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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250102
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20241231T182914Z
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SUMMARY:Jan 01 In the beginning God
DESCRIPTION:01_Gen 1:1 In the beginning God \nGenesis 1:1 In the beginning\, God created the heavens and the earth. \nThe Bible begins with these simple but majestic words: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This opening line is foundational to our understanding of the world and our place in it. It does not attempt to prove God’s existence. Instead\, it declares it as self-evident. God is\, and everything begins with Him. His existence and creative power are revealed through His works. Psalm 19:1 reminds us\, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” \nThe story is told of a man whose car broke down on the road. He tried everything he could think of to get it running again but in vain. Finally\, another man stopped to help. He made a quick but thorough inspection\, adjusted something in the car’s innards\, and said\, “Try it now.” To the owner’s surprise\, the car started immediately. Bewildered\, he asked\, “How did you fix it so fast?” The man replied\, “ I built the car. I know how it works.” \nThe creator knows his creation best. The manufacturer’s deep understanding of the car he designed mirrors the far greater knowledge God has of all creation. He is also the ultimate authority over all for this very reason. \nEverything around us and within us begins with God. He is the source of everything. Just as a car owner turns to the manufacturer to understand or repair his car\, we too must turn to our Creator for answers\, direction\, help\, and purpose in life. \nCreation reveals the fingerprints of the Creator. The intricate design of a leaf\, the vastness of the stars\, the complexity of the human body—all point to a wise and purposeful Designer. True science teaches humility\, and leads us to marvel at God’s wisdom in his beautiful and intentional design. \nYet\, this creation is only a partial revelation of God. Knowing that we need to know him in order to receive his grace and peace\, God has lovingly revealed himself to us in the scriptures\, the words recorded by holy men led by the Spirit of God. The Bible tells us not just that God is\, but also reveals who He is. Through stories\, parables\, and teaching\, God shows us His character\, His purposes\, and His desire for a relationship with us. The Scriptures are God’s service manual for life\, guiding us into right alignment with our Creator. \nIn these last days\, God’s revelation has been made complete in his Son Jesus the Anointed. Hebrews 1:1-2 declares\, “God\, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways\, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son\, whom He appointed heir of all things\, through whom He also made the world.” In Him\, we see God as he truly is. \nThrough his life\, death\, and resurrection\, Christ reveals God’s incredible love for mankind. In him we understand the great destiny God has for us. He forgives and puts away sin by his sacrifice. He redeems and adopts those who come to him into the household of God. He anoints them with power and love by giving them his own Spirit. They are called to be a nation of priests to worship and serve God. \nGod not only made the world\, but also sustains and preserves His creation. Nehemiah 9:6 affirms this: “You are the Lord\, You alone. You have made heaven\, the heaven of heavens\, with all their host\, the earth and all that is on it\, the seas and all that is in them; and You preserve all of them\, and the host of heaven worships You.” Every breath we take\, every heartbeat\, is a gift from Him. He upholds the universe by His power and keeps everything moving according to His purpose. \nAcknowledging God as our Creator leads us to several life-transforming truths. \nFirst\, as our Creator\, God designed us with care and purpose. We are not accidents or products of chance. Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Revelation 4:11 proclaims\, “Worthy are You\, our Lord and God\, to receive glory and honor and power\, for You created all things\, and by Your will they existed and were created.” This means that our existence is intentional. God willed us into being because He wanted us. \nPsalm 100:3 reminds us\, “Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us\, and we are His; we are His people\, the sheep of His pasture.” Acknowledging God as creator also gives us value and identity. We are God’s handiwork. Therefore we belong to Him. As His creation\, we are deeply loved and cared for. \nSecond\, as our Creator\, God knows what is best for us. As his handiwork\, God understands us completely. His wisdom is infinite\, His love is perfect\, and His plans for us are good. Jeremiah 29:11 declares\, “For I know the plans I have for you\,” says the Lord\, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you\, plans to give you hope and a future.” Unlike us\, God sees the whole picture. He knows where our choices will lead and what will truly satisfy our hearts. Trusting His guidance is the wisest decision we can make. \nAll too often we rely on our limited understanding instead of seeking His wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers this timeless advice: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him\, and He will make your paths straight.” Submitting to God means surrendering our plans\, dreams\, and worries to Him\, believing that His ways are higher and better than ours. \nFinally\, the best response to our Creator is love and trust that leads to obedience. Faith is not just believing that God exists; it is living in alignment with His will. Jesus said in John 14:15\, “If you love Me\, keep My commands.” Obedience is the fruit of love and trust. It shows that we recognize God’s authority\, power\, love\, and wisdom in our lives. \nObedience is not burdensome. It is the path to joy. When we follow God’s instructions\, we are living according to His design. His Word becomes a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It shapes our thoughts\, attitudes\, and actions\, transforming us into the people He created us to be. We enjoy peace and freedom. \nThe saints of old understood this. Many of them did not have personal copies of the Scriptures\, yet they treasured God’s Word in their hearts. They meditated on it. Their knowledge of God guided their decisions. God’s promises strengthened them. \nTheir faith was not a passive belief but an active trust that led to repentance\, hope\, and obedience. \nDo we constantly acknowledge God our Creator? Do we seek His guidance in our decisions? Do we trust His plans for our future? Do we obey His commands in our daily lives? Or do we go by our own understanding? Do we treat God as an afterthought rather than the foundation of our existence? \nOur Creator is not distant or uninvolved. He knows\, hears\, and sees our struggles and needs. He has called us to walk with Him\, to trust Him\, and to find our purpose in Him. As we do\, our lives will testify richly to His goodness and glory. \nLet us remember that we are not our own. We belong to the One who made us\, redeemed us\, and sustains us. Every aspect of our lives should reflect this truth. Each new day\, let us thank God for being our life. When we face challenges\, let us turn to Him for strength and wisdom. When we are joyful\, let us sing to Him with glad and grateful hearts. \nLet us long\, like David\, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight\, O Lord\, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Let us live each day in the light of His love. Let us honour our Creator. In trusting and obeying Him\, we will find the fulfillment\, peace\, and joy that only He gives.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-01-in-the-beginning-god/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250102
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250103
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250101T182908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T112753Z
UID:2938-1735776000-1735862399@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 02 In the image of God
DESCRIPTION:Let Us make mankind in Our image\, according to Our likeness… Gen 1:26 \nImagine seeing a crumpled bit of paper on the ground. It would probably be dismissed as trash. But if that piece of paper was a high-value currency note\, it would be quickly salvaged\, regardless of its dirty appearance. Why? Both are paper\, yet the currency note bears the guarantee of the government. This transforms it from a coloured bit of paper to very valuable\, whatever its setting. Just so\, every human being\, regardless of outward circumstances\, bears the image of God. This bestows inherent worth\, the human dignity and value that no amount of degradation can erase. \nGenesis 1:27 tells us\, “God created man in his own image\, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” These words establish a profound truth: every man and woman is equally created in the likeness of God. This equality of origin and of worth transcends gender\, race\, status\, or ability. It is rooted not in what we do but in the image we bear. Genesis 9:6 emphasizes this by declaring the taking of human life to be punishable by death\, because man was made in the image of God. \nWhat does it mean to be created in the image of God? The writer of Hebrews reflects on this mystery in Hebrews 2:6-7: “What is man that You are mindful of him\, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor and placed everything under his feet.” Humans are unique from all other creatures. We were created just a little lower than angels. We were crowned with glory and honor\, and given dominion over creation. This divine image is evident in our ability to reason\, our moral sense of right and wrong\, our creativity\, and our capacity for relationships—with each other and with God. \nYet\, sin has alienated us from God and caused us to lose the reflection of His glory in us. Our moral compass is corrupted\, our relationships fractured\, and our purpose clouded. The image remains\, but it is corrupted\, like a tarnished mirror that no longer functions as it was intended to. However\, the story doesn’t end there. \nThrough the life\, death and resurrection of our Lord\, Jesus Christ\, God has reconciled us to Himself and given us his Spirit. He is restoring His image in us who have come to Christ. Colossians 3:10 tells us that\, in Christ\, we have “put on the new self\, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Ephesians 4:22-24 urges us to “put off the old self\, which is corrupted by deceitful desires\, and to put on the new self\, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This renewal is a process\, a daily transformation occurring as we submit to God’s work in our lives. \nWhile humanity has not yet been given dominion over all things that they were created for\, yet Jesus has received the crown. Verse 9 declares\, “We see Jesus\, who was made a little lower than the angels\, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death\, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Jesus\, the express image of God’s glory\, became a man so that he might taste death for everyone. He humbled himself to obey the will of God even to the point of death on a cross. Through his obedience to death\, he redeemed us and restored our destiny. Through His sacrifice\, we are united with Him in God’s kingdom\, and one day we will reign with Him. \nThis truth has three profound implications for our lives. \nFirst\, we have a purpose for we are created in God’s image. As redeemed people of God and bearers of God’s image\, we display in our lives and our words His character and glory in the world\, the beauty of his holiness\, his majesty\, and his love. Living in obedience to Him\, we become visible expressions of His greatness. Peter captures this in 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people\, a royal priesthood\, a holy nation\, a people for God’s own possession\, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” \nSecond\, we have value for we are created in God’s image. Every human being\, no matter how flawed or broken\, is precious because they bear the imprint of their Creator. This truth challenges us to view others with compassion and respect. James 3:9 points out that with our tongues\, we bless God but curse people who are made in His likeness. Those who love God will not devalue those made in his image. Human life is precious precisely for this reason\, Genesis 9:6. Our interactions with others should therefore be marked by kindness\, patience\, and a recognition of their intrinsic worth. \nFinally\, we are being changed into His likeness day by day. As we grow in our relationship with Christ\, the Holy Spirit works in us to renew the image of God. This is a lifelong process to make us more like Jesus. Through trials\, discipline\, and grace\, God shapes us to reflect His glory. Let us embrace this process with humility and pious submission\, for at the end we will demonstrate to all ages his kindness and holiness. \nHow can we live out this truth in practical ways? Let us recognize our worth as people made in God’s image. Irrespective of our past\, God’s image in you gives your life meaning and purpose. Secondly\, let us extend that same recognition to others. Treat every person you meet—friends\, family\, strangers\, even enemies—with honour. Look beyond their flaws and see the image of God in them. \nFinally\, commit to the daily work of renewal. Read and think on God’s Word. Let these thoughts of truth shape your thoughts and actions. Be led by the Holy Spirit to put off the old self and put on the new. This journey is one where the disciple surrenders to his Master and is transformed along the way. \nIn a world that often devalues human life and distorts human purpose\, let us anchor ourselves in the truth that we are created in the image of God. This truth gives us dignity\, calls us to a higher purpose\, and reminds us of the incredible grace that God extends to us through Jesus Christ. Let us live each day as His image-bearers\, reflecting His love\, grace\, and glory to a watching world.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-02-in-the-image-of-god/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250103
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250104
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250102T182949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T113011Z
UID:2944-1735862400-1735948799@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 03 Strive to enter into His rest
DESCRIPTION:03_Strive to enter into His rest \nGen 2:1 And so the heavens and the earth were completed\, and all their heavenly lights. 2 By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done\, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it\, because on it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. \nIn the beginning\, God created the heavens and the earth\, and on the sixth day\, He made humanity\, forming man and woman in His image. Then\, on the seventh day\, God rested. This wasn’t because God was weary. The Almighty doesn’t tire. God’s rest was not inactivity. The Father is always at work. Rather\, his rest was one of contentment. His work was complete\, perfect\, and beautiful. In creating humanity on the sixth day\, God gave man the unique privilege of entering into His rest without any labour. From the very start\, humanity was not created for endless toil. Our destiny is to find fulfillment and peace in God’s completed work. \nAdam stepped into a world where nothing needed improvement. He didn’t wake up to a list of tasks. There was no garden in need of planting. There was no chaos. He opened his eyes on a world already blessed\, sanctified\, and whole. Everything was finished; all was “very good.” Adam and Eve were invited into this rest—a deep satisfaction and contentment\, rooted not in what they had done\, but in God’s perfect work. \nToday\, our ideas of rest often fall short. For most of us\, rest is escaping work. We go to sleep\, take a vacation\, or seek entertainment. None of these are inherently wrong. Yet they do not give us real peace. The mind\, like a roaring sea\, remains restless. The prophet Isaiah described the wicked as being like the restless sea\, tossing up refuse and rest. They cannot find calm because they are consumed with striving and self-reliance. Unrest is due to unbelief and rebellion against God’s ways. \nThe Israelites who left Egypt with Moses illustrate this truth. They thought leaving Egypt would bring them rest. Instead\, their doubt and disobedience forced them to wander in the wilderness for forty years. After the next generation entered Canaan at last\, they assumed this would finally bring peace. Yet\, even Canaan couldn’t provide true rest. They constantly longed for things that they did not have. They did not have faith to be content with God’s provision and leading. As someone said\, “It was easier for God to take Israel out of Egypt than to take Egypt out of Israel.” \nRest is not a matter of circumstances. It’s not about our location. Rest is a condition of the heart. It is born of simple faith and obedience. Remember when the Israelites first stood on the border of Canaan\, just a year after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. They sent out twelve spies to survey the land. Ten returned to discourage the people. They saw only the giants. The challenges looked insurmountable to them. Their words caused fear in the camp. The people refused to trust God’s promise. \nOnly Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people to enter and possess the land. They saw God\, the greatest of all. They believed in his awesome power. They rested in their faith despite apparent danger. \,For the rest of Israel\, unbelief kept them out of the land. They wandered for forty years until their bodies fell in the wilderness. They missed the rest God had called them to enter. \nThe Sabbath was instituted by God for a purpose. It was holy because it commemorated his rest. It was meant to teach his people that they were called into his rest through faith. It was a day to cease from their work. They could sit back and remember that their sustenance came from God alone. On this holy day\, they were free to content themselves in his love. They could delight in Him\, and in one another. As Isaiah wrote\, if they honored the Sabbath\, refraining from pursuing their own ways\, they would “take delight in the Lord” and be lifted to the heights of blessing. The Sabbath wasn’t just a command; it was an invitation to experience the joy and peace of God’s rest. \nThis invitation remains open to us today. We need not earn God’s rest. It’s all about trusting God. Whatever our circumstances\, or our efforts\, God wants us to rest in his love. With every difficulty\, our natural inclination is to seek human solutions. We tend to rely on worldly wisdom. We seek the majority opinion. But true rest comes from repentance\, seeking God’s direction\, trusting his promises\, and waiting for his deliverance with quiet patience. As Hebrews reminds us\, “Through faith and patience we inherit the promises.” \nAbraham’s story illustrates this beautifully. God promised him a son through Sarah. As the years passed without the promise being fulfilled\, Abraham and Sarah grew impatient. They tried to have a child through human means. Abraham bedded Sarah’s maidservant Hagar and fathered Ishmael. This decision brought heartache and strife. These are the consequences of following our way rather than resting in God’s ways. will. Faith and patience are essential for entering into God’s rest. These are not passive qualities. They describe the need to actively trust in God’s power and resist doing things our way. \nJesus invites: “Come to me\, all you who labor and are heavy laden\, 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.” The rest Jesus offers is that which comes from walking in step with Him. His yoke is easy because He understands and bears our burdens. He teaches us to trust him through love and discipline. \nBut this rest requires surrender to Christ. We must choose to give up our own way. We no longer have to control things or depend on our own efforts. We choose to follow God’s directions humbly and unquestioningly. This act of surrender\, though difficult\, leads to life. As Jesus said\, “I am the way\, the truth\, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” True rest is found in being loved by him. This draws us to love him and trustfully obey him. \nIn our daily lives\, we must choose to rest when tempted to be anxious. We need to trust God’s promise that he is with us. Sometimes we have to choose to pray and not panic. Sometimes we have to show grace to others who do not deserve it. Our hearts must be disciplined to rest in God’s sovereignty. We must trust that He is at work even when we can’t see the full picture. \nAs we strive to enter into His rest\, let us remember that it doesn’t mean there are no challenges. Instead\, it means the presence of faith. It is the quiet confidence that God’s work is complete. It is the assurance that His promises are sure\, and His plans for us are good. When we align our hearts with this truth\, we can experience the peace that surpasses all understanding despite fierce trials. \nLet us choose his way rather than our own leading. Our way leads only to striving and unrest; his way to peace and life. Let us gladly say with all our hearts\, “Lord\, have Your way.” So we shall enter into his rest. God bless.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-03-strive-to-enter-into-his-rest/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250104
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250105
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250103T182947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T113145Z
UID:2948-1735948800-1736035199@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 04 The two trees
DESCRIPTION:04_The two trees \nGen 2:9 Out of the ground the Lord God caused every tree to grow that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life was also in the midst of the garden\, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.\nGen 2: 15-17 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it. 16 The Lord God commanded the man\, saying\, “From any tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not [o]eat\, for on the day that you eat from it you will certainly die.” \nThere is a story of a young boy who was sailing with his father\, the captain of a sailing ship. While he was exploring the ship\, he came to the huge sails flapping above his head. Intent on getting closer\, he began to climb the mast\, unseen by anybody. The higher he climbed\, the more exhilarated he felt. He felt like a creature of the air rather than the ground.\nAt the very top\, he made the mistake of looking down. Instantly he froze in terror. Then he began screaming for help. \nThe crew crowded around below. They shouted instructions and urged him to climb down. The hubbub only frightened him still more. Then his father arrived on the scene. Calmly\, he called up to his son\, “Look up and tell me what you see!” The boy obeyed\, and through his tear-filled eyes\, saw the marvelously blue sky. As he described it\, his father continued\, “Keep looking up. Now\, climb down a step and tell me what you see.” The boy obeyed\, looking up and following his father’s steady voice. He descended step by step\, until he was standing on the deck again. \nHis father knew that his voice would comfort and encourage his son as nothing else could do. He also knew that by looking above\, his son would no longer be fearful of falling. The boy could concentrate on directing his feet as he climbed down. For the son was assured that his father’s voice would never lead him into harm. It would guide him safely through fear and danger.\nThis story mirrors the choice presented to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God had created them fearfully and wonderfully. He had given them a paradise filled with every good and beautiful tree. \nEspecially significant were two trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They were free to eat from any tree\, including the Tree of Life\, but forbidden access to the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The reason was also made clear. The day they ate that fruit\, they would die. \nThe Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil wasn’t inherently evil. God declared that all He created was good. The tree symbolized the desire for autonomy\, freedom from dependence on God. It offered the ability to know good and evil without having to rely on God’s wisdom. But it was not good for man and woman to eat the fruit in disobedience to God. \nIt certainly looks like a simple and straightforward situation. There should have been no temptation to disobey when they were in paradise\, enjoying the goodness and the presence of God. This reveals that the choice to eat from the forbidden tree was an act of rebellion. It could only come from a heart that did not prize God. It reflected the value they set on the knowledge of good and evil compared to the knowledge of God. They longed to be like gods\, but not like God. \nIn choosing knowledge over love\, they cut themselves off from God who is love. Knowledge apart from the fear of the Lord leads to pride and alienation. With Adam and Eve\, all humanity joins in striving for knowledge. This search is at the expense of faith\, love\, and humility. \nLet us examine our own lives for this pattern. Do we seek knowledge because we do not trust God’s care? We want certainty\, control\, and understanding but cannot rest in God’s sovereignty and goodness. We are restless and unsatisfied because we do not abide in Christ. It is he who makes us wise. \nThrough scripture\, creation\, and ultimately through His Son\, Jesus Christ\, God reveals Himself. He is the one who is love\, wisdom\, truth and righteousness personified. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. It is submission to God in faith. Faith comes from hearing His word\, and obeying Him. As Psalm 19 declares\, God’s word is perfect\, reviving the soul. It is trustworthy\, giving wisdom to the simple. \nJames 3:13-18 contrasts two types of wisdom. Those who seek earthly wisdom are jealous\, selfishly ambitious\, and churn things up. Those who are guided by heavenly wisdom are pure\, peace-loving\, gentle\, full of mercy\, and fruitful in righteousness. True wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge. It is a way of life\, modeled perfectly by Jesus Christ. It brings them into right relationship with God and others. Christ leads his disciples into life\, peace\, and righteousness. \nHebrews 5:14 reminds us that discernment—the ability to distinguish good from evil—comes through constant practice and obedience. Adam was given the opportunity to practice obedience in the garden by refraining from eating the forbidden fruit. Had he resisted the temptation\, he would have grown. He would have increased in faith\, wisdom\, and self-control. He would have known God better. \nAdam’s failure shows that the best rules cannot guarantee discernment. It is the result of a relationship with God. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represented a kind of knowledge that was withheld from Adam and Eve. They were to grow in wisdom and knowledge through the revelation of their Creator. They would not only know good and evil\, but live in goodness. \nWhen humanity rejects God\, their morality becomes subjective and distorted. Today\, we see this played out in society. Men and women are denied their God-given differences. Children are considered legally non-human until they have been alive for an arbitrary period in the womb. Lust is boasted of and advertised as the greatest panacea for human need. Isaiah 5:20 warns against this distortion: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil\, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” \nThis illustrates the grave consequences of choosing the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil rather than the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life reminds us of Jesus Christ who promises eternal life to all those who come to him. Yet\, like the Pharisees\, many search for knowledge without seeking Him. Jesus said\, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; but it is they that bear witness about me\, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” \nThe Lord taught us that unless we become like little children we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Children depend on their parents to supply all that they need or want. Life in the kingdom of heaven is one of humble dependence on God\, acknowledging our weakness and need. \nThe first sin was not murder or theft. It was unbelief\, arising from a lack of humility. Adam and Eve doubted God’s goodness. Therefore\, they chose to be independent like gods\, rather than continue in relationship with him. Proverbs 30:3-5 reminds us of the limits of human understanding: “I have not learned wisdom\, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.” \nFaith in God leads us to obey him. Faith is not blind. It stands on the reliability of God’s word and his love. Holiness is not just conforming to societal or religious rules. It is trusting and walking with God. \nPractically\, this means evaluating the choices we make daily. Do we make our own calls\, or seek God’s wisdom? Do we change our decisions to align with his word\, or do we conform to the world’s standards? Do we taste the satisfying solidity of his wisdom? Are we enslaved by the alluring but empty wisdom of the world? \nJust as the boy on the ship reached safety because he trusted and obeyed his father’s voice\, let us daily trust God. When life feels overwhelming and the voices of the world are loud\, let us look up steadily to see Him. Step by step\, as we listen to His word and obey\, He leads us safely through.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-04-the-two-trees/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250105
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250106
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250104T182903Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T113306Z
UID:2951-1736035200-1736121599@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 05 The two offerings
DESCRIPTION:\n05_The two offerings \nGen 4:3-5 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord from the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel\, on his part also brought an offering\, from the firstborn of his flock and from their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering; 5 but for Cain and his offering He had no regard. \n“And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord.” – Genesis 4:16 \n“Not as Cain\, who was of that wicked one\, and slew his brother. And why slew he him? Because his own works were evil\, and his brother’s righteous.” – I John 3:12 \n“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain\, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward\, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.”– Jude 11 \nThe story of Cain and Abel is one of the earliest in the Bible. It forces us to grapple with the unsettling question: why did God accept Abel’s offering but reject Cain’s?It explores the heart of the most profound issues that we face as human beings. It uncovers the meaning of worship and faith\, and the devastating consequences of sin. \nThe writer of Hebrews reveals\, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain\, through which he was attested to be righteous\, God testifying about his gifts.” (Hebrews 11:4). The question is\, why did the brothers offer different sacrifices? \nBoth Abel and Cain knew and acknowledged God’s being and his right to be worshipped. But Abel’s faith went beyond this. He apparently had something that Cain lacked. This deficit was fundamental to Cain’s rejection. \nThe essence of Abel’s offering seems to be twofold. He understood\, from his parents’ sad history\, the central role of a sacrifice in his relationship with God. He coupled this with faith\, and offered an acceptable sacrifice. \nThe essential need for sacrifice is hinted at in the story of how God clothed our first parents with animal skins after they sinned and realized that they were naked. Since death had not yet entered the world\, animals must have been sacrificed to provide these skins for Adam and Eve. It is true that these sacrifices were inadequate to allow them to re-enter paradise. Yet they allowed their outer nakedness to be covered. The place of animal sacrifice as a cover for sin was thus established. \nAbel offered a sacrifice of the firstlings from his flock of sheep. But Cain offered the fruit of his labor from his vegetable garden. Without blood\, there is no forgiveness of sins. Secondly\, Cain did not do what was good (Gen. 4:6\,7; I John 3:12). This implies that he did not have the faith of Abel\, for without faith\, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). \nAs James writes\, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe—and tremble.” (James 2:19). Cain’s belief was devoid of the obedience and reverence that characterize true faith. Cain’s heart was far from God\, and his actions reflected that distance. \nFrom God’s fatherly words to Cain after the rejection of his offering\, it is plain that Cain did not love God. That is\, God was not his standard for goodness. Rather\, he himself was his own standard. He decided whether his own deeds were good enough or not. This lack of trust in God’s character led to an unacceptable offering. \nThis is still more plain from his behavior after the rejection of his offering. His response to God’s words manifested an utter lack of faith. He was not in heartfelt agreement with God’s will. Looking back on his offering in this light\, it is plain that it was not an act of worship flowing from a sincere heart that sought to please God. It was a religious gesture\, one that sought social acceptance and conformity rather than God’s commendation. \nWhen his offering was rejected\, he became angry with God and jealous of Abel. Note that God had not condemned Cain after his failed offering. Rather\, he gave him a compassionate warning and a way to set things right. He saw Cain’s struggle and urged him on to conquer his sin. Yet Cain refused. \nHis pride hardened him against both God and his brother. This pattern of ignoring God’s warnings is characteristic of unbelief. It repeats throughout Scripture—whether in Noah’s generation\, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah\, or Israel’s captivity. When we resist God’s rebuke\, we fall into greater sin and deeper separation from Him. As Proverbs warns\, “A person who is often rebuked and hardens his neck will suddenly be broken beyond remedy” (Proverbs 29:1). \nInstead of examining his heart and humbling himself\, he raged. He ignored God’s warning and encouragement: “Sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you\, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:7). Instead of correcting his ways\, he murdered his righteous brother. Just so\, the religious leaders envied Jesus and rejected God’s authority by crucifying his anointed one. \nThe contrast between Cain and Abel reflects two approaches to worship that are still evident today.\nThe people of faith come humbly to learn of God what is good\, and obey him. The Lord Jesus addressed this in His teaching: “If you are presenting your offering at the altar\, and there you remember that your brother has something against you\, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother\, and then come and present your offering” (Matthew 5:23–24). True worship is inseparable from right relationships with both God and others. \nThe religious come to God on their terms. They expect God to conform to their selfish desires and bless their self-directed efforts. They do not suspect that he knows that their hearts are far from him though they honour him with their lips. \nCain’s refusal to repent arose from his rejection of God’s authority. This is what the apostle later calls “the way of Cain” (Jude 1:11). It is the path of self-will. In this pathway\, worship is a way to secure blessings. This mindset is all too common. Many approach God expecting Him to solve their problems. They seek wealth or promotion\, healing or happiness. But they do not see him. They do not know that he alone is good. They do not realize that their true need is goodness. They resist His call to repentance for they do not know that they need his forgiveness and his Spirit. They have no desire for holiness and transformation. \nTrue worship begins with acknowledging that God is sovereign and worthy to be obeyed. It is not about manipulating God to meet our needs. Worship begins with aligning our hearts with Him. Jesus said\, “I am the way\, and the truth\, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). We come to God by following Christ in humility\, yielding under his yoke even through suffering. \nConsider Abel’s legacy. His life was cut short\, but his faith still speaks down the centuries. He pleased God through his simple faith. Yet he paid the price for his devotion. In contrast\, Cain departed from the presence of the Lord. He chose his own way rather than seeking God’s mercy. Yet he built cities. He had a flourishing line of accomplished and prosperous descendants. This reminds us that faithfulness to God is no guarantee of earthly comfort or success. \nLet us examine our hearts. Are we worshippers or self-seeking religious people? Have we humbled ourselves to acknowledge that apart from the blood of Christ there is no acceptable offering we can bring? Are we anxious to receive his correction and amend our ways? Jesus Himself declared that worship must be in spirit and truth—genuine\, heartfelt\, and aligned with God’s revelation of Himself. \nThe story of Cain and Abel is a sobering reminder that our choices have eternal consequences. Abel chose faith and obedience. Though his life was brief\, he gained the eternal reward of God’s approval. Cain chose pride and rebellion. His life\, though outwardly successful\, typifies alienation from God and eternal destruction. \nThis choice is the most important decision anyone can ever make. It determines not only how we live now but also where we stand for eternity. Let us live and die in humble faith\, seeking to please God like Abel who did what was right. Let us reject the way of Cain who flouted His authority. \nAs true worshippers\, let us give God the honor and obedience He deserves by submitting ourselves to Christ as Lord. Let us daily decide\, “As you will\, Lord.” God bless.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-05-the-two-offerings/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250106
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250107
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250105T182927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T113503Z
UID:2955-1736121600-1736207999@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 06 Walking with God
DESCRIPTION:06_Walking with God \nGen 5:21-24 21 When Enoch had lived 65 years\, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God\, and he was not\, for God took him. \nHeb 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found\, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony\, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. \nThe story of Enoch in Genesis 5:21-24 is a testimony to what it means to walk with God. Among long genealogies of names\, years\, births\, and deaths\, Enoch shines like a diamond. His life is different\, not just because of its relative brevity\, but because he walked with God. Enoch pleased God. \nEnoch lived in an era that spanned nearly 2\,000 years. Generations overlapped and thousands were born. Of all these long-lived patriarchs\, only Enoch and Noah are described as those who walked with God. This is no coincidence. It’s a reminder that amidst the routine\, mundane existence of millions\, God is always on the lookout for those who walk with Him. In a world teeming with spiritual apathy\, Enoch’s life challenges us to rise above spiritual lukewarmness and seek God’s company. \nThe average lifespan of Enoch’s contemporaries was an astounding 929 years. Enoch lived only 365 years—a third of their age. Yet it is not how long we live that matters; it is how well we live. Enoch’s brief life left an indelible mark because it was a life that pleased God. \nWhat does it mean to walk with God? It signifies oneness of will\, and agreement of nature. Amos 3:3 says\, “Can two walk together\, except they be agreed?” Hebrews 11:5-6 emphasizes the foundation of Enoch’s walk with God. Enoch pleased God by his faith\, for without faith it is impossible to please God. \nFaith is described in Hebrews 11:1 as “the substance of things hoped for\, the evidence of things not seen.” Enoch trusted in God’s eternal power and deity from the evidence of the world around him. He walked in faith\, believing that God is and that he rewards those who seek him. \nEnoch recognized and yielded to God’s sovereign authority in faith. He did not wait for God to do what was pleasing to him. He lived for God’s commendation\, rather than for possessions\, prestige\, or power. \nThe fact of Enoch’s walk with God is recorded after the birth of his son\, Methuselah. At this pivotal moment in his life\, perhaps he gained a deeper understanding of his position and duty towards God. Enoch walked with God for 300 years while living with his family. Walking with God does not require retreating to a monastery or mountain. It is perhaps in the midst of our daily responsibilities that we walk most closely with God. \nNo miracles or great works are recorded of him\, but he knew God’s secrets. He prophesied the coming of the Lord with ten thousand of His saints to judge the ungodly as recorded in Jude 14-15. In an era where God was beginning to reveal His salvation plan through sacrifices and figures\, Enoch saw and believed the end times. He boldly warned his generation\, calling out their ungodliness. Walking with God also means sharing His truths with others\, and being a voice of truth in a confused world. \nBy faith\, Enoch was taken up so that he did not experience death. This faith was manifested\, not first in his translation\, but in his daily walk with God. This faith was not based on visible evidence but on hope in the unseen. \nThe impact of Enoch’s life went beyond his immediate surroundings to challenge all future generations. His great-grandson Noah\, born 69 years after Enoch’s translation\, chose to walk with God\, too. Who knows how much Enoch inspired Noah’s faith and righteousness amid a corrupt generation? Likewise\, our walk with God leaves a spiritual inheritance for those who follow. Our faith and obedience can inspire others to seek the same fellowship with God. \nSo\, what can we learn from Enoch’s walk with God? First\, faith is the foundation. By grace through faith God reconciles us sinners to himself\, as we willingly agree to walk by his guidance rather than our own wisdom. Christ has shown us the open door to reconciliation with God through his blood. What hinders us from surrendering to his love in the obedience of faith? Without faith it is impossible to please God. \nSecond\, our walk with God should permeate every aspect of our lives. Faith is manifested in our consistent and willing submission to his will in all things. \nFamily\, work\, and daily responsibilities are not hindrances but opportunities to reflect His presence in the ordinary. \nThird\, walking with God involves godliness. Like Enoch\, we must value God far above all else as the Great Judge of all. This sets us apart\, living righteously in a world that often resists godly values. This helps us share God’s truths with love and conviction\, warning others of the judgment to come. \nFinally\, we must live with an eternal perspective. Enoch sought God’s approval alone\, and obtained a good testimony from God through his faith. Is this the treasure that our hearts are set upon? Where our treasure is\, there our hearts will be. Do wholeheartedly desire to dwell in His presence forever? \nLet us look back on our lives and test if we are walking with God. Is your life marked by faith and obedience? “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” This is the living and eternal hope we have when we walk with God. \nLet us\, like Enoch\, choose to walk with God. Let our lives reflect His grace and truth\, and shine as a beacon for those who need light. By faith let us seek God’s commendation which will be our glorious reward throughout eternity. God bless.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-06-walking-with-god/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250108
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250106T182924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T113709Z
UID:2959-1736208000-1736294399@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 07 The Ark of Noah and the Salvation through Christ
DESCRIPTION:07_ The Ark of Noah and the Salvation through Christ \nGen 6:13-14 And God said unto Noah\, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and\, behold\, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark\, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. \nGen 6:22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him\, so did he. \nHeb 11:7 By faith Noah\, being warned of God of things not seen as yet\, moved with fear\, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world\, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. \nThe story of Noah’s Ark in Scripture has long fascinated its hearers. The account begins in a world that had spiraled into chaos. Genesis tells us that the earth was filled with violence and every thought of humanity was continually evil. God was ready to bring complete judgment upon the race of men who had devastated his earthly creation. The judgment that was coming—the global flood—was unlike anything the world had ever seen until then. \nHowever\, he first provided a way of righteousness through faith. In His infinite mercy\, he told Noah to build the Ark. It was not Noah’s idea or a human invention. The Ark was God’s plan\, design and ordinance. Just as God first clothed our sinful parents\, Adam and Eve\, so he set forth the plan by which those who believed his words could escape the universal judgment.  \nThe Ark was built according to God’s precise measurements and pattern. These were not random but purposeful. Even so\, every word of God is tried and true. We build on a sure foundation when we hear and obey his word.  \nThe Ark was covered inside and out with pitch to make it waterproof. The Hebrew word for pitch is closely related to the word for atonement. As the pitch kept out the waters of judgment that ruined the whole earth\, Christ our Lord has made atonement by his blood for those who are in him. There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ. He is the author and the finisher of our faith\, and in him we are secure. \nAnyone could enter the Ark until the day that it began to rain. Yet only eight escaped the flood because they believed and obeyed God’s call. Noah and his family acted on God’s warning about things not yet seen. They trusted His word over the ridicule of the world around them. Even so\, Christ graciously calls all to come to him in repentance and enter freely by their faith into eternal life. Yet only those who believe and obey the call to flee from the wrath to come accept this unmeasurable gift of life in Christ.  \nJesus said\, “I am the way\, the truth\, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Christ reveals God in his fulness so that we may truly worship him\, not according to our own interests or outwardly\, but in the spirit of heartfelt obedience to his words.  \nThe Ark had no provision for Noah to control its course\, whether rudder\, sails\, or oars.  It floated entirely at the mercy of God. On our journey of faith in Christ\, we acknowledge that He alone is in control. Our security lies not in our ability to navigate life but in the One who holds our future. This dependence is the most secure place we can be\, for the sovereignty of our God guarantees our ultimate good. \nThe Ark was not particularly luxurious\, but it was more than sufficient to take the occupants through more than a year onboard. It was a refuge meant to preserve life through the waters of judgment. Our life in Christ is not a means to gratify our flesh in self-indulgence. It is a life of purpose which transforms us into his likeness. Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose\, even when the journey is difficult or uncomfortable. \nNoah’s faith impacted his whole household. His obedience led to their salvation\, and together\, they stepped into a new world after the floodwaters receded. We who are in Christ have the hope of a new world where righteousness dwells.  Just as Noah rested in God’s provision\, we find rest in the faithfulness of God who set forth Christ as the captain of our salvation.  \nThe door of the Ark was shut by the Lord Himself. Thereafter\, no one could open it. There might have been those who admired the Ark or mocked its purpose. All failed to enter and were lost. Instead of mere religion or open mockery\, let us wholeheartedly embrace life in Christ\, accepting his guidance in every detail.  \nToday is the day of salvation\, the day to respond to God’s call. Today God calls all to forgiveness and eternal life. Today\, if you hear His voice\, do not harden your hearts. Choose to trust Him\, to say\, “Have Thine own way\, Lord\,” and let your heart rejoice in the security of His salvation. There will come a day when the opportunity to enter is lost. Let no one delay to trust in Him\, for he is the author of our salvation.  \nThe Ark of Noah is not merely a historical artifact. It reflects who God is and what he has provided for us in Christ Jesus.  The Lord Himself compared the days of Noah with the time of His return. Just as people were eating\, drinking\, marrying\, and going about their lives in the time of Noah until the flood came and swept them away\, so it will be at the end of the age.  \nNoah’s faith condemned the unbelief of others and demonstrated the righteousness that comes through faith. Do our lives similarly reflect unwavering trust in God? Are we willing to stand apart from the world\, obeying God even when others do not? \nLet us examine our own lives. Let us trust the word of God completely. Let us persevere in faith with urgency and purpose. Let us faithfully follow Christ and proclaim His salvation in life and word to the world until he comes again.  \nThe decision to enter the Ark was one of life and death for Noah’s generation. The decision to abide in the teaching of Christ is no less significant for us. Will you choose His way or your own? The invitation is open\, but the end is near. God bless you.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-07-the-ark-of-noah-and-the-salvation-through-christ/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250108
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250109
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250107T182940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T114045Z
UID:2963-1736294400-1736380799@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 08 The two cities
DESCRIPTION:08_The two cities \nGen 11:1-9 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east\, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another\, “Come\, let us make bricks\, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone\, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said\, “Come\, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens\, and let us make a name for ourselves\, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower\, which the children of man had built. 6 And the Lord said\, “Behold\, they are one people\, and they have all one language\, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come\, let us go down and there confuse their language\, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth\, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel\, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth. \nOn April 15\, 1912\, the Titanic\, a ship hailed as unsinkable\, a marvel of human engineering\, sank on its maiden voyage\, disappearing into the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Designed to showcase human mastery\, it went down\, taking with it over 1\,500 lives. This catastrophic event serves as a sobering reminder of the limitations of human effort\, even at its peak. Genesis 11:1–9 gives us a far earlier illustration of the sheer scale at which God’s power surpasses the greatest efforts of mankind. \nIn the land of Shinar\, a man named Nimrod\, described in the Bible as “a mighty hunter before the Lord\,” established a kingdom that included Babel. His name in Hebrew suggests rebellion\, and the Jewish historian Josephus portrays him as a man defying God’s authority. Josephus writes that Nimrod vowed revenge against God for the flood\, planning to build a tower so high that it would withstand any divine act. Though the Bible doesn’t confirm these specific intentions\, the narrative in Genesis reveals a striking parallel—a people united in seeking godlike greatness without God. \nAs mankind spread out after the flood\, a group journeyed eastward\, settling on a plain in Shinar. Their decision to work together and build a city with a high tower that would reach the heavens seems admirable. It might even appear to be an example of collaboration and progress.  \nBut a careful reading shows that the tower was motivated by their rebellion. They did not want to be scattered\, but to make themselves a name and an identity. They desired to find their own security in their unity. They hoped to take pride and find fame in their achievement.  Instead of spreading across the earth and settling it\, as God had commanded\, they wanted to settle down together in cities. They betrayed their lack of trust in God by their need to secure their own safety.  \nThe Tower of Babel was more than a physical structure; it symbolized humanity’s attempt to achieve significance\, security\, and identity apart from God. They sought to ascend to heaven through their own means. They ignored their Creator’s will. This pattern is all too familiar. Even today\, people strive for greatness and security through wealth\, education\, technology\, or influence. The lesson of Babel reminds us that human efforts cannot thwart God’s purposes or replace His sovereignty. \nAs their rebellion progressed and the tower rose heavenward\, God intervened. With a simple sovereign act\, He confused their language. No longer could they work in unity. What they feared most came to pass. They were scattered across the earth. This fulfilled God’s plan for humanity to populate and steward the earth. However\, mankind lost their shared language and the unity it brought. \nBabel became a symbol of human pride and defiance against God. Centuries later\, this spirit resurfaced in Babylon\, renowned for its power and wealth. King Nebuchadnezzar\, one of its greatest rulers\, rebuilt this city into a magnificent city. But when he looked out over it\, boasting of his achievements and glorifying himself\, he was struck down to become like an animal for a season.  \nGraciously\, God afterwards restored his senses so that he could acknowledge God alone to be sovereign. Then he was brought back to all his former greatness. But now he freely admitted his submission to the throne of heaven. His story stands as a stark reminder that the heavens rule the affairs of earth.  \nThe Bible draws a sharp contrast between two cities—Babel (later Babylon) and the New Jerusalem. Babylon represents humanity’s quest for greatness and self-indulgence apart from God. It is described in Revelation as “Babylon the Great\, the Mother of Harlots\,” a city that embodies corruption\, competition\, and commercialisation on the earthly and spiritual planes. Its ultimate destiny is destruction; John writes\, “Babylon the great is fallen\,” and its smoke will rise forever as a testimony to its downfall. \nIn contrast\, the New Jerusalem is “the holy city\,” adorned in righteousness as a bride prepared for her husband. It radiates God’s glory and is centered on him. Its builder and maker is God. It descends from heaven as the dwelling place for God with his people\, filled with His healing\, joy\, and light. While Babylon seeks human glory\, the New Jerusalem reflects God’s eternal purpose of dwelling with his beloved people forever. \nThese two cities represent two choices that every human must face. Babylon shows the path of self-reliance and rebellion. Meanwhile\, the new Jerusalem symbolizes the path of righteousness through faith. Those who belong to Babylon seek their own kingdom\, their own righteousness\, and their own security. Those who belong to the New Jerusalem live by faith\, trusting in God’s grace and obeying His commands. \nHow do we align ourselves with the New Jerusalem? The answer lies in following Jesus\, who is its light and glory. He calls us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We are to lay down our selfish ambitions and fleshly desires\, and embrace His purposes. His kingdom is not of this world. We need not fret and strive to win it. His kingdom is spiritual. It is righteousness\, peace\, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is an eternal kingdom because it comprises those who do the will of God and abide forever.  As followers of Christ\, we are called to hear his voice and obey him so that he may work in and through us.  \nLet us examine our motives and priorities. Are we building our own kingdom\, seeking recognition\, security\, or greatness apart from God? Or are we wise enough to recognize that our efforts apart from God are ultimately futile? Do we know that his ways are far higher and better than ours\, and yield our heart and love to him? The choice between these two cities is not just a theological concept; it is a daily decision to follow Christ and live in obedience to Him. \nThe Titanic sank because its creators and passengers did not know enough to counter the power of the deep ocean. Their trust in human ingenuity was misplaced. The Tower of Babel failed because its builders did not realize God’s sovereignty. But the New Jerusalem stands forever because it is founded on God’s eternal purpose and grace. Let us choose to be part of the heavenly city\, living through faith and obedience in the Spirit of God. Let us humbly seek His kingdom and His righteousness\, for we will thus inherit a city that will never fall.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-08-the-two-cities/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250109
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250110
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250108T182950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T114239Z
UID:2965-1736380800-1736467199@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 09 Let there be no strife between us
DESCRIPTION:09_Let there be no strife between us.  \nGen 13: 3-11 And he went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel\, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning\, between Bethel and Ai\, 4 to the place of the altar which he had made there previously; and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. 5 Now Lot\, who went with Abram\, also had flocks\, herds\, and tents. 6 And the land could not support both of them while living together\, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together. 7 And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. Now the Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the land at that time. \n8 So Abram said to Lot\, “Please let there be no strife between you and me\, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen\, for we are relatives! 9 Is the entire land not before you? Please separate from me; if you choose the left\, then I will go to the right; or if you choose the right\, then I will go to the left.” 10 Lot raised his eyes and saw all the vicinity of the Jordan\, that it was well watered everywhere—this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah—like the garden of the Lord\, like the land of Egypt going toward Zoar. 11 So Lot chose for himself all the vicinity of the Jordan\, and Lot journeyed eastward. So they separated from each other. \nJim Elliott\, the martyred American missionary who gave his life in 1956 while evangelizing among the Auca Indians in the jungles of Ecuador\, penned these famous words: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” These words resonate deeply when we consider how to navigate conflicts and disputes in a way that honors God.\nConflicts arise whether we want them or not. They occur in families\, workplaces\, and even within the church. Genesis 13 records a quarrel between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot over pasture land for their flocks. Both men had prospered and needed more space for their livestock. Abraham\, the senior and the heir to the promised land\, had every right to claim the best land and dictate terms. Yet his response was marked by humility\, grace\, and faith in God. \nWhen disputes arise\, our reactions reveal much about our hearts. Abraham’s response to this conflict shows his anxiety to please God and keep love in his relationship with Lot. \nFirst\, Abraham recognized an essential truth: they were brothers. He reminded Lot\, “We are close relatives; let’s not quarrel.” For Abraham\,  their relationship was more valuable than his personal rights. How much more are believers united in Christ! We are called to live in peace and love with one another\, according to the unity of the one Spirit that we all share.\nThe Apostle Paul wrote\, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a commitment to love\, care and foster the welfare of the other. It demands selflessness. When disagreements arise among believers\, we must remember that our unity in Christ is more important than winning an argument or asserting our rights. \nSecond\, Abraham understood that to keep the peace\, a personal price must often be paid. By offering Lot the first choice of the land\, Abraham voluntarily relinquished his right to the best. This reflects the heart of Christ\, who became poor so that we might be made rich in God. Jesus\, the Prince of Peace\, paid with his blood to reconcile us with God. His example challenges us to surrender our rights\, endure suffering\, and trust God to reward and vindicate us in His time. \nJames 4:1-2 explains: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have\, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want\, so you quarrel and fight.” Many conflicts arise from the lust of the flesh\, the lust of the eyes\, or the pride of life. Abraham\, however\, chose to set his heart on God rather than the deceitful and transient pleasures and treasures of this world. \nWhen Lot chose the fertile plains of the Jordan\, he obeyed the lust of his eyes and the desire of his heart. This choice eventually led him to settle near Sodom\, a city infamous for its wickedness. Abraham\, in contrast\, trusted in God’s promises. His faith allowed him to let go of what appeared to be the better land\, knowing that what God had promised him was secure.\nAbraham’s faith was counted to him as righteousness. Romans 4:21 describes Abraham’s confidence in God: “Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” His willingness to give up his rights demonstrated his trust in the God who is able to provide abundantly beyond what we can imagine. \nThis principle is vital for us today. We often fight for our rights\, being impatient or fearful that justice will not be done. Scripture reminds us that God is the righteous judge. In situations of conflict\, let us quietly and humbly entrust our cause to Him\, knowing that He will vindicate us in His perfect time. \nThe story of Abraham and Lot is a reminder that worldly prosperity is treacherous. Lot’s choice led him to live among the wicked. Ultimately it cost him his peace\, his family\, and his wealth. Abraham\, on the other hand\, dwelt in the promises of God. After Lot departed\, God reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham as to both the land and his descendants. All the land that he could see was to be his in God’s perfect time\, and his children would outnumber the stars of the sky. \nWhen Jacob’s sons avenged their sister Dinah on Shechem\, the young Canaanite prince who had dishonoured her\, they showed that they did not trust the truth of God to prevail. They used dishonesty and trickery to overcome the people of Shechem. Rather than working God’s justice\, their act brought their father’s curse on them. Human attempts to secure justice without seeking God’s will often lead to greater harm. True peace and justice come from humbling ourselves before God and trusting Him to act on our behalf. He will guide us to do what is right and just.\nHow do we apply these truths? \n\nRemember your relationship in Christ. If you have conflict with a fellow believer\, remember your unity brought about by the blood of Christ. This bond is far more valuable than any earthly gain.\nBe willing to sacrifice for peace. Ask yourself if you are obeying the Spirit of God in the current problem with your brother or sister. Are you needlessly jeopardizing your obedience to Christ to ensure that you are treated fairly? If so\, surrendering your rights is the most Christlike thing you can do.\nExamine your heart. Are you one with God in this issue? Or are your thoughts clouded by your own desires or pride? Pray and hear God’s voice in the scriptures so that your heart may be aligned with His will.\nTrust God’s justice. Surrender your need for immediate vindication and trust that God sees\, knows\, and will act in His perfect timing.\nFocus on eternal promises. Like Abraham\, keep your eyes fixed on God’s promises and not temporary losses. No one can take away what God intends for you.\n\nAs we follow Abraham’s example\, let us remember that the Lord said\, “Blessed are the peacemakers\, for they shall be called the sons of God.” Trusting in God’s promises\, let us live so as to seek and actively pursue peace.  This reflects God’s nature like nothing else\, for he sent his Son to make peace with us at the cost of his life.\nIn Psalm 37:3-5\, we are encouraged to: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord\, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.” Let us embody this trust in our handling of conflict. Let us be quick to hear\, slow to speak\, and offer grace to others. Thus we shall be the sons of God\, and point them to the Prince of peace\, Jesus Christ.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-09-let-there-be-no-strife-between-us/
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CREATED:20250109T182915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T114446Z
UID:2967-1736467200-1736553599@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 10 Who is our reward
DESCRIPTION:10_Who is our reward? \nGen 14:18-24 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said\,\n \n“Blessed be Abram by God Most High\,\nPossessor of heaven and earth;\n20 and blessed be God Most High\,\nwho has delivered your enemies into your hand!” \nAnd Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram\, “Give me the persons\, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom\, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord\, God Most High\, Possessor of heaven and earth\, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours\, lest you should say\, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten\, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner\, Eshcol\, and Mamre take their share.” \nSamuel Morrison served God in Africa at the turn of the 19th century. He was returning to the United States after 25 years of service on the same ship as President Teddy Roosevelt\, returning after a brief hunting trip in Africa. When the ship docked in New York\, Roosevelt was thronged with admirers bearing banners\, with cheers\, and much fanfare. He was given top security and a smooth passage through the docks\, with a fleet of vehicles ready to whisk him away. In stark contrast\, Morrison disembarked unnoticed\, to head home alone\, carrying his own luggage. Frustrated\, he told God\, “Lord\, the President comes home from a few weeks on safari and is received with such honor. What about me? I’ve dedicated my entire life to your work\, but nobody recognizes me!”\nThese words came to his mind\, “My son\, you haven’t come home yet.” Morrison was both relieved and ashamed. Indeed\, he had forgotten that his true home was still ahead\, where he would receive an abundant welcome and an eternal reward. His thoughts became clear when he held an eternal perspective. \nGenesis 14:18-24 records a similar difference in viewpoint. The chapter records the first war in Scripture. In the lush Jordan Valley\, four kings allied against a coalition of five. The latter\, including the king of Sodom\, had rebelled against their overlord\, who marched against them with his allies and defeated them. He carried off all their people as captives and slaves\, including Lot\, Abraham’s nephew\, who lived in Sodom. Hearing the news\, Abraham sprang into action\, marching with his 318 trained household servants on a rescue mission. \nAbraham could have sat still and done nothing. He could have reasoned that Lot had chosen his own path when he moved into the wicked city of Sodom. He could have convinced himself that it would be too dangerous and indeed futile to fight against this powerful alliance. He could have pleaded helplessness. \nInstead of resentment\, self-righteousness\, or fear\, Abraham burned with zeal to rescue his brother. He held no grudges but trusted God to look after his welfare. “God has not given us the spirit of fear\, but of love\, and of power\, and of a sound mind.” This small band defeated the victorious kings as they were celebrating their rich spoils. They took back all the people and the loot from them. \nAbraham encountered two sharply contrasting figures as he returned in triumph from his decisive victory. One was Melchizedek\, the king of righteousness and priest of the Most High God. The other was the king of Sodom\, a symbol of great wickedness and ungodliness. Abraham’s response to these encounters speaks volumes about his heart\, his priorities\, and his hope.\nMelchizedek\, whose name means “king of righteousness\,” was also the king of Salem\, meaning peace. This mysterious figure\, both king and priest\, appears suddenly out of the mists of history and fades with equal abruptness. Regarded as a type of Christ\, since there is no record of his earthly father or mother\, beginning of life or end of days\, He blessed Abraham in the name of God\, the possessor of heaven and earth and the one who had defeated Abraham’s foes. Jesus declared himself to be the one who came in the name of the Lord. \nAbraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything\, indicating his recognition of Melchizedek’s superiority and authority to bless him. The only proper acknowledgment of God’s power and goodness is worship and thankfulness leading to a gift that honours him. Abraham’s tithe declared his recognition that it was God and God alone who had given him victory. \nSoon afterwards\, he met the king of Sodom\, who offered him all the spoils of war as compensation for winning back all his people. But Abraham\, with remarkable clarity\, refused: “I will accept nothing belonging to you\, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal\, so that you will never be able to say\, ‘I made Abram rich.’” The king of Sodom reflects Satan\, the god of this world. He can offer many things—shortcuts to success\, ethical compromises for gain\, or dependence on human approval.\nAbraham’s reply expressed his understanding of his total dependence on God rather than on human systems of power or wealth. He gave a tenth of the spoil to God through his tithe to Melchizedek\, but would accept nothing for himself. He reminds us that true wealth lies in God’s presence with us and not in fleeting worldly treasures. \nHe did not want to be associated with or indebted to the ungodly and wicked for the sake of prosperity or security. He was content with what God gave him. This was not about rejecting wealth but about his single hearted dependence on God. Abraham’s heart posture echoes Psalm 119:57: “The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words.” \nWhere do we seek our reward and recognition when we fight the Lord’s battles? Do we\, like Abraham\, know that all we have comes from God alone as our ultimate provider? Or do we lean on and manipulate worldly systems for approval\, security\, and success? \nGod recognized the doubts and fears following such a drastic decision. To Abraham he said\, Genesis 15:1\, “Do not be afraid\, Abram. I am your shield\, your very great reward.” God reaffirmed himself as the shield against the enemies Abram had made in battle and the reward in place of the wealth he had turned down. God declared himself as both Abram’s protector and his treasure\, emphasizing that no earthly power could match the security and richness found in Him. \nWhen God declares Himself our reward\, He is offering not just His gifts but His very presence. This means the assurance that nothing can separate us from His love. His purposes will be fulfilled through his saints. His eternal promises will come true. We experience the joy of doing his will\, irrespective of earthly circumstances. \nWhen we feel unnoticed\, unappreciated\, or unrewarded for our faithfulness\, we can take heart. The applause of men is fickle\, but God’s reward is eternal. As the psalmist declares in Psalm 121:1-2\, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord\, the Maker of heaven and earth.” \nThis truth calls us to live in single-minded devotion and trust. When we face decisions that test our allegiance—whether to God or to worldly values—we are reminded to prioritize His kingdom over all else. This may mean turning down opportunities that conflict with our faith\, letting go of grudges\, or sacrificing personal gain if it is at the cost of integrity and peace. \nWhen we yield him our obedience in faith\, we discover that He is always with us. Abraham’s life demonstrates that true fulfillment comes from trusting in the God who made us\, sustains us\, and calls us His own. God is our portion\, and He is more than enough. Let us be anchored and guided by this truth as we walk by faith\, knowing that the ultimate celebration awaits us when we truly come home.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-10-who-is-our-reward/
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UID:3096-1736553600-1736639999@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 11 Abraham our Father in faith
DESCRIPTION:\n11_Abraham our Father in faith \nGen 15:5\, 6 5 And he brought him outside and said\, “Look toward heaven\, and number the stars\, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him\, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 And he believed the Lord\, and he counted it to him as righteousness. \nHeb 11: 8-12 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out\, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise\, as in a foreign land\, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob\, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations\, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive\, even when she was past the age\, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man\, and him as good as dead\, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. \nFaith is one of the most profound concepts in the Bible. Faith is the foundation upon which our relationship with God is built. Hebrews 11\, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith\,” highlights numerous Old Testament heroes who demonstrated this crucial quality. From Abel to the prophets\, each name is a testament to the essence and essentiality of faith. Interestingly\, among these\, Abraham and Sarah are given an extended mention spanning 11 verses\, illustrating the depth of their faith and the lessons it holds for us. \nGenesis 15 records a crucial moment in Abraham’s life\, shortly after his victory over an alliance of four kings. Abraham had risked his life to rescue his nephew Lot who had been taken captive with the people of four kingdoms. Though he succeeded in recovering all the people and the possessions from the enemy\, Abraham refused to take anything by way of reward from the godless king of Sodom. By doing so\, he showed his unwillingness to be indebted to anyone but the God who had called him. This left him with no tangible gains and\, perhaps\, powerful enemies among the kings he had defeated\, and the king of Sodom whose friendship he had just turned down. \nIn this moment of vulnerability\, God appeared to Abraham with a profound promise: “Fear not\, Abram: I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward.” These words underline the greatest truth on earth. Our security does not come from earthly possessions\, alliances\, or strength\, but from the presence of God Himself. To have God as our shield is to have a defense greater than any army. God is a reward beyond the greatest treasure on earth. \nHowever\, even as Abraham gladly received this assurance\, his heart remained burdened. He had no heir to inherit the promises God had given him. In response\, God called him out to view the night sky blazing with innumerable stars. There he reiterated His promise. Abraham would indeed have a son\, and his descendants would be as the stars in the sky. Standing there\, Abraham heard and believed these words. Genesis 15:6 tells us\, “And he believed the Lord\, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” \nThis verse\, echoed multiple times in the New Testament\, reveals the essence of faith. It’s not just believing in the existence of God but trusting that He is able to do what he has promised. Abraham wasn’t merely acknowledging God’s words. He was sure that he would have children beyond count\, just as God said. This simple act was counted to him as righteousness. Since he gave God the honour he deserved by declaring that he was worthy to be trusted\, God declared him righteous. \nFaith is fundamentally a response to the revelation of God. It is seeing the invisible as real because of God’s statement. It is being convinced of the promises of God even without visible proof or in the teeth of adverse circumstances. For Abraham and Sarah\, the promise of a child was incredible. Abraham was old\, and Sarah was well past the age of childbearing. But for them\, it was enough that God had said it. They knew he was able to fulfill it. \nThis kind of faith is not mere optimism or wishful thinking. It is rooted in the character of God—His truthfulness\, His love\, and His omnipotence. Faith accepts God’s word as reality\, even before it is visible. Abraham and Sarah acknowledged their weakness but relied on God’s strength. Sarah’s faith (Hebrews 11:11)\, enabled her to receive strength to conceive because she judged God faithful. \nThe waiting period between the promise and its fulfillment is often the crucible in which faith is tested. For Abraham and Sarah\, this waiting lasted 25 years. Day by day\, as their bodies aged\, the human likelihood that they would see the fulfillment of God’s promise steadily faded. Yet\, their faith endured. They did not waver in unbelief but grew stronger in faith. They gave glory to God by trusting Him to accomplish what He had promised. \nFaith also looks beyond what is seen. The promises of God point to eternal realities. Abraham’s faith was not confined to the promise of land or descendants. He saw himself as a stranger and pilgrim on the earth\, looking forward to a heavenly city whose builder and maker is God. His faith transcended death\, affirming that God’s promises are eternal and unchanging. \nWe are called to live by faith as children of Abraham. Through Christ\, we have been given a part in the promises that Abraham received. We are assured of being heirs of God as partakers of Christ\, who is Abraham’s promised seed. We inherit salvation\, eternal life\, and the kingdom of God. These are not abstract concepts but realities as certain as the rising of the sun. Yet\, like Abraham\, we live in a period of waiting\, walking by faith and not by sight. \nFaith is not always easy. It challenges us to trust God all the time\, when things are unclear and situations adverse. It requires us to surrender our understanding and rely wholly on God’s wisdom and goodness. But it is in this surrender that we find true peace and joy. \nFaith manifests in obedience. Those who believe God align their hearts and actions with His word. Abraham demonstrated this when he left his homeland\, not knowing where he was going. His certainty was simply because God had called him and promised to tell him when he reached his destination. Faith propels us to follow God trusting that he will lead us. \nFaith calls us to trust God in our relationships\, careers\, and challenges. It reminds us that He is our shield and reward. By faith we testify that His promises are sure\, and that He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us. When doubts arise\, we can look to Abraham’s example and be encouraged to persevere. By faith we please God and inherit His blessings. \nWhat are the areas where God is calling you to live by faith? What promises are you struggling to believe? Are you waiting for God to act in a situation that seems impossible? Remember that the God who fulfilled His promises to Abraham and Sarah is faithful. Let us give glory to Him by trusting wholly in His power and goodness. \nFaith is about living a life that honors God. It is about acknowledging His greatness\, relying on His strength\, and walking in obedience to His word. May we\, like Abraham and Sarah\, be found faithful\, trusting in the God who never fails.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-11-abraham-our-father-in-faith/
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UID:3103-1736640000-1736726399@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan12 Add to your faith perseverance
