23. A Quote from Warren W. Wiersbe (16)

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22. Devotional: I Will Be with Him in Trouble

Devotional: I Will Be with Him in Trouble

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

I will be with him in trouble. (Ps. 91:15)

    Sin is the parent of trouble; all sorrow originated in departing from God. It is generally occasioned by transgression, or sent as a preventative to a greater evil; it may be occasioned by good, for saints are sometimes persecuted for righteousness' sake. It is intended to correct, improve, and to bring us near to God. Whatever may be our trouble, if we are the Lord's, He is with us; and with us for the most gracious purposes. He fixes the period of our troubles, nor can they continue longer than He sees needful. He regulates the heat of the furnace, nor will He suffer us to be tried more than we are able to bear. He sanctifies our troubles, and causes them to work our good. He delivers out of trouble, when the purposes of His love are accomplished. In every trouble, remember, God is now especially present; He is with you to hear your prayer, increase your strength, direct your way, and make you a conqueror. His grace is sufficient; His presence is sure; your deliverance in His time and way is certain. Therefore, "wait on the Lord, be of good courage; He will strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord."  

He that hath made his refuge God,
Shall find a most secure abode; 
Shall walk all day beneath His shade, 
And there at night shall rest his head.

21. Modern Worship Song: O Lord, My Rock And My Redeemer

Modern Worship Song: O Lord, My Rock And My Redeemer

Author: Nathan Stiff

(Vocal)

(Music)

1. O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer
    Greatest treasure of my longing soul
    My God, like You there is no other
    True delight is found in You alone
    Your grace, a well too deep to fathom
    Your love exceeds the heavens’ reach
    Your truth, a fount of perfect wisdom
    My highest good and my unending need

2. O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer
    Strong defender of my weary heart
    My sword to fight the cruel deceiver
    And my shield against his hateful darts
    My song when enemies surround me
    My hope when tides of sorrow rise
    My joy when trials are abounding
    Your faithfulness, my refuge in the night

3. O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer
    Gracious Savior of my ruined life
    My guilt and cross laid on Your shoulders
    In my place You suffered bled and died
    You rose, the grave and death are conquered
    You broke my bonds of sin and shame
    O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer
    May all my days bring glory to Your Name

20. Devotional: A Promise for Difficult Times

Devotional: A Promise for Difficult Times

Author: David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

    I believe God has given us a very specific promise for the difficult times ahead. It was given to Abraham and his seed as an oath. "The oath which he swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life" (Luke 1:73-75, NKJV).

    God has sworn to deliver us from every enemy and fearful thing so we can serve him all the days of our lives without fear. Beloved, hunger is an enemy, as are nakedness and poverty.

    This oath from God must be the foundation of our trust in every crisis, calamity and fearful time. Memorize it. Let it be your holy argument at the throne of grace.

    In Psalm 121, David provides one of the most powerful Holy Ghost arguments ever given to man. The entire psalm tells us that all our help comes from the Lord alone. Psalm 124 is yet another holy argument, a specific promise to enable us to build special trust.

    Signature judgments bear a special mark of God in that they mirror the sins committed against him. As these judgments occur before our eyes, our only answer is to have Jesus as our shield.

    Today, run to meet him in the secret closet of prayer. Let your roots go deep into him; know he will keep you in all circumstances. Take hold of the following special promises in readiness for any and all calamities we may face.

    "Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness… His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; he will not be afraid" (Psalm 112:4, 7-8).

    "He shall judge the world in righteousness… The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know your name will put their trust in you; for you, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you" (Psalm 9:8-10). 

19. Hymn: O Lord, How Happy Should We Be

Hymn: O Lord, How Happy Should We Be

Author: Joseph Anstice (1808-1836)

1. O Lord, how happy should we be
    If we could cast our care on Thee,
    If we from self could rest,
    And feel at heart that One above,
    In perfect wisdom, perfect love,
    Is working for the best!

2. How far from this our daily life,
    Ever disturbed by anxious strife,
    By sudden, wild alarms!
    O could, we but relinquish all
    Our earthly props, and simply fall
    On Thy almighty arms!

