Day 112: Leading a Legacy

Day 112
Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 14:32-72

There are many things that go into the lives we leave here on this earth. We can live our lives trying to fill it with everything we have ever wanted or wanted to do, which always brings temporary happiness, and we leave it all behind. Or, we can live our lives trying to fill hearts with Christ and what He can do to grant everyone eternal happiness. When trying to find your own happiness, you may actually stumble into Christ, and realize He is the ultimate, eternal happiness you need.

Moses goes out, continuing to spread wholeheartedly the words of the Lord to the people he's leaving behind. You can truly see how Moses' heart beats for the people and more for His God as he obeys and shares what God wants him to. He is truly a leader for the memory books who brought the people into freedom from Egypt, and continued to push them past the struggles and doubts they had as they went. We recall how frustrating Moses' journey with the people was at times, but as we wrap up Deuteronomy, we read the words of the Lord and the words Moses shares about the tribes.

The people respected Moses, and being a respectable leader is huge in sharing the ultimate legacy of Christ. While Moses didn't get to enter into the Promised Land, he humbly handed over his leadership to Joshua, who was chosen by the Lord. It's interesting to reflect back on Moses' life and see the kind of leader he was formed into as the journey progressed. A man who was too afraid to go and demand the people be set free by Pharaoh, now a man who wrapped up his life with speeches and eloquent words from the Lord to the people to continue this legacy for generations.

What kind of leader is God forming you to be? Even if you are reluctant to lead, you are leading someone in someway. The question will be if it is in a way that is holy, or a way that seeks temporary fulfillment from a world that can never offer you eternity. Watch how you lead and who you lead.

As Jesus nears His crucifixion in Mark, we read about how even the disciples were weak in standing by Him. These leaders that Christ had worked side by side with for months were now fleeing the scene when things got rocky. However, just because the disciples fled, we know that Peter still becomes a key leader in the foundation of the Church. He denies Christ, as predicted, but that is not his fate.

Have you felt like you have fallen away from Christ, or even denied Him? There is still hope. Peter was redeemed and lived to serve His Lord after he was frozen in sin and fear. Don't ever feel like hope is lost for you. You can still make an impact and you can still be redeemed if you have a heart that seeks the Lord and longs to do His work.

Christ Himself was willing to go to the bitter suffering on a cross for us. He prayed to His Father if it were HIS will let it be done. I think we hesitate to follow the will of God, even in the simplest of forms, because we are either too fearful, or we wouldn't believe God would make us do something so crazy. We need to be open to His leading and His will, no matter how scary it may seem. When He calls us to it, we know we're taken care of, because it is His will. Christ took the biggest risk and conquered death for us. If we take a risk for God, you never know the ripples it could cause around you. Think of the big picture and allow God to start small with you.

We may start out rocky in our lives of leading for Christ. Moses was afraid he couldn't speak. Peter denied Christ. But God used both of these men to do amazing things for Him. You don't need to be qualified to lead; in fact, you are a leader in some way right now. Someone is looking to you and watching what you do - especially if you claim to be a Christian. Take a step out and allow Christ to work through you in amazing ways. Lead with a legacy that seeks His will and His bigger plan, rather than you desires and the here and now agenda you carry.

Day 85: All You Need to Know

Day 85

Numbers 8-9; 2 Thessalonians 1

In a culture that is constantly on the move, we are always looking ahead to what is next. We want to know all the answers to where our troubles will lead us, or know the next turn to take in our lives, or simply know all the answers to what God is doing. We live, wanting to hold a spotlight in order to see what is way up ahead, and judge others in what we see now, but God is more of a candle guy. He knows what we need to know as far as a candle can shine, not a spotlight.

I found it interesting when the men approached Moses and asked if they could celebrate Passover since they had made themselves unclean by touching a body.  Moses, approaching the Lord to ask Him instructions, learns what they are to do. It makes it seem so simple as we read this, to ask God what we should do in a certain situation. He doesn’t always answer so clearly as He did to Moses. One thing we should keep in mind though is that when we ask God for something or for direction, He may hesitate on answering because He wants us to learn along the way, growing us more deeply in Him. Other times, like this instance with Moses, He’ll answer right away because He knows we need to know right away. It’s all about having faith day to day and step by step in keeping our eyes on Him.

