"His Ways Never Fail"
By Zach Wood
Psalm 40:4
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
In all my years of ministry work, both full time vocational and volunteering, I know I have talked so much about how we are to trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding. That phrase comes from the wonderful passage in Proverbs most of us have come to know so well. We do know that we are supposed to trust in Him and not in our own knowledge. However, it is easier said than done to trust in Him completely without any reservations rather than trust in our own logic and understanding. You would not be human if you did not ever trust in your own strength and knowledge. We all do this and learn great lessons because we come to realize every time that only God's strength and ways prevail.
In all the years of my Christian life, I know I have put trust where trust should not be. I have trusted in worldly things. I have put my trust in others when I knew they would let me down. Now, this is not to say we cannot trust people, but there are times when we just know there are certain people we should not trust. I have put my trust in things that I hope would happen and bring me happiness, only to be let down hard and be heart-broken.
Why do we always seem to have such a hard time trusting in God with all of our heart? I have wondered this time and time again. I say that I am a Christian and that I desire to walk closely with God every single day. However, when I really think about it, I have to ask myself whether or not I totally put all trust in Him. I doubt His guidance. I doubt His strength. I shouldn't, but I do. I want to trust and I know I need to fully trust in Him. I am learning and realizing that this is a daily battle I need to overcome and trust that God will provide my strength and direction even when I am scared to death of what might be ahead.
I want to encourage you to put your trust completely in God's hands, no matter what you are experiencing. It is good to trust in good friends and family, but they are not perfect and they will make mistakes. God will never make a mistake in the way He guides you and leads you. People often put their trust in worldly things and go that route only to discover pain and agony. God's ways are always better and His strength is eternal. His ways are never temporary.
I pray and hope you will find yourself trusting in God's strength and guidance more each day.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Don't Miss It!
"Don't Miss It!"
By Zach Wood
Psalm 40:5
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
The past few days, as I have read this passage, I have been thinking about the past year and all the things that I have possibly missed that God has done in my life and around me. Of course, I cannot recall all the things God has done throughout the whole year, but I do remember many things. I am sure many of you would also admit that you have missed important opportunities and have regretted them.
This time of year, we tend to reflect on the past and make choices that will better our lives and get us started possibly in a new direction. To be honest, I do not really make New Year's resolutions. I think about a lot of things I need to do better in my walk with Christ, but I do not necessarily write out a list of resolutions. I have done that in the past, but as many people do, I tend to forget about the list and go on about my daily life. I began just asking God to open my eyes to new opportunities and ways to be a better husband, father and servant. Please understand I am not saying that making resolutions are in any way wrong or bad. It is just my personal preference.
I miss a lot of things. I really wish I could remember more things. I do not have a great memory. My wife is the one who keeps up with the calendar events. If it was up to me to put events down on calendar, we would miss things all the time. I am glad she takes care of that. I miss things all the time it seems. I become so forgetful. I get so busy do my own things and have my own agenda that I forget what is really important.
I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit's presence in my life to convict me and remind me that I need to take time to remember the many wonders God has done and continues to do in my life. When I read this passage last week, it really stuck with me and I felt led to use it in this devotional as an end of year encouragement for remembrance.
God is such a Mighty God and His ways are so great and awesome that no one can fully understand them. I am so thankful for all that God has done in and through my life this past year. He has taught me a lot and has broken me down many times to help me grow the right ways.
I so much do not want to miss things God has in store for me. I want to be in tune to what He wants to show me and teach me. It is so easy for me to become distracted and miss so much. Those opportunities come and go sometimes so fast that I do not even notice they were before me just waiting for me to notice. That is sad. But, I do serve a God who gives me more chances to see things He wants me to notice and act upon.
I encourage you, as you end this year and begin a new one, simply ask God to show you what is truly important in your life. Do not worry about making an exhaustive list if you are into making lists. Keep it simple and add to it if you feel the need to list more. I encourage you to do this to keep your priorities in check as you focus on your walk with Christ each day. Don't miss what God has in store for you to see as you walk with Him each day. Many are the wonders He has done and continues to do in and through you.
