"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)

We are visual creatures! Once we see something, it's easier to believe it. But that's not faith! The essence of faith believes something is real without having seen it – seeing it with the eyes of faith rather than natural eyes!

This short verse gives us a lot to think about! Paul wrote these words knowing that we all have a tendency to walk by sight rather than by faith! Although his letter was directed to the Corinthians, these eight short words still reverberate throughout the centuries . . . faith is seeing that which cannot be seen with our natural eyes and believing that it is!

Our eyes tell us that our circumstance is too difficult and we're defeated! Faith tells us that there is nothing too difficult for our God and He has already won for us the victory! Our eyes tell us that the doctor's report gives us little hope. Faith says "I will believe the report of the Lord"! Our eyes tell us that our children are lost. Faith tells us that God's promises are true and "when they are old they will not depart" from the Lord.

Keep in mind that God leads us into and through times where our faith is tested and tried. We need to walk through this in order for the Lord to show us His mighty arm in the midst of our circumstances, revealing to us His ability to perform His Word and proving His integrity. It's a necessary part of the process of growing in our knowledge of Him – growing in a relationship that gives us the strength to endure knowing that we are never alone or forsaken!

If you think about it, fixing our gaze on the Author and Finisher of our faith will certainly cause awareness of our life's circumstances to fade. Faith will spring forth and doubt will flee. Standing on the promises of God, clinging to Him through faith, and pursuing relationship with Him will lead us to victory over fear and doubt! Those things which are seen by sight will give way to that which is seen by faith!

We have a commission to walk by faith knowing that our Heavenly Father is very able to keep us even in the midst of our darkest hour. Don't let your eyes deceive you but cling to His promises . . . "walk by faith, not by sight!" Turn your eyes upon Jesus . . . and the things of earth will grow strangely dim . . . "

Heavenly Father, my flesh grows weak and my faith fades so easily. Lord, help me to keep my gaze fixed on You and Your promises so my circumstances won't overwhelm me. My heart's sole desire is to serve You, to love You, to worship You, not only in deed, but through steadfast faith in Your ability to keep me through it all. I love you, Lord! Amen!

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

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"...How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him..." (1 Kings 18:21)

Whoever said there are no absolutes was sorely mistaken. Black or white! Right or wrong! Hot or cold! God or Baal!

How many times have you wanted to shake someone and tell them they have to make up their minds—either serve God wholeheartedly or don't bother trying.

God is merciful, God is love, God is full of compassion and grace. BUT, God is holy; He is a jealous God. He will not tolerate gray. He will not tolerate mediocrity. He will not tolerate lukewarmness. He will not tolerate half-heartedness in a relationship with Him.

God is drawing us to a level of relationship with Him like never before. It is one of singlemindedness . . . sold out, submitted and consecrated to Him. He is preparing His Bride for His soon appearing by strengthening the relationship . . . causing the yearning for Him to increase day by day as we anticipate His coming!

Before you shake someone else for being double-minded, check your own heart. Are you single-minded toward God or are you walking in the lukewarm, middle-of-the road state that breaks the heart of God? We all need to examine our hearts in response to the drawing of His Spirit.

Father, forgive me, Lord, for not always being single-minded toward You. Forgive me, Father, for trying to live as the world while I try to live a Christian life. I realize, Father, that I cannot continue to live like this . . . help me to make a choice to serve You with ALL my heart, mind, soul and strength regardless of the cost to me personally. Father, as I anxiously look for the day when You tell Your Son to come get His Bride, cleanse me and make me ready to be presented to Him as pure and spotless. Lord, may my consecrated and set-apart life be a praise to You bringing You glory. Amen!

"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils." (1 Corinthians 10:21)

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"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Very little else can be said about our verse today. Paul, in his letter to the Church at Philippi, clearly defined a Godly thought life. The mind seems to be the arena that the enemy attacks through the most. He plants seeds in our thoughts, and then it is up to us what we're going to do with them.