DESCRIPTION:12_Add to your faith perseverance \nGen 16:1-3 Now Sarai\, Abram’s wife\, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram\, “Behold now\, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So\, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan\, Sarai\, Abram’s wife\, took Hagar the Egyptian\, her servant\, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. \nHeb 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God\, you will receive what he has promised. \nThe Bible’s honesty about the lives of its characters\, with their triumphs and failures\, is unmatched. It does not sugarcoat failure\, rather laying bare the struggles\, mistakes\, and lessons of those who came before us. This authenticity is paired with God’s high standards for life and godliness. Thus\, the scriptures reflect the very character of God\, whose foundation is truth. Truth is not just a moral ideal but the essence of God Himself and the bedrock of love.  \nIn Genesis 16:1–5\, we witness faith\, perseverance\, and the dangers of taking matters into our own hands. \nAbram and Sarai were given an extraordinary promise: their offspring would become a great nation. Abram received this promise at the age of 75\, a testament to its miraculous nature. Ten years passed with no sign of a child. The delay tested their faith\, and they faltered. Sarai suggested that Abraham go in to Hagar\, her maidservant\, thus giving Sarai a surrogate child through her. This was culturally acceptable in those times\, and seemed a practical thing to do in view of her advanced age. Yet\, failure to seek God’s perspective resulted in a bad decision that led to tension\, jealousy\, and lasting consequences. \nThe truth is that God does not need our help to fulfill His promises. His plans are perfect\, and His timing is impeccable. The promises of God are not limited by human capacity or lifespan. They are established in eternity\, and their fulfillment is certain\, though often beyond our understanding. We must resist the urge to interpret or twist God’s words to fit our limited perspective.  \nAbram and Sarai’s choice reflected a momentary lapse in faith. Yet it was God’s ultimate plan that prevailed. The child of promise was to come through Sarai. In so doing\, God affirmed the sanctity of monogamous marriage. Just as importantly\, he emphasized the  importance of faith in his ability to do exactly what he had promised. \nWe often experience perplexing and painful delays. However\, they are never arbitrary. Joseph went from being a favored son to a slave and prisoner through what seemed like a series of misfortunes. Yet each step was divinely planned for his preparation as one who would be in the right place and well equipped to save life. As a slave in the household of Potiphar\, captain of the king’s guard\, Joseph learned stewardship and leadership while being part of the poorest of the poor. In the king’s prison\, he received the gift of discernment and interpretation of dreams\, while gaining insight into the workings of the royal court. These experiences shaped him into a peerless governor and statesman who saved all Egypt and many other lives during the seven-year famine. Had Joseph been freed earlier or returned to his family\, he would have been nothing but an uncultured and ignorant nomadic lad\, entirely unprepared and poorly positioned to fulfil his destiny. God knows no delay or disappointment. All he does is at the perfect time.  \nWhen Abram and Sarai decided to involve Hagar\, it was a human effort to achieve a divine purpose. As expected\, turmoil resulted. It sowed the seeds of discord and rivalry\, not just in their immediate household but between nations and peoples for generations to come. When we act apart from God’s will\, the consequences ripple far beyond what we can foresee. Every decision\, no matter how wise or harmless it appears\, must be brought before the Lord. Only through humility and dependence on God can we discern his will from human reasoning. \nPerseverance is a virtue that is often forged in the crucible of delay. In a world that prizes instant gratification\, waiting on God challenges our faith and shapes our character. Perseverance is not passive resignation but an active trust in God’s faithfulness. It is the refusal to surrender to doubt or impatience. The Greek word for perseverance implies constancy under suffering. It is a steadfastness that holds firm in the face of adversity. This quality is essential for Christian maturity. Without it we cannot be shaped by suffering to the image of His Son. \nThe heroes of faith show this perseverance in action. Joseph’s unwavering trust in God’s goodness\, sovereignty\, and providence carried him through betrayal\, slavery\, and imprisonment. Job clung to his faith that there was God who rewarded those who seek him\, even as he lost everything that makes earthly life tolerable. David endured years of exile and danger\, trusting in God’s promise that he would one day be king. \nThese trials were not wasted; they refined their faith and deepened their knowledge of God. The Apostle Paul also went through much persecution and hardship. But his perseverance stemmed from hope in God’s promises. At the end he declared with confidence\, “I have fought the good fight\, I have finished the race\, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness\, and not for me only but for all those who love his appearing.” \nPerseverance is not just waiting—it’s about how we wait. While we wait\, our hearts should be in agreement with God’s truth. We must cling to His word\, and let it shape our thoughts and actions. Each delay is an opportunity to grow\, endure\, and prepare. The fruit of perseverance is a life of character shaped by experience\, yielding unshakable hope through faith in the love of God.  \nOur ultimate example is the Lord Jesus\, the author and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross\, despising its shame\, for the joy set before Him. He delighted in fulfilling His Father’s will. Through that will\, he was perfected through suffering and became the source of salvation to all who believe him. He persevered through degradation and rejection because of His unshakable trust in his Father. Therefore He was exalted above all names in heaven and earth. He calls us to follow in His steps. \nLet us trust God’s promises\, even when the path is unclear or the wait is long. Let us anchor our faith in His unchanging character. Let us not call God unfaithful by giving up on his word. When doubts creep in\, let us remember that nothing is too hard for the Lord? Has His power diminished or His love waned? Never! \nIn our own journeys\, let us remember those who have gone before us. They tell us that God’s promises are worth the wait. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and lay aside the burdens and sins that weaken our trust. Trusting in God’s timing\, let us resist the urge to impatient action and hold fast till he fulfils his word. \nIn practical terms\, this means waiting on the Lord before every decision\, awaiting his guidance\, and trusting his provision. It means choosing faith over fear\, patience over haste\, and obedience over convenience. When we do so\, we will find that the trials we endure are not wasted. Rather\, they work together for our good and His glory. Let us love God and persevere in faith to the end.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan12-add-to-your-faith-perseverance/
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UID:3114-1736726400-1736812799@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 13 A covenant making God
DESCRIPTION:13_A covenant-making God \nGen 17:7 I will confirm my covenant as a perpetual covenant between me and you. It will extend to your descendants after you throughout their generations. I will be your God and the God of your descendants after you. \nIt had been 24 years since Abram left Ur of the Chaldeans at God’s call. He had stepped out in faith on a journey to an unknown destination. God had promised him descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Thirteen years had passed since the birth of Ishmael\, the son of Abram through the Egyptian slave Hagar\, his wife Sarai’s maidservant. That shared decision\, born out of human reasoning and desperation\, fomented strife and jealousy in the household. \nThe passage of time and their bodily experience of aging pushed the fulfilment of the promise into the realm of impossibility. Abram and Sarai were at a point of complete helplessness. \nAnd then\, God appeared to Abram. This wasn’t his first encounter with God. The God of glory had appeared to Abram in Mesopotamia and commanded him to leave. He had seen visions of God in moments of worship and sacrifice. But this time was different. God appeared to him\, revealing Himself personally by a significant name that Abram had never heard before: El Shaddai—God Almighty. This name was a declaration of God’s infinite power\, His sufficiency\, and His ability to fulfill His promises. To a man who felt powerless\, God’s message was clear: “I am the Almighty. Nothing is too hard for Me.” \nIn a season of waiting\, facing apparently impossible circumstances\, let us remember El Shaddai\, God Almighty. God began with a breathtaking declaration: \n“As for Me\, behold\, My covenant is with you\, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram\, but your name shall be Abraham; for I will make you the father of a multitude of nations” (Genesis 17:4-5). \nGod’s covenant with Abram was a binding agreement that rested entirely on His faithfulness. Abram’s ability played no part in it\, but his faith in God was essential. The repeated words “I will” echoed the divine commitment. God was not offering possibilities; He was making promises. His promises were unchangeable\, unbreakable\, and irrevocable. His covenant was a display of sovereign grace. It demonstrated for all time that God’s plans and salvation do not depend on or require human strength or effort. \nAbram’s name was changed. No longer was he the “exalted father”\, Abram\, but Abraham\, “father of a multitude.” This was a prophetic change\, declaring God’s purpose through him. Abram was now nearly 100 years old. He had fathered only one son\, that too by a woman other than his wife. It needed immense faith to carry the name “father of a multitude”. Yet he believed God. He trusted that what seemed impossible to him was entirely possible for the Almighty. \nThe covenant of God gave rich promises to Abraham and his people: \nPosterity: God promised that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Moreover\, the covenant would be established through Isaac\, the son yet to be born. This gave Abraham the faith to believe\, at a much later time\, that God would raise Isaac from the dead. \nThe land: The land of Canaan was promised to Abraham and his descendants as an everlasting possession\, a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people. \nBlessings: Abraham and his family would experience God’s blessings. Through their faith\, his descendant Mary was chosen to give to the world the Seed of Abraham\, Jesus Christ\, who is the blessing of all nations. \nWho are the heirs of this covenant? Abraham had other children besides Isaac. However\, all his biological sons did not inherit the covenant promises just because they were his physical descendants. Scripture clarifies: “It is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God; rather\, the children of the promise are counted as descendants” (Romans 9:8). \nAbraham’s heirs are those who share his faith. This promise extends beyond ethnic boundaries to all who believe: “If you belong to Christ\, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). \nAs a sign of the covenant\, God told Abraham to have his entire household circumcised. More than a physical act\, this was a spiritual declaration. It separated this household from those around them\, marking them as the covenant people. Henceforth\, all who wished to be part of this covenant would accept circumcision as a sign of their faith\, for that was the condition of the covenant. \nAbraham’s response was immediate and unquestioning. He circumcised every male in his household that very day. As a result\, his entire household was vulnerable to any attack for several days as the males recuperated from the painful procedure. But Abraham didn’t pause to consider the risks after God had commanded him. This act of faith spoke volumes. Through his obedience\, he declared\, “I trust You\, Lord.” \nLet us remember our spiritual circumcision\, the removal of the flesh. It was performed by Christ when we believed in him. (Col. 2: 11) “In Him you were also circumcised\, in the putting off of your sinful nature\, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. And having been buried with Him in baptism…” By this we have become separated from all in or around us that is not of God. This spiritual circumcision is the sign that we are heirs of Abraham’s covenant. \nThough the covenant was unconditional\, God encouraged Abraham\, “Walk before Me and be blameless.” (Genesis 17:1). Abraham was not perfect. But he could devote himself wholeheartedly to a life of integrity and trust in God. He could live in the fear of God constantly. Faith is not a one-time magical act but a lifelong journey of believing God and acting on His Word whatever happens. \nThis covenant reveals the heart of God—a God who initiates\, sustains\, and fulfills His promises. It challenges us to examine our relationship with Him. Are we living in faith and obedience\, or are we relying on our limited understanding and human effort? \nAbraham’s journey reminds us that faith doesn’t eliminate challenges or failures. Like us\, Abraham often faltered. Yet God’s faithfulness never wavered. He repeatedly brought Abraham back into the paths of righteousness. He gave him new chances to trust and obey him. This is our covenant-making God. \nLet us like Abraham keep moving forward. God’s promises are our shield and buckler. His power is made perfect in our weakness. God doesn’t abandon us when we falter\, but strengthens our faith and encourages us to return in repentance. In trusting his might and love\, we can give glory to the Almighty God who keeps His promises to those who believe him. God bless you.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-13-a-covenant-making-god/
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DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250113T182921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T115445Z
UID:3120-1736812800-1736899199@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 14 Service - the soul of hospitality
DESCRIPTION:14_Service – the soul of hospitality \nGen 18:1-5 And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre\, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked\, and behold\, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them\, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said\, “O Lord\, if I have found favor in your sight\, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought\, and wash your feet\, and rest yourselves under the tree\, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread\, that you may refresh yourselves\, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said\, “Do as you have said.” \nAbraham was 99 years old when he showed hospitality to angels unawares. This remarkable episode is recorded in Genesis 18:1-5. Abraham at this time was a wealthy man with vast possessions and flocks. He was the head of a household that included at least 318 trained servants. With all this\, Abraham remained humble and ready to serve. What stands out in this story is not his wealth or influence. It is his heart—a heart that joyfully embraced the opportunity to serve strangers in need. \nThis underlines the fact that advanced age\, high status\, or comfortable circumstances need not exclude humility or the most menial service. \nIn the hot desert\, it would have been customary to seek shade at noon. Abraham\, sitting at the entrance of his tent\, could have easily stayed there. But when he noticed three men approaching\, he didn’t hesitate or deliberate. Instead\, he ran eagerly to meet them. Think about this for a moment: a 99-year-old man\, running in the midday heat to greet strangers! Abraham didn’t wait hopefully to see if they would bypass him; he sought the opportunity to serve them. His immediate response demonstrated his readiness to serve. Abraham’s actions embody a principle that echoes throughout Scripture: true hospitality comes from a swift recognition of need and a willingness to meet it. \nAbraham did not know the men. They appeared to be ordinary travelers. He didn’t need an introduction or an agenda to extend kindness. He simply recognized their need for rest and refreshment and responded. Hospitality\, in its truest form\, isn’t about giving a good time to those we know and like. It’s about meeting the needs of strangers. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers\, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” \nFor Abraham\, hospitality was not an occasional impulse but a way of life. This was a characteristic not only of Abraham but also of his nephew Lot. Even while living in the wicked city of Sodom\, Lot insisted on sheltering the two visitors who arrived at his city gate. He knew well what dangers they would face in the streets. For both men\, service was instinctive. It wasn’t a way to impress or win the liking of others. It was simply meeting the needs of those who crossed their path. \nAbraham stands out also for his willingness to participate personally in the work of hospitality. At his age\, and with his position\, he could have merely commanded and delegated. Instead\, he ran to catch a lamb for the meat\, and he carried the message to Sarah his wife to get bread ready for the visitors. He also stood by to serve the men with food and make sure they had all they needed. \nAgain\, what makes Abraham’s hospitality particularly inspiring is its simplicity and sincerity. He did not think it necessary to show off with a grand feast and elaborate arrangements. Instead\, he offered what was readily available—shade under the tree\, water to wash their feet\, and a homemade meal of bread and meat from his own flock. Abraham didn’t seek to showcase anything. He combined simplicity with generosity. \nHe offered the best he could provide under the circumstances. A calf\, freshly baked bread\, and cool water to refresh their feet—these were not extravagant offerings\, but they were thoughtful and generous. \nNotice also the quietness of Abraham’s service. He did not boast about his actions. He sought neither gratitude nor recognition. His focus was on the needs of his guests. This mirrors the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25:34-40\, where acts of service—feeding the hungry\, welcoming the stranger\, clothing the naked\, and caring for the sick—are described as habits of life. Yet they were recognized by the Lord as service rendered to Himself. When we serve others in simplicity of motive\, we are truly serving the Lord. \nThe heart of hospitality lies in this: it is not about us. Abraham’s service was unself-conscious. He did not think of his age\, his wealth\, or the inconvenience of having to quickly get up a meal for perfect strangers. He simply saw a need and responded with love and humility. \nHis example challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward serving others. Do we hesitate\, waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect guest? Do we grumble inwardly\, feeling burdened by the demands of hospitality? Or do we\, like Abraham\, respond with eagerness and joy\, seeing every opportunity to serve as a chance to honor God? \nRomans 12:9-13 offers a beautiful framework for living out this calling:\n“Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another with mutual love\, showing eagerness in honoring one another. Do not lag in zeal; be enthusiastic in spirit\, serving the Lord. Rejoice in hope\, endure in suffering\, persist in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints\, pursue hospitality.” \nThis passage reminds us that hospitality is not a dead duty. It is part of genuine love. It is an act of worship\, an expression of our faith\, and a way of embodying the grace of God in our daily lives. This is another hallmark of godly service: discerning what others truly need and meeting those needs with a willing heart. \nHospitality is not about having the perfect home\, the best food\, or the most polished manners. It is about a heart that is open to others in need. It is about making strangers feel valued\, cared for\, and welcome. \nIn our busy\, often self-centered world\, this kind of hospitality is countercultural. We may feel that we don’t have the time\, resources\, or energy for hospitality. Yet Abraham’s example shows us that true hospitality requires neither abundance or perfection. It needs only love\, a willingness to help strangers in need. \nHow can we become more hospitable? It starts with small\, intentional steps. We can look for strangers in the community\, workplace\, or church who are weary\, lonely\, or in real need of encouragement. We can offer them a home to drop into\, a meal to share\, a ear to listen\, and a helping hand. \nLet us also remember that hospitality begins at home. Do we treat our own family with willing service or take them for granted? This reflects the authenticity of our faith. \nEvery act of kindness is done unto the Lord. As Matthew 25 reminds us\, when we serve the least of these\, even the least in our own families\, we serve Christ Himself. Let us not grow weary in doing good\, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. \n“Service—the soul of hospitality” is not just a catchy phrase. It is a call to live out our faith in tangible\, practical ways. Let us serve simply\, give joyfully\, and love fervently. Let hospitality be not an obligation\, but an unexpected opportunity to serve our Master during the course of our days.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-14-service-the-soul-of-hospitality/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250115
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250116
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250114T182927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T115635Z
UID:3130-1736899200-1736985599@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 15 Power of Intercession
DESCRIPTION:\n15_Power of Intercession \nGen 18:16-19 When the men got up to leave\, they looked out over Sodom. (Now Abraham was walking with them to see them on their way.) 17 Then the Lord said\, “Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? 18 After all\, Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation\, and all the nations on the earth may receive blessing through him. 19 I have chosen him so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then the Lord will give to Abraham what he promised him.” \nThe power of intercession pervades Scripture. It offers a window into the heart of God\, and our need to partner with Him in His purposes. When we pray\, it is not just to present our needs. It is to ask for mercy and grace for others who\, like us\, do not deserve it. Genesis 18:16-19 shows Abraham engaging in an extraordinary dialogue with God. It showcases the power of intercession and how it can transform the one who prays as well as those prayed for. \nPrayer is listening to and speaking with God. The first time the word “pray” is recorded in scripture\, in Genesis 20\, is in the context of intercession. There\, God tells Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham\, declaring that Abraham was a prophet and would pray for him. Thus\, from the beginning\, prayer is shown to transcend self-interest. It embraces the needs of others. The same characteristic is seen in Abraham’s plea for Sodom and Gomorrah. These wicked cities cried out for judgment. And Abraham did not seek to turn aside God’s justice. He sought mercy to those who feared God\, by sparing the cities in which they dwelt. \nGenesis 18 testifies to the character of God. Though the Lord says that He was on His way to confirm the grievous sin of Sodom and Gomorrah and to execute judgment\, He acknowledges that he cannot help sharing His plans with Abraham. Truly\, the secret of the Lord is with those who fear him. Amos 3:7 echoes this sentiment\, stating\, “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.” Do we know what it is to have the mind of Christ? Are our hearts so subject to his word that he is completely at home in our hearts? For then we abide with him and he with us. \nAbraham’s response to the revelation of judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah is striking. One might expect that he would instantly agree because of the moral depravity of these cities. But instead he pleads for mercy. He is always aware that his kinsman Lot dwells in Sodom\, having departed from him. He is not self-righteous or disdainful towards him. Instead\, he is moved by love for Lot to hope that righteousness might yet be found in the city. \nHumility and love mark the true intercessor rather than judgment and wrath. It is easy to criticize those who faltered in their choices\, as Lot did. It is tempting to abandon them to their fate. But Abraham crosses over to Lot’s side and pleads with God to spare the wicked city for the sake of the few righteous in it. He longs to bridge the gap between divine judgment and human weakness. \nAbraham persisted in his intercession until he was ashamed to ask any more. He repeatedly raised the bar for judgment. From asking God to spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous people\, he progressed to just ten. Yet as he begs for judgment to be averted\, he is humble and reverent. There is no bold familiarity with the Almighty even though he is his Friend. \nGod does not rebuke him for his boldness. He is demonstrating His willingness to show mercy. This interaction underlines the great longsuffering and mercy of God. He longs to spare the wicked so that they may turn back to him rather than perish. He greatly desires that we partner with Him in executing this longing\, by our prayers for them. \nIn the New Testament\, the Syrophoenician woman exemplifies persistent intercession as she refuses to stop her appeals for her daughter’s healing. No rebuff discourages or humiliates her. She appeals to the Lord’s known power\, kindness and mercy\, and ultimately receives her heart’s desire. \nSimilarly\, the Lord told the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18 to emphasize the need to pray without losing heart. Abraham’s intercession for Sodom prefigures these lessons. Persistence in prayer is not meant to wear down God’s resistance but to give him opportunities to demonstrate compassion and mercy. \nThe narrative of Sodom also underscores the principle in 2 Peter 2:9. God knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and trials\, and to reserve the unrighteous for judgment. Though Lot lived amidst the corruption of Sodom\, God brought him out before judgment fell\, though at the cost of all else. This truth is a comfort and a challenge. It reassures us of God’s justice and mercy while calling us to avoid compromise with worldly desires that do not endure in judgment. \nAbraham’s intercession challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives. Are we walking closely with God? Are our minds attuned to His thoughts? Are we ready to pray according to His will? Intercession requires a heart of compassion\, a willingness to bear others’ burdens\, and faith in God’s justice and mercy. \nThe need for intercessors is as urgent as ever. Like Abraham\, we are called to bridge the gap between God’s holiness and human frailty. This does not mean condoning sin or ignoring its consequences. Rather\, it means humbly appealing to God’s mercy\, trusting in His justice\, and praying for transformation. \nLet us embrace the power of intercession with faith and love. Let us be persistent in prayer\, compassionate in our pleas\, and courageous on behalf of others. Through prayer from righteous hearts\, let us participate in God’s work and experience the profound joy of partnering with Him in His purposes.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-15-power-of-intercession/
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DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250115T182953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250109T071723Z
UID:3133-1736985600-1737071999@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 16 A righteous man in the wrong place
