October 1

God Provides for His People

Protecting the oppressed
Psalm 9:9

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 1 : PM - Ephesians 1

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).

The initial reaction of Americans to the tragedy of September 11, 2001, was astounding. Not only did we ban together as one nation against terrorism, but we also were no longer apologizing for our faith.

Not long before that day, some groups were lobbying to remove "In God We Trust" from our currency. But after 9/11 people everywhere, including the president and everyone in his cabinet, were trusting God to lead us through those volatile times. It was as if we finally understood - God is the Creator and the ultimate authority.

Paul said it best from a prison. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:10-11).

Lord, help us to remember that our trust is in You alone and that You are the protector and comforter of the oppressed.

September 30

God Provides for His People

Showing His way
1 Kings 19:15-18

Read the Bible through:
AM - Isaiah 64-66 : PM - Galatians 6

Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place (1 Kings 19:16).

Elijah had been in God's presence doing a little complaining (14). He reminded God that he had been a faithful servant, but the Israelites were trying to kill him. God responded by telling Elijah to go and anoint two kings and a prophet to take Elijah's place.

We can assume that this was not the response Elijah had anticipated. He probably would have preferred God eliminate those who opposed Elijah and his ministry. Often, I have been in similar situations saying to God: "Did you see that? Did you see what they did to me? Lord, do something." And He does - but usually not in the opposition, but rather in me.

By having Elijah anoint the kings and the new prophet Elisha, God gave something to Elijah that he probably did not know he needed - a friend and someone to help him with his growing ministry (21).

Lord, may I always remember that it is not about me,
but about You and Your Ministry.

September 29

God Provides for His People

Revealing his presence
1 Kings 19:9-14

Read the Bible through:
AM - Isaiah 61-63 : PM - Galatians 5

And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

Elijah traveled 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb. There the Lord revealed His presence in Elijah neither by a strong wind, nor an earthquake, not a fire, but by a gentle whisper. Elijah knew the gentle whisper was his Lord.

Today, some Christians feel the need to be entertained. They expect a performance by those leading the worship service. In the midst of some services, cell phones ring, children beg parents to be dismissed from the sanctuary; siblings goad one another to tears. How in all of this can God speak to us?

Elijah pulled his cloak over his face. He went out from hiding and stood at the mouth of the cave. Perhaps, we should come out from hiding behind the distraction of life and face what many of us fear - silence. God often speaks to us in a gentle whisper. May we be still and know.

Lord, give me the determination to set aside a quiet time each day when You can reveal Your presence to me.

September 28

God Provides for His People

Nurturing tenderly
1 Kings 19:4-7

Read the Bible through:
AM - Isaiah 58-6 : PM - Galatians 4

Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, "Arise and eat." (1 Kings 19:5).

In the devotional passage, Elijah was running for his life from Jezebel. He went into the desert and sat under one of the few trees that provided shade. There he wished to die.

Life is like that sometimes- full of dark moments and seemingly void of God. I can remember a particular dark moment in my own life. I had a two week old baby and no job. I searched desperately for gainful employment in order to take care of my family but to no avail.

Sometimes, we are nomads in our own deserts wandering, searching for God in this madness we call life. Yet, the Lord says to us, as He did Elijah, "Get up and eat." In other words, we should not let the circumstances of this life consume us to the point of despair. God is still among us and will sustain us if we but ask.

Lord, may I remember to arise and eat in times of darkness and to remember Your unconditional love for me.

September 27

God Provides for His People

Sending rain
1 Kings 18:41-46

Read the Bible through:
AM - Isaiah 54-57 : PM - Galatians 3

Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, "There is a cloud, as small as a man's hand, rising out of the sea!" So he said, "Go up, say to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot , and go down before the rain stops you.'" (1 Kings 18:44).

While teaching a Sunday school class of young children, the teacher held a card displaying the word "serve." She asked the youngsters what the word meant. One shy, wide-eyed child raised her hand and said, "To be a slave." The teacher smiled and read the definition on the back of the card, which was to do something nice or kind for someone. However, perhaps there is wisdom in the words of this child.

To be a slave is to do everything our master tells us. We can unwittingly become slaves to many things: our jobs, our children, our grandchildren, our mates, and so forth. Elijah, however, was a slave to our Lord.

After bringing down the prophets of Baal, Elijah bent down to the ground and prayed persistently for rain. And his Master, surely pleased with his faithfulness, sent Israel this miracle

Lord, You are the one Master who deserve my devotion.

September 26

God Provides for His People

Giving Nourishment
1 Kings 17:1-5

Read the Bible through:
AM - Isaiah 51-53 : PM - Galatians 2


"And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." (1 Kings 17:4).

Elijah was an amazing prophet who trusted God for his every need. In 1 Kings 17:3 we find him hiding from King Ahab by the brook Cherith where he followed the Lord's leading to safety. The interesting thing here is that God chose ravens, unclean scavengers, to bring nourishment to Elijah.

Traditionally, we know the raven has symbolized death or evil - something to be abhorred. Most people would rather identify with the dove, a symbol of peace, or the eagle, a symbol of strength, or even the robin, a symbol of nurturing.

While Elijah may not have seen the ravens as a likely source of nourishment, he took from them willingly. He knew this was God's way of caring for him.

Some people may reject Jesus as the Bread of life. But those who take from Him willingly find a sustenance that will never let them go hungry again.

Lord, may I never go my own way and reject Your nourishment. Strengthen me through Your Bread of life.

September 25

God Forgives

And blesses once again
Psalm 32:1-7

Read the Bible through:
AM - Isaiah 48-50 : PM - Galatians 1

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered (Psalm 51:14).

What has God's forgiveness covered that makes you a special agent of ministry to a lost world? We have all sinned. God offers His forgiveness freely, but it comes with the obligation and joy to share what Christ's sacrifice has done in your life. Look around and ask God to show you one person who needs to hear a word of forgiveness from you.

Father, Thank You for granting me the opportunity to be a vessel of forgiveness to someone today.