Will we allow the enemy's seeds of "stinking thinking" to take root and grow, or will we cast out those seeds before they can ever take root?

Our flesh wants to entertain gossip, slander, lies, etc., but we have authority through the shed blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and Master to cast down those thoughts which are not according to God's standard. It is our duty to train ourselves to quickly recognize thoughts that are contrary to the mind of Christ and deal with them immediately, not giving them any opportunity to take root and grow.

It is has been said that the human mind has about three to five seconds after a thought enters the mind when a decision must be made; if it isn't dealt with in that time, it's likely to cause or affect the individual's behavior. That doesn't give much time for decision-making . . . we need to quickly recognize "stinking thinking" and change our thought pattern!

Take note today of what thoughts you allow yourself to dwell on and use the authority vested in you by Jesus Christ to "Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (2 Cor. 10:5)

Dear Lord, my thoughts are not always your thoughts or even pleasing to you. Help me exercise the authority you gave me over my thought life and help me think only on those things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report, full of virtue and full of praise. May my life including my thoughts bring glory to You in every way every day!

"And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever." (1 Chronicles 28:9)

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"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Have you ever given any thought to how important timing is to God? God not only has a "reason" for everything He does, but He has a "season" for everything He does. We tend to do things on the spur of the moment, but God works with design and with purpose, yet that is so hard for us to comprehend in our finite minds.

In God's infinite plans, He has laid out an intricate plan. Everything God has declared must come to pass as He has said it will. He doesn't act according to our timetable.

Think about the prophets of old. They listened, declared the Word of God, and then waited for the coming of the Messiah.

They waited . . . and waited . . . and waited!

But although God's word had been spoken and the prophecies recorded, the manifestation of God's plan was not to be for many years; generations passed before the prophesied Messiah was born.

Consider Abraham. Years passed before Isaac was born.

Consider Zacharias and Elizabeth. Years passed before their son was born.

Consider Simeon. years passed before he saw the manifestation of God's promise in his life.

And, there are more examples too numerous to mention. God's plan was never thwarted by any trick of the enemy; it always came to pass "in His time."

If you sometimes wonder what God is doing, just be patient and walk faithfully and obediently. As God's sons and daughters, if we have committed our lives to Him, He is going to bring things to pass at the right place, at the right time! It's a promise!

Father, I must confess that I am anxious to see Your promises made manifest in my life, in this time, in this place. Lord, please forgive my anxiousness and help me to be patient, waiting on You to move in Your time. Father, help me to be still, and to be confident in Your promises, knowing that You will fulfill all that You have promised, not only in my life, but in this world, in this time. Your ways are so far above mine, Your wisdom so much greater than mine. I praise You for Who You are and for what You have promised. You are trustworthy . . . You are faithful. Amen.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)

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"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . ." (Galatians 6:14)

Paul was bold in his proclamation of faith, not wavering, but holding fast to that which he believed with all his heart.

Why? Because he truly embraced the cross of Christ and all it stands for—His sufferings, His death, and our salvation through a crucified Redeemer. As a matter of fact, Paul was so far from being offended or ashamed at the cross of Christ, that he desired to glory in nothing else and it was his determination to preach the cross till he drew his dying breath regardless of the cost to him personally. Paul knew that without the cross there would have been no redemption, no joy, and no hope.

How do we compare today? Are we offended or ashamed when someone asks us about our faith? Do we find our solace and comfort at the foot of the cross where our sins were washed pure in the crimson flow? Do our lives show that we "glory" in the cross of Christ by esteeming nothing or no one higher than Him and regarding His sacrifice as the most important gift ever given to us?

Take a few moments to examine your heart today, then answer this question: In whom or in what do I glory most? Can I boldly proclaim with Paul, "I GLORY in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!"