The cloud we read about that directed the people where to go when also seems like it came in handy in knowing God’s direction. The people only knew day by day though, if they would move or if they would stay put.  As a type A person, I always like to know what is coming. When am I traveling? Where am I going? I like to pack my bag in preparation of it and know what I will need. The people didn’t quite get that. They would see day to day where they would be. I think this is important because God has a reason for that. We often ask God to lead us where He wants us and show us what is ahead, but it seems like we hardly ever pray for Him to use us here and now, content in where He has put us. The people here had to rely on the day to day, rather than know where they would be later.  It took them 40 years to finally reach the Promised Land.  God had a reason for it.

It is best to face hardships in the same way at times too. We read Paul’s encouragement to the people of Thessalonica in his second letter to them, as they are facing persecution and hardship. Paul reminds the people of Christ’s return someday and His judgment on those who persecute. We seem to want justice NOW, and answers NOW, and relief NOW, but God doesn’t always work that way. If our faith is in Him and we can truly say “I trust You, Lord,” then we can have confidence that one day we will. Have hope in that. Today may be hard. This life may be hard. But God’s plan is much bigger than the depths of our mind. He is doing great things in the midst of your struggle. 

Paul reminds us to keep doing the good things our faith prompts us to do, and says he prays that the believers follow a life that is worthy of Christ’s calling. Honor comes when we live lives in complete faith towards Him. This doesn’t mean we’re not proactive with our faith, or that we are lazy stating God will take care of it all, but it means we live a life that is open to His leading, trusting that He will handle the judgment of our enemies and the steps of our lives.

Are you someone that needs to know what is up ahead in life? I know I like to be prepared having all I need for what is to come, but God doesn’t always work in that way. We like to hold a spotlight to see what is coming, but God gives us a candle so we know what we need to know now. Jill Briscoe said “If you know Christ, then you know all you need to know.”  Live life like you’re holding a candle in front of you, trusting that God will give you all the answers when you need them. Stay alert in His Word and leading. You know all you need to know.

Day 46 - A Good Shepherd

Day 46
Psalm 23-25

Even though we read Psalms 23-25 today, I'd like to take a closer look at Psalm 23, and see what it means to us today.

The Lord is my Shepherd
I have all that I need

How has God provided for all of your needs?


He lets me rest in green meadows, 
He leads me beside peaceful streams

 How do you find peace in the Lord? Reflect on something today that you could use peace from or about.


He renews my strength
He guides me along right paths
bringing honor to His name.

Where do you need strength today? How can you bring God honor with the strength He provides for you?


Even when I walk through the darkest valley
I will not be afraid
for You are close beside me
Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.

How can you remind yourself that everything will be ok, even as you walk through a tough time in life? A shepherd uses his staff to keep a sheep on the right path and correct them. How does this line up with what God does for us?


You prepare a feast for me 
in the presence of my enemies. 
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.

What are your thoughts on this section? How does this apply to you today?


Surely your goodness and
unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

How does sticking close to your "Shepherd" lead you to a life of love and goodness? What about in the dark times of life - how does this apply then? What reward awaits us at the end of this life for staying close to Him?

Psalm 24 is a good follow up to the end of Psalm 23, as it goes into who will truly see the Lord. Psalm 25 leads us into our everlasting trust in the Lord, even when life throws us enemies (whether that be in health, people, jobs, etc.). Repenting and remember what He has done for us and holding tight to what He will do will keep us close to Him.

Day 42 - All-Knowing God

Day 42
Job 38-40, Matthew 4

Arguing with God is so easy to do, especially when life seems unfair. We question God's motive and wonder why He would let bad things happen to us. We see Job struggle with this as well as his friends on his behalf. But when God rebuttals and makes Job realize just how all-knowing He is, Job is left practically speechless and ashamed.

When we question God, it is important to remember that He knows everything. Every details of our lives is planned out and set ahead of us, as well as the big picture of His perfect plan. We can question all we want, but it won't change this fact. Just because God speaks audibly to Job (as it seems), doesn't mean He doesn't speak to us, through His Word, wise counsel around us, through nature, etc. He leaves us reminders all over to help us through and call us back to Him.

As Jesus is tempted in the wilderness by Satan, we see just how well He knows the scriptures to avoid the temptation. There is something major to be pointed out here - Jesus is tired and hungry. Isn't this when we are at our weakest moments in life? We tend to make irrational decisions when we are hurt, hungry, angry, tired, or lonely. (H.A.L.T) Because Jesus quotes scripture, we see that He remembers His Father's words and has them embedded into His life. And while we can expect this from the Son of God, it doesn't mean we shouldn't take note of this and embed the Word into our lives as well, to be reminded in the weak moments of God's all-knowing characteristic.

