August 30: Psalms 123 1-4

Key Verse: Psalms 123 2
As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.

Devotion:
Can you remember the last time you were in so much trouble that the only thing you could think of doing was just standing there and looking up at the person in charge and hope for mercy... When all else is failing, just being there can make a big difference. When we are in trouble, just looking up to someone for help can make the difference. Christ has taught us through His Word we need to look to God in prayer in the same manner as we would look up to someone for help. He wants us to know we must open our hearts and souls to Him to allow Him to change things in our lives, to allow Him to guide us in our walk.

There is a huge difference between asking for help from God and submitting yourself for help. We ask for things all the time, not just from God, but from all around us. When we get what we ask for, we go about our own ways in using what we ask for. When we don't get what we ask for, we go about our own ways and means to get what we need. Again, the focus is not on what we are asking for, but on ourselves and what we do. On the other hand, when we submit ourselves to God, completely, we are telling God that we cannot do it by ourselves – we need His help.

God wants each of us to know we can depend on Him for anything and everything. He wants us to depend on Him. He wants us to call on Him for help. He wants us to be open to doing His will, willingly. Far too often we have to wait until we are at our lowest ebb before we will give in and say, “Ok, I've messed it up. Show me the right way to do it!” What we need to be doing is submitting to God to allow Him to show us the right way before we get completely run flat!

Points to Ponder:
Who do you look up to in your family?

How often do you really ask God to help?

August 29: Psalms 121 1-8

Key Verse: Psalms 121 2
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Devotion:
Isn't it strange how good, clever and strong we think we are until we are up against the wall, then we tremble with fear at things we will look back on and think how small they were... just because we realise we are not what we used to think we were! It may be the smallest thing like a spider which makes you run the other direction. A Tiny insect like a bee can bring out a certain respect, yet we treat something like a car or bus with no respect to others. Why? Because we are so tied up with ourselves we do not think about where the real power and might lies...

Reading and meditating on some of the shorter Psalms can give us more encouragement than a class full of teachers can before an exam. We need only to read them over a few times to realise the depth of meaning and the truth behind the words. Yes, God is our Salvation and our Guide. But He is also a whole lot more – let us not forget that!

We need to remember we must not rely on men and earthly means and methods. We need to set our minds on God and know He alone is the one who we need to focus on and depend on. He has set His Son and the Cornerstone upon which we can build our lives. Why should we seek help in the mountains and men when we can seek help from the Maker of both! Why should we stand upon shaky ground when we can stand firm upon our Rock of Salvation!

We need to lift up our eyes upon The Lord and know He alone is God and that He alone is what we need. If we want to work for Him, then let Him work with us. He wants us to be able to depend on Him for everything. To come to Him in times of trouble and temptations so we can ask for help; but also in times of strength so we can praise Him for everything He does. If we want to get out there and make a difference, we need to walk with Him – continually!

Points to Ponder:
Who do you get strength from on earth?

How much do you depend on God in your life?

August 28: 1 Samuel 25 23-27

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 25 24
She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say.

Devotion:
If you heard the King or Queen was coming to visit you, what would you do in preparation for the visit? I know there is going to be an obscene amount of security and other protocols which have to be followed and adhered to nowadays with any dignitaries, but what would you personally do as a personal gesture? What Abigail did was out of the ordinary – she went out of her way to make sure David’s entry was one based on a peaceful and friendly meeting and not the bullish approach Nabal had.

David made sure Nabal’s stock and land was kept safe as he approached. David was extending out a hand of friendship to come together as an ally, but Nabal got it in his head David was here for other reasons. Are you going to stretch out a hand of friendship or will you automatically assume your visitor has other motives for the visit and be on your guard?

If we want to be friendly then we have to make the right moves in the beginning, showing a foreigner that you wish to be friendly will allow them to come in peace and not be on their own guard. The worst thing to do is to be on edge for a new meeting because the stress of the situation may well make you say or do the wrong thing! Abigail wanted David to be at ease and rushed out with an offering and kind words, inviting him in and warning of Nabal’s wicked attitude before he had to experience it first-hand.

I like to think I approach new meeting like Abigail, but I know I get things wrong time and time again; we all do get things wrong. But the initial intent is what will be seen and remembered. First impressions do actually mean a lot. So allow the people around you to se a first impression which will make them think about the goodness and mercy which God is teaching and showing you. Allow people to see a glimpse of what God can do in their lives rather than winding them up and getting them cross before they know anything about God.

Points to Ponder:
What is you first impression?

Do you continue to show people love and kindness like Jesus did?

August 27: Proverbs 25 11-12

Key Verse: Proverbs 25 11
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.

Devotion:
Have you ever seen a still life painting of fruit where the fruit look so lifelike they look good enough to eat? Some people are able to put into a picture so much life and energy or even peace and tranquillity that the painting seems to be alive. They are able to put into a picture what some of us only dream of being able to describe in words. Others are able to describe things in such detail as to allow you to feel like you are there rather than just listening to a story about it. Yet when it comes down to sound instructions we all seem to have the ability to ignore them!

What would an instruction manual be like if it did not describe exactly what you had to do? What use would the wrong instruction manual be in an appliance you bought? We do need sound instructions, not just for things we buy, but for our spiritual lives as well. Isn't it amazing how a book can move you to tears – just by the way it describes a situation; and that is simply because we chose to take in every aspect of the book.

You see, we do have the choice as to how much we get from a book, film or even from a discussion. We have the choice as to whether we are going to take in every aspect and allow ourselves to be immersed in the words, or whether we are just going to skim over the words and pick out what we like. If we are going to get the best out of God's word, then we have to immerse ourselves in His Words so we get everything out of it He has put into it.

We need to take in the words of love, take in the words of discipline, take in the words of wrath and take in the encouraging words. God has given us a bible which has all of the instructions in that we need. A book which paints a thousand pictures. A book which teaches. A book which disciplines. A book better than any film, picture or other book – because it is complete!

Points to Ponder:
What percentage of books you have read would you describe as excellent?

How would you try and describe God's Word?