Father, my desire is to be like Paul in his pursuit of the riches contained in the cross of Christ. Forgive me for when I have been ashamed or even timid and teach me to be bold. But more than anything today, Lord, teach me to glory in the cross esteeming the sacrifice of Christ above all else. Thank you Lord for your immeasurable gift of love that I'm learning to cherish more and more as each day passes! I love You, Lord! Amen!

"But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." (2 Corinthians 10:17-18)

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"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" (I Peter 5:10-11)

We were never promised a rose garden. Suffering is as much a part of the Christian's life as faith; it comes in different ways and it produces fruit in our lives.

When we think of "suffering" we immediately think of physical pain. Although that is one aspect of suffering – a very REAL aspect of suffering – it is not the only one. It also has to do with feelings, passions, impressions, pressures, and sensations. Suffering has everything to do with discomfort, disappointment, disillusionment. But even amidst all this, suffering can be our most cherished friend.

Enduring suffering will make you perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. A diamond is made only through intense pressure being applied for a very long time. But after the pressure is gone, a beautiful gem appears which is perfect and strong. In order to get to this point, however, the stone had to endure intense pressure . . . it had to allow the applied pressure to do its perfect work. Then it needs to be cut, polished, and handled with masterful perfection in order that its unequalled beauty can truly be appreciated.

Are you under pressure . . . are you suffering? Rejoice for what you are experiencing is the process of creating something beautiful in your life. Endure suffering and see the handiwork of God as He "presses" you into a beautiful gem, as He cuts and polishes and handles you with Masterful perfection. Allow Him the privilege of making you stablished, strengthened, and settled . . . reflecting the brilliant, magnificent glory of your Creator!

Father, I don't like to suffer . . . I don't want to suffer! Help me to endure the discomfort of suffering, help me to count it a privilege to be found worthy to suffer so my life may shine brightly as a beautifully polished gem. Father, have Your way in my life regardless of what path You choose for me to walk! I love You, Lord . . . there is no one like You . . . I trust you, Lord, to know what's best for me! Amen!

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:24-25)

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"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

We've all been there! The bills are due and there's not enough money; the children are sick, the car won't run, there's not enough groceries to feed the family, the garden didn't produce the yield expected, those that owe you money don't have it to pay back, the bank account is depleted, the utilities are about to be turned off, everything that could go wrong is (or has) gone wrong.

At this point we have two choices. We can do as Job's wife advised and curse God and die, or we can keep our eyes fixed on our Provider and choose to "rejoice in the Lord, [and] joy in the God of my salvation." It's a hard decision, but it is OUR decision nonetheless.

All too many people have fallen beneath their circumstances only to say that they "can't" take any more or they don't see any way out. What they're not seeing is the fact that God is our total care-giver and our temporal circumstances have absolutely NOTHING to do with Who He is. In that, we can rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of our salvation. He is Lord whether we "see" Him working in our situations or not. He is Lord whether we "feel" it or not. The fact is He is Lord … period. There is none other AND He is all we need!

So when the storms of life seem to overtake you, just remember He is LORD. Then, go on and rejoice in that knowledge. He knows our circumstances, He knows our weaknesses and our strengths, He knows US. Rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of your salvation; He is worthy of ALL our praise.

Father, though life's circumstances would seem to overwhelm me, I choose this day to rejoice in You and take joy in the God of my salvation. The things of this earth fall into perspective when I remember Who you are and Whom I serve; help me to remember these things. Finally, Lord, I rejoice in what You have done, in what You mean to me, in what You have accomplished on my behalf. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and not my circumstances. Circumstances are a lie . . . You are TRUTH! Amen!

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 42:11)

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"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19)

As a child I can remember when I did something wrong, I would run and hide or try to keep the thing I did wrong from my parents. I knew that I had disobeyed them and was ashamed, hurt, and afraid of the consequences I knew were about to befall me. But even as a child, I knew there was no place I could hide that my parents could not find me, or if I attempted to hide the object I broke or ruined or whatever I'd done wrong, somehow they always found out. It was a fact of life, no doubt about it.

