May 11

“…as cedar trees beside the waters.” Numbers 24:6

Balaam the prophet had been employed by king Balak to curse the people of Israel, whom he viewed as his enemies and a potential threat to his kingdom. On three separate occasions, however Balaam could not but utter blessings and praises to God over Israel, a fact which angered the king immensely. In this third instance Balaam praises Israel of God, with unfettered admiration and beautiful comparisons. He speaks of the people of God as being like rich valleys spreading out in front of him, fruitful gardens, and beautiful forests, and finally compares them to the most majestic of trees – the cedar. Balaam then goes on to sing of the blessing which God will bestow on Israel and the protection He will give His people. The use of the cedar tree in scripture to describe strength, majesty and beauty is not infrequent. The tree is known for the size it can grow to, usually straight timber with branches spreading out horizontally and parallel all the way to its top forming a ‘cone’ shaped silhouette. The strength and quality of the wood made it a preferred building material, and it was used in important structures and edifices. Solomon employed it extensively in the building of the temple in Jerusalem. Although it is generally a mountain tree, this particular description places the cedar beside waters, where most trees would naturally best thrive. Balaam’s anointed description is an apt summary of how God views and values His people. In the same manner that He created the cedar and gave it the qualities that make it unique, God has given believers distinctive qualities by which they too can be known. The people of God can be recognised, like the cedar tree. They have a distinctive manner and spirit to them. They bear the signature of God in their soul and are different from the world around them. They are strong in their convictions, values and purposes, not easily moved and durable; stable in whatever position they are used. God utilizes such people in positions of leadership, and responsibility, to carry load and bear burden for others. Better still, God supplies His people with an in exhaustible supply of living water, which keeps them spiritually alive, strong and growing. He ensures that they are supplied all that is necessary to function and do the work they were intended for and purposes in His will! We are truly blessed to be counted among God’s people and valued in this manner by the Creator God!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 3

 “…If thou wilt go with me, then I will go…” Judges 4:8

The Israelites had again turned from God and committed evil against Yahwah. Their punishment from God came in the form of a take-over by the Canaanites, who oppressed them for twenty years. The people cried to God for deliverance this was during the time of Deborah the judge. Directed by the Lord, Deborah called on Barak, a mighty warrior, to lead the people of Israel against Sisera, the captain of the Canaanite host. An army of ten thousand was raised to fight the enemy, but the odds were greatly against them, since the Canaanites had 900 chariots of iron in their armed force. These were swift and conventional hand weapons virtually ineffective against them, not unlike the armoured tanks of today’s warfare. God however, had promised to go before Barak and grant Him victory.  Such situations have existed in the lives of many of the great men whom God called to do battle in His name. Often the human odds and resources are against the people of God, but the Lord is more than sufficient to supply the victory His people need. Barak believed Deborah, but hesitated in carrying out the directive of the Lord, without her presence at the battle site. It should not be necessary for us, to have anyone at our side but the Lord, in any endeavour we undertake for Him; yet it is true of our human nature, that many times we are encouraged to step out in faith, when someone else, who is likeminded, a person we feel we can trust, is there with us. It is also true to say that if our primary focus is seeing the work of God performed at the best possible level, then we will want to involve the best possible people, without concern as for who gets the acclaim.  The goal and reward is the success of the outcome and the knowledge we have served God aright! Barak is mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, among those who displayed faith, trusted God and went on to win a victory for His glory. It appears he was not consumed with self-importance, or anxious about personal honour. He was content to be a tool in God’s hand, to bring about a great victory for the Lord and Israel, without caring much about the credit or the reputation associated with it. He is therefore a reminder to us, to be people of faith, willing to obey God even when we may be reluctant, and rejoicing to see the work of God done, not for personal approbation, but for the glory of God.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion