (loving those less fortunate) and to walk humbly (considering others better than yourselves) with your God (submitting to His plan).
A: I seem to be getting hit over the head lately with the need to love others. As I learned yesterday from Hebrews this sharpens my faith. Today I learn that it was one of only three things that God was asking the Israelites to do.
P: Jesus, I want to spend my life loving mercy. You are mercy as pictured on the cross. Help me to know how to help those around me who are less fortunate. Help me to develop a heart for the poor materially and those poor in spirit.
David.
ReplyDeleteTRUST: Leaning into God.
"Psalms 9:9-10 (AMP)
9 The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation).
10 And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity]. "
Observations 1) The Lord is a refuge, a high tower for me. 2) Times of trouble are expected… we aren't necessarily delivered from them. 3) Knowing God's name implies experiencing him and his attributes. 4) Knowing/experiencing God regularly, will result in my leaning confidently in the Lord when I experience trouble. 5) God doesn't forsake those who seek and absolutely must have Him.
Application: I need to keep leaning into God and seeking Him. Not to receive anything, but because he is worth it. That is what He longs for is people who seek him. Many times I seek Him, because he is a means to an end. He will help my physical problems, He will help me manage life better, He will make my life fulfilling, He will give me results in ministry. Me-me-me. I need to spend some time in prayer, asking God to help me seek Him in a deeper way.
Prayer: Lord, I come before you, humbled, and kind of embarrassed. I really didn't know that my attitude toward you has been one of entitlement. I do disciplines in the Bible, and its your job to answer my prayers. But when you don't answer prayers the way I want .... or when unfavorable circumstances overcome me... it is clear that I'm easily offended. How could you do this to me? What have I done to deserve this? Lord, please forgive me for treating you like a vending machine. Forgive me for the arrogance that assumes its all about me. Lord, I thank you that you love me, and died for me, and have wooed me and called me into a relationship with you. But Lord, I feel like I'm experiencing only a little taste of what seeking you is all about. I don't know how to seek you any differently. But I come in dependence on You, and ask to lead and guide me into a deep relationship with you, like Moses and David had. Lord, I want you to be my highest joy. I want to be able to say that you alone are more than enough in my life. If there are areas in my life, where I don't see the idolatry in my heart, show me. Lord, teach me how to respond to your wooing. Amen.