In a child's eyes, parents are the ultimate authority, the ones they love the most and the ones they fear the most. Many times we, as Christians, act the same way in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. We do something wrong and immediately we want to hide. Of course, we know we cannot hide from Him, but we have a tendency to "sweep things under the rug" and not deal with them, a way of hiding from Him. Why do we do this? Most times it's because we don't want to suffer the consequences for what we've done wrong and by denying it we hope that the problem will just "disappear".

The Lord knows us. He knows where we are at all times, what we are doing, what we are thinking. He knows what motivates our actions. Actually, He knows more about us than we know or are willing to acknowledge. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses . . . He knows us.

Take special note today of the ways you "hide" from God by not coming to terms with sin in your life. Then, quickly repent and thank Him that you are covered by the Blood of the Lamb and accept His cleansing and purifying. Respect Him and "fear" Him as a child, love Him and honor Him in all you set your hand to, today and every day.

Dear Father, I never realized it but so many times I can see myself "hiding" from You so I don't have to deal with my problems or my sin, not because I don't love You but because I fear the consequences. Lord, help me to trust You and to be secure in our love—Your love for me and mine for You. Lord, I love You more than anything or anyone . . . help me, Lord, to show my love by running TO You rather than AWAY from You when I have missed the mark. Amen.

"Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:24)

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"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

The dictionary has many meanings for the word "press" some of which include "to use force or weight, to push, to squeeze, to apply pressure, to exert great effort, to stress, to plead insistently". To press in the context of today's verse is to use strength to push your way toward a specific goal, that being the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

There's another type of "press" that we need to be constantly aware of also. A missionary from Kenya visited our church a while back and made a profound statement, "What is birthed in prayer must be sustained in prayer!" In other words, when you realize a victory in response to prayer, you must keep that victory bathed in prayer. You can't afford to let up simply because you have the victory!

How many times we, as Christians, have seen a great need and began to pray earnestly for God to intervene and to change the circumstances. Soon, we see the circumstances begin to change, and we claim victory, forget it, and move on only to find that within a short period of time the situation appears to have grown worse! We can probably all identify with that. Why did it happen? The answer is simple . . . we didn't continue to "press".

The Amplified Bible says "I press on . . ." which gives us the indication that the pressing needs to continue relentlessly. And, even when we have realized a victory along the way, we need to keep on pressing on. Years ago our pastor used the analogy of being in a boat rowing upstream against the flow. The progress was slow but steady as long as he kept rowing. However, once he stopped, he immediately lost ground. He then would have to begin rowing again and keep on rowing just to regain the ground he had lost. In order to maintain steady progress toward his final destination, however, all along the way he would make it his goal to make it to a certain landmark. When he accomplished that goal, he set another goal to another landmark farther upstream and continued this till he arrived. But in order to "press" toward his mark, he couldn't let go of the oars or stop rowing; the "press" had to remain constant and steady.

Each victory we realize along our path in life brings us closer to the ultimate prize. But our "press" needs to be constant, steady, and relentless till we receive the prize and the goal that we reach for—the Victor's Crown. So, just remember, no matter what, "PRESS ON"!

Father, You and You alone are my ultimate goal, the prize that I reach for, that I "press" toward! Lord, sometimes it seems as if I'm rowing upstream against the flow, as if I'm climbing the steepest of all hills as the winds blow against me, but I know that with Your strength I will endure as I press on. Father, help me to remember that when I realize small victories along the way that I need to keep pressing on and to not let up in my striving for the goal that I'm reaching toward! Father, I make a commitment right here and now to "press" on with all that is within me until I have attained the ultimate prize, the highest calling of God in Christ Jesus . . . the Victor's Crown! Amen!

"I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." (Psalm 18:1-3)

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"I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah." (Psalm 143:6)

If you have ever been through the desert, you have an idea of what a "thirsty land" looks like. The ground is parched, cracked, and its cries for water are nearly audible!