3. Could we but kneel and cast our load,
    E'en while we pray, upon our God,
    Then rise with lightened cheer,
    Sure that the Father, who is nigh
    To still the famished raven's cry,
    Will hear in that we fear!

4. Lord, make these faithless hearts of ours
    Such lesson learns from birds and flowers;
    Make them from self to cease,
    Leave all things to a Father's will,
    And taste, before Him lying still,
    E'en in affliction, peace.

18. Devotional: Pray and Persevere

Devotional: Pray and Persevere

Author: David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

    God wants to ensure your heart is set on persevering, no matter how long his answers to prayer take.

    Jesus gave us a parable to prove that he waits for us to persevere. It is the parable of the distressed widow who kept coming to the judge and requesting justice (see Luke 18:2-8). The judge finally granted the widow’s request only because he did not want to be worn down by her constant pleading. "Yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me" (Luke 18:5, NKJV). Jesus responded, "Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge his own elect who cry out day and night to him, though he bears long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily" (Luke 18:7-8).

    Most of us misinterpret this passage as Jesus speaking a paradox when he says, "bears long with them" and then "he will avenge them speedily." However, Jesus isn’t speaking of delaying a long time. He says God wants to answer us speedily, but God is "bearing something" that calls for patience on his part. He says, "I will put up with this thing I see in your heart. I will bear with you until you are willing to lay hold as you should for the answer."

    As I look back at some of the things I have persevered in prayer for, I see the Lord saying, "I'm holding up the request to you like a mirror. Through this, I will show you what is deep in your heart."

    I have seen doubt, fear, unbelief, and many things that have made me throw myself at Jesus’s feet and cry, "Oh, Lord, I’m not interested in the answers anymore, but only in getting this spirit out of me. I don’t want to doubt you."

    The hardest part of faith is the last half hour. When it seems God will not answer, we often give up and go on to something else. We think we are surrendering to God’s providence, depending on his sovereign will. We say, "Well, God, you must not have wanted it after all."

    No! That is not what God intended. When praying for God’s obvious will, such as the salvation of your family, you have every right to hold on and persevere. Never give up until Jesus answers.

17. Modern Worship Song: Still, My Soul Be Still

Modern Worship Song: Still, My Soul Be Still

Author: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend

(Vocal)

(Music)

1. Still, my soul, be still, and do not fear
    Though winds of change may rage tomorrow.
    God is at your side no longer dread
    The fires of unexpected sorrow.

Chorus:

God, You are my God

And I will trust in You and not be shaken.

Lord of peace, renew

A steadfast spirit within me

To rest in You alone.

2. Still, my soul, be still do not be moved
    By lesser lights and fleeting shadows.
    Hold on to His ways with shield of faith,
    Against temptation's flaming arrows.

3. Still, my soul, be still, do not forsake
    The truth you learned in the beginning.
    Wait upon the Lord and hope will rise
    As stars appear when day is dimming.

16. Devotional: In God’s Time

Devotional: In God’s Time

Author: David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

    Many years ago, while walking the streets of New York City, I became worn out, tired in soul and body. I developed mononucleosis and ended up in the hospital for six weeks and developed a growth in my throat. I could not swallow, and sometimes I couldn’t even catch my breath. My weight soon fell to less than 115 pounds. Since I could not travel, all the income to the ministry quickly dried up, and it looked like the end of Teen Challenge. 

    I remember the night I cried out in desperation, "Lord, I give up! Teen Challenge is all yours. I am just going to trust you. If you want the ministry’s doors to close, that is up to you; but please, remove this thing from my throat." Within an hour, I coughed up a fleshy growth the size of a large walnut. 

    I left the hospital a day or two later and soon got my strength back. I discovered that while I was away, Teen Challenge had survived! I do not know how the Lord did it, but while I was ill, the staff began to trust the Lord instead of depending on me. That is what God was trying to accomplish.  

    Beloved, your troubles are not unforeseen accidents. No matter what you are going through or how deeply you are hurt, God is right on target and right on time. 

