Don't be afraid, be quiet.

Scripture
Exodus 14:13-14 But Moses said to the people, “ Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent."

Observation
Moses encourages and exhorts the people not to be afraid.  Just stand and watch what God will do!  God will fight for you, just keep silent.  Don't open your mouth!  In quietness and in trusting God, you will have the strength you need!  

Application  
Do not fear!  Don't be afraid of the enemy or his plans - be quiet, be strong, the Lord your God is with you!  He will fight for me, just don't speak out of fear by making negative comments or by saying, 'but what if' - it's in quietness and trust that will be my strength.  (Isaiah 30:15)  

Prayer
Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.  You are my Rock and my redeemer!  (Psalm 19:14).  If I open my mouth to say anything, may it be a good report that comes from my lips; may it be faith filled, and full of praise and exaltations of Your greatness, faithfulness, and amazing grace!  Otherwise seal my lips from negative or critical words that I would speak out of fear or my own insecurities.  Thank You Lord. In Jesus Name, A-men.  

When Jesus asks - just do it!

Scripture
Luke 19:28b-34  Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt? ’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it. ’”
 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”
 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

Observation 
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice, O people of Zion!  Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.

This verse in Zechariah is prophetic in proclaiming the coming Messiah, riding on a donkey!  Jesus fulfilled this scripture when He rode the donkey the two disciples got for Him for His ride into Jerusalem.

When Jesus asked his disciples to get him a donkey, they could have thought, "What kind of meaningless assignment is the Master giving us!"  They could have said, "We would rather hang out with You Jesus, sit at Your feet, and listen to the gracious words that stream from Your lips.  If we go get a donkey for You, we are going to miss something!"  
Jesus tells them what to say if anyone asks them about what they are doing.  Just tell them, "The Lord needs it."

Application
No job is meaningless, insignificant, menial, or without purpose when Jesus is asking me to do it.  It may be a lonely assignment, going off by myself, separated from others, even involve doing something a bit crazy.  But I hear The Lord saying to me -  to do what He asks.  If there are questions about it, He will tell me how to answer.  I don't need to try and explain or add to what He says.  In doing so, I may be a part of much bigger picture that He's going to let me participate in fulfilling.  Don't despise the day of small things!  If Jesus has a hand in it, it is divine.  

Prayer
Father thank You for Your word!  Nothing You ask me to do is without purpose!  My response, no matter how I view things, is to obey You.  To follow Jesus, to serve You my Lord, is my joy! 
In Jesus Name,  A-men.

2015 - A New Year!

Scripture 

Luke 2:40 The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Observation

Jesus, the Holy Son of God, born in Bethlehem, grew to become strong in stature, and God's wisdom and grace was evident in His life.  God was with him.  

Application

Ask for wisdom and grace, and it's ok to ask for more. Seek Him first and His righteousness - everything else will fall into place.  Knock, and the door will open.  Then take a step of faith.  

Prayer

As I read and study Your Word O Lord in this new time, I pray that I would increase in Your godly wisdom and that I would continue to grow in grace as I walk with You.   May this new year be filled with love, joy, hope, and the peace that passes all understanding.

May I listen and hear Your voice, and may I walk the path You have prepared for me.  Teach me Your way and help me to lean into You and embrace the great and mighty things You have promised.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

‘ Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know. ’ ~ Jeremiah 33:3
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. ~ Ephesians 3:20-21