Our hearts are much like that desert ground, nearly audibly crying for the presence of the Lord. Without Him, the heart is parched, cracked, and dry and non-productive.

Today, in your devotional time, reach out to the Lord and allow your thirst for Him to grow in intensity as never before. The stronger the thirst, the more of Him it will take to quench that thirst. The more of Him you have, the less room there is for the world and its baggage.

Stretch forth your hands unto Him. Allow your thirst for Him to drive you closer day by day! Remember, "in His presence is fullness of joy" . . . evidence of a thirst that has been truly quenched.

Father, forgive me for not always thirsting after You as the desert ground thirsts for water. Lord, forgive me for allowing the world to entice me away from seeking you with my whole heart! Father, increase my thirst so that You will be glorified in my life as I learn to draw from you the only Water that will quench this dry and thirsty soul! Amen!

"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw." (John 14:13-15)

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"And Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (2 Corinthians 7:10)

There is a vast difference between admitting or confessing your sin and feeling true sorrow for your sin. In fact, in light of this verse, we may have unconfessed sin our lives.

A heart that is truly seeking the Lord will feel a sense of sorrow for sin. We can look at the children of Israel for an example. Exodus 33:4 contains a key word – "mourn."

"When the people heard these distressing words,
they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments."

The children of Israel were a very expressive people. When they celebrated, they really celebrated. When they mourned, they really mourned. The word "mourn" in this verse speaks expressly about wailing and lamenting with great sorrow. Why were they mourning? Because they sinned and God revealed their sin to them. We see in them a pattern for us, teaching us how to respond to God when confronted with sin. It is important that we learn from their example, as we tie these two verses together.

I personally can think of times that I have done wrong and I have casually asked the Lord to forgive me but there was no change of attitude in my heart, there was no sorrow, there was no lamenting, there was certainly no mourning. In my mind I was satisfied that I had repented, but the verse says something very different. "Godly sorrow" brings repentance, not a casual admission of wrongdoing.

Repentance can come with responses of sorrowful emotions from the extreme wailing and mourning the children of Israel experienced, or deep regret, or sincere sadness for having offended the Lord. However, if you're honest with yourself, there have been many times your admission of wrongdoing has been simply that, acknowledging you did wrong to ease your own conscience. If you look at it though, this is not true repentance that reflects "Godly sorrow".

Take some time today and search your heart, asking the Lord to reveal to you any areas of wrongdoing to which you need to apply "Godly sorrow." It may be that you need to ask God for a sense of sorrow for the sin for which you are repenting. We know that if we ask according to God's will, that He will give it to us; we are batting 1000 when we ask of Him something that He desires from us.

Allow yourself the privilege of experiencing true sorrow for your sins. You will find a burden lifted that you never realized was there. Don't back away from this opportunity to bless the Lord and to reap the benefits of living with "no regret".

Forgive me, Lord, for not approaching You with heart of true sorrow for offending Your Most Holy Throne. Lord, help me to approach You sincerely and honestly with a heart determined to please You even when I miss the mark. I want nothing more than to stand before You pure and free from any chains that might bind me to this old world. Lord, I ask You to teach me Godly sorrow and help me to quickly recognize when I offend You. Purify my heart, oh God, and help me to be a pleasing and submitted vessel of honor set apart to glorify You. There is nothing I would rather do! In Jesus name, amen!

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)

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"Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way." (Exodus 33:3)

The Lord is talking to Moses; the people are stubborn and rebellious and God said He would not go with them because of His anger toward them. If anything, this passage shows how God feels when His people rebel against Him. Thank the Lord for His mercy and grace; thank the Lord for the blood of Jesus!

What an interesting term "stiff-necked" is. The Hebrew word actually is like a farming term, a term used when a farmer attempts to put a yoke on an animal and he won't turn his head in compliance—he holds his head stiff and resists the yoke. It's easy to see why the Lord called the children of Israel "stiff-necked." It's also easy to see how we could be called the same thing.

