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

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

Week Eleven, Day Six

 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-5 (NIV)

 

The Apostle Paul wrote a second letter to the Christian church in Corinth. At the time, major issues within their congregation were still persisting. False teachers were leading and the Apostle Paul needed to set the record straight. No other relationship will satisfy the longings of the soul apart from Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. May we pray for sure footing as we traverse in a land of broken promises, broken dreams and broken hearts. No other love will quench the thirst of the inner most being apart from the Lord Jesus. Simply put, we were never designed to find and experience lasting fulfillment apart from a divine connection with God Himself. Chaos is real and heartache is a hallmark of life; but radical redemption and overarching victory of the trials found in this world are the trademarks of Jesus Christ the risen Savior. Clarity comes through revelation of the Holy Spirit; may we pray continually to be in step with His leading for He alone is worthy of our praise (Ephesians 6:18).

 

Prayer For Today:

Dear God, thank You for each detailed provision for those I deeply care for throughout this journey. Thank You for the help, the friendships and the countless encouragements You have ordained during this time. Make my heart grateful amidst the difficulty. Break me of my discontent within this severe discomfort. Teach me to look to You Jesus to find comfort and also pass it forward to others in dyer need. Sever me from my love of this world. May the gods of my heart be burned before You-as was true for the Israelites once they had been delivered by Your hand from Egypt (Exodus 32:1-20). LORD, I repent of my arrogance. Teach me to use Your light to illuminate hearts. Allow me to drink of Your fresh water and refreshing presence amidst this continued heat of the journey (Psalm 23). Thank You for divine provisions in the middle of major unknowns and suspended answers. You are my true comfort and I cling to You; knowing that You are above it all, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

 

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

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

Week Ten, Day Four

 

“He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure.” Psalm 40:2 (HCSB)

 

When Jesus Christ suffered betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, the ultimate rescue plan for all mankind was pushed further forward. When Jesus Christ died upon the brutal killing instrument of the Roman world, the cross, reserved only for the worst criminals, rocks split and the earth shook. Although those watching from a first hand account could not fully comprehend what was unfolding before their eyes, as the “King of the Jews” had been crucified—the beauty was yet to be revealed three days later with His empty tomb. Psalm 40:2 reminds us that Jesus Christ brought Himself out of this world as He had fully accomplished the redemption of mankind through His own death and resurrection (John 10:17-18). At that time, Jesus was given the name above every living creature above the earth, on the earth and below it. All authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him as the rightful and forever King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Matthew 28:16-20).

 

Prayer For Today:

Lord Jesus, You are good. You are eternal. You are victorious over death. For Your love of all mankind, You stepped down from heaven in order to redeem the filth, failings and screw ups that each soul to walk this planet—even while we were each still living in our rebellion against You. Thank You for loving not only mankind, but also me as an individual. Please help me to recall Your love amidst this trying season. Allow me to put off these mortal perspectives of circumstances, and truly embrace Your eternal perspective which works all things together for good for all who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28).