As the followers come to Jesus as He begins His ministry, we can take example from them in considering what and who we will follow in this life. We can follow the unknown things that know nothing about our lives, or we can follow an all-knowing, all-powerful God, Who cares for us deeper than anyone else ever could.

God knows where our lives are heading. He can pinpoint the days ahead and lay out spectacular plans. He knows all! He knows the intricate details of our lives and the big picture of His perfect plan for all of eternity. Knowing Him and embedding His Word into our lives will help us when things get tough. Follow the One Who cares the most for you, rather than the temporary things in this world and the people that disappoint. He knows your heart and He knows what you need in this very moment.

Day 36 - God's Perspective

Day 36
Job 28-29, Galatians 5

The way that Job explains and builds up to how valuable and precious God's wisdom is sure shows us how important it is to chase after it. Job knows that we have an All-Knowing God, Who has reasons for everything that we endure and will make great things out of it. Job points out how God has planned paths for lightening, shows the wind how hard to blow, and He knows the outcome of our daily lives. God has this wisdom beyond comprehension that is incomparable to anything else in this world!

As Job reflects back over the good life he had before everything fell apart, I don't think it is coincidence that he prefaced this with speaking of God's wisdom and how precious it is. Job knows that God has reasons and plans for everything. Our minds can't fathom what God can do in the midst of chaos and darkness. We see how respected of a man Job was and how wonderful his life was. My question and challenge for you is this: If you had a like like Job had had before all the chaos, would your faith be as strong?

In Galatians we read about finding freedom in Christ, and allowing the Spirit to empower our lives, rather than things of this world. When we find our grace and wisdom in Christ, we gain so much. The Spirit produces good kinds of fruit, as we read - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Anything that contradicts these in this world, are not from God, as it states "there is no law against these things."

When we allow these little pieces of the world to get into our lives, they become like yeast in bread and end up saturating our lives. Developing our character from the fruits of the Spirit in every aspect of our lives can help us to gain that perspective of God. He wants every part of us.

When we open up our all to Him, we begin to saturate our lives in His wisdom, perspective and grace. We can hang onto a piece of our lives and keep it from Him, but that little piece still makes us who we are as a whole. Not giving it all over to God can cause us to miss out on the full picture of God's greatness and plan for our lives. Soak up His wisdom and live in the power of His Spirit, embracing every turn in life that can grow you.

Day 32- Praise from the Depths

Day 32
Psalm 18 & 19

When is the last time you ran to God in complete celebration and praise? David is showing that incredible emotion here. These Psalms were written in light of him being delivered from the hands of his enemies, and the praise he offers up to God is powerful.

This Psalm offers so amazing attributes of who God is! Fortress, Rock, Rescuer, Perfect, Gentle, are only a few! What an amazing God we have, Who fits all of these so perfectly. David got to see first hand how wonderful our Creator is by being pulled out of the depths in mighty ways. This juxtaposition he writes about God's character and powers is simply incredible.

Lying face down in the pit and in constant worry for what is going to happen to you can really leave you unable to focus on God, but this is the precise moment you look up and realize He is all you have. His plan is perfect and it will pave a way for His glory to shine. These moments, while awful and just terrible, can bring so much power and faith to your life and heart. It is incredible how God uses the hardships to shine His Light in our lives and the lives around us that witness how He has worked.

Next time you are surrounded by hardship and sitting at the bottom, then rescued by this Almighty God we have, remember to give Him praise for Who He is and what He has done! This light you cast will be a powerful one for those around you to see the amazing work of God's hands in your life. You are a walking testimony and story for God's greatness! Have you told it and praised God for it?

Day 30- Patient Until the End

Day 30
Job 14-16, James 5

I think many times we just hope that the Lord will return before all of these foreseen troubles come our way. Rather than dealing with the problems in life, we try to run, or hope for God's return. I can't even count how many times I've hoped the Lord would come back before I had to face something, or just for the sake of shaking up the mundane life that seemed to keep going on and on. We read today, however, that holding onto that hope in waiting for Christ's return, we keep endurance to continue on the mission that God has set us here for.

Job is actually quoted in our James reading today, as James reminds us that Job's endurance through hardship landed him in great reward in the end, as the Lord had mercy and showed Job kindness. It is interesting reading that in James after reading about the midst of Job's agony.