An interesting verse ties in with this reference to a "stiff-necked" people found in Matthew 11:28-30 . . . "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." But yet this verse is referring to rest and associating it with the yoke.

The children of Israel resisted the yoke of God's authority. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11 if we will take His yoke upon us that we will find rest, that His yoke is easy and burden light. In other words, if we accept the yoke of God's authority, we will find rest.

Have you ever noticed when you are struggling with frustration and disappointments and disillusionment in life, the very fact that you are struggling is a sign that the yoke of God's authority is being resisted? Yet, when God is in His rightful place in your life, the yoke of His authority brings peace and things seem to flow much easier—have you ever noticed this?

Jesus invites us to take on His yoke, to allow Him to place it on us without a struggle and without being "stiff-necked," and we will find we have rest for our souls and His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Obedience is the remedy for a stiff neck. When mingled with humility, the stiff neck soon becomes compliant and easily submits to the yoke of God's authority.

God's authority—the authority of His Word is the yoke which brings ease and rest to our lives. Lay your burden down; stop struggling with life's problems and let your obedience to God's authority produce in you the peace that passes all understanding!

Lord, forgive me. Change my heart and show me how I can submit to Your authority. Father, I long for the rest, the light burden, the easy yoke Jesus spoke of in Matthew. Help me to apply Your authority in my life every place and in every area I have appeared to have a stiff neck. Help me, through obedience and humility, become compliant and submissive to Your will in order for Your peace that passes all understanding to be produced in me. Show me Your ways, teach me Your will, and help me to obey with a grateful and joyful heart. In Jesus' name, amen.

"The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)

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"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." (Isaiah 49:16)

It doesn't matter how long you have been serving the Lord, it is quite likely that you have gone through a period of time were you have felt like you are facing the impossible. The feelings and emotions of being alone and far from God seem to overwhelm us during these seasons. You are not unique if you have struggled with these feelings from time to time; you are not alone in these struggles you are facing right now.

Oh, how blessed is the Lord! He never fails to give us something to cling to in the time of despair.

The palm is one of the tenderest places on the body being the very innermost part of the hand. The word "engrave" actually means in the Hebrew to cut or to trace – "I have cut you into my hand, I have traced you into my hand." The picture actually is like holding something so tightly in your hand that it finally makes its mark there.

For instance, if you held an object tightly in your hand long enough, an image or tracing of that object would remain in your palm when you open your hand. But the Hebrew word used in this verse for "engrave" talks about cutting or tracing, taking the impression left by holding something tightly to another level. Not only are we imprinted in His hand, our image is permanently cut in the palm of His hand where He holds us ever so securely yet tenderly, giving us protection, comfort, and rest.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself wrapped tightly and hidden securely, tucked away the palm of the unfailing hand of God. No enemy can find you; you are hidden as in a cleft of a rock. The hand of God is more than enough to keep you in your time of distress. And, as a reminder to Him of His great love for you, your image is permanently engraved in the palm of His hand.

The next time you feel like you are all alone facing a battle too hard for you, a mountain too hard to climb, the valley too deep to go through, remember that you are engraved in the palm of His hand as a result of being held tightly and tucked away safely in the cleft of the Rock. He will never leave you nor forsake you; neither will He forget that you are His child, the object of His affection, the one whom He loves.

How can I ever thank You for such great love that I have found tucked away securely in the palm of Your hand? Help me to never forget that I am never alone and that you are never far from me. What a comforting reminder You have given me today that Your love encompasses me and keeps me safe in the midst of the storm. There are truly no words that are adequate to convey the thankfulness and praise I feel in my heart toward You. You are awesome, oh Lord, and I love You with all my heart! In Jesus name, amen!

"Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by." (Exodus 33:21-22)

© Jan Ross
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Note: Today's Devotion is a special meditation for Good Friday.  I've taken the liberty of changing the format somewhat, using a fictional short story to communicate the plan of God and His precious gift of Freedom, Salvation, and Eternal Life through the sacrifice of the Spotless Lamb.  Please read it carefully and with deep contemplation.  Let this one "testimony" give you a new appreciation for purpose and destiny in all things great and small, and how all of creation points to the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Redeemer!  Never take your eyes off the cross ... the cleansing stream still flows for you and me! Have a blessed Passover and Resurrection Celebration!

Hussopos' Mission

It is written there is "a time for every purpose under heaven." For some, their time may be but a fleeting moment in all of eternity, but for Hussopos life and purpose evade the boundaries of time allotted to man.

Springing forth with life, he was fashioned to touch man's needs in a most unique way. From his first appearance in the Garden of earth's origin, Hussopos' task was to grow strong for a purpose none other could fulfill.

Seasons of life faded like flowers of the field which flourished and were soon gone. However, Hussopos' seed never failed, as if carefully guarded by cherubim reminiscent of those standing with flaming, flashing swords vigilantly guarding the gates of Eden.

Hussopos grew strong; his beauty surpassed that which natural eyes could behold, standing out against the common. Nothing ordinary could fulfill his purpose. With handsome strength and fragrant splendor he was set apart, destined and anointed to fulfill a purpose divine.

* * *

Arising from the depth of Egypt's suffering, the voice of One Who called him forth from dry ground at the beginning of time spoke.

"Gather My servant Hussopos. He shall bear My symbol of freedom."

Hussopos drank deeply of the lamb's sacrificial blood and brushed across the wooden doorposts led by chosen hands. Mesmerized by the wood wet with blood, the hushed promises of deliverance stirred deep within him became merely a shadow of things to come. Humbly giving himself to the task set before him, Hussopos built an altar of remembrance in his heart. Although his mission has been memorialized by divine ordinance to all generations since that day, he knew his work was not yet complete.

* * *

Hussopos was not a medical doctor but his healing virtue was instrumental in purifying lepers. He was often associated with ceremonial cleansings. Wise King Solomon hailed Hussopos' beauty and worth as his fragrance and loveliness stirred the senses.

All of Jerusalem resounded with a perpetual reminder of his work in ages past while offering a glimpse of a task yet undone.

* * *

"Crucify Him!"

Out of the midst of the unruly crowd, the echoes of angry men, cursing and demanding blood from the Innocent Lamb, reverberated throughout the City.

Excited with destiny pulsing through his veins, Hussopos knew his time had arrived. His entire existence pointed to this day … a day like no other.

Hussopos watched with unbelief as they led His bloody battered form outside the gate.

How could men be so cruel?

Deep contemplation of what he witnessed was quickly interrupted. Powerful hands ripped him away from the security of the walls to which he clung. Angry fists clutched him and carried him off, heading toward Golgotha.

He gasped as he saw the Messiah he'd heard teach, the Healer who'd opened blind eyes … He was hanging from a cruel tree, hoisted between heaven and earth. An intermediary whose blood became a cleansing stream for all generations past, present and future.

Suddenly, the reflection of years past. The blood-stained beam, once a doorpost…now a cross. Redemption. Freedom. The Sacrifice Lamb had been slain.

Hussopos remembered the Psalmist's melodious prayer, "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean."

His contemplation abruptly interrupted.

What is that? Have I been anointed with vinegar? WATER! Dip me in water and I'll quench His thirst! Or, dip me in blood and I'll set Him free!

As Hussopos was lifted up, He looked deep in the eyes of Love as he touched Savior's lips. His sweet-smelling fragrance might have offered a moment of refreshing if it hadn't been for the pungent smell of vinegar.

Ever so gently, Hussopos caressed the lips of One whose blood soaked the crude wooden cross. What an honor bestowed on this chosen one! He'd felt one of the last breaths of life pulsing from the ravaged form of the Spotless Lamb.

