DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor” Week Eight, Day Four

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor”

Week Eight, Day Four

 

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (HCSB)

 

 

As a believer in Jesus Christ, when hard situations turn into unbearable ones, a tendency to feel helpless or out of complete control can overwhelm us. This scripture, found in James 1:5, so beautifully reminds us that in times of confusion, we can still run to the Lord for guidance and instruction. God lavishes grace (2 Corinthians 12:9), refreshment (Psalm 119:156) and the ability to maintain His course to all who ask for His divine intervention (Hebrews 12:1-3). When we come to the end of ourselves as humans, we really are at a beautiful place; the beginning. It is in that moment, when we cannot conjure up a single word or alternate plan to end the pain and suffering that we depend fully upon the providence of Almighty God. Allowing the fatigue and pain to be used to as a blessing rather than a burden. Allow them both to push you towards the Lord and ask for His wisdom as you remain in the current heartache. Keep in mind, God cares for you and your well being more than anyone else on this planet. Thus, ask the Lord for divine eyes to know how best to honor Him in this season.

 

Prayer For Today:

Dear Lord, I am asking for Your wisdom. Your Word says that You give generously (James 1:5) to all who ask and do not find fault in their asking. I am that person today, Lord. I am at the end of myself regarding what to do here. I do not know what to do in regards to (name)__________. All I see is confusion and layer upon layer of problem. Please grant wisdom to all involved. I don’t know what to pray, so I will believe Your Holy Bible that I am to ask for Your wisdom in such times. Thank You for answering me in Your perfect timing. I thank You for walking this difficult time with me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

 

 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor” Week Seven, Day Seven and review

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor”

Week Seven, Day Seven:

 

“15“Then I said, ‘Who are You, Lord? ’ “And the Lord replied: ‘I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting. 16But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen and of what I will reveal to you. 17I will rescue you from the people and from the Gentiles. I now send you to them 18to open their eyes so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that by faith in Me they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified.’” Acts 26:15-18 (HCSB)

As trauma hits our lives, our view towards certain individuals or even whole people groups can become jaded. This was the interaction between Paul and Jesus Christ, as Paul was traveling near Damascus—ready to kill and persecute more followers of Jesus Christ. How beautiful and redeeming is the grace of Jesus. Paul had become jaded towards all who followed Jesus—as Paul did not yet know Jesus as the Messiah. Much like Paul, war, death and deceptive actions can all become fuel to a growing attitude of sin within our own hearts towards others. As believers in Jesus Christ, may we repent of such feelings, and ask the Lord to wash our eyes so that we may see all people through His grace and mercy once again. Praise God that such gifts were extended to our own lives—or we too would have no hope and no option for redemption. May we ask the Lord how He would choose to use us to forward His kingdom to help win such people for the name of Jesus Christ.

Prayer For Today:

LORD, I feel very convicted over some deep routed thoughts I have buried deep within my heart. Please forgive me of them now. Help me to bring honor to You through not only my words, but also through my thoughts. Thank You again for Your grace and mercy within my own life. Use me to minster to (name)___________ for Your glory. Help (name)__________ to come to realize that You are the God of love and forgiveness. Thank You that my own life is a testimony of Your radical redeeming power. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

**Week Seven in review. Which verse did the Lord use this week to really speak to you in your current situation? In what way do you feel God asking you to trust Him more? As we thank the Lord for walking with us for seven weeks amidst this season of need, may we also take the time to declare to the Lord anew our devotion to His plans and purposes for He alone is good.