The power of prayer can be a powerful tool in our waiting. As we stagger through this life, hoping for God to have mercy on us and for Christ to return soon, we can be in constant communication with God 24/7. We are told in James to pray in all circumstances! Tell God when you are happy and praise Him for it! Pray about your hardships. Have people pray for you when you are sick. Pray for each other. Prayer is a way to remind us of that hope that is coming someday and the hope we have now as we walk this earth with a Living God.

I can't help but feel for Job as his friends continue to talk for no helpful reason. A man in such agony as he, also having to deal with his friends blaming him for his misfortune just causes me to cringe. I'm not sure I would have had the strength that Job has throughout this ordeal. But as we read in James, we know that Job's endurance will bring him to good places in the end, and that hope is what keeps Job going. Just because your friends have bad advice, doesn't mean you can turn to God's advice instead. Pray to Him and ask Him for strength. Trust in His will and way.

This world can be unfair and so hard to deal with at times. Many times, I don't feel like I fit, but remembering the hope that awaits me when Christ returns or calls me home is such an encouragement. Be patient as you wait on Christ and in constant communication with Him through prayer. Hold on to Him. 

Day 22 - Keep the Faith

Day 22
Genesis 46-48, John 19

There are so many unknowns in life. We can see this theme throughout God's Word as we watch God work through people and the processes of faith that take place.
Jacob, being near the end of life, I'm sure wasn't expecting much more. But we read the beautiful story of how his family is reunited and he is able to experience how God has worked in powerful ways. We will continue to read about the amazing things God does through this line of people!

Joseph's faith led him to where he is too. His family experiences healing because of it. Though Joseph went through horrible times of rejection and hardship, we can see how hard he holds onto God throughout, and because of his faith, life has come to God's awesome plan being played out.

Another step of faith is in our own lives. Jesus died for us and many have a hard time believing He rose again and will be coming back. We leave off in John at a seemingly bleak moment. A time of hopelessness and probably a lot of people losing the faith they had in God's power.

Each of these examples have one major thing in common. Each of them had a window of darkness at one time or another. That window, however, was expanded to see the hope and power that came through in the end. Just because you are looking out a dark window right now, remember that in days, weeks, months, even years, God's glory is revealed.

God does some of His best work in the midst of hardship. We have to be at the absolute bottom to know that up is the only place to look. The bottom of the pit is a lonely, dark, hopeless place to be, but as we read today, God works again and again for those who trust in Him. It is so easy to stumble and give up on faith. A stronger person holds on and keeps looking to Him, even when they don't feel like doing it. Hold on and keep having faith in what God has in store for you.

You call me out upon the waters...

I would like to write devos based off of the song "Oceans" by Hillsong, line by line. It has become my life song in response to all that has happened in my life this past year, and I think writing my story to this song will help immensely. 


Today's line: "You call me out upon the waters..."

God's calling in our lives can leave us feeling a bit unsure. When God calls us into a mission, a place, a job, a new start, etc. we may look at Him with an eyebrow raised, as if He is calling us to walk on water. The thing we need to remember is that Jesus physically DID walk on the water.

We don't always know what God is calling us to do. Sometimes it is just thrown into our lives and we must take it in stride. If we don't, our faith could waiver. When Jesus called out to Peter to step onto the water with Him, I'm sure Peter just stared and thought deeply about what was being considered. His first steps out onto the water was probably like that of a toddler learning to walk for the first time. They cling to the side of the couch, looking around for the next place to step to and grab on to, but Peter didn't have anything but a boat, open water and Jesus.

Circumstances in life can leave us feeling stranded and unsure about what God is actually asking us to do. I can't tell you how terrified I was to bring our newborn home from the hospital. The day we were released from the hospital and had to strap her into that car seat, then drive her home 2 hours, was probably one of the most unsure days and nights of my life. Now Mark and I would have to raise her without the luxury of calling the hospital nursery to our aid, or a nurse to show us again how to swaddle and bathe. Jesus certainly calls new parents onto the waters.

If that wasn't terrifying enough for me, I came home from the hospital a second time to still take care of a newborn that I hadn't taken care of in three weeks, and do it after open-chest surgery. Talk about waters! I remember just looking up at God and asking "What are you doing, God? How do you expect me to do this?" I could barely bend over, pick up my arms, and get in and out of the shower, let alone take care of an infant, but those were the waters I was called to at the time.

When God throws those unsure waters at you, consider the outcome of it. Consider where it will take you and what it will do for your faith. It will give you the opportunity to look at yourself and see just how capable He is in you.