Consider and Believe

Consider Him who desires to be your Portion in this life and the next...The following is from the Blue Letter Bible (BLB).  It blessed me today as I referenced the Scriptures and meditated on what I have in Jesus Christ, the One who becomes for us whatever our need might be.  Be blessed!

From the BLB...The Names, Titles and Characters of Jesus Christ.

Consider Him
He was Obedient	Phl 2:8
He was Meek, Lowly	Mat 11:29
He was Guileless	1Pe 2:22
He was Tempted	Hbr 4:15
He was Oppressed	Isa 53:7
He was Despised	Isa 53:3
He was Rejected	Isa 53:3
He was Betrayed	Mat 27:3
He was Condemned	Mar 14:64
He was Reviled	1Pe 2:23
He was Scourged	Jhn 19:1
He was Mocked	Mat 27:29
He was Wounded	Isa 53:5
He was Bruised	Isa 53:5
He was Stricken	Isa 53:4
He was Smitten	Isa 53:4
He was Crucified	Mat 27:35
He was Forsaken	Psa 22:1
He is Merciful	Hbr 2:17
He is Faithful	Hbr 2:17
He is Holy, Harmless	Hbr 7:26
He is Undefiled	Hbr 7:26
He is Separate	Hbr 7:26
He is Perfect	Hbr 5:9
He is Glorious	Isa 49:5
He is Mighty	Isa 63:1
He is Justified	1Ti 3:16
He is Exalted	Act 2:33
He is Risen	Luk 24:6
He is Glorified	Act 3:13
The Lord is my Portion
My Maker, Husband	Isa 54:5
My Well-beloved	Sgs 1:13
My Saviour	2Pe 3:18
My Hope	1Ti 1:1
My Brother	Mar 3:35
My Portion	Jer 10:16
My Helper	Hbr 13:6
My Physician	Jer 8:22
My Healer	Luk 9:11
My Refiner	Mal 3:3
My Purifier	Mal 3:3
My Lord, Master	Jhn 13:13
My Servant	Luk 12:37
My Example	Jhn 13:15
My Teacher	Jhn 3:2
My Shepherd	Psa 23:1
My Keeper	Jhn 17:12
My Feeder	Eze 34:23
My Leader	Isa 40:11
My Restorer	Psa 23:3
My Resting-place	Jer 50:6
My Meat (his flesh)	Jhn 6:55
My Drink (his blood)	Jhn 6:55
My Passover	1Cr 5:7
My Peace	Eph 2:14
My Wisdom	1Cr 1:30
My Righteousness	1Cr 1:30
My Sanctification	1Cr 1:30
My Redemption	1Cr 1:30
My All in All	Col 3:11

Return to Top

More of Mikayla's Devotionals....

Romans 16  - Greetings from Paul's friends...

Even in all his sadness and hardships Paul remembered his friends and helpers and greeted them.  Even in hard times remember to show God's people grace !  

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

God means that the trials we go through help us comfort others through the comfort and love he gave us.  

God wants us to show comfort and love through our hardships.  

*********************************************************

1 Corinthians 3  Avoid Worldly Wisdom

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,“He catches the wise in their own craftiness”;[a] 20 and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”[b] 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. 23 And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

Any wisdom is foolish next to God.  If someone comes up to you bragging, pray that God will show him he is a fool.   Anything good comes from God, so if we are wise the person we have to thank is God.  Do not get stuck up about your wisdom, remember God gave it to you! 

*********************************************************

1 Corinthians 15  Glorious Body

There are two bodies, one is our earthly body and the other is our heavenly one.  

Some people doubt the power of God.  They ask: "how are the dead raised?  And what body do they live in?"  These are good questions to be sure, but they are easily answered...both are the power of God!  Jesus' power is great.  He made us, did he not?  We cannot know the power of Him, but it is brilliant, spectacular, stupendous, wonderful, amazing, in short, SWABS.  SWABS stands for those words.  God's power is SWABS...that I know!

*********************************************************

1 Corinthians 15  Effects of Denying the Resurrection

If God did not rise, we would not be in Him.  We would be in peril all the time without Him.  People would be baptized in the name of someone who is rotting in the grave.  (No offense, God) 

If this happened it would be like this. "We're gonna die, let's eat and drink before we die.  Be glad that Jesus rose from the dead!

Just because we are in Christ doesn't mean we should hang out with bad people for it creates bad habits.  So...when you wake up spend time with Him.  Make it so you purpose in your heart to spend time with God.  He will show you who to hang with.