**Optional Service Project: At church this week, find some extra money (the amount does not matter) to go towards the furthering of missions through the church. By helping others that are speaking to other nations about Jesus, the Lord will bless you as you allow God to use you as a vehicle to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor” Week Seven, Day Five

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor”

Week Seven, Day Five:

 

“9He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure that He planned in Him 10for the administration of the days of fulfillment — to bring everything together in the Messiah, both things in heaven and things on earth in Him.” Ephesians 1:9-10 (HCSB)

 

The Apostle Paul had seen first hand, on a road near Damascus, that God’s plan of salvation was indeed through Jesus Christ the Messiah. Although He had murdered and imprisoned many followers of Jesus, the Way, Paul was shown divine grace as Jesus audibly spoke to Him and used Paul as an example of a radically changed life. The same man who had breathed murderous threats to those who followed Jesus, was now the very man being used by God to proclaim that Jesus was in fact the Messiah to those both near and far (Acts 9:1-31). The fact that God would choose to continue to extend undeserved grace and unmerited mercy to each and every one of us, is indeed, a mystery of our loving God (Ephesians 1:9-10). May we make the conscious choice to love God fully and submit our worries, our doubts and our prejudices to the feet of Jesus (Ephesians 1:22-23). Each and every hardship and difficult circumstance can in fact be radically changed due to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Paul, who was once a murderer, was now the very man leading the charge to further the message that Jesus Christ was Messiah. God truly can make all things new (Isaiah 43:19).

 

Prayer For Today:

Dear LORD, thank You for the encouragement found in Your Word, the Holy Bible. Help me to look afresh at the situations around me that seem too difficult for You to fix. Help me to counsel my heart with Biblical accounts, like this one, that show You can do the impossible time and time again. Help me to show (name)_____________ the mysterious gift of love and merciful grace that is found through Jesus Christ alone—regardless of the details in our stories. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor” Week Seven, Day Two

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor”

Week Seven, Day Two:

 

^“Teach me Your way, Yahweh, and I will live by Your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name. I will praise You with all my heart, Lord my God, and will honor Your name forever. For Your faithful love for me is great, and You deliver my life from the depths of Sheol.” Psalm 86:11-13 (HCSB)

 

If we have walked with the Lord for any length of time, each heart can look back with gratitude on all that the Lord has spared us from. In a season of heartache, it is important to keep in mind the many times and seasons when the Lord personally came through for you in your own story. As we travel across cracked roads that are riddled with difficulty, may we seek the Lord in earnest, as we desire to praise God in the midst of our struggles. God has not called us to a situation that is beyond His redemption. If you are not living a life that is bringing honor to God, come clean before God and begin this very day. The Bible states that God is faithful to cleanse us from every kind of wickedness so that we are seen as pure before God (1 John 1:9). With our minds then freed from past guilt and shame, we are able to more fully praise God and focus on living out His truths in praise (Psalm 86:11-13).

 

Prayer For Today:

God, I have hidden this guilt in my heart for years. For the first time, I surrender ______________________ to You. I beg for Your forgiveness and claim the power of 1 John 1:9—that I am now pure before You because of my confession that Jesus paid the price for my imperfection. Give me a cheerful heart. Help me, like Psalm 86:11-13 says, look for ways to live out the truth of the Bible every day. Give me Your eyes and Your wisdom as to when I can share my own story of Your great rescue to (name)___________ who is greatly in need of encouragement. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor” Week Six, Day Four

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor”

Week Six, Day Four:

 

“Without guidance, people fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” Proverbs 11:14 (HCSB)

 

Whether in a season of chaos or not, we were created for community. Thus, if we are not making time for others to enter into the messiness of a given season, there is a great loss experienced by both parties. You will experience a loss due to not sharing life with others who can walk with you during a difficult time and encourage you to press into the Lord. On the other hand, the other individual misses out on your insights and companionship during the same chaotic season. Do not believe the lie that you must “have it all together” before reaching out to others. That is a lie from the pit of hell. Proverbs 11:14 assures us that there is deliverance through godly guidance. Without the guidance of God fearing individuals, deliverance and freedom from the circumstances that entrap us will not be experienced. If you are not already, allow this to be your encouragement to reach out to a Bible teaching church and plug into the women’s ministry, grief and support group and/or weekly Bible study. Remember, we are called to community (Acts 2:42)! The Bible assures us that the devil roams through the earth, like a hungry lion seeking to devour those who can be easily persuaded (1 Peter 5:8-9). Do not allow those who do not love the Lord to guide you in the midst of grief (Luke 6:39)—for their wisdom is not based in the Lord. Plug into a group of followers of Jesus Christ and allow them to walk with you during this season.

 

Prayer For Today:

Lord, please help me. I do not know what details to share and to whom. Help me to find a Bible teaching church that has a women’s ministry I can get quickly plugged into. I need the fellowship. I need the community. I need counsel from other God fearing believers. Please help (name)_______ in the midst of this horribly stressful time. Please work out all of the loose ends. Please grant peace to (name)__________ heart when I don’t know what answers are correct for our situation. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Please help me to honor You by seeking godly counsel.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor” Check Point and Week Six, Day One

Check Point Two: Be Advised–Severe Thunderstorms with Hail

 

During our last few weeks in the Middle East, prior to parting ways with my husband for a year due to his next assignment, we encountered an incredible storm—unlike any we had ever heard of in this part of the world. Hail, severe wind, booming thunder and flashing lightning lit the sky as pelting rain attacked the backside of our home. As the rainwater and desert dirt were blown violently into the house as the storm raged, a poignant lesson was ingrained in my heart. It is not until we encounter the “storms of life” that we actually see where our “leaks” are. Whether your leaks (or holes) are within your perception of God, your relationship with your spouse, or another topic entirely, the reality remains the same—until the waters hit the house and the winds rage, you would be unaware of the hole. Speaking from personal experience, while weathering the storm, it is vital to remember where your hope and security are found as a follower of Jesus Christ—and that is in the Lord Himself. The storms have proven to be perfect opportunities, if I have been willing to see them as such, as ways to learn to follow the Lord more closely as the chaos, stress and strife of difficult times pound on the walls of my heart. Thus, rather than becoming paralyzed by the overwhelming reality of water “leaking in”, may this current “storm” be used by God in your own stories to push us to the Lord for rescue. May this “storm season” prompt you to take the needed steps to further fortify and protect your “home”—be it your heart, your relationships or even your faith in Almighty God (Proverbs 16:9). Why? Because you are worth it to an Eternal God who loves you (Galatians 2:20).

 

Theme of Week Six: God Knows The Way

Week Six, Day One:

 

“You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me.” Matthew 5:11 (HCSB)

 

When we follow hard after the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, there will come a time when persecution will come. At that moment, may we be shown as faithfully aligned to the Lord as we call out to Him in both sincerity of need and urgency of deliverence. God will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7). Thus, the Lord will be our defender and the One to ensure that all who call upon His name will be redeemed for His glory—in His perfect time. If you find yourself in a place today that leaves your faith feeling attacked or trampled on, realize the great opportunity you have been given to highlight the source of your strength. In the midst of hardship, as Christians, it is in our raw cries for rescue and our heartfelt need for salvation that the world is able to plainly see God on display. Ask the Lord to equip you, this very day, with an ability to stand tall in the midst of insults and crushing circumstances. In doing so, as a Christian you can declare with boldness He will see you through and that there is nothing unrighteous in the Lord (Psalm 92:12-15).

 

Prayer For Today:

Lord, I don’t know where to begin. You see the opposition. You see the massive obstacles I have to get around. I am overwhelmed. Help me to look beyond these present challenges. Help me, as is echoed in Psalm 92:12-15, be firmly grounded firmly in You like the palm and cedar of Lebanon so that I can withstand the storms and challenges that are all around. I want to be found faithful to declare Your goodness and righteousness to all. Please help (name)_________ to be like a palm and cedar as well; sturdy, grounded and bearing fruit until old age, for Your glory. You are bigger than this circumstance. Thank You that nothing catches You off guard. I trust You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor” Week Five, Day Six

DAILY DEVOTIONAL Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor”

Week Five, Day Six:

