July 27

“…Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest” Psalms 55:6

David might have fought like a lion and conquered like an eagle, but there were times in his life where he felt he would prefer to flee from danger like a dove. We all experience times when our response to life’s difficulties is to hide, fly away, somehow get away from any person or circumstance that is afflicting us. This is not a sign of cowardice or even fear necessarily. David had fought bravely and knew how to deal with his enemies and the challenges which life presented him. There are just some times, when we may feel like we do not want to fight, resist, oppose or withstand. We long for quiet, peace, solitude and sufficient distance between us and the condition which affects us. We are directed by God through His word in such times, to turn to Him for strength and for refuge. God will supply the power we need to overcome, and the comfort we need to live above and beyond the reach of those people or situations that would otherwise torment us. Believers find refuge from life’s turmoil and rest from the taxing demands of everyday living, in the arms of God. Prayer in the Holy Spirit, supplies us with the very 'wings' David longed for, and helps us to escape from the taunts and torts of life. This provision is not for the purpose of avoiding or ignoring life’s tough times. Prayer brings relief and reprieve in such times. It recharges us resets our minds, and refuels our resolve, so that we may in faith and with God’s strength face whatever may come!  We have in God, both the power to battle valiantly in the fight of faith, and the grace to restore our hearts, soothe our spirit and renew our strength.

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

Feb 26

“The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble…” Psalms 20:1

It is reassuring to know we have audience with the Almighty God. He is interested in our troubles and does not avert His attention from us when we suffer. He is compassionate and capable. The reality and sense of this ever-ready Ear we can speak to, and the blessing and comfort of knowing He not only listens intently, but also responds and directs, is a great joy and strength to the believer, whose relationship is intimate with the Lord. Our fellow humans are not always present, interested or concerned about our troubles, but Jesus always cares, is present and nothing is too difficult or burdensome for Him to hear and bear with us. In fact we are taught by the scriptures that He is fully qualified to understand every difficulty and trauma we may experience, and much more than we will ever have personal knowledge of! He, in His humanity was tempted, tested and tried in every point and through Calvary experienced every possible human condition and detriment! Jesus has the heart to listen to our distresses and calls of help, can be touched by the feeling of our afflictions and infirmities. He understands our cares, and is willing to help us lift our load, and carry our burden. The line to heaven is never engaged, does not require appointment, is never broken or under repairs. No money is required to call, and there are no automated messages on the other end! Each of us have all the equipment we need to call on the LORD! Let us faithfully call on Yahwah, every day and more so in the day of trouble, for He will faithfully hear us!

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

Feb 9

“I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:” Job 5:8 

It seems always easier to give advice when we may not have experienced, or are not personally in the situation we may be addressing. Eliphaz - one Job’s ‘comforters’, makes a point here however, which we may all benefit from. The reasoning supporting his statement, is that if we believe that all things (including our afflictions), are ultimately in the merciful hand of the Divine Potentate, the Lord Yahwah, the Almighty One - then complaint, anger, foolish accusations or attributing blame to others for our condition or situation, is not going to help resolve matters, improve our state or lift our smitten morale. In fact even in attempting to gain a basic understanding or at least become reconciled to some degree, with the troubles and sorrows which life inevitably brings to us all, we will be better served if in humility and openness of heart, we seek God and commit our cause to Him! What God does and how He does it, belongs to Him alone and is the privilege and right of His Supreme Deity. This is an essential aspect of what it means for us to be His servants, and to claim Him as our Lord and God! If we rebel or cannot accept His Lordship at every level, and in all circumstances of life, even those we cannot grasp or comprehend, then the veracity and quality of our faith and submission to the One we call our God, must be audited. As we “wait on Lord”, patiently and faithfully accepting His will and direction in our lives, we will find the strength and resolve through Him, to be delivered from, or overcome, the most difficult of life’s challenges. When it is all said and done - only Jesus can help us over those afflictions and setbacks of life for which we have little or no explanation, as in Job’s case! It is with Him then, we should cast our vote of trust and confidence; searching in prayer for His wisdom and understanding, strength and ability, as we constantly, willingly and thankfully deposit our burden and cause at His feet.  

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

Jan 9

 “In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.” Psalms 120:1

There had been great times of rejoicing in David’s life, but he was also well acquainted with sorrow and distress. With David we too can truly say that the Lord is the God of the good times, and yet He is still God in the bad and troubled times. In the seasons of difficulty, anguish and pain, we may feel alone and ill-equipped to cope with the misery that life can bring. Friends are not always there for us or able to help and understand. Although these are not the only times when we should remember to call on the Lord, it is most appropriate that we do so. The Lord is prompt and ready to hear us, He does not slumber or sleep, and is not put off by the difficulty of our request. Though God is supreme and can select to answer us as He chooses, we have an assurance that He will heed our cries and that He is interested in us and our troubles. Faith to trust Jesus, and believe for His intervention and provision, is necessary if we are to be blessed by the Lord. We all know we will be faced with turmoil and struggles in life, as wise servants of the Lord, we therefore ought to uphold a strong, holy and pleasing walk with God at all times, so when the storms hit, as we know they will, we will find harbour, solace and assurance in the God who can calm the sea!

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