August 27 – Until the Dawn

“So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.”   2 Peter 1:19 (NASB)

Our God knows the needs of His people. He knows that we could not get along spiritually by ourselves in this world.  That is why He has revealed His thoughts to us in the Bible.  We have our Bibles to read and we have opportunity to hear God's Word taught and preached.  This privilege is what the Apostle Peter wrote about in the verse we have chosen for today.  What would we do without the Scriptures which God has had recorded and preserved so well for us?  We would really be in the dark about God and His creation and His love for us, wouldn't we?  Peter compares God's Word to a light shinning in a dark place.  And, Peter recommends that we pay attention to what it says and teaches us.  If you've ever walked a path at night without light to guide your way, you know how important a torch or flashlight is to avoid the rocks, holes and even snakes on the path.  God's Word is a light to our path in life which helps us to avoid the pitfalls and the snares and the evil workers who wish to trip us up.  Trusting God's Word will guide us until the dawn when there will no longer be any darkness. 

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July 29 – Near Your Crushed Spirit

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

Our Lord God in heaven has so many ways to show His concern for His children.  In today's verse from a psalm by King David we find a reminder of God's involvement in our lives.  These words tell us of how close our Lord is to us and aware of our circumstances – even when we are in a difficult and dark time.  Even though He is in control of all the universe which He has created, He knows what is going on in each of our individual lives. He know when our heart is breaking and even knows this about every one's heart.  He knows our disappointment and our sorrows.  He knows when we are suffering anxiety, depression, sorrow, and loss.  He knows when each of us has a special need of His help and He is right there with us when we need Him – even when we might not feel like He is near, He is near.  So my friend, when things look dark around us lets remember that God knows and He is right here with us.  Let's open our heats and let Him do for us what He promises to do for our crushed spirit.

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