*********************************************************

1 Corinithians 9  Serve all Men

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law,[c] that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God,[d] but under law toward Christ[e]), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as[f] weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Even though we are free after being bought with the blood of Jesus, we are a servant to Him.

We are a servant to all men.  Kinda sounds like what Jesus did.  He became what men are.  He was a Jew.  He had a family and He was going to grow up and be a carpenter.  Jesus became a servant to all.  He washed the disciples feet, ate with sinners and hung with the lepers.  Jesus became weak and went to the cross and told the robber on his right that he would be with him in Paradise.  That thief's deathbed by God's grace was the cross next to Jesus and by God's grace, he believed.  The other robber did not.  Believe and you will go to Heaven. 

Thoughts on Exodus 3...

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 

So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” 

Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” 

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” 15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’ 16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; 17 and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ 18 Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The LORD God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’ 19 But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. 20So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. 22 But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”--Exodus 3:11-22

To My Daughters,

There are two things that comforted me in this passage.  The first is how gracious God is to Moses.  Moses expresses his feelings of fear and inadequacy for the job in verse 11 and God responds immediately by reminding him that he would be with him.  I loved that.  Our God is Emmanuel...God with us.  He never leaves us or forsakes us.  We have no reason to fear.  It really does not matter who we are if God is with us.  Meditate on that one...make that truth of God part of your very being.  

God goes on to be even more gracious by relaying to Moses all that will occur ahead of time. Now there are times in my life when I wish God would do this, but most of the time I am content and think it better if I do not know.  The light that God sheds on the path directly in front of me is enough.  But here God tells him ahead of time that when he has brought the people out of Egypt, he shall serve Him on this very mountain.  He gave Moses the whole picture.  Read verses 16-22.  What an encouragement for Moses as he walks through and sees all of what God had told him, come to fruition.  Wow. Wow. Wow.  When I catch glimpses of God's plans purposes and sovereign care for me in my own life, I am overwhelmed with His goodness and majesty.  I cannot imagine how Moses felt as he saw all that God had spoken occur before his very eyes!!!!

The second thing that comforted me was the name that God told Moses to use when the children of Israel asked who it was that sent him to them.  What was His name.  God's answer was to tell them that "I AM WHO I AM" sent him.

There is both depth and beautiful simplicity in this name...

"I AM what?  I AM all that you will ever need.  I AM to you whatever your need may be. Literally, girls, our God is the Becoming One and becomes whatever you need.  The Eternal One...the One who embodies past, present and future all at once, will be to you and fulfill for you, whatever your need may be.  "

Moses is obviously lacking confidence here...the Great I AM, the Becoming One, will become his confidence.  When I lack peace...I look to Jesus and He becomes my peace.  Our God is to us whatever we need. Give yourself the best of the best today.  Give yourself an eternity filled with unimaginable glory and majesty. Give yourself what you truly need today.   Go to Him...surrender to Him...allow Him to be everything you will ever need.

I close with my very favorite passage of Scripture and the one I chose early on to be my life verse.  

You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in you.  Trust in the Lord forever.  For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.--Isaiah 26:3-4

Love

Mom

Seeing Another Side of Paul...

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia. 

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many,[b] peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.--2nd Corinthians 2:12-17

Dear Girls,

We see such a rare side of Paul here. Paul had no rest in his spirit! Sorry...but that encourages me!   Isn't this the man who sings his way through prison stays?  Paul's concerns for the church in Corinth and their reaction to his letter and his instructions caused Paul much unease in his spirit...so much so that he couldn't even give attention to the ministry opportunity God had placed in front of him.  Paul was given an open door of ministry in Troas to preach the gospel but was so anxious to find Titus to hear news of Corinth that he left Troas! He left the open door!  Paul's anxiety and unrest got the best of him!  I was encouraged because sometimes my anxiety and unrest causes me to ignore opportunities that God has placed directly in front of me.  My concern is more important. I am more important. Uh oh.  Lord, increase my faith.  Remind me as Paul brings to remembrance in the next verses that it is not about me...it is my position in Christ that lead me in triumph and enables me to be a light for my Lord.  None of us is sufficient for these things.  

Here is the beautiful part...here is the application.  Paul makes a quick transition here as he looks up beyond the day to day trials and sees the big picture.  He reminds himself (us) that we are already in a victory march.  He is not sufficient (none of us are) for these things.  It is God that leads the march and in Christ we follow God's leading and diffuse his fragrance along the way.  To some, sadly, it is the aroma (stink) of death which brings offense, condemnation and eternal death, but to others it is the aroma of life which brings conviction, repentance, eternal life and glory to God.  For believers already marching it brings encouragement to endure and a shoring up of faith.  To God it brings pleasure seeing His faithful servants being an influence for the gospel.  