    You may think the devil came in and interrupted God’s plan for your life, but that is not the case. It does not matter if you did something stupid or careless. If you have repented, the Lord can harness everything meant for evil and turn it around for good. 

    Don’t focus on your past mistakes. God promised to restore to you all the years the cankerworm has eaten (see Joel 2:25).  Encourage yourself with these words and let them become your life and hope: "My God can do anything. He has not forgotten me. No one can change his plans. No matter how bad things look, he has everything under control!" 

15. Devotional: Go in Peace

Devotional: Go in Peace

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Go in peace. (Luke 7:50)

    True peace flows from the pardon of sin. If we believe that God for Christ's sake has forgiven us all trespasses, our souls will enjoy peace; for being justified by faith, we have peace with God. We have nothing to fear from God, for having pardoned us, he has no charge against us; but we may expect every good thing from God, for having given us his Son, will he not with him also freely give us all things? If therefore we have no evil to fear, but every good to expect, may we not, ought we not, to be at peace? When Jesus pardoned the woman, he said to her "go in peace." So he says to us. Mind not what Satan says. Fear not what man can do. Go in the path of duty. Go, and face trials and persecutions. Go, and enjoy your temporal mercies. Go, and enjoy your religious privileges. Go, though dangers surround you. Go, though you feel weak and feeble. Go in peace, for God accepts you. Go, for your reconciliation to God is honourable and perfect. Go, and spread a Saviour's fame. Go, and tell of Jehovah's pardoning love. Go, and bear your personal testimony to the truth of his word. Go, and conquer all your foes. Go, ths night to rest in peace, and comfort your soul with this: "God is at peace with me."

O Lamb of God, in tender love,
Now bid my sorrow cease;
Kindly my doubts and fears remove,
​And bid ME, "Go in peace."

14. Hymn: 'Tis I! Be Not Afraid!

Hymn: 'Tis I! Be Not Afraid!

Author: Elizabeth R. Charles (1828-1896)

Tossed with rough winds, and faint with fear, 
Above the tempest, soft and clear, 
What still small accents greet mine ear?
“‘Tis I; be not afraid.”

“‘Tis I who led thy steps aright; 
‘Tis I who gave thy blind eyes sight; 
‘Tis I, thy Lord, thy Life, thy Light. 
‘Tis I; be not afraid.

“This bitter cup fear not to drink; 
I know it well—oh! do not shrink; 
I tasted it o’er Kedron’s brink. 
‘Tis I; be not afraid. 

“Mine eyes are watching by thy bed, 
Mine arms are underneath thy head, 
My blessing is around thee shed. 
‘Tis I; be not afraid.“

When on the other side thy feet 
Shall rest ‘mid thousands welcomes sweet, 
One well known voice thy heart shall greet. 
“‘Tis I; be not afraid.”

From out the dazzling majesty 
Gently He’ll lay His hands on thee, 
Whispering: “Beloved, lov’st thou Me? 
It was not in vain I died for thee,
‘Tis I; be not afraid.” 

13. A Quote from C. H. Spurgeon (18)

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12. Hymn: When I Saw the Cleansing Fountain

Hymn: When I Saw the Cleansing Fountain

Author: Margaret J. Harris (1865-1919)

(Vocal)

(Music)

(Sheet Music)

1. When I saw the cleansing fountain,
    Open wide for all my sin,
    I obeyed the Spirit’s wooing,
    When He said, “Wilt thou be clean?”

Refrain:

I will praise Him! I will praise Him!

Praise the Lamb for sinners slain;

Give Him glory, all ye people,

For His blood can wash away each stain.

2. Tho‵ the way seems straight and narrow,
    All I claimed was swept away;
    My ambitions, plans and wishes,
    At my feet in ashes lay.

3. Then God’s fire upon the altar
    Of my heart was set aflame;
    I shall never cease to praise Him,
    Glory, glory to His name!

4. Blessed be the name of Jesus!
    I’m so glad He took me in;
    He’s forgiven my transgressions,
    He has cleansed my heart from sin.