DESCRIPTION:16_A righteous man in the wrong place. \n2Pet 2:6-10 “Later\, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. 7 But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. 8 Yes\, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. 9 So you see\, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials\, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. 10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire\, and who despise authority.” \nSome North African tribes have an ingenious method of catching monkeys. They place peanuts in a container with a narrow opening\, after tying it to a tree. When a monkey approaches\, lured by the scent of the peanuts\, it reaches in for a handful. But now its hand is too large to pull out of the jar. The monkey will not let go. It keeps trying in vain to take its precious handful of nuts out\, until it is captured by the trapper. \nThe monkey’s foolishness led it to trade its freedom and life for a handful of peanuts! Sadly\, people often make the same foolish choice. Genesis 19 and 2 Peter 2:6–10 reveal the story of a man who pursued fleeting earthly gains and\, in doing so\, lost far more precious things. Lot’s life cautions us to examine the nature of our heart’s treasure\, which determines our choices. \nLot\, the nephew of Abraham\, started his journey with Abraham\, the man of promise. He left Ur and followed Abraham into Canaan\, trusting in God’s call. When conflict arose between their herdsmen\, Abraham generously allowed Lot to choose his land first. Lot lifted his eyes and chose the fertile plains near Sodom\, a city notorious for its wickedness. This pivotal decision shaped his future. \nOver time\, he didn’t just camp near Sodom; he moved inside its walls. Yet he remained a righteous man\, as Peter says. He feared God and did not give in to the depravity of his neighbours. \nIt seems astonishing that Lot would be called a righteous man\, after he made such a disastrous choice. Even as the angels of God urged him to flee\, he lingered. Finally\, the angels had to pull him out of the city. Neither did his godliness impact his family\, unlike Noah’s godly fear. Noah saved his household through the dreadful flood. But Lot’s wife perished as a child of disobedience. His daughters escaped the burning of the city with him. Yet their cynical ungodliness reveals that they were not people of faith. The suitors for his daughters openly mocked him. Why then this label? The answer lies in the difference between God’s perception of righteousness vs our own. \nGod declares those people to be righteous who live by faith. His way is that of faith in his faithfulness. Righteousness is not a prize gained by flawless living. Like Jacob\, Samson and David\, other very flawed people who nonetheless obtained God’s commendation\, Lot feared God. His faith\, though diluted at times by worldly wisdom\, distinguished him from the wickedness around him. \nEvidence of Lot’s faith shines through his actions. He lived as a godly man amidst Sodom’s corruption. His daughters were virgins at the time of Sodom’s judgment\, demonstrating his commitment to a godly household. He openly welcomed and protected the strangers who came to the city within his own house\, even at the risk of his neighbours’ displeasure and of danger to himself and his household. And he received the angels’ warning of judgment upon the city\, obeying their injunction to leave at once\, even if slower than could have been desired. \nThe Lord delivers the righteous out of the furnace of judgment. Lot was saved out of Sodom\, but as through fire. He lost everything he had. His wife looked back to Sodom despite the warning against it\, and perished on her way out. His daughters escaped with him\, only to bear children through incest with their father without his knowledge. His descendants\, the children of Ammon and Moab\, who were born of the wickedness of their mothers\, were denied a place in the covenant because of their idolatry and moral decay. \nLot’s decisions affected his own future\, but also heavily impacted the lives of his family. His wife’s heart was tethered to Sodom’s sinful glitter. Her disobedient backward look at the city despite the express prohibition revealed that she was one with Sodom in her heart. She disobeyed\, not out of ignorance\, but willful unbelief\, and paid the ultimate price. \nThe Lord gave us a sobering warning\, “Remember Lot’s wife!” (Luke 17:32). He warns us not to cling to earthly treasures. What we treasure holds our hearts. If our hearts are set on things of this world\, we risk losing all that we sought and fought for\, leaving empty-handed at last. \nThe story also sets Sodom’s wickedness in stark relief against Lot’s godliness. As the men of the city groped for the door to commit sexual wickedness with Lot’s visitors\, they were struck blind. Instead of repenting and giving up\, they continued to search\, sealing their doom. This stubborn defiance mirrors a hardened heart. As Proverbs 29:1: “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” \nLot’s story prompts us to ask: What can we do differently? First\, let us value God’s presence and holiness over material gain. When given the choice of land\, Lot could have deferred to Abraham as his elder brother. Even more importantly\, Abraham was the one who had actually received the promise of inheriting the land. In that sense\, the land belonged to Abraham and not Lot\, and he should have refused the choice. \nSecondly\, if it is necessary to choose\, let us put godliness and peace over wickedness and prosperity. There was more than just fertile plains and economic opportunities to consider in Lot’s choice. Sodom’s wickedness was proverbial\, yet Lot’s desire for wealth dominated his spiritual longings. He was finally betrayed by the very people among whom he had spent his life. He was mocked by them as an upstart and threatened with the loss of honour and even of life. \nHow\, then\, should we live? First\, we must recognize that God’s promises are sure and steadfast\, and his word is always for our good. To please him\, we must start with trusting His Word above our own reasoning. \nSecond\, we must lay up treasures in heaven\, rather than on earth. As the Lord said\, “For where your treasure is\, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Lot’s life warns us against the folly of holding on to the “peanuts” of this world. The fleeting pleasures of sin\, the lure of material gain\, and the approval of society are traps that lead to ruin. Instead\, we are called to choose the path of faith\, even when it’s costly. \nFinally\, we must consider the legacy of our faith. Are we leading others—especially our families—toward God or away from Him? \nWhen we face hard choices\, we need to find out why it is so difficult to choose rightly. Some areas of hardness may have to be examined\, since these cause us to falter at such moments. For instance: \n\nDo we respond to God’s commands with swift obedience?\nWho are our friends or mentors?\nHow did we choose our current location?\nWhat is our viewpoint towards raising our children?\nHow do we regard money?\nHow do we feel about the needy and about generosity?\n\nLet us not squander the kingdom of God and his righteousness for mere worldly wealth. As we live in a fallen world\, let us take warning from Lot and rely solely on His grace to make the right decisions. Unlike the monkey\, let us not be greedy to grasp. Let us with open hands give the Lord liberty to decide our present and future in all things. open our Let us take hold of the eternal by clasping the hem of our Father’s robe in love and trust. In doing so\, we will not only secure our own faith but also leave a legacy that honors God.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan16_a-righteous-man-in-the-wrong-place/
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DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250118
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250116T182949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T101108Z
UID:3135-1737072000-1737158399@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 17 Faith drives out fear
DESCRIPTION:17_Faith drives out fear \nPs 56:3 When I am afraid\, I put my trust in you.\n1 John 4:18 Perfect love casts out fear\nPs 34:4 I sought the Lord and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears. \nOn January 22\, 1999\, an Australian missionary to India\, named Graham Staines\, was brutally murdered with his two young sons\, Philip and Timothy. Devoted to serving destitute leprosy patients in Orissa\, they were burned alive in mistaken religious fanaticism. In the face of such profound loss\, Staines’ widow\, Gladys\, stood before the charred remains of her loved ones and sang unshaken faith: \n“Because He lives\, I can face tomorrow\,\nBecause He lives\, all fear is gone;\nBecause I know He holds the future\,\nAnd life is worth the living\,\nJust because He lives!” \nHer faith in the depths of grief gave her courage to move ahead in the Lord’s will for her. She stood in shining contrast to the fear and failure that result from human frailty. Faith and fear are incompatible. This is the central theme of Genesis 20\, which highlights the cost of fear and magnifies the faithfulness of God to his faltering people. \nScripture calls Abraham a friend of God and the father of all those who believe. Yet it also records his stumbles through fear. Genesis 20 tells us that during his migration into Gerar\, he pleaded with his beautiful wife Sarah to pass herself off as his sister and not his wife. He feared that the men of Gerar might lay violent hands on him to carry away Sarah for their king because of her magnificent loveliness. \nAbraham forgot God and his righteousness because of his fear. He fell into lying and selfishness. He did not believe that God could protect them all. Instead\, he bartered his wife’s safety and honor for the sake of his own survival. \nJust as he feared\, Sarah was taken into the harem of Abimelech\, the king of Gerar. Yet before anything more could happen\, God intervened. He warned Abimelech of the truth and of the serious consequences if he violated Sarah. He also revealed his impartiality\, telling the king\, “I knew that you did this in the integrity of your heart; therefore I kept you from doing evil.” \nTruly there is no respect of persons with God\, as the scriptures repeat no less than six times. All those who seek righteousness in his ways are called and accepted by him into the grace of Jesus Christ. \nConfronted with the truth\, Abimelech immediately restores Sarah and rebukes Abraham for his deception. The irony is that Abraham\, chosen by God to inherit great promises\, succumbs to fear\, while Abimelech\, a pagan and an outsider to God’s covenant\, acts with integrity. \nYet God does not mock or shame Abraham before Abimelech. This is not because he is partial\, for he has recorded Abraham’s failure for all generations to come. Rather\, he stands by Abraham to underline his own faithfulness and to reveal the truth of righteousness before him. \nThrough the riches of God’s grace\, God honored his covenant\, not because of\, but despite Abraham. God’s covenant with Abraham was not nullified by his weakness. God’s faithfulness is not contingent on human merit but on His very truth and love.The fearful and struggling Abraham won God’s eternal commendation as righteous simply because he believed God. \nGod did not mock Abraham before the morally upright Abimelech. He does not find fault with Abraham. Instead\, he tells Abimelech that his only hope lies in restoring Sarah and calling Abraham to pray for him so that his household will be healed of their barrenness. \nAbraham’s failure in Gerar echoes a similar lapse in Egypt many years earlier. Years had passed since then. He had ample opportunity to grow in faith. Yet he repeats his mistake. Likewise\, faith and fear wage a constant battle in our hearts. \nGod promised Abraham\, just before this episode\, that Sarah would bear him a son within a year. Faith would have told Abraham that he and Sarah were safe until the child was born\, at least. But fear makes us forget the sanctity and security of God’s promises. We act in fear to preserve our own lives\, rather than leaving ourselves to God’s protection in faith. \nThis incident parallels the disciples’ fear when the storm arose as they were crossing the Sea of Galilee. The Lord had instructed them\, “Let us go over to the other side.” No storm could hinder the divine purpose. No word of the Lord can remain unfulfilled. He slept peacefully despite the wild wind and waves. But the disciples cried out in frustration and fear. He asked them only\, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In his command\, the disciples had ample grounds for faith. Yet their fear caused them to forget his word rather than holding it fast. \nLet us take warning against the destructive power of fear. Fear leads to compromises that have far-reaching consequences. Abraham’s unnecessary lie about Sarah endangered Sarah\, jeopardized the promise’s fulfilment\, and made him appear hardened before Abimelech. Fear distorts our perspective so that we seek self-preservation at all odds. \nBut faith responds to fear by clinging all the more to God’s promises and character. Faith is not the absence of fear but the choice to trust God despite it. Gladys Staines exemplified this truth. Her trust in God’s sovereignty enabled her to turn from fear and bitterness. She spoke forgiveness to her husband’s murderers so that the work of mercy might continue among the very people who injured her family \nDoes fear dominate our decisions? Has our fear compromised our integrity or deviated our course from righteousness? Have we forgotten or ignored God’s promises because of fear? The antidote to fear is not self-confidence but God-confidence. It is a steadfast trust in the One who holds all power\, who is faithful to His word\, and who works all things for the good of those who love Him. \nWith God\, our failures do not define us. God does not abandon His people in their moments of weakness. Instead\, He extends His mercy and restores his people. He reminds them of his sufficiency and teaches them deeper reliance on Him. His faithfulness is greater than our weakness\, and His promises are unshakable. Let this truth lead us to deeper humility\, gratitude\, and dependence on Him. \nLet us daily wait on him\, thinking through his promises and letting his word shape our perspective constantly. Let us take up the shield of faith because his plans for us are good and His power more than sufficient. Let us give up our fears to Him in prayer and choose to walk righteously. \nBecause He lives\, we can face tomorrow. Because He lives\, all fear is gone. Let us live in the light of this truth\, choosing faith over fear and trusting in the faithfulness of our God.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-17-faith-drives-out-fear/
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DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250117T182901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250109T072349Z
UID:3138-1737158400-1737244799@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan18 Children of the promise
DESCRIPTION:18_Children of the promise \nGal 4:21-30 21 Tell me\, you who want to be under the law\, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons\, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh\, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. \n24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem\, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free\, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written: \n“Be glad\, barren woman\,\nyou who never bore a child;\nshout for joy and cry aloud\,\nyou who were never in labor;\nbecause more are the children of the desolate woman\nthan of her who has a husband.” \n28 Now you\, brothers and sisters\, like Isaac\, are children of promise. 29 At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. 30 But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son\, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” 31 Therefore\, brothers and sisters\, we are not children of the slave woman\, but of the free woman. \nDuring the American Civil War\, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation\, declaring freedom for slaves in the Southern states. Many slave owners exploited the illiteracy of their slaves by not letting them know. Though the rumours spread far and wide\, legally emancipated slaves continued to be in bondage. This continued until the government officially announced in their hearing that they had been set free. \nThis mirrors the spiritual condition of many today. Though Christ’s gospel proclaims freedom to the enslaved sinner through union with him\, people continue to be bound in sin. Ignorance\, unbelief\, and misplaced priorities often keep the sinner bound\, keeping us from the liberty for which Christ has set us free. \nThe story of Abraham\, Ishmael\, and Isaac in Genesis 21\, paired with Paul’s reflection in Galatians 4:21-31\, provides a profound picture of this struggle. It is the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit\, between human self-salvation effort and divine promise. Ishmael\, born of human effort and impatience\, represents the life of the flesh. He represents Abraham’s doubt\, his fleshly energy to get himself an heir\, and his self-reliant strategy to use the slave woman to accomplish his objective. Isaac\, the child of promise\, embodies the life of the Spirit. Abraham did nothing but cooperate with God who gave Sarah the power to conceive at last. Trusting and dependent wholly on God\, Abraham received the miraculous son of promise. \nThese two sons\, born in two distinct sets of circumstances\, symbolize two covenants: one of the flesh which brings its seed into bondage\, and the other of the Spirit which engenders freedom. \nThe flesh in scripture is the human being separated from God. It represents all of the natural self in isolation from its origin and home in God because of unbelief and disobedience and ambition. As such\, it is driven by selfish desires and swayed by the tests and trials presented by the world and the devil. James 1:15 describes sin as the fruit of these selfish desires of the flesh. \nIshmael symbolizes life governed by the flesh. It is a life that resists submission to God and seeks to rise on its own. It remains enslaved to sinful attitudes and behavior despite its efforts. In contrast\, Isaac\, the child of promise\, represents the life of the Spirit. This is marked by faith\, obedience\, and freedom in God to do what is good. \nThis freedom is not an unbridled ability to do whatever the passions or emotions or intellect suggests in the absence of restrictions. Rather\, it is the mastery of these aspects by the Spirit dwelling with our spirit. It is the newly created ability to live as we were designed. A bird in a cage from its infancy may become used to the bars. When the door is opened\, the bird is free to leave. It hesitates to hop out of the cage. Even if it does\, it walks around\, not knowing what to do. The bird is truly free only when it soars\, fulfilling its design. \nFor us\, however\, true freedom is not simply being free from all rules or constraints. It is not even being morally upright. It is living in harmony with God’s design for us. Since we are created in his image\, we are free when we reflect His image before creation. \nJesus declared\, “If the Son sets you free\, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36). This freedom is Christ in us the presence of life in Christ. It is living by faith\, walking in obedience to God’s will\, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit. As long as we live in the flesh\, we miss this freedom. The flesh opposes God and produces dead works. Its actions come from human effort rather than obedience to divine instruction. \nThe Spirit therefore speaks powerfully (Galatians 4:30): “Drive out the slave woman and her son\, for the son of the slave woman shall not be an heir with the son of the free woman.” Abraham was deeply attached to his firstborn\, Ishmael. To send him out was a difficult if not intolerable command. Yet it had to be done. The persecutor of Isaac had to be sent away if Isaac was to inherit the promise. \nThe flesh resists the Spirit. It mocks at the righteousness of God. It loves the easy way out of getting its own way. We too have a deep attachment to the will of the flesh. Like Abraham\, we have a soft spot for our own decisions and their outcomes\, even when we know they are not right or good for us. The flesh hates to do the will of God. Yet Christ cuts away the flesh when we come to him for eternal life. This spiritual circumcision\, made without human effort\, is the sign of the new covenant that we enter into as followers of Christ. \nWithout this circumcision we cannot inherit God’s promise of eternal life. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. For the flesh is not of faith\, but of self-will. And without faith it is impossible to please God. But if we take the gentle yoke of Christ on ourselves\, we will grow to inherit the promise of God. \nAbraham showed his commitment to God’s plan and his trust in God’s promise by letting go of Ishmael. We too must recognize and reject the works of the flesh in our lives. The life of the flesh leads to slavery. It is constant striving\, frustration\, and spiritual barrenness. \nBut the life of the Spirit leads to freedom\, peace\, and fruitfulness in everything good. We choose to walk in the Spirit by obeying his voice\, rather than our own will and passions. We choose to be obedient to God in Christ\, and not to our own disobedient desires. We abandon our devotion to our own plans\, ambitions\, and efforts and trust them to God’s will. \nObedience to Christ as Master makes us free\, bold and strong in God to carry out his purposes in our lives. We cannot achieve this freedom by self-righteousness. It is the gift of God to those who come to Christ and follow him as Master. \nThe question we must ask ourselves is this: Are we living as children of the promise\, enjoying the freedom Christ has won for us\, or are we still clinging to the works of the flesh\, enslaved by our own efforts? If so\, let us heed the instruction today: “Cast out the slave woman and her son.” \nLet us walk in this freedom as children of the promise\, heirs of God\, and co-heirs with Christ. As we do\, Christ will be manifest in us\, and our lives will reflect the glory and grace of our emancipator. God bless you.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan18-children-of-the-promise/
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DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250118T182925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T063207Z
UID:3202-1737244800-1737331199@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 19 Marks of true obedience
DESCRIPTION:19_Marks of true obedience \nGen 22:1-14 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him\, “Abraham!” And he said\, “Here I am.” 2 He said\, “Take your son\, your only son Isaac\, whom you love\, and go to the land of Moriah\, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning\, saddled his donkey\, and took two of his young men with him\, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men\, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham\, “My father!” And he said\, “Here I am\, my son.” He said\, “Behold\, the fire and the wood\, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said\, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering\, my son.” So they went both of them together. \n9 When they came to the place of which God had told him\, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar\, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said\, “Abraham\, Abraham!” And he said\, “Here I am.” 12 He said\, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him\, for now I know that you fear God\, seeing you have not withheld your son\, your only son\, from me.” 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked\, and behold\, behind him was a ram\, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place\, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day\, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” \nA diamond remains one of the most brilliant and durable gems in the world. However\, it begins its journey as an unassuming piece of coal. Under immense pressure\, heat\, and time\, it transforms into the precious stone we admire. Trials and pressures refine and strengthen our faith. Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:6-7: \n“In this you rejoice\, though now for a little while\, if necessary\, you have been grieved by various trials\, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” \nGenesis 22 illustrates the next stage in the growth of Abraham’s faith\, hope\, and love. At this point\, Abraham seemed to have it all. He had received the promises of God\, Isaac was growing into the fulfillment of those promises\, and there was peace in his household. It was at this moment that God called him to make the ultimate sacrifice. \nThe tests of our faith often come\, not during our moments of struggle but in seasons of peace. This is when we are forced to explore the depth of our trust in Him.\nGod asked Abraham to offer Isaac\, his beloved son\, as a burnt offering. Isaac represented the fulfilment of God’s promises to Abraham. The covenant had meaning only in Isaac. The early death of Isaac would make its fulfilment impossible. \nYet Abraham’s response was marked by unwavering faith. As Hebrews 11:17-19 tells us\, Abraham believed that God could raise the dead. He could do the impossible. He could do anything but break his word. Abraham’s trust was not in human possibilities\, but in the unseen reality of God’s word. \nAbraham’s obedience exemplifies the characteristics of true faith. It was immediate. The next morning\, Abraham rose early and began the journey. Faith responds promptly to God’s command\, no matter how high the cost. \nHis obedience was costly. He was asked to give up his greatest treasure. Isaac was his only son through Sarah\, and the heir of the promises. Only when we are able to part with that which is nearest our heart do we demonstrate faith and true allegiance to our Master. In his readiness to give Isaac\, Abraham set an example of obedience for generations to come. \nAbraham gave unquestioning obedience. He neither argued nor doubted the meaning of God’s command. Faith trusts God’s wisdom even when His plans seem incomprehensible. \nAbraham rendered active obedience. He prepared for the sacrifice\, gathering firewood and taking servants with him to help during the journey. Obedience is not passive but involves intentional action in response to God’s word. \nAbraham’s obedience was sustained and his commitment unwavering. The journey to Moriah took three days. Abraham had ample time to reconsider\, yet he pressed on until he could fulfil his obedience. \nAbraham’s obedience was not forced but worshipful. Abraham told his servants\, “We will worship and then we will come back to you.” For Abraham\, obedience declared that God and God alone deserves all glory and honour. \nAbraham’s obedience was complete. Abraham bound Isaac\, placed him on the altar\, and raised the knife. He did not give half-hearted service but held himself ready to do all that was required. \nAbraham’s obedience was the fruit of godly hope. Isaac represented the actual and future fulfilment of Abraham’s hopes—the promise of descendants\, the continuation of his line\, and the fulfillment of God’s covenant. Yet this test revealed where Abraham’s ultimate hope lay. Abraham trusted that God could do what he had promised\, even in raising Isaac from the dead. \nFinally\, the test revealed Abraham’s love. God acknowledged Abraham’s deep love for Isaac\, referring to him as “your son\, your only son\, whom you love.” Yet he also called him to give him up when required to do so. There are many who never forgive God for the death of someone whom they dearly loved. Death often plumbs the depths of our love for God and finds it wanting. \nThe Lord underlined this when he said that the greatest commandment was\, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” (Matthew 22:37). Loving God with all our heart is the only way to love others with unselfish rather than possessive love\, recognizing that God’s will must be dominant in their lives rather than our own. \nAt the last moment\, God intervened. “Do not lay a hand on the boy\,” He said. “Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son\, your only son.” God was never interested in human sacrifice. He was testing Abraham’s wholehearted devotion. \nThis incident foreshadowed the cross where God did not withhold his Son\, Jesus Christ\, but gave him up for us all. It is God’s act that ends every question as to his love for us. The cross is our anchor when we are racked by agonized doubts during the fiercest of trials. We can never again doubt that God loves us. For if not\, why the cross? \nAbraham and Isaace together call us to discern where our hearts have been bestowed. If our hope is on the blessings that we can see\, whether health\, success\, or close relationships—we are unfaithful to God. True hope is anchored in God and His eternal promises\, not in the changeable circumstances of this world. \nThrough this act of obedience\, Abraham demonstrated that God was his ultimate treasure. Are we willing to trust God when He asks us to surrender what we hold most dear? Do we cling to His promises when there is no hope? Is our love for God the defining feature of our lives? Does that love shape our lives and relationships? \nTrue obedience is marked by trust and hope. When we face tests and trials\, let us remember Abraham and offer to God the fruit of our love in obedience\, no matter how costly. We may not understand why God asks for certain things\, but we can trust his goodness. Such an attitude will bring the joy of the Lord into our hearts\, as he rejoices in our love for him. \nLet us respond with fully yielded lives to His love\, the love that speaks from the cross\, the grave\, and the throne. Let our lives be marked by true obedience. Let our hearts be full of faith\, anchored in enduring hope\, and overflowing in love.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-19-marks-of-true-obedience/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250120
