Deal Wisely

Testimony:

One day there was a situation involving my bosses and me in which I felt they hadn't treated me fairly. I felt betrayed and deceived by them. This situation was so disturbing that I lost sleep for two nights. However, the more I prayed the better I felt. A few days later I felt led to go into deeper prayer about it and God gave me release in my mind. However, a few weeks later while at work, the situation started to linger in my mind again. I started to feel upset all over again. On that particular day, I didn’t feel like giving my fullest performance at work, I thought “ how can people be so deceptive and naive?” But as I sat in my chair, I said “God, how do you want me to be today?” He replied “Act Wisely.”

Then the Holy Spirit reminded me about David when he was being treated unfairly by King Saul. God didn’t change the situation but He delivered me from the bondage of it as I became obedient to His command.

King David is a great example of how we can act wisely during difficult situations in our lives.

He behaved himself wisely in the midst of unfairness. When his enemy King Saul wanted to slay him because of jealousy, David, even though he knew Saul no longer appreciated him, still behaved wisely before the King. He didn't go after Saul to retaliate even though he had a few opportunities to do so. He touched not the Lord's anointed, which was Saul.

Like David, we can choose to conduct ourselves wisely in the midst of unforeseen circumstances and God will come through for us. Nothing surprises God. Even when your enemies are planning, He sees their plans. But we have to abide under His shadow and be steadfast; there will be an appointed time of victory for us. Don't touch, don't dispute, don't hate, allow God to fight for you. God will slay your enemies.

In your work places with your bosses or work colleagues, with your neighbours, whomever may be causing you distress, don't wish them bad. Deal wisely with them. Let God fight for you. Allow God to take the lead in your battles and you will see, like Jehoshaphat and the Israelites, that you will not have to fight in this battle.

Let us choose to be wise and conduct ourselves as knowing Who has the victory and Who will come through for us.

David did not yield himself to the flesh. He didn't give in to his feelings and emotions. He didn't give in to anger and frustration because he knew Who fought for him before and Who would do it again on his behalf. So, he yielded himself to God. The Most High God. The Great and Terrible God Who wars on our behalf. Let us then act like David and know that we are the Lord's children...

In the book of Psalm 139 the writer says “He is acquainted with all of our ways.” That means He knows whatever you are going through and He will come through for you.

Prayer:

Dear Father, I know that I am not alone in any situation that I face. Just like Jesus was with the disciples in the boat amidst the storm, I know You are with me in every situation that I face. Please help me to totally rely on You for strength and grace to overcome, being still knowing that You are God. I love You Father and I thank You. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen.

Psalm 91: 1 NLT Version ". Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

Written by: Necole Cummins

You Are Going Somewhere

This morning we are remembering King David in the book of 1st Samuel before he became king. David was the last of his father’s children and the least favoured by his dad. His brothers were being elevated by his dad, while he (David) stayed in the field alone, working hard and keeping watch over the animals.

God will place you in the wilderness to bring out in you what man cannot see with the physical eyes.

His brothers had it going for them because in the eyes of man they were well built (stature), men of war, seemingly knowledgeable, all of the outer appearances that catch the attention of people. But even when it seemed like David was not all of the above (like his brothers) to man, not even to his own father, he was more than that to God.

God knows what He has placed inside of you and if you allow Him, He will bring out a masterpiece.

Remember:

Do not allow the opinions of man to determine your destiny. God is your Destiny Helper. When everyone is getting ahead and you feel forgotten, remember GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU!!!

David’s time of being anointed as king had come, yet there was still work to be done. He stayed in the wilderness until God said it was time.

When God says it is your time, then it is your time. So, stay humble in the wilderness. Stay connected in the wilderness, stay focused in the wilderness, stay faithful to God in the wilderness.

Yes, David might have felt like you’re feeling today: forgotten, discouraged, saying “everyone is getting ahead and I am going nowhere.” No, you are going somewhere. Look back and see where you were and where you are now. Yes sister, you are going somewhere. Yes brother, you are going somewhere. You are going somewhere.

Philippians 1:6 NLT says “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Yes, God will complete His work in your life.

I am not only encouraging you today but myself also….

Love you sisters and brothers. Hold on to God because He is faithful.

Prayer:

Dear Loving, Heavenly Father, I thank You that Your plans are greater than mine and man’s. Thank You that You have begun an amazing work in my life and at your appointed time, You will use what You have placed in me for Your own glory. Help me to focus, not on what You are doing in other’s lives, but what You are doing in mine and to rejoice in You. Thank You Lord that You are ever faithful and You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Bible reading: 1 Samuel 16:7

Devotional by: Necole Cummins

Renewal

The final and significantly envied attribute of the eagle is its ability to renew itself. The master designer of all things created and endowed the eagle with this tremendous asset to its life and existence.

Renewal ensures relevance and longevity.

Research shows that just as every other creature the eagle's feathers and beak become worn due to their usual activity. The eagle at this stage of its life will fly to a high secluded place where it will begin to pluck off its feathers and knock off its beak and wait for them to grow afresh.

We cannot help but appreciate that this time for the eagle is one of vulnerability. It can't defend itself or escape any enemies, it can't hunt to find food but, must endure this season until he can do all he wishes again. His security during the time of renewal is found in the height and remoteness of that solitary place. But it endures this vulnerable stage to ensure it remains an apex predator and enjoy an extended life in the fight.

Similarly, we have the ability to review and renew ourselves. The method ordained by God for our renewal is not much different from that of the eagle. We must go into our solitary place, strip ourselves of everything we held dear, as profitable in our lives and allow new ones, that are strong enough and not worn out and weak through the wear and tear associated with our daily lives, to grow on us. During this season, as the eagle is protected by God, so are we during those times of our lives.

God has designed us for renewal but, often times we do not engage in the activities necessary for such. Isaiah 40:31 says. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint."

Waiting on God in the secret place is what renews us.

Focus

Wait in His presence today and develop fresh new assets to remain relevant and have a long life.

Prayer

God we thank You. We thank You that You have built us as the eagle. That just as the eagle can renew itself, so we can renew ourselves. So Father I pray today that You would give us the wisdom. Give us the discipline Father to wait on our time. Protect us through this vulnerable time in our lives as we seek to renew ourselves. As we have been shut away, we come out strengthened, with new feathers and a new beak. We come out with a new lease on life, to serve You and to do great things for You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.