 

“The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 (HCSB)

 

When we believe in Jesus Christ, we receive a peace that surpasses all of the logic and rhetoric of the day (Philippians 4:7). As believers, we are to pursue peace, rather than looking for ways to stir the proverbial pot. We are to study peace and spread it throughout the diverse societies of this vast globe. True peace with God can only be obtained through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the Cross; which is offered to each desiring heart (Ephesians 2:8-10). It is our privilege to forgive quickly and not bring up past issues as weapons to hurl at others. As we exhibit peace, we will find others attracted to that something that is different about us. As a child of God, we have the awesome privilege to promote and bring the peace of Jesus Christ to other people. In your turmoil today, the Lord desires to use you to promote peace and forgiveness for His name’s sake and your ultimate blessing. Rise to the occasion, dear sister. You serve a Great God who has great things to accomplish through you.

 

Prayer for today:

Lord, please give me the heart and mind of a peace maker. I am one who is prone to quarrel and fight for my way. Teach me Your ways. Help me to represent Your character to (name)____________. I need Your help so desperately. Please help (name)__________ to let go of the hurt and bitterness—knowing that justice is found in You. Allow Your peace, true peace, to wash over (name)_________ anew today. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor” Week Four, Day Seven

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor”

Week Four, Day Seven:

 

“The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3 (HCSB)

 

Atop a mountain, Jesus spoke this first of the famous Beatitudes to His newly recruited disciples and a hillside of others who would follow Jesus from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan (Matthew 4:25). Jesus stressed the need to acknowledge one’s own weaknesses and continual dependency on God to gain access to heaven. This is the Gospel wrapped into one short statement from the mouth of the King Himself. Just as the thief on the cross next to Christ on the day He died, we too must acknowledge our own shortcomings and the flawless comparison of Jesus Christ (Luke 23:41). Also like the thief on the cross, we too must then express our need to Jesus for salvation through Him, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords . In doing this with a sincere heart, the man was assured by Jesus Christ Himself, “today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43). By acknowledging and calling out for our soul’s need for Jesus Christ, all who trust in Jesus receive the most beautiful reward of all—loving acceptance and right standing into fellowship with Almighty God forever in His paradise called heaven.

 

Prayer for today:

Dear Jesus, I have missed the mark in so many ways. Although others do not know all that I have done, You do and have provided a fresh start for my life. Please forgive me for all of my shortcomings. Help me to align my life to please You. Help (name)_______ to also surrender the circumstances of life and the matter of heaven to You. Thank You that it is through Your name, Jesus Christ, that truly all can be saved. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

 

**Week Four in review. Please write down the most meaningful verse from this past week below. As you do, please take the time to thank God for His Word. The Lord will never allow our circumstances to overtake us. Much like the Israelites in the desert, every single need, in accordance to the Lord’s perfect and sovereign will, is met within the stories of each one who cries out to the Lord for help. Thank the Lord for His sovereignty over all things.

 

** Optional Service Project (Acts 20:35): Write a thank you card to someone. It doesn’t matter if you see this person every day or possibly only once a year, take the time to express gratitude for something this person has taught you, modeled for you or imparted to you that has made you who you are today. In doing this, not only to you bless another’s life, but you will be surprised how much happier you will feel as you focus your attention on a blessing that has been brought into this season of your life.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor” Week Four, Day Five

DAILY DEVOTIONAL by Katie Messer: “Through The Valley Of Achor”

Week Four, Day Five:

 

“Among them, from the descendants of Judah, were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The chief official gave them other names: he gave the name Belteshazzar to Daniel, Shadrach to Hananiah, Meshach to Mishael, and Abednego to Azariah.” Daniel 1:6-7 (HCSB)

 

Daniel and his three friends were among those captured by the Babylonians after Jerusalem was taken over (Daniel 1:1-7). In an attempt to make the hostage Israeli youth forget their heritage, their very names were changed—seeing as their names reflected names or aspects of the God, Yahweh that they served. In the same way, when we are captured by fear, doubt, depression or trauma, our identity may also seem changed. Remember, you were ransomed and rescued for the ultimate price and your eternal name was forever changed to reflect the one and only King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Isaiah 62:4). As a follower of Jesus Christ, when your identity feels threatened in the midst of captivity, claim truth about who you really are and where your strength comes from (1 John 5:1).