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DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250119T182938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T065016Z
UID:3207-1737331200-1737417599@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 20 Portrait of a faithful servant
DESCRIPTION:0020 Portrait of a faithful servant \n \n20_Portrait of a faithful servant \nGen 24:1-9 Now Abraham was old\, advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in every way. 2 Abraham said to his servant\, the oldest of his household who was in charge of all that he owned\, “Please place your hand under my thigh\, 3 and I will make you swear by the Lord\, the God of heaven and the God of earth\, that you shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites\, among whom I live; 4 but you will go to my country and to my relatives\, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” 5 The servant said to him\, “Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” 6 Abraham said to him\, “See to it that you do not take my son back there. 7 The Lord\, the God of heaven\, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred\, and who spoke to me and swore to me\, ‘To your offspring I will give this land\,’ he will send his angel before you\, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. 8 But if the woman is not willing to follow you\, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.” 9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning this matter. \nJim Elliott was a young man when he\, with his companions\, attempted to reach out to the hostile Auca Indians in the jungle of Ecuador.  Moved by distrust and fear\, the Aucas massacred them all. Jim’s young wife Elizabeth was left alone. She passed through her own crucible of faith. With the weight of her loss pressing on her\, and a 10-month-old baby to care for\, she took time to ask the Lord what she should do.  \nAmazingly\, she felt led to continue the task that Jim had begun. She returned to the jungle and efforts continued to reach out to the Aucas. With her child\, she eventually lived among them. Many of them came to know and trust God\, including those who struck Jim down out of fear. Today\, the Aucas live in the light of the gospel\, a testimony to God’s forgiveness and power to transform\, but also her faithfulness. \nFaithfulness is a hallmark of servanthood. Genesis 24 presents a vivid portrait of a true servant\, the unnamed steward of Abraham. This picture is against the context of a journey to find a wife for Abraham’s son Isaac.  \nWhen Sarah passed away at 127\, Abraham mourned deeply for his wife. Their bond\, strengthened over nearly a century\, had been filled with God’s promises\, trials\, and victories. Yet\, as a man who trusted God’s purposes\, Abraham rose from his grief to continue in the Lord’s will. His first act was to secure a burial place for Sarah\, since he officially owned no land in Canaan. Such was his godly reputation that the Hittites\, recognizing him as a prince of God\, a mighty prince as well as a prophet\, offered him what he wanted.  \nAbraham then turned his attention to ensuring a wife of faith for his son\, Isaac. Now 40\, Isaac was ripe for marriage. Abraham was determined that his son should not marry a Canaanite. As the heir of the covenant\, his wife must be committed to God. This was the crucial task entrusted to Abraham’s servant by his aged master.  \nThe way this man performed his task revealed the heart of a true servant—faithful\, dependent on God\, and single-minded in mission. \nAbraham’s trust in his servant was complete. The servant was not merely a hired hand; he was a steward of Abraham’s household. He had shown himself faithful to his master’s interests. This led to his being given a much greater responsibility. He who is faithful in little will be faithful in much also. The reward for doing a small task well is to be given greater tasks. \nAbraham made his servant swear an oath to find a wife from Abraham’s people rather than from the Canaanites. Haran\, also called Padan-aram\, was the place in Mesopotamia where most of Abraham’s family had settled after leaving Ur.  The steward set out on his long journey with ten camels loaded with provisions and gifts. Yet his faith does not rest on these resources\, but on God’s help. \nAt a well just outside Haran\, he stops. He has no idea where to start looking for Abraham’s relatives. But he is not at a loss. He prays\, asking simply for success for the sake of Abraham. He asks God to show him exactly the woman that Isaac is to marry. He specifies the sign by which he will know her. Humility\, faith\, and complete devotion to his master\, glow brightly in his prayer. \nHardly has he ended his request when Rebekah comes to the well to draw water. In her sweet diligence and hospitality\, she fulfils the sign he had asked for. Yet he does not leap to conclusions. Verse 21 says\, “Meanwhile\, the man was taking a close look at her in silence\, to find out whether the Lord had made his journey successful or not.” Patience is one hallmark of a faithful servant. He waits to discern God’s will fully\, rather than acting on impulse. \nHe asks Rebekah if her family has resources to shelter and feed his party for the night. It is no small task to take in ten camel-drivers and to provide fodder for ten camels. But Rebekah’s ready agreement shows that she comes from a family of substance. Even more amazing\, she is Abraham’s niece.  \nOverwhelmed with thankfulness\, the servant worships low\, saying\, “Blessed be the Lord\, the God of my master Abraham\, who has not abandoned His kindness and His trustworthiness toward my master.” He recognizes God’s hand in every step of their journey. \nAt Rebekah’s home\, the camels are fed and can rest. The steward takes the opportunity to get the dust of the journey off. But he will not eat\, even after his long journey\, until he has performed his task. Even with the meal before him\, he asks permission to speak. Introducing himself as Abraham’s servant\, he praises his master as one blessed by God\, one who walks with God\, and who is immensely rich. So should our words constantly exalt our master\, Jesus the Lord\, who has been blessed by God because of his obedience to death\, and is the heir of all things. \nThe servant describes his mission and how God revealed Rebekah as the choice. He asks that she be sent with him to be wife to his master’s son. He makes it clear that it will be unkindness to his master if they refuse.  \nRebekah’s family are compelled to acknowledge God’s hand\, saying\, “The thing has come from the Lord.” After sharing a meal that night with the family\, with much distribution of gifts\, the  servant is immediately eager to set out on his return journey the next day. His fatigue and discomfort go unheeded. When the family requests that Rebekah depart after ten days with them\, he respectfully declines. His desire is to complete the duty assigned to him\, without thought for his own comfort.  \nAs the return trip nears Abraham’s home\, Rebekah glimpses a man in the field. With quick instinct\, she asks the servant\, “Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?” The servant replies\, “It is my master.” Strikingly\, we read nothing more about this faithful man. Having accomplished his master’s purpose\, he needs no recognition\, for there is no greater joy.  This is the perfection of servanthood.  \nThis story foreshadows Jesus Christ\, who came not to do His own will but the will of the Father. In following him\, we too are called to be faithful servants. Our own interests fade. We commit ourselves\, heart and soul\, to our master’s wishes and interests.  \nFaithfulness is not measured by public applause but by steadily doing the will of God. Moses\, who was faithful in all God’s house\, led Israel through the wilderness for 40 years. The Lord told the parable of faithful servants who multiplied the talents entrusted to them by their master. Jesus Christ\, the Father’s Son\, kept going until the will of God was completely accomplished.  \nAs his chosen people\, let us rejoice in being his servants. Let us understand the task he commits to us\, big or small. Let us be eager to complete the work. Let us patiently wait for him to confirm his will. Let us always be thankful for his guidance. Let us not waste time in self-indulgence and luxury. \nIn our workplaces\, homes\, and communities\, we are called to serve God in all that is entrusted to us. Whether as spouses\, parents\, sons and daughters\, colleagues\, neighbors\, or employees\, let us fulfil God’s work with all that we have. Let all be done with love for God seasoning it. Let it be to his glory\, for he sees and abundantly rewards his faithful servants. And let us fade out once our task is done\, satisfied that we have pointed others to Him. \nMay he commend us at last: “Well done\, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.”
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-20-portrait-of-a-faithful-servant/
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CREATED:20250120T182938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T073930Z
UID:3217-1737417600-1737503999@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 21 Selling your birthright
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-21-selling-your-birthright/
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DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250123
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250121T182947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T075700Z
UID:3221-1737504000-1737590399@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 22 pandering to the flesh
DESCRIPTION:22_Pandering to the flesh \nGen 26: 1-5 Now there was a famine in the land\, besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech king of the Philistines. 2 And the Lord appeared to him and said\, “Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Sojourn in this land\, and I will be with you and will bless you\, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands\, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. 4 I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed\, 5 because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge\, my commandments\, my statutes\, and my laws.” \nPresident Abraham Lincoln once remarked\, “True discipline is choosing between what we want now and what we need most.” These words resonate through the life of Isaac\, Abraham’s son. Isaac was a man who lived in the shadow of an extraordinary father\, and had an extraordinary son\, Jacob. His life teaches us the cost of indulging the desires of the flesh even while living in the light of God’s covenant. \nIsaac’s life began in fulfilment of a miraculous promise. He was the son born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. He was a child of laughter and fulfillment after 25 years of waiting on God’s promise. As the beloved son of a man who walked with God\, Isaac grew up hearing stories of God’s grace\, and of faith\, obedience\, and the divine covenant. His father’s life experiences became Isaac’s treasury. \nHe could never have forgotten the day when he was at Mount Moriah. It was a time of both terror and trust. Isaac was no longer a baby or a young child. He must have willingly allowed himself to be bound and placed on the altar. He\, as well as Abraham\, demonstrated his faith in God through his obedient submission to his father. This deep reverence for God led Jacob\, Isaac’s son\, to later refer to Him as “the fear of Isaac.” \nAs Isaac matured\, he demonstrated a heart inclined toward God. After his mother Sarah passed away\, we see him walking in the fields\, meditating. When Rebekah was brought to him as a bride\, it marked the end of his mourning and the beginning of a new chapter. He prayed earnestly for Rebekah through 20 years of barrenness\, showing faith in the same God who had miraculously given Sarah a son in her old age. His prayer was answered with the birth of twins\, Esau and Jacob. \nIsaac was also a peacemaker. When in Philistine country\, the inhabitants disputed his right to the well that his servants had dug. He chose not to quarrel and instead\, he moved away and dug another well. He did this four times\, until finally they let him be. He named this well Rehoboth\, declaring\, “For now the Lord has made room for us\, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” Isaac’s actions reflected a deep trust in God’s providence rather than a reliance on strife to secure material blessings. \nDespite these admirable qualities\, Isaac had a weakness: his love for food. It seems like a trivial flaw\, but indulging the flesh in seemingly small ways can cloud our judgment\, topple our priorities\, and lead to spiritual compromise. Isaac’s preference for Esau over Jacob was rooted in his appetite for the venison Esau brought him. This favoritism disrupted his unity with his wife. It fostered jealousy between his sons. It led to a chain of events that separated Jacob from his family for twenty years. \nIsaac’s love for Esau’s venison may have led him to encourage Esau’s godless lifestyle. Esau became a man driven by his impulses. He did not revere God who had made a covenant with his fathers. He had no sense of responsibility in being part of a family chosen to be a blessing to the world. He did not hesitate to marry idolatrous Hittite women from the surrounding nations\, for he had no knowledge of the God of his fathers. Yet Isaac’s foolish and fleshly indulgence blinded him to all this\, leaving Esau to chart a path of self-will and rebellion. \nThe climax of Isaac’s struggle with fleshly desires came when he sought to bless Esau. He knew this was in defiance of God’s revealed will. Rebekah received God’s prophecy that the older would serve the younger even before the children were born. Perhaps remembering this\, she masterminded a plan to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob while Esau was away from home. When Isaac realized what had happened\, he was initially shaken. But we note that he submitted to God’s sovereignty. He affirmed the blessing the had given Jacob unawares. He even blessed Jacob a second time\, and this time he fully recognized God’s purposes. This moment of surrender reflects Isaac’s true faith in God despite his earlier failings. \nIsaac’s later years were marked by the fruit of this faith. He witnessed Jacob’s return in fulfilment of God’s covenant promises. Jacob came back from serving Laban with a large family and great wealth. Perhaps Isaac’s godly influence in his younger years left a lasting impression on Jacob\, who boldly declared to Laban\, “The God of my father was with me.” \nIsaac’s life also had a ripple effect on future generations. Joseph\, the great-grandson of Isaac\, had Isaac at home for the first 24 years of his life. Hearing the stories of Abraham’s faith and Isaac’s experiences may have shaped Joseph’s own unwavering trust in God. Even in the face of betrayal\, slavery\, and imprisonment\, Joseph held onto the promises of God. At the end of his life\, he gave instructions for his bones to be carried back to Canaan. He demonstrated the same faith in God’s promises that had been instilled in him through the legacy of Isaac. \nIsaac’s self-indulgence in his appetite for food had far-reaching consequences\, causing pain and division within his family. Yet God brought him out through his repentance and faith. Ultimately he is defined by his faith as a man who blessed his sons regarding things to come\, honoring God’s plan rather than his own preferences. \nLet us examine our lives in this light? Let us search out the small fleshly indulgences that lead us away from God’s will? The appetite for comfort\, success\, or approval may seem natural and harmless\, but they will take precedence over our love for God. Thus\, they can disrupt our relationships\, derail our spiritual growth\, and hinder our testimony. \nLike Isaac\, God will show us our foolish and sinful compromises and disobedience. If we humbly repent and let go of our desires\, aligning ourselves with his way\, he will meet us with forgiveness and restoration. The apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:16\, “Walk by the Spirit\, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Obeying the Spirit’s voice will ensure that we resist the temptation to satisfy ourselves and bring glory to God’s perfect and acceptable will. \nIsaac’s shortcomings did not derail God’s purposes. When we repent\, God is faithful to complete the work He began in us. Let us commit ourselves to choosing the will of God over our own wants. His will is our greatest need and good. Like Isaac\, let us end well as those who have persevered in faith and walked with God.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-22-pandering-to-the-flesh/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250123
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250124
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250122T182941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T075629Z
UID:3223-1737590400-1737676799@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 23 Pursuing the right thing the wrong way
DESCRIPTION:23_Pursuing the right thing the wrong way \nGen 27:5-10 5 Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game and bring it\, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob\, “I heard your father speak to your brother Esau\, 7 ‘Bring me game and prepare for me delicious food\, that I may eat it and bless you before the Lord before I die.’ 8 Now therefore\, my son\, obey my voice as I command you. 9 Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats\, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father\, such as he loves. 10 And you shall bring it to your father to eat\, so that he may bless you before he dies.” \nA traveler walking through difficult terrain found a shortcut that promised to save him time and effort. Overjoyed at this discovery\, he eagerly took the path. Halfway through\, he realized that the shortcut was riddled with hidden dangers and obstacles. Instead of saving time\, the path cost him far more in time\, effort\, and resources than the longer\, safer route. This story illustrates a profound truth: pursuing the right thing the wrong way takes us nowhere. Jacob’s life\, particularly in the events of Genesis 27:1–5\, underscores this truth with startling clarity. \nJacob likely grew up hearing from Abraham\, Isaac and Rebekah about the promises of God to their household. The blessing of being chosen by God\, inheriting the promised land\, and being a blessing to all nations was no small matter. Jacob’s father\, Isaac\, was the son of promise\, born miraculously to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. Jacob understood that the blessing was something to be greatly desired. However\, as the younger of twin sons\, Jacob was not in line for the birthright. \nEsau\, Jacob’s twin\, was a man of the field. He spent most of his time outdoors\, and was probably robust\, and full of vitality. His father\, Isaac\, loved him for the savory meat he hunted and brought to him. Esau’s personality appears to be warm\, open\, and generous\, making him naturally appealing. However\, Esau did not think much of God. He undervalued the blessings of God. \nThis flippant attitude is reflected in his decisions. He married Canaanite women\, disregarding the covenant heritage. He bartered his birthright to Jacob for a mere bowl of stew\, willing to lose eternal blessings to satisfy his immediate appetite. \nEsau regretted losing both his birthright and his father’s blessing but failed to take responsibility for the choices that led up to this loss. Instead\, he put all the blame on Jacob. He never understood that his casual indifference to God had cost him the lasting blessing of God. \nJacob\, in contrast\, felt the value of God’s promises. He believed they were worth possessing. But his faith was not strong enough to teach him to pray and wait on God for his blessing. Impatience often leads to disastrous outcomes. Jacob and his mother Rebekah must have known and remembered God’s promise that the elder would serve the younger. They should have known that no merely human plan\, such as Isaac’s\, could derail its fulfilment. Yet they worked together to deceive his father and gain the coveted blessing instead of Esau. Their actions betrayed a lack of trust in God’s ability to fulfill His word. \nIsaac\, too\, faltered despite knowing God’s revealed plan. Mindful that Jacob was God’s chosen\, he attempted to override it by blessing Esau with dominance over his younger brother. He sought to bless Esau in secret\, moved by his fleshly affection for Esau because of the meat he had often brought home. This dishonesty reveals a deeper rift in their relationship. Both of them seem to have drifted away from God’s will. This episode triggered a chain of painful consequences for all those involved. \nRebekah and Jacob saw the success of their plan in the short term. Jacob received the blessing intended for Esau. But the cost was enormous. His brother became estranged from him. He had to flee his home\, remaining away for more than 20 years. He never saw his beloved mother again\, for she passed before his return. In his uncle Laban’s household at Padanaram\, Jacob the cheater was himself cheated repeatedly. First\, Laban tricked him into marrying his elder daughter Leah\, though Jacob had worked seven years in lieu of the bride-price for the younger daughter\, Rachel\, on whom he had set his heart. Laban allowed him to marry Rachel as well\, but set him to work again for seven more years. Following that\, he worked for Laban as a servant\, with his uncle always trying to cheat him out of his wages. \nJacob’s life was marked by hardship and conflict\, but God preserved him through it all until the day came when he was forced to leave for his own country. 20 years before\, God had promised to bring him back to his land and to his father’s home in peace. Now Laban pursued him but God warned him against harming Jacob. Jacob heard that Esau with 600 men was on his way to meet him\, and panicked. But Esau only welcomed him and turned back. \nJacob could have traveled fearlessly\, confident in God’s assurance of safety. But he worried and planned constantly\, unable to trust and be at rest. Despite Jacob’s fears and maneuvers to try and keep himself safe\, it was God who brought him unharmed to Canaan. Worrying ruins our peace and testifies to our lack of trust in God’s faithfulness. It does not annul God’s promises. \nThe story of Jacob’s deception underlines the danger of adopting wrong means even when our goals appear to be noble. Faith in God must lead us to wait for God to do things in his own way and in his own time. Hebrews 6:11-12 urges believers to exercise both faith and perseverance\, and thus imitate those who inherit God’s promises. Jacob found it hard to persevere in times of crisis. He tended to try and get what he wanted by his own methods. \nThere is a common temptation to rely on human effort and shortcuts to get the blessings that only God can give. This same temptation confronted Jesus in the wilderness. He was hungry\, but he was the Son of God. When Satan urged Him to prove it by turning stones into bread for himself\, he had the wisdom to know that the power he had was to do his Father’s will. One can do nothing\, not even satisfy one’s legitimate needs\, outside God’s commandments. \nYet God is great enough to carry out his plans despite our errors and sins. Though the wicked bear their guilt\, their evil cannot block or thwart God’s plans. The Lord Jesus came to the Jews as their Messiah. He was crucified by wicked men. Yet by this act\, they brought God’s redemptive plan to fruition. \nJacob’s flawed decisions were part of God’s covenant plans. Yet he bore the consequences of his sinful actions. Through the pain\, Jacob experienced repentance and came to understand the goodness\, faithfulness\, and power of God as his fathers did. \nWe have to confess our attempts to manipulate circumstances and people to achieve what we believe is God’s will. We have to acknowledge that we have prioritized immediate results over patient obedience. Pursuing the right thing the wrong way may bring temporary success\, but also long-term pain and loss. \nPsalm 1:1-3 pictures the happy man who finds continual delight in understanding and keeping God’s law\, thinking about it and applying it to all of life all the day long. He is like a tree planted by streams of water\, yielding fruit in season and prospering in all they do. This kind of blessing—deep\, fruitful\, and eternal—comes not from fleshly shortcuts but from the presence of God in our thoughts and actions. \nThe story of Jacob also reminds us of God’s grace. If we repent of our wrongdoing\, we are forgiven. We can turn back to walk righteously again. God can use even our mistakes to help us know him. Though painful\, it will turn us from foolishness into his wisdom and holiness. \nGod’s blessings are sure to the one who waits for them. His promises are tried and proved. Let us learn to submit our desires to the authority of God’s will. Let us trust Him and know that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. When we sin\, let us return quickly to Him so that we may continue to walk with him. By doing so\, we will be blessed with his presence and become a blessing to the world.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-23-pursuing-the-right-thing-the-wrong-way/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250124
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250125
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250123T182916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T093853Z
UID:3229-1737676800-1737763199@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 24 Being known by God