Drops of precious blood mingled with his moistened blooms as he was lowered away from the Beloved Sacrifice and carelessly discarded.

"It is finished!"

The Lamb's words became his own as the precious blood continued to flow. There he lay at the foot of the cross … Hussopos knew his mission was complete.

* * *

Springing forth with life, he was fashioned to touch man's needs in a most unique way. From his first appearance in the garden of earth's origin, Hussopos grew strong for a purpose none other could fulfill.

To the Christian, Hussopos was the last to touch our Living Savior … to the Greeks he was merely hyssop.
________
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)
Psalm 51:7 (KJV)

© Jan Ross
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"Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp . . . Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 150:3-6)

Praise Him . . . Praise Him . . . Praise Him! The last psalm goes out with a SHOUT! Praise Him!

Take a few moments and read Psalm 150. The whole psalm is condensed in the words of the very last verse: "Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!"

With all that is going on in the world today—wars, rumors of wars, terrorism, disease running rampant, children killing children . . . it sometimes becomes a challenge to keep praise on our lips. But, our focus must be on the Lover of our Souls rather than on the circumstances in the world around us. This old world will one day fade away, but our relationship with the Lord is everlasting. To be eternally with Him is our goal, regardless what tomorrow brings.

As long as we have breath in our bodies, our life's theme should be praise. Is He worthy of our praise? No person, no thing, no anything could be more worthy.

So, as you go about your day, just remember, "Praise Ye the Lord!"

Father, I praise You for who you are, not just for all the wonderful things You have done. There is none like You in all of creation, and no one found as worthy as You of all my praise. Lord, as I look around me, read the news accounts, hear the reports on television, and even see it firsthand in my own family and neighborhood, I still choose to offer up my praise to You, having an assurance that You will never leave me nor forsake me, You have a plan and purpose for my life, You are for me and not against me, You are faithful in all Your ways. You are my Redeemer, my Sanctifier, my Saviour, my Peace, my Joy, and my Comfort and without You I am nothing at all. May my praise be received as an acceptable sacrifice unto You today and every day. I can't say it enough, Father, I PRAISE YOU! Amen!

"Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 150:1-6)

© Jan Ross
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"And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ." (Mark 8:29)

Peter had a revelation of who Jesus really was when he exclaimed, "Thou art the Christ."

There is a major movement in the world today to discredit the deity of Jesus Christ. The major news networks, anchormen, reporters, television, radio, literature, and even some churches today have in one way or another communicated to us that He is nothing more a good teacher, a prophet, a historical figure, even a figment of man's imagination. There is only one way to protect yourself from falling prey to this modern-day deception . . . to really KNOW Him yourself!

How do you KNOW Him? The answer is simple: to know Him is to know His Word, for He IS the Word, the living Word! We need to walk with Him IN THE WORD. We need to fellowship with Him IN THE WORD. We need to meet with Him daily IN THE WORD. We need to become satisfied with Him IN THE WORD. We need to find ourselves in Him IN THE WORD. There is no other way. History lessons won't do it, genealogy studies won't do it, theologians can't do it for you. YOU have to have a personal revelation of who He is IN THE WORD!

Schedule some time daily where you can spend quality, intimate time in the WORD. We have an assurance that if we know Him through His WORD that we, too, will be able to exclaim, "Thou art the Christ" the son of the living God.

Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Order my steps, Lord, IN YOUR WORD! Show me how to walk . . . IN YOUR WORD. Show me how to talk . . . IN YOUR WORD. Teach me Your ways . . . IN YOUR WORD. Reveal Yourself to me . . . IN YOUR WORD. More than anything, Lord, I pray for a burning desire to know you more than ever before so that when I'm in a situation where I have to choose, I'll not hesitate to speak the revelation from my heart: "Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the living God is Lord of all!" Amen!

"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." (Psalm 119:133)

© Jan Ross
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