By Zach Wood
Psalm 40:5
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
The past few days, as I have read this passage, I have been thinking about the past year and all the things that I have possibly missed that God has done in my life and around me. Of course, I cannot recall all the things God has done throughout the whole year, but I do remember many things. I am sure many of you would also admit that you have missed important opportunities and have regretted them.
This time of year, we tend to reflect on the past and make choices that will better our lives and get us started possibly in a new direction. To be honest, I do not really make New Year's resolutions. I think about a lot of things I need to do better in my walk with Christ, but I do not necessarily write out a list of resolutions. I have done that in the past, but as many people do, I tend to forget about the list and go on about my daily life. I began just asking God to open my eyes to new opportunities and ways to be a better husband, father and servant. Please understand I am not saying that making resolutions are in any way wrong or bad. It is just my personal preference.
I miss a lot of things. I really wish I could remember more things. I do not have a great memory. My wife is the one who keeps up with the calendar events. If it was up to me to put events down on calendar, we would miss things all the time. I am glad she takes care of that. I miss things all the time it seems. I become so forgetful. I get so busy do my own things and have my own agenda that I forget what is really important.
I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit's presence in my life to convict me and remind me that I need to take time to remember the many wonders God has done and continues to do in my life. When I read this passage last week, it really stuck with me and I felt led to use it in this devotional as an end of year encouragement for remembrance.
God is such a Mighty God and His ways are so great and awesome that no one can fully understand them. I am so thankful for all that God has done in and through my life this past year. He has taught me a lot and has broken me down many times to help me grow the right ways.
I so much do not want to miss things God has in store for me. I want to be in tune to what He wants to show me and teach me. It is so easy for me to become distracted and miss so much. Those opportunities come and go sometimes so fast that I do not even notice they were before me just waiting for me to notice. That is sad. But, I do serve a God who gives me more chances to see things He wants me to notice and act upon.
I encourage you, as you end this year and begin a new one, simply ask God to show you what is truly important in your life. Do not worry about making an exhaustive list if you are into making lists. Keep it simple and add to it if you feel the need to list more. I encourage you to do this to keep your priorities in check as you focus on your walk with Christ each day. Don't miss what God has in store for you to see as you walk with Him each day. Many are the wonders He has done and continues to do in and through you.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Are You There Yet?
"Are You There Yet?"
By Zach Wood
Psalm 15
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
I was reading this passage the other day for my devotional time and when I finished reading it, I said, "Lord, I have so far to go to have a really close relationship with You." This psalm of David is powerful. I questioned my motives and the pureness of my heart. I started reading again through this psalm and saw so many areas of my life that have fallen far from a close relationship with God my Creator.
This psalm is quite a mouthfull. I would encourage you, not just now, but maybe for the next few days or week, read through this and just ask God to examine your heart and reveal to you what you might need to change so that you can dwell in His sanctuary with a pure heart.
As the title suggests, are you there yet? In your heart, do you feel you are able to dwell in His Sanctuary with a pure heart? Are there things in your life that are keeping you from being completely open and honest with God and growing closer to Him? Are you at odds with so many others in your life that you just cannot seem to focus on what is real?
When we come to Him with an open and honest heart and truly desire to dwell in His Sanctuary and follow Him, wonderful things happen in our lives. We desire to have peace in our relationships with others and treat others with love and respect. When we have Jesus Christ in focus, then the other areas will follow. It will not be easy, but with Christ at our side and walking with us, it will be better than living a life of chaos.
Are you there yet? If not, what are you doing about it?
By Zach Wood
Psalm 15
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
I was reading this passage the other day for my devotional time and when I finished reading it, I said, "Lord, I have so far to go to have a really close relationship with You." This psalm of David is powerful. I questioned my motives and the pureness of my heart. I started reading again through this psalm and saw so many areas of my life that have fallen far from a close relationship with God my Creator.
This psalm is quite a mouthfull. I would encourage you, not just now, but maybe for the next few days or week, read through this and just ask God to examine your heart and reveal to you what you might need to change so that you can dwell in His sanctuary with a pure heart.
As the title suggests, are you there yet? In your heart, do you feel you are able to dwell in His Sanctuary with a pure heart? Are there things in your life that are keeping you