How does one make such an abrupt transition from unrestful thoughts to praise. It is the daily abiding in Him that will cause us to be able to praise him in the midst of difficulty.  Paul is reacting to the trial out of the abundance of what is already filling his heart.  He may be anxious but he has been steeping himself in his God and the evidence of his abiding flows from his heart to his pen!  Girls, this is important...Charles Stanley would say, now listen...a trial will reveal to you what is already in your heart. Your reaction to whatever you face says much about your the spiritual condition of your heart.   If Christ is not revealed then more abiding and sitting at his feet is needed. When Paul sang in prison, he revealed to us that the overflow of his heart was praise  Again, in this passage as Paul pens these words, we see that the overflow of Paul's heart is humility, thankfulness and praise!  

The last verse says much. Paul obviously spoke the gospel of his God in sincerity of heart.  His motive was pure.  The 2nd application is simply this...Do not corrupt the outflow of the word of God with your own agenda.  God is there...He is among us.  He sees.  Let the speaking and sharing of the word be an act of worship.  

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear pwithout a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: q“How beautiful are the feet of those who 2preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Love

Mom

Notes on Exodus 1 and 2

The following passages of Scripture are from Chapter 1 and 2 of the Book of Exodus.


Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; ¹⁶ and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” ¹⁷ But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. ¹⁸ So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?” 
¹⁹ And the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.” 
²⁰ Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. ²¹ And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them. 
²² So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “Every son who is born^[c] you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.”

 And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. ² So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. ³ But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. ⁴ And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.
⁵ Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. ⁶ And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” 

⁷ Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?”
⁸ And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the maiden went and called the child’s mother. ⁹ Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. ¹⁰ And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses,^[a] saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.”

To My Daughters,

The midwives feared God and God provided households for them and dealt well with them.  The midwives put the lives of the innocents above their own.  They showed compassion and saved God's people. Obedience is a beautiful thing to behold because through it we see God working His perfect plan...weaving His beautiful tapestry in our lives and in the lives of those around us.  

I also love how God focused not on the midwives sin of deceit but remembered what they did out of obedience to Him.  For what it is worth, here are my thoughts on this.  God does not remember a believer's sin.  Our sin was buried with His Son.  It is as far as the east is from the west.  The bible tells us  that God keeps a book of remembrance for each of us...a scrapbook so to speak.  That scrapbook contains only those things that we did in faith...the gold, the silver and the precious gems.  It does not contain those things that we did in our flesh...the wood, hay and stubble.  He remembers those things that were done in submission and surrender to the Spirit of God in our life.  He remembers the works that count for eternity...the works that He specifically prepared beforehand for us that we are to walk in.  Saving those little ones counted for eternity.  The works that we do...the ones that God has prepared for us also count for eternity. 


Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name.  "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels.  And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him."--Malachi 3:16-17


These verses are so very beautiful.  Our work is not in vain.  Our God remembers them all!!!  He will make those who fear Him His jewels and will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.   

God used the midwives fear of Him and the compassion that He placed in their hearts to preserve the male Hebrew children alive...to preserve His nation...His chosen people.  Their obedience may even have encouraged Jochabed to see Moses' as a beautiful child and defy Pharaoh's next command to the parents, which was to drown the males born to them.  

Jochabed saved her son.  She built an ark for him and placed him in the very water which she was suppose to drown him in. This reminded me of Noah and the ark he built in obedience to God.  God used the ark to save 8 people alive by shutting them in it and conveying them them to safety and a new life.   

Jochabed put her son in the ark that she made and God navigated the waters and brought him to Pharaoh's daughter in whose heart He had also placed compassion.  This in turn, enabled Moses, through various circumstances all orchestrated by God, to be nursed by his mom and taught Scripture at an early age. Moses' foundation was God...specifically the God of the Hebrews...not the gods of the Egyptians.  Through Jochabed's obedience and compassion as well as the compassion of Pharaoh's daughter God prepared Moses' perfectly for the job of deliverance He would later call him to.   

God used the midwives obedience mightily in His plan for His people's deliverance from bondage.  The midwives feared God more than they feared man.  Their obedience began a chain of events that brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt and into the land that God had prepared for them.  We look back and say wow...but God will likewise use your obedience to Him to also bring beauty from ashes.  Surrender to Him and watch Him work the glory of His majesty in your own life.  

Love

Mom