 

Prayer for today:

Dear Jesus, thank You that my true identity is found not in my sorrow, my bank account or relationship status, but in something eternally concrete. Thank You that my identity and sincerest strength is found in You alone. Help (name)_________ to come to realize this pivotal truth as well. Our identity will forever be shaken and tossed by emotions and changing situations, if we do not know who we are in You. Help (name)__________ to rest in this today and accept Your love.

Seeing Through True Sight

Have you ever realized how little time is actually spent in sincere quiet? Not only is there the noise of sound, but also that of light. How many times have you noticed an update come across your device screen late at night, only to realize that once you read the notification, you were not able to easily go to sleep? I know I have been there; many times.

The Lord has really been placing upon my heart the need to live only for Him. Not to care what others say on social media or in real life, but rather to focus solely on knowing Him. I am one to talk and share stories, but lately, the Lord has been challenging me in this. “Remember when I was enough?” He whispered to my heart this morning. I nearly burst into tears as I pulled away from morning school drop off for our kids. I was absolutely shattered in the truth of these words.

This was the second time this morning the Lord had spoken clear as day to my soul. As I had looked into the mirror and saw a tired woman staring back at me, complete with the reality that youth was beginning to wave good-bye, the Lord spoke clearly to my heart. “The more you let go of the world, the more you will find Me.”

Feelings of inferiority can sweep into our souls for a variety of reasons at a moment’s notice. Remember, the devil is good at finding ways to steal, kill and destroy our joy, our hope and our ability to follow hard after God (John 10:10). Yet, the Lord brought truth to my soul that did wonders for my anxious heart this morning. Despite what I can see, God does not look at the exterior—period. The human eye can only grasp perspective from the exterior, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Oh what deception our human eyes report! Our eyes see an ocean of sorrow, our faith in God will allow us to see that same ocean part to reveal a way through it. Our eyes see devastating fire of chaos, our faith in God will reveal that we will be sustained through the blaze and we will not be burned. Our eyes see giants, too big to defeat, standing between us and the promises God has given to us; our faith in God reveals to us that God has already given us the victory…now it is our honor to walk in it.

Regardless of what may be weighing you down today, ask the Lord what He would have you focus on. Ask Him for spiritual sight to reveal your freedom through Jesus Christ from the ways of the world. Without the Lord Jesus, we are all spiritually blind. There is so much more going on around us than what we can see with the mere naked human eye. Ladies, I don’t care if you have been a Christian since you were only a few years of age or if you have just come to faith this very day, the moment we begin to take our eyes off of Christ and become focused on the things around us, we will find our spirits downcast and our vision blurred. Why? Our focus was never meant to be on anything other than Christ when seeking lasting satisfaction. Praise God for His redemption and love! How valuable is the One, Jesus Christ, who took my punishment of rebellion against God upon Himself and gave me His righteousness in return (2 Corinthians 5:21). May we pray for our eyes, as well as the eyes of those around us, to be opened to the myriad of ways in which God is working and moving in and through our lives. This very same thing was prayed by the prophet Elisha for his anxious servant, and suddenly, the servant was a gasp at the number of heavenly warriors fighting on their behalf—whom had all been veiled from his earthly sight. Yet, now that the servant could see these angelic warriors, ablaze with fire, the fact that they were surrounded by enemy soldiers no longer caused fear (2 Kings 6:16-17). The battle is the Lord’s! Allow God and His heavenly armies to fight the battles of inferiority, anxiety and silent need on your behalf…our victory is found in HIM.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33