Good Morning Devoted to Our Lord and King Friends! Help us Lord to stay focused and connected to you and choosing to trust and walk with you always. Thanks Amen! I have to git along but wanted to share the impact and refocusing that came through our devotionals below. There are a lot of unknowns and pressures right now--BUT GOD! He knows, cares and is with us always and always working all things together for good. He reminded me to stop leaning on my own understanding but to trust and acknowledge Him and allow Him to lead and work out His perfect plans. He is God! I am not! PTL! Lord, COME! Help! Deliver! Heal! Bring wisdom! Lead! Amen! Praying for you all to know His shalom and walk in perfect peace as you stay focused on and connected to our ever-present King! Amen! Shalom shalom!
ODB:
God’s Rainbow Answer
Whenever the rainbow appears . . . I will . . . remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures. Genesis 9:16
Owen was on holiday abroad when he received a disturbing message from a colleague: “The boss is looking to replace you.” Deeply upset, he prayed one morning at dawn and asked God, “Where are You?” Then he went to the window to open the curtains—and spotted a huge, beautiful rainbow suspended above the lake outside. Immediately a comforting warmth gushed over him. “It was as if God was simply telling me, ‘It’s okay; I’m here,’ ” he recounted later.
In Genesis 9, God promised not to destroy the earth through a flood again. He promised, “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth” (v. 16). This covenant was everlasting and unconditional. It depended totally on God’s protection and provision, not on humanity’s performance. And it was just the first of many promises God would make to His people. Jesus, too, said, “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
God doesn’t promise that we won’t suffer. But He does promise His ever-present comfort and personal presence. We may not get “rainbow answers,” but we have His assurance that no matter what happens to us in life, He’s always there for us, and we can draw on His strength, comfort, and presence.
By Leslie Koh
REFLECT & PRAY
In times of trouble and worry, what can you do to remind yourself of God’s presence? Which promises of His give you comfort?
Loving Father, thank You for Your presence, and please help me to remember Your promise to be with me always.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The story of the rainbow in Genesis 9 is preceded by the account of humanity’s sin: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (6:5). Their wickedness had reached such a level that God responded with judgment upon the world. For the conditions on earth to trigger such an expansive act of judgment is telling. Still, God’s heart for the people remained. Many scholars estimate it would’ve taken about seventy-five years to build the ark—giving people time to respond to the warning of coming judgment. Following the great flood, God set a rainbow in the clouds—a symbol of biblical hope—as His promise to never destroy the world again by flood. , no matter what we face in life, we can be assured of God’s presence and faithfulness.
Bill Crowder
UR: All things for Good
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
In my last year of university studies, my parents were not able to afford my tuition. I felt God had let me down, especially because I was committed to ministry.
During the next year and a half, I wrote my first book, joined a school outreach ministry at my church, and made many helpful relationships. Then, thankfully, with God’s provision, I was able to complete my studies.
The apostle Paul reminds us to trust God’s process and presence regardless of our circumstances. Even when it seems as if God is silent and distant, we know God is weaving our sufferings into a testimony and forming compassion in us for those who suffer. I recall the story of Joseph. His brothers hated him and sold him into slavery in Egypt where he became a servant, was falsely accused, and thrown into prison. After some years, when Joseph met his brothers again, rather than seek revenge, Joseph chose to save their lives (see Gen. 45:7).
When we face unexpected and unpleasant situations, we may be tempted to doubt God, be anxious, or seek solutions that are not rooted in faith. We may not understand why we’re going through a tough season, but God knows and cares about every detail of our lives.
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's Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive us for doubting you. Thank you for working all things for our good. Amen.
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