5. Glory, glory to the Father!
    Glory, glory to the Son!
    Glory, glory to the Spirit!
    Glory to the Three in One!

11. A Quote from A. W. Tozer (16)

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10. Hymn: Leave All to God

Hymn: Leave All to God

Author: Anton Ulrich (1633-1714)

Leave all to God,
Forsaken one, and stay thy tears;
For the Highest knows thy pain,
Sees thy sufferings and thy fears
Thou shalt not wait His help in vain,
Leave all to God.

Be still and trust!
For His strokes are strokes of love,
Thou must for thy profit bear;
He thy filial fear would move,
Trust thy Father's loving care,
Be still and trust!

Know, God is near!
Though thou think Him far away,
Though His mercy long have slept,
He will come and not delay,
When His child enough hath wept,
For God is near!

O teach Him not
When and how to hear thy prayers;
Never doth our God forget,
He the cross who longest bears
Finds his sorrows' bounds are set,
Then teach Him not.

If thou love Him,
Walking truly in His ways,
Then no trouble, cross or death,
E'er shall silence faith and praise;
All things serve thee here beneath,
If thou love God!

9. Devotional: Fear Not, Neither Be Discouraged

Devotional: Fear Not, Neither Be Discouraged

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Fear not, neither be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 1:21)

    “BEHOLD THE LORD THY GOD HATH SET THE LAND BEFORE THEE.” The land of promise was in sight. “Go in and possess the land.” Though the Lord tries us, He also encourages us. More than fifty times, he says to us in His word, "Fear not." Yet we are often fearful. He knew this would be the case, therefore He provided so much to cheer and encourage us. Let us not be discouraged for the Lord has set the good land before us; He has promised it to us, He bids us go up and take possession of it. Our enemies may be mighty, but our God who goes with us and fights for us, is almighty. Our foes may be crafty, but on our side is "the only wise God." If providence should frown, if the Lord delays to answer our prayers, if our case should appear to be desperate, it is only to exercise our patience, try our faith, to stir us to importunate prayer. Let us therefore press on in hope and persevere in faith. The Lord will appear for us. His faithful word shall be made good in our experience; and though now He may not answer us a word, He will soon give us the desire of our hearts. Only fear not, neither be discouraged: our God is with us.

Armed with the presence of my Lord
I would be of good cheer;
Confiding in His faithful word,
Why should I faint or fear?
Though fierce the foe, though rough the road,
I can do all through Christ my God.

8. Devotional: But He Answered Her Not A Word

Devotional: But He Answered Her Not A Word

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

But He answered her not a word. (Matthew 15:23)

    “O WOMAN, GREAT IS THY FAITH.” Our Lord commended her for her faith. Delays are not denials. Jesus delayed to answer, but He did not deny her request. He has said, "Ask, and it shall be given you. Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you." Heaven and earth may pass away, but His word stands forever. He delays the answer to try our faith, patience and perseverance; but when He sends the blessing, He proves His faithfulness, pity and love. Be not discouraged though your prayers remain unanswered for a time; it will not always be so. This poor woman had to wait, though her case was very trying, and her request very urgent; but at last Jesus commended her faith publicly, and dismissed her, saying, "Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." Prayer will prevail, if it is the prayer of faith. Pray on, then, and do not faint. Say as Jacob on the plains of Peniel, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Plead with Him; be importunate; wait His time; be willing to receive in His own way; be concerned that He should be glorified in giving to you, or doing for you; then you cannot fail. His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, upon them that fear Him. Only be patient: today He may answer not a word. But our God never forgets His own.

Wait for His seasonable aid,
And, though it tarry, wait;
The promise may be long delayed,
But cannot come too late.

7. Modern Worship Song: He (Can Turn The Tides)

Modern Worship Song: He (Can Turn The Tides)

Author: Jack Richards

(Vocal)

(Music)

He can turn the tides and calm the angry sea
He alone decides who writes a symphony
He lights every star that makes our darkness bright
He keeps watch all through each long and lonely night
He still finds the time to hear a child’s first prayer
Saint or sinner call will always find Him there
Though it makes Him sad to see the way we live
He’ll always say, “I forgive”.