DESCRIPTION:24_Being known by God \nGen 28:10-17 Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night\, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place\, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed\, and behold\, there was a ladder set up on the earth\, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold\, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! 13 And behold\, the Lord stood above it and said\, “I am the Lord\, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. 14 Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth\, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south\, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 Behold\, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go\, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said\, “Surely the Lord is in this place\, and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said\, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God\, and this is the gate of heaven.” \nLet us look at a passionate gardener who knows every plant in his garden. He has nurtured each one day by day. Every plant has received careful tending and the right balance of sun\, water\, and soil to bring it into fullest bloom. Now\, contrast this with a visitor to the garden. The visitor marvels at the beauty\, takes pictures\, and perhaps even comments on the fragrance of the flowers. Yet\, the interaction is short-lived. It lacks a real understanding of the care\, effort\, and connection with the plants that resulted in the vibrant garden. The gardener represents a true relationship\, attained by invested effort. The visitor represents a passing acquaintance. \nAre we part of the garden of God\, where he is the gardener? Or are we just visitors to his garden? The Lord revealed that he was the true vine into which we were to be grafted and in whom we were to live. His Father was the gardener\, tending and pruning us. Rather than shallow familiarity\, he wants us to recognize his deep and personal care for us. Knowing about him\, and even knowing about his work\, is not at all the same thing as knowing him. It’s possible to learn facts about Him\, yet miss the wonder of His presence. When God knows and acknowledges us\, as Paul says\, it transforms our lives. Jacob’s story in Genesis 28:10-17 shows us the first steps in Jacob’s experience of this knowing. \nJacob grew up in a wealthy family. He was surrounded by stories of God’s promises to his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac. Yet Jacob himself had no personal encounter with God. That changed on his journey to Haran. He was there because he had cheated his brother Esau out of his father’s blessing. When he learned that Esau was planning to kill him in revenge\, his mother planned to get him away. She got his father to send him to her hometown\, Haran\, for a wife. \nHere was a man running from his past\, uncertain of his future\, and for the first time\, completely alone. Jacob’s sense of need became the stage where God chose to reveal Himself. This is so often the case. When we become vulnerable\, the illusion of self-sufficiency having been stripped away\, we begin to recognize our need for God. Psalm 34:18 says\, “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.” Jacob\, alone in the wilderness\, with a stone for a pillow\, was at rock bottom. It was in this place of brokenness that God reached out to him\, not because Jacob deserved it\, but because of His grace. \nThat night\, Jacob had a dream. He saw a ladder reaching from earth to heaven\, with angels ascending and descending on it. Above the ladder stood the Lord\, who reaffirmed all the promises made to Abraham and Isaac: the land\, the descendants\, and the blessing to all nations. But God added a personal word to Jacob: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go\, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” \nJacob didn’t seek God\, yet God sought him. This dream was not merely about angels or promises—it was about relationship with God. The Lord later connected Jacob’s ladder to himself in John 1:51\, revealing that He is the true bridge between heaven and earth. Through Christ\, God reached out in his fulness to humanity\, offering the way back into his presence. \nThis was a moment of revelation for Jacob. Jacob woke up startled\, declaring\, “Surely the Lord is in this place\, and I was not aware of it!” So often we go about our lives\, oblivious to God’s presence until He opens our eyes. In response\, Jacob set up a stone as a pillar and named the place Bethel\, meaning “house of God.” He vowed\, in classic religious style\, that IF God kept His word\, he would worship Him and give him a tenth of all he had. \nJacob’s response teaches us two things about the first steps in knowing God: faith and surrender. Despite his flawed character and deceitful past\, Jacob valued the promise of God. Unlike his brother Esau\, who despised his birthright\, Jacob felt the significance of God’s blessing. His faith\, though imperfect\, was genuine. He didn’t have all the answers\, and he certainly didn’t deserve God’s grace\, but he responded to God’s revelation with faith. \nJacob didn’t need to manipulate or scheme; God had already chosen him as the heir of the promise. Yet God often meets us where we are\, not where we should be. Like Jacob\, our relationship with God is not based on our efforts or merits but on His grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us\, “For it is by grace you have been saved\, through faith—not by works\, so that no one can boast.” \nAs Jacob began to be known by God\, he slowly began to move from a life driven by self-reliance to one marked by dependence on God. This journey of transformation would take years\, but it started with a personal encounter and a simple response of faith. Knowing God is a lifelong process\, but it begins with recognizing our need for Him\, valuing His promises\, and responding to His grace. \nIn our own lives\, it’s easy to settle for familiarity with God. We attend church\, read the Bible\, and know about Him but without engaging with His holiness in truth. God\, however\, draws us into a place where we have to set him before us all our days. There we can experience His presence\, hear His voice\, and walk in His ways. This requires an intentional seeking of God through genuine faith in his word and obedience to his instruction. \nGod reached out to us in ages past through the men of God who spoke his word. In these last days he has spoken through Jesus Christ\, the ladder that connects heaven and earth. Our part is to respond in faith\, surrendering our plans and trusting in His promises. \nKnowing God begins with the first steps of faith. We grow in him as we respond with faith and obedience to His love and grace. God’s grace meets us in our imperfection and brokenness. He is able and ready to heal our backsliding and restore us in his image. His loving kindness endures for ever. He seeks a heart of true worship and genuine obedience in complete dependence on his mercy. \nLet us set ourselves to seek God by obeying our Master\, Jesus Christ his Son. Let us move beyond familiarity and truly know Him by obeying him. Let’s approach Him with gratitude\, acknowledging His grace in our lives\, and commit to walking with Him each day. As we do\, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises. Let us be like Jacob\, overwhelmed by the kindness of God\, and let that shape the way we live\, worship\, and serve Him.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-24-being-known-by-god/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250125
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250126
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250124T182921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T094254Z
UID:3232-1737763200-1737849599@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 25 Providing for my own household
DESCRIPTION:25_Providing for my own household \nGen 30:25-30 As soon as Rachel had borne Joseph\, Jacob said to Laban\, “Send me away\, that I may go to my own home and country. 26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you\, that I may go\, for you know the service that I have given you.” 27 But Laban said to him\, “If I have found favor in your sight\, I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you. 28 Name your wages\, and I will give it.” 29 Jacob said to him\, “You yourself know how I have served you\, and how your livestock has fared with me. 30 For you had little before I came\, and it has increased abundantly\, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?” \nA young family from the south settled in the north where they worked. Soon after their first baby was born\, they traveled home to celebrate the holidays. The days were filled with joy\, catching up\, and togetherness. On the day they left\, the entire family gathered at the small railway station to bid them farewell. The train arrived. They parted with hugs and goodbyes and rushed to get on board with all their bags\, laden with gifts\, delicacies\, and fruits. It was only when the whistle blew and the train was about to move that they realized they had forgotten the most important thing: their baby\, still at the station with their relatives. \nThis story illustrates how easy it is to forget what matters most. We can become so engrossed in the busyness of life that we overlook the only things that really matter – the things of eternal importance. In Genesis 30:25-30\, Jacob asks a question that echoes through the centuries: “But now\, when shall I provide for my own household also?” This question is not merely about material provision; it is a call to examine our priorities and refocus on what truly matters. \nJacob’s story unfolds far from home\, in Padan-Aram\, 600 kilometers from his family in Canaan. Fourteen long years had passed since he fled his home after deceiving his brother Esau. During this time\, Jacob worked tirelessly for his father-in-law\, Laban\, to win the hand of both Leah and Rachel. He had first served seven years for Rachel\, but Laban deceived him by substituting his elder daughter Leah for Rachel at the time of the wedding. Unwilling to give up Rachel\, Jacob agreed to serve another seven years for her. Jacob’s own deception of his father Isaac seemed to echo back to him through Laban’s schemes. It was a poignant reminder of the principle\, “Whatsoever a man soweth\, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). \nDespite the hardships and the trickery he endured\, Jacob remained steadfast. He didn’t discard Leah\, though their union was not his choice\, nor did he abandon his responsibilities. Instead\, he did what was right. Thus\, without overt religiosity\, his actions demonstrated that he feared God. Indeed\, God demonstrated his wisdom\, bringing good out of difficult circumstances. Through Leah\, Judah was born\, and eventually Jesus Christ\, the Savior of the world. God can redeem the biggest challenges of our lives if we persevere in obeying him\, trusting in his love. \nThroughout these fourteen years\, Jacob’s heart longed for home. His desire to return to Canaan was deeply rooted in God’s promises to his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac. Canaan was not just home; it was the land that God had led Abraham to\, and promised to give him as a covenant. In contrast\, Jacob’s brother Esau settled in the hill country of Seir\, turning away from Canaan and the promises of God. This divergence underscores the difference between those who value God’s promises and those who prefer their own way. \nJacob’s question—“When shall I provide for my own household also?”—arises as he realizes that he has given 14 years of his life to Laban in exchange for his wives. Leah had already given him several sons\, and many more were to come. Now he needed to stop giving his strength to build Laban’s wealth\, and become responsible for his own family. This marks a significant turning point\, not just for Jacob but for anyone striving to align their lives with God’s purposes. Are we investing in our own household? Are we laying up spiritual treasure for those whom God has entrusted to us? \nAs followers of Christ\, our true home is not on this earth. Philippians 3:20 reminds us\, “For our citizenship is in heaven\, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior\, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Like Jacob\, we are sojourners\, living for now in a world that is not our ultimate home. During this time\, we may labor under much injustice and endure hardships\, but our hearts should be set on the eternal promises of God. \nThe Lord spoke to this in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth\, where moth and rust destroy\, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven\, where neither moth nor rust destroys\, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is\, there your heart will be also.” \nJacob’s longing for Canaan reflects the believer’s longing for home\, where we will be with the Lord\, never to part again. Yet this doesn’t mean neglecting our earthly responsibilities. In Luke 16\, Jesus tells the parable of the unfaithful steward who\, facing dismissal\, uses his remaining time wisely to secure his future. Jesus concludes\, “Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth\, so that when it fails\, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9). We must use our earthly resources wisely to promote justice\, righteousness\, and mercy. In this way we further God’s kingdom and bring profit to the Master with fruit that will last for eternity. \nJacob’s life also teaches us the importance of perseverance. Though he longed for home\, he agreed to work for Laban when he was offered remuneration. He stayed there for six more years of hard toil before he could return to Canaan. Yet Jacob acknowledged God’s blessing even in those years\, saying\, “The Lord has blessed me” (Genesis 30:30). His faithfulness in the midst of challenges should inspire us to remain steadfast\, trusting that God will keep his promises at the right time. \nLooking at our own lives in the light of this question\, are we satisfied? Despite the busyness and responsibilities of our earthly lives\, do we always remember that our “true home” is the kingdom of God and his righteousness? Let us not neglect the needs of our families\, for then we would be worse than unbelievers. Yet\, let us prioritize their spiritual needs in all our decisions. Let us not be covetous\, but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. We have no need to worry\, for he has said that he will always be with us. Let us be moved to action by Jacob’s question. Let us be mindful for our families\, investing in the treasures of righteousness\, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit\, treasures that will last for eternity. \nLike Jacob\, let us work diligently during our earthly sojourn. Our toil is not for earthly gain\, but for the glory of God. Our aim is to store up treasures in heaven. Arriving at our eternal home\, may we hear the words\, “Well done\, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). Till then\, let us keep our hearts faithful to our heavenly Father\, trusting in His promises\, and living to His glory.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-25-providing-for-my-own-household/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250127
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250125T182916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T063702Z
UID:3266-1737849600-1737935999@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 26 Following God’s guidance
DESCRIPTION:26_Following God’s guidance \nGen 31:1-3 Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons\, saying\, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s\, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.” 2 And Jacob saw the attitude of Laban\, and behold\, it was not friendly toward him as it had been before. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob\, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives\, and I will be with you.” \nIn a small coastal town\, there was a lighthouse keeper whose responsibility it was to keep the light shining. This light was essential to guide sailors safely to shore. One stormy night\, an exhausted sailor fought to keep his boat off the rocks. He knew he was somewhere near the harbour. But he could see nothing in the wind and darkness. In desperation\, he prayed for help. What was his joy when he saw a steady beam of light piercing the torrential rain and thick darkness ahead of him! Now he knew where he was and what he had to do. With newfound hope\, he followed the golden glow of the lighthouse lamp and reached the harbor safely. \nLike that lighthouse\, the people of God are chosen to be the light of the world. We are called to reflect the light of God’s holiness into the turbulent world around. Genesis 30 continues the story of Jacob\, a man like us. Despite trials and uncertainties\, he heeded God’s call and experienced His faithfulness. \nJacob’s life in Padan-Aram with his uncle Laban was marked by hard labor and constant attempts to cheat him out of his wages. But it was above all marked by divine blessing. It served as a season of discipline and refining. Though he endured the consequences of his deceitful actions\, he also experienced God’s grace in abundance. \nOver two decades\, Jacob endured grueling work as he cared for Laban’s flocks. He described it\, saying\, “By day the heat consumed me\, and the frost by night\, and my sleep fled from my eyes.” \nHowever\, these 20 years saw Jacob’s marriage to Leah and Rachel. He fathered eleven children\, and accumulated considerable wealth in livestock through the blessing of God. However\, this roused the envy of Laban’s sons. They accused Jacob of gaining riches at their father’s expense. \nThe animosity turned Jacob’s thoughts towards leaving Padanaram for his homeland. In this tense and hostile environment\, God spoke again. God clearly instructed him to return\, and reaffirmed that he would be with him. Jacob now knew from experience that God was not the God of Canaan or of Bethel only\, but the God of the whole earth. Further confirmation of this direction came from the ready agreement of his wives with his plan\, even though it meant leaving the place of their nativity for ever. Jacob prepared to leave\, obedient to the command. Following God’s guidance often means making uncomfortable decisions despite our fears. \nJacob’s journey was not without challenges. Leaving Padan-Aram required immense courage. He faced fears that resonate with many of us in similar situations. There was the fear of leaving a familiar and comfortable life. Though Jacob was flourishing materially\, it didn’t mean he was to remain in that place. Comfort should never be mistaken for confirmation of God’s will. Then there was the fear of family discord. Jacob’s wives\, children\, and servants had only known life in Padan-Aram. They had never seen the land of Canaan or met Jacob’s father\, Isaac. Yet Jacob trusted that things would go well in the new setting since God was with him. \nThe journey itself was daunting. Traveling with a large household and extensive livestock through rough terrain was demanding. Physical difficulties abounded. Jacob also knew that Laban might try to stop him. He would not let the wealth and people with Jacob pass out of his reach unchallenged. Still\, Jacob placed his faith in God\, whatever his fears. \nNeedless to say\, God honored his faith and protected him. Laban pursued Jacob\, intending to confront him. But his hostile intentions were stopped when God appeared to him in a dream\, warning him not to harm Jacob. God’s comforted and assured Jacob\, “I have seen everything that Laban has been doing to you.” When we follow God’s guidance\, He watches over us and safeguards our journey. \nJacob’s obedience also fulfilled his vow to God at Bethel\, made two decades earlier. At that time\, fleeing from his brother Esau’s wrath\, Jacob had vowed that if God protected and provided for him\, he would return to his father’s house and worship God at Bethel. Now\, having been abundantly blessed with family\, wealth\, and safety\, Jacob remembered his promise and sought to fulfill it. TGod never forgets our commitments to Him and will offer us opportunities to honor them in His perfect time. \nIt is interesting to note how Jacob’s decision was communicated it to his family. Instead of issuing orders\, he explained how God had spoken to him. He shared the evidence of divine guidance in his life. His wives\, Leah and Rachel\, recognized God’s hand and willingly agreed to leave. This mutual agreement underscores a crucial principle: when God’s guidance involves others\, He often confirms it to all parties involved. Both Abraham and Sarah received the promise of a child. Both Peter and Cornelius were instructed to meet each other. Both Joseph and Mary were told about the wonderful child to be born to her before she was married. Unity of guidance and decision-making can affirm God’s direction. \nHowever\, the departure was not as smooth as it could have been. Rachel privately decided to steal her father’s household idols. This highlights a common struggle: the temptation to hold on to worldly securities. Perhaps she doubted God’s promises. Or she did not yet know God. Perhaps she wanted a backup\, or needed them for divination. Whatever the reason\, her actions reflect a divided loyalty. She was attempting to cling to both God and idols. James 4:4 reminds us\, “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.” When we follow God\, it must be wholehearted. We must let go of anything that competes or conflicts with our trust in Him. \nThis journey of Jacob and his family to Canaan is an example of following divine guidance. When the time came to leave\, Jacob didn’t hesitate or look back. How unlike Lot’s wife\, who longed for what she left behind. This reflects the view we must have if we are in Christ’s will. We see this world and its desires as too transient to set our hearts on. We are ready to move on whenever God calls. Our goal is the fulfilment of God’s promises. \nSecond\, Jacob’s journey was a spectacle of God’s complete faithfulness and power. He had to believe that God would help him reach his land again as he had promised\, and would protect him along the way. Even though he faced terrifying situations several times\, he also met with God again during the journey. At that point he received a new name\, wiping out his old name of Jacob – the supplanter. He began to see the power of weakness when it holds on to the mighty God. And he saw his fears about Esau proving groundless. When God tells us to do something\, he is responsible for our protection and provision. \nFinally\, Jacob’s story encourages us to persevere despite opposition. Laban’s pursuit and potential hostility could have discouraged Jacob\, but he pressed on\, leaving the issue to God. When he could do nothing but go on\, he did\, and God did what he could not do – he curbed Laban’s anger. When we face resistance in following God’s guidance\, we can rest in the assurance that he will step in to do what we cannot do\, as long as we do what we can. \nAre there areas in our lives where God is calling us to obey him\, leaving behind old comforts and confronting our fear? As we prepare to follow him\, do we continue to cling to worldly security as Rachel did\, or are we depending on God’s promises alone? Do we persevere despite opposition? Following God’s guidance may not always be easy\, but it is always worth it. He promises to walk with us\, provide for us\, and protect us. \nLet us cast aside every hindrance and run the race set before us with endurance. Let us take heart from the scriptures\, which shine to guide us home like the lighthouse beam did the sailor. Let our journey become a spectacle of faith\, so that others seeking God may find him and rejoice. Let us go ahead with his plans\, trusting him and living abundantly by his grace and truth.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-26-following-gods-guidance/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250128
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250126T182912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T071106Z
UID:3265-1737936000-1738022399@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 27 Wrestling with God
DESCRIPTION:\n27_Wrestling with God \nGen 32:24-32 So Jacob was left alone\, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him\, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said\, “Let me go\, for it is daybreak.” \nBut Jacob replied\, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” \n27 The man asked him\, “What is your name?” \n“Jacob\,” he answered. \n28 Then the man said\, “Your name will no longer be Jacob\, but Israel\, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” \n29 Jacob said\, “Please tell me your name.” \nBut he replied\, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. \n30 So Jacob called the place Peniel\, saying\, “It is because I saw God face to face\, and yet my life was spared.” \n31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel\, and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip\, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was touched near the tendon. \nHos 12:3\,4 \nIn the womb he took his brother by the heel\,\nAnd in his mature strength he contended with God.\n4 Yes\, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed;\nHe wept and implored His favor. \nCorrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who sheltered Jews during Hitler’s reign of terror. Betrayed\, she and her sister endured the horrors of Nazi concentration camp life during World War II. Despite numerous trials and miseries\, they shared the good news of Christ with others in the camps. Many found God’s forgiveness and love in that setting of horror. After her release\, she traveled the world\, sharing her testimony of God’s grace and forgiveness. At one meeting\, as she stood to receive people after her message\, she recognized the man in front of her as a particularly brutal guard in one of the camps. This man had even beaten up her frail sister Betsie for not being able to work as hard as the others. Betsie died just before Corrie was released. \nNow the ex-guard smiled as he joyfully repeated what she had just spoken about – that God’s love could overcome any sin\, no matter how great. But as he held his hand out for her to shake\, her heart was in a wild tumult of anger\, pain\, and bitterness. How dare he smile at her after doing such evil? How could she forgive such a man? \nIn that moment of inner turmoil\, she clung to just one thought. She promised God that she would hold out her hand even though she felt only hatred for him. God would have to do the rest. As she took his hand\, the miracle happened. She was filled to overflowing with love and forgiveness for her former enemy. She experienced the power of Christ to forgive his enemies in that moment. This striking story reminds us of what it means to wrestle with God. It is not an act of defiance\, but a recognition of the helplessness of the flesh\, and utter dependence on him in the spirit\, so that we may bear his good fruit. \nJacob’s story depicts the reality of wrestling with God. Returning to his homeland after many years away\, he faced the looming threat of his brother Esau. Though God had assured Jacob that he would protect him and bring him back to his father’s home safely\, Jacob was still gripped by fear when he heard of Esau’s coming with 600 men. \nJacob instantly sprang into action. True to his character\, he began to carry out his schemes\, dividing his family and possessions to allow some at least to escape if Esau attacked. He also sent forward mitigate potential loss if Esau attacked. Jacob’s fear reveals a common struggle: even with God’s promises\, we often wrestle with doubt\, worry\, and the temptation to rely on our strength instead of trusting Him. \nIn his distress\, Jacob turned to God in prayer—a significant moment in his journey. He acknowledged God’s faithfulness and grace\, confessing his unworthiness of the blessings he had received. Twenty years earlier\, Jacob had crossed the Jordan River with nothing but his staff. Now\, he was returning with two large groups of family and possessions\, a testament to God’s provision. Yet\, Jacob’s prayer was not merely a declaration of gratitude; it was a desperate plea for deliverance: \n“Save me\, please\, from the hand of my brother\, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him\, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children. For You said\, ‘I will surely make you prosper and make your descendants as the sand of the sea\, which is too great to be counted.’” (Genesis 32:11-12\, NASB) \nJacob’s prayer shows us that true dependence on God begins with humility. He acknowledged his fears and laid them before the Lord\, but God wasn’t finished with him yet. That night\, Jacob found himself utterly alone—a place where God often meets us. In the silence of isolation\, stripped of distractions and human solutions\, Jacob encountered God in a mysterious and transformative way. \nThe narrative tells us that Jacob wrestled with a man until daybreak. This struggle was not merely physical but deeply spiritual. It was a wrestling of wills\, a confrontation of Jacob’s self-reliance and deceitful nature. At one point\, the man asked Jacob his name—not because He didn’t know it\, but because Jacob needed to confront the truth of who he was. His name\, “Jacob\,” meaning “supplanter” or “deceiver\,” encapsulated his character and the choices he had made. In confessing his name\, Jacob admitted his need for transformation. \nThe wrestling match reached a turning point when the man touched Jacob’s hip\, dislocating it. From that moment\, Jacob could no longer fight in his own strength. All he could do was cling to his opponent and plead for a blessing. This moment of helplessness was Jacob’s greatest victory. Stripped of self-reliance\, he held on to God with a newfound desperation and humility. \nHosea 12:3-4 reflects on this encounter: \n“In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel\, and in his vigor he wrestled with God. Yes\, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor.” \nJacob’s prevailing was not in defeating God but in yielding to Him. His tears and supplication revealed a heart that was finally ready to receive grace. And God responded by giving Jacob a new name: Israel\, meaning “he who struggles with God” or “prince of God.” This name marked a turning point in Jacob’s life. He was no longer defined by his deceitful past but by his relationship with God. \nAs the sun rose\, Jacob limped away from the encounter—a lasting reminder of his weakness and God’s strength. His limp was not a mark of defeat but a symbol of transformation. He had seen the face of God and lived\, not because of his own merit but because of God’s mercy. The place of his struggle became a sacred site\, named Peniel\, meaning “face of God.” \nJacob’s wrestling teaches us profound lessons about our own encounters with God. Often\, we find ourselves in situations where fear\, guilt\, or uncertainty overwhelm us. Like Jacob\, we may be tempted to rely on our schemes or strength\, but God desires to bring us to the end of ourselves. In those moments of wrestling\, He invites us to confront the truth of who we are\, to confess our need for His grace\, and to cling to Him with unwavering faith. \nGod’s breaking is not an act of cruelty but of love. He breaks our self-reliance\, pride\, and sinful tendencies to make us vessels of His grace. As Griffith Thomas beautifully said\, “The wrestling was an endeavor on God’s part to break down Jacob’s opposition\, to bring him to an end of himself\, to take from him all self-trust\, all confidence in his own cleverness and resource.” \nIn our brokenness\, we discover the power of God’s grace. His strength is made perfect in our weakness\, and His blessing comes not through our striving but through surrender. This is the paradox of faith: when we lose ourselves in Him\, we find true life. \nCorrie ten Boom’s wrestling with forgiveness mirrors Jacob’s struggle. Both were confronted with their limitations and forced to rely on God’s grace. Corrie’s act of forgiveness was not her own; it was the Spirit of Christ working through her. Similarly\, Jacob’s transformation into Israel was not the result of his cunning but of God’s intervention. \nAs we reflect on Jacob’s story\, let us ask ourselves: What are we wrestling with today? Is it fear\, guilt\, unforgiveness\, or doubt? Whatever it may be\, God invites us to bring it to Him. In the solitude of prayer and surrender\, we can encounter the God who transforms our weakness into strength and our struggles into blessings. \nMay we\, like Jacob\, emerge from our wrestling matches with a new identity in Christ. May we limp forward\, marked by His grace\, and live as testimonies of His power to change lives. And may we\, like Corrie ten Boom\, extend the forgiveness and love we have received to others\, reflecting the heart of the God who first loved us.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-27-wrestling-with-god/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250128
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250129
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250127T182909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T065047Z
UID:3271-1738022400-1738108799@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 28 Picture of a carnal christian
DESCRIPTION:28_Picture of a carnal Christian \nGen 33:1-3 Then Jacob raised his eyes and looked\, and behold\, Esau was coming\, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel\, and the two slave women. 2 He put the slave women and their children in front\, and Leah and her children next\, and Rachel and Joseph last. 3 But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times until he came near to his brother. \nHeb 12 1 Therefore\, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us\, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us\, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us\, 2 looking only at Jesus\, the originator\, and perfecter of the faith\, who for the joy set before He endured the cross\, despising the shame\, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. \nImagine a garden hose lying in a mass of tangled loops. It is designed to carry water and nourish plants. Yet it lies dry and ineffective. Its purpose is clear. Yet\, without being untangled\, it is useless and cannot fulfill its potential use. \nEvery believer who lives in the flesh\, entangled in worldly pursuits\, does not fulfill God’s purpose. The potential for spiritual growth is there\, but it is choked by self-reliance and distractions. Only with the removal of the “kinks” can the living water of God flow freely through such people. Only then can they experience and share his life and be fruitful. \nJacob often provides a vivid picture of a carnal believer\, even though he was a man of faith. Genesis 33 demonstrates one of the struggles between his faith and his flesh. in this chapter. This man had just wrestled with the angel of the Lord. In his helplessness\, after the angel disabled him\, he clung to him until his supplication for blessing was granted. He came face to face with his weakness\, but he also saw God face to face. Crippled\, he could no longer flee nor fight. He was weaker than ever before\, just as he was about to meet Esau – a confrontation he had dreaded for years. Now Jacob could rely only on God for protection. \nYet\, transformation is not instant\, but a lifelong journey. Despite the Lord’s blessing and despite his new name of Israel\, Jacob quickly reverted to old patterns of fear and self-reliance. He still schemed to protect himself and his family\, dividing his household into groups so that if one was attacked\, the others might escape. God had promised to be with him. He had proven his faithfulness in protecting him from Laban. But Jacob’s faith faltered. Instead of resting in God’s promises\, he clung to his human strategies. This tension between faith and fear mirrors the struggles many Christians face today. \nMany times we\, like Jacob\, forget God’s past faithfulness when faced with a new crisis. The God who delivered us before is the same yesterday\, today\, and forever. Yet\, when challenges arise\, we often revert to self-reliance. Instead of the quietness of faith\, we scheme and strategize. We make plans A\, B\, and C to account for any contingency. God’s promise to be with us is simply not enough. Thus\, our journey becomes one of anxiety and turmoil. The outcome is sure\, since God fulfils his word. But the cost to us is great. We lose God’s approval and our peace. We throw away the opportunity to demonstrate his glory through our childlike trust in him. \nJacob’s behavior toward Esau reveals the inconsistencies of a carnal Christian. God named him “Israel\,” meaning “Prince with God.” But Jacob bowed seven times before Esau out of fear. He called Esau his lord and referred to himself as Esau’s servant. This was not the behavior of someone walking confidently in God’s promises. Jacob’s actions were marked by fear\, manipulation\, and a desire to placate Esau by gifts. He tried to buy his good will rather than owning up to his past deceit and seeking reconciliation with integrity. A carnal believer relies on flattery\, material gifts\, or worldly methods to mend relationships rather than addressing sin with genuine repentance and humility. \nJacob’s insincerity is further evident in his words to Esau: “For I see your face as one sees the face of God.” (Genesis 33:10). If Jacob truly saw the reflection of God’s work of reconciliation in Esau’s face\, why was he so eager to part ways with him? These were hollow words of appeasement. Our words reveal the heart\, as the Lord said. They are not tools for concealment but a mirror of our inner man. When we use flattery or deceit to navigate difficult situations\, we forfeit the opportunity to trust God’s power and to give him the glory. \nJacob’s unconfessed sin also made him hesitant to talk about God’s work\, God’s promises\, and God’s direction for his life. He shrank from telling Esau that God had commanded him to return to his father’s house. He lied about his plans. When there is sin in our lives\, it often silences our testimony and subdues our joy at God’s work. It prevents us from openly communicating the work of God. Trusting his own worldly wisdom\, Jacob chose deceit over truth. \nEven Jacob’s obedience reveals the mark of a carnal believer. Jacob was directed to go to Bethel and fulfil his vow. Instead\, once he was in Canaan\, he stopped at Shechem and bought a parcel of land. He paid over money to buy something which God had promised would be his\, and his descendants’\, for ever. \nThis act of incomplete obedience reflected a lukewarm love for God and a hesitant faith in his will. Jacob built an altar on the land he had purchased\, giving it the lofty name “El-Elohe-Israel\,” meaning “God\, the God of Israel.” Yet\, no religious act can substitute for obedience. As Samuel reminded Saul\, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). God desires our trust and obedience more than the most costly or elaborate acts of worship or devotion. \nIn Jacob’s life\, we see a clear warning. It is a call to reflect on our own lives. Jacob had come to understand who God is. He received the name Israel. He recognized God as his sovereign and lord. He feared and revered God. Yet his actions often betrayed a lack of faith and surrender. This disconnect between belief and behavior is the hallmark of a carnal Christian—someone who knows God’s truth but struggles to live it out fully. \nJacob’s story also gives us hope. Despite his failings\, God remained faithful. God’s promises to Jacob did not hinge on Jacob’s perfection but on God’s unchanging character. God’s work in our lives is not derailed by our weaknesses. He teaches and disciplines us so that we may reflect His likeness. Just as Jacob’s limp always reminded him of his dependence on God\, the traumas and hurts that we suffer on our journey become markers of His grace once we yield to Him. \nLet us look at ourselves honestly. Have we allowed self-reliance\, fear\, or partial obedience to take root? Do we fail to rest in the promises of God that we claim to believe? Do we use worldly means to navigate challenges rather than trusting God with simple integrity and faith? \nLet us walk humbly with God. If he has touched and weakened us\, let us repent and seek his blessing. Let us acknowledge our weaknesses and take refuge in his strength. As Hebrews 12:1 urges\, we must “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” so that we can run our race with perseverance. This includes dealing honestly with our sin\, prioritizing obedience over ritual\, and trusting God’s promises even when circumstances seem daunting. \nFinally\, let us extend immense patience and grace to others just as God extends to us. Just as God worked with Jacob despite his flaws\, we must work to maintain fellowship and unity with our brothers and sisters wherever they are in their spiritual journeys. We are all works in progress\, and God’s grace is sufficient for each of us. \nLet us turn back to God so that our tangles may straighten out. Let God’s living water flow freely in us\, unhindered by sin or self-dependence. Let us trust Him wholeheartedly\, obey Him fully\, and reflect His grace in our lives.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-28-picture-of-a-carnal-christian/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250129
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250130
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250128T182947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T072018Z
UID:3274-1738108800-1738195199@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 29 The price of broken vows
DESCRIPTION:\n29_The price of broken vows \nGen 33:18-34:2 Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem\, which is in the land of Canaan\, when he came from Paddan-Aram\, and camped before the city. 19 He bought the plot of land where he had pitched his tent from the hand of the sons of Hamor\, Shechem’s father\, for a hundred pieces of money. 20 Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. Now Dinah the daughter of Leah\, whom she had borne to Jacob\, went out to visit the daughters of the land. 2 When Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite\, the prince of the land\, saw her\, he took her and lay with her and raped her. \nIn the days of king Ahab\, there was a severe famine in Israel that lasted three and a half years. During this time\, God spoke to the prophet Elijah\, saying\, “Go from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Kerith\, east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook\, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” Imagine if Elijah had ignored God’s command. The ravens would still have brought bread and meat\, morning and evening\, but there would have been no one by the brook to receive the provision. \nThis example highlights an important truth: God’s blessings require our obedience to his express instruction. He will not compromise with other places and paths that He has not commanded\, for his plans are eternally fine-tuned to the moment and the place. \nWhen we stray from His will\, we risk forfeiting the blessings He has prepared for us. Jacob’s story tells us so. This was a man who\, despite experiencing God’s faithfulness\, chose to deviate from the path God had marked for him—and the consequences were devastating. \nJacob had finally returned to Canaan\, the land of promise\, after years of hardship and separation. He had vowed to God that he would return to Bethel\, the place where he first encountered God in a dream\, and worship Him there. Bethel represented Jacob’s spiritual homecoming—a place of gratitude\, fulfillment and renewed commitment. But instead of continuing to Bethel\, Jacob settled near the city of Shechem\, in Canaan. He purchased land\, pitched his tent\, and even built an altar there. \nOutwardly\, this may have seemed like a pious act\, but it was rooted in disobedience and a lack of trust. Jacob chose convenience and comfort over obedience to God’s call. His justification for buying land might have sounded reasonable—after all\, wasn’t it for the purpose of worshiping God? But this rationalization could not erase the underlying disobedience. Jacob’s forefathers had wandered as pilgrims in the land without buying property\, building altars on land they did not own. Jacob’s decision was a compromise\, one that opened the door to unforeseen consequences. \nThe consequences of Jacob’s compromise began to unfold with his daughter Dinah. Dinah\, curious about the culture of the people around her\, ventured out to visit the women of the land. This seemingly innocent act exposed her to danger. She was taken and violated by Shechem\, the son of Hamor\, a local prince. \nOften\, our curiosity about ungodly influences\, or our desire to blend in with the world\, leads us into spiritual danger. The apostle Paul reminds us\, “What partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?” Our hearts are drawn to things that God has already judged as evil. This reveals where our affections lie. \nJacob’s response to Dinah’s plight was marked by passivity. He neither expressed outrage nor took immediate action to rescue his daughter. This silence stands in stark contrast to Abraham\, who courageously rescued Lot when he was taken captive. Jacob’s inaction may have stemmed from a sense of guilt or spiritual weakness\, a reminder that unresolved sin can paralyze us when we most need to act righteously. \nIn the absence of Jacob’s leadership\, his sons Simeon and Levi took matters into their own hands. Fueled by anger and a desire for revenge\, they deceived the men of Shechem. They agreed to intermarriage on the condition that the men of the city be circumcised. They twisted this God-given sign of the covenant that God has with His people into a weapon. While the men of Shechem were still in pain from their circumcision\, Simeon and Levi attacked the city\, killing every male and plundering it. \nTheir anger over Dinah’s dishonor was understandable. Yet their actions were disproportionate and brutal. Human anger\, as James reminds us\, does not produce the righteousness of God. Simeon and Levi’s actions brought disgrace upon Jacob’s family and disqualified these brothers from leadership. \nGod’s law through Moses would later stipulate “an eye for an eye.” The hardness of the human heart led to this law that prevents excessive vengeance. The most that the avenger may do is the counterpart of the offence\, thus guarding against unchecked retaliation. But for God’s saints\, the godly practiced kindness and forgiveness to all\, including their enemies\, leaving vengeance to God. Prov. 25:21\, “If your enemy is hungry\, give him food to eat\, and if he is thirsty\, give him water to drink. 22For in so doing\, you will heap burning coals on his head\, and the LORD will reward you.” And since the Son of God asked for forgiveness for his enemies\, vengeance has been cast out of the kingdom of God. \nThis sorrowful story does not end in hopelessness. Many years later\, as Moses stood in condemnation of the Israelites who were whoring after the golden calf\, he called aloud for those on the Lord’s side to come to him. They were to execute judgment on the idolators. Only the Levites stood with Moses and slew those who had worshiped the golden calf\, whether father or mother. This act of obedience\, honoring God above everything else\, led to their appointment as priests and servants of the tabernacle. \nThe story of Jacob\, Dinah\, and her brothers demonstrates the cost of broken vows\, compromised obedience\, and misplaced anger. It also points us to the redemptive power of God. When we fail\, God does not abandon us. Wwe may stray from the path\, but God calls us back to Him. Bethel—the place of worship and surrender—is always within reach if we are willing to return. \nLet us learn from Jacob’s story. When God calls us to go to our Bethel\, we must take or make time to worship God. We must fulfil our vows. As we face similar choices\, will we obey God’s call and stay on the path He has set before us? Or will we settle for convenience and compromise? Will we protect ourselves and our families from the corrupting influences of the world\, or will we allow curiosity and complacency to lead us astray? Will we respond to injustice with humility and love and trust in God’s justice\, or will we let anger and revenge consume us? \nLet us not linger on the way. When tempted to compromise or conform to the world\, let us remember our call to holiness. When we are wronged\, let us resist the urge to take matters into our own hands\, trusting instead in the God who says\, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” \nGod is a God of second chances. If we have broken our vows or strayed from His will\, we must return to Him with repentance. He is faithful to forgive and restore us. Let us press on\, rather than lingering on the way. Let us be people who\, like Jacob at Bethel\, meet God anew and walk forward in obedience and trust. God bless.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-29-the-price-of-broken-vows/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250130
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250131
DTSTAMP:20260628T041320
CREATED:20250129T182914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T113342Z
UID:3276-1738195200-1738281599@livingwatersgb.com
SUMMARY:Jan 30 Coming back to God
DESCRIPTION:\n30_Coming back to God \nGen 35:1-4 Then God said to Jacob\, “Arise\, go up to Bethel and live there\, and make an altar there to God\, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2 So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him\, “Remove the foreign gods which are among you\, and purify yourselves and change your garments; 3 and let’s arise and go up to Bethel\, and I will make an altar there to God\, who answered me on the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” 4 So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears\, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem. \nIn a small village nestled in the Swiss Alps\, a centuries-old church stands as the heart of the community. Within this church stood a famous pipe organ\, its tones so enchanting that people from far and wide would come to hear it. But as years passed\, the organ began to falter. Its rich melodies gave way to jarring notes. Nobody knew how to repair it. The organ was deemed beyond restoration. Frustration slowly turned into resignation. \nOne day\, an old man visited the village. Entering the church\, he looked around for the organ. Noticing that it was no longer in use\, he asked\, “Why don’t you play the organ anymore?” “It has broken down\, it cannot be repaired any longer\,” came the reply. \n“Let me try\,” the man said confidently. For the next two months\, he worked over it in silence. He had many tools and materials brought in. His days were spent in delicately adjusting and repairing the organ. When he finally announced that it was ready\, the church was filled with music even more beautiful than they remembered. The astonished crowd asked how he had achieved this. With a gentle smile\, the man replied\, “Fifty years ago\, this organ was designed and crafted in my workshop. I know it in and out\, and I’ve now restored it.” \nThis story reflects our relationship with God. He is our Creator\, the one who knows us down to our smallest details. When our lives fall into disrepair—when sin\, regret\, or sorrow creates discord—only God can restore us fully. Genesis 35:1-4 tells such a story\, as God calls Jacob back to Himself. \nJacob’s life up to this point had been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Known for his cunning\, Jacob relied on deceit and self-reliance to get ahead. Within a few years of living near Shechem\, his family was marked by tragedy and chaos. His daughter Dinah was violated by the prince of the city\, and his sons retaliated by a massacre and sack of the town. Jacob feared greatly that this act of revenge had put himself and his family in grave danger from neighboring tribes. He found himself at an impasse\, overwhelmed by the consequences of his choices and inaction. \nIt was at this low point that God spoke to Jacob. He was to complete his journey back to Bethel\, the starting point where God first appeared to him. There\, God had promised to bless him and bring him back to his homeland. Jacob had vowed that he would serve the Lord if all this took place. But years down the line\, he was still living at Shechem\, his vow still unfulfilled. It was time to pay his vows. \nGod’s call was a display of pure grace. Jacob didn’t deserve another chance\, but God\, rich in mercy\, was not finished with him. God’s grace is always seeking our restoration\, though we are wandering astray. He does not condemn us at first but desires to save us. \nJacob responded to God’s call with determination. He gathered his household and instructed them to rid themselves of foreign gods\, purify themselves\, and change their garments. Jacob was taking concrete steps to turn to God from idols with repentance and commitment. By leaving the idols behind\, he made a decisive break from the past\, renouncing anything that competed with God’s place in their lives. \nThere can be no fruitful following of God unless we deliberately turn away from idols. While we may not worship physical idols\, many things—our careers\, possessions\, relationships\, or ambitions—can take precedence over God. True repentance involves more than acknowledging these misplaced priorities; it calls for action to remove them from our lives. \nAs Jacob’s family began their journey to Bethel\, God’s protection was evident. The terror of the Lord fell upon the surrounding tribes\, preventing them from pursuing Jacob’s vulnerable family. God’s favor is on those who believe him and obey him. When we align ourselves with His will\, His presence is with us. He is our shield from the spiritual might of our enemies. \nAt Bethel\, Jacob built an altar\, renewing his covenant with God. This act of worship was a declaration of gratitude and submission. It marked another milestone in Jacob’s relationship with God. He acknowledged the faithfulness of God and the reality of his promises. In paying his vows\, he declared the Lord to be his God. Worship reorients our hearts toward God. It is not merely rituals or outward praise. It is the deep knowledge that God is God\, which manifests in the outward action of faith in love. \nJacob’s journey back to God wasn’t without pain. On the way\, he experienced significant losses. Deborah\, his mother’s nurse and a beloved figure in the family\, passed away. Rachel\, his cherished wife\, died while giving birth to Benjamin. Notwithstanding these losses\, Jacob’s reliance on God became deeper. The birth of Benjamin was at the cost of Rachel’s life\, but Jacob still named him Benjamin\, meaning “son of my right hand\,” showing the hope and strength he found in God’s providence. \nThrough these losses\, Jacob learned to trust God’s purposes even in sorrow. When we face loss or disappointment\, we can move on\, knowing that God brings beauty from ashes and joy from mourning for those who are in his will. Every trial we endure has the potential to draw us closer to Him. \nJacob’s return to Bethel was a transformational moment for his family. This act of renewed obedience and of worship was preceded by the cleansing of his household from their idols. Jacob’s actions remind us of the influence of godly fathers and leaders. They are responsible to lead the way for those in their sphere of authority. When they worship God with all their hearts\, they serve their people best. \nThis passage challenges us to examine our own lives. If we have drifted from God’s will or neglected our commitments to Him\, this is the moment to return and fulfil them. Let us do as we have promised him. If we are burdened by the consequences of past mistakes\, Jacob’s life calls us to heed the voice of God and return. His grace is sufficient\, and His power is enough to restore us even through pain and loss. \nComing back to God is an intentional and trustful act of repentance and renewed obedience. Trust calls us to rely on His promises\, knowing that He is both our Creator and Restorer. Repentance involves turning away from anything that competes with the knowledge of God. Renewed obedience means actively pursuing His will as far as we understand it. \nJust as the pipe organ regained its former glory\, God can take the broken pieces of our lives and make them beautiful again. When we return to Him\, He doesn’t just fix us; He transforms us\, making us vessels of His grace and instruments of His glory. \nLet us heed God’s call today and respond with wholehearted obedience. Let us experience the fullness of His restoration\, and become testimonies to His faithfulness. Let our renewed commitment inspire those around us to seek and follow the God who restores.
URL:https://livingwatersgb.com/daily-devotional-podcasts/jan-30-coming-back-to-god/
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