He can grant a wish and make a dream come true
He can touch the clouds and turn the grey to blue
He alone knows where to find the rainbow’s end
He alone can know what lies beyond the bend
He can touch a tree and turn the leaves to gold
He knows every lie that you and I have told
Though it makes Him sad to see the way we live
He’ll always say, “I forgive”.

6. A Quote from Oswald Chambers (17)

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5. Hymn: I Know Whom I Have Believed

Hymn: I Know Whom I Have Believed

Author: Daniel W. Whittle (1840-1901)

1. I know not why God’s wondrous grace
    To me He hath made known,
    Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
    Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain:

But “I know Whom I have believed,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.”

2. I know not how this saving faith
    To me He did impart,
    Nor how believing in His Word
    Wrought peace within my heart.

3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
    Convincing men of sin,
    Revealing Jesus through the Word,
    Creating faith in Him.

4. I know not when my Lord may come,
    At night or noonday fair,
    Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
    Or meet Him in the air.

4. A Quote from T. Austin-Sparks (16)

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3. Devotional: The Strength of Israel Will Not Lie

Devotional: The Strength of Israel Will Not Lie

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

The Strength of Israel will not lie. (1 Samuel 15:29)

    OUR GOD KEEPETH TRUTH FOR EVER. And He changeth not. Then He ought to be believed. It is impossible for God to lie, then He ought to be trusted. His promises are the proofs of His love; they are as changeless as His nature: in time, they shall be made good. He is the Omnipotent One who can fulfill His word; He is the Unchangeable One, who certainly will. His strength is pledged to His people, to sustain them; His resources, to supply them; and His faithfulness, to comfort them. He speaks to us in His word; He speaks to us as sinners; He speaks to us as fearful, as tried, as suffering people, just as we are tonight. Do we believe His word? Do we regard Him as a truth-speaking God? Has He our confidence? Are we looking at His promises, and while we look, do we say, "This is the faithful word of the heavenly Father, and is certainly true.” God’s word must be fulfilled, for it is more enduring than heaven or earth, for Jesus has said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away!” Fix your eyes on His word, and while you do, say,

Yes, since God Himself pronounced it,
On His promise I rely;
He has said it, I believe it;
What can mortal man deny?
God inerrant cannot err,
He is truth, His word is sure.

2. Devotional: Only Believe

Devotional: Only Believe

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Only believe. (Mark 5:36)

    OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE. He is worthy of our complete confidence and trust. In faith, let us take God at His word. Give Him credit for meaning what He says, for being faithful to His own word; then all your fears will fly away. God speaks to you in language which you can understand; He promises all you can possibly need; He bids you put Him in remembrance, and plead with Him; He pledges His word for the comfort of your heart. If you believe not, you make God a liar; you bring darkness on your own soul; you give Satan an occasion against you; and a thousand fears, doubts, and suspicions distress you. Is it any wonder? Can you offer a greater insult to God than deliberately to disbelieve His word? But you ask, Are the promises made to me? Yes! to every one that believeth, and to you if you believe. And the Spirit is promised to work faith in your heart; complain not then of the difficulty of believing, or of the power of unbelief; but go to thy God, and plead with Him, crying, "Lord, increase my faith," and go to His word, as to the word of a gracious Father, and simply believe it.

1. Devotional: Perplexity

Devotional: Perplexity

Author: Unknown

Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which He hath made crooked? (Eccles 7:13)

    Often God seems to place His children in positions of profound difficulty, leading them into a wedge from which there is no escape, contriving a situation which no human judgment would have permitted, had it been consulted previously. The Lord Himself conducts them there. You may be thus involved this very hour.

    It does seem perplexing and very serious to the last degree, but it is perfectly right. The issue will more than justify Him who has brought you into the situation. It is a platform for the display of His mighty power and grace.

    He will not only deliver you, but in doing so He will give you a lesson that you will never forget, and which you will remember later with thanksgiving and praise. You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has.

    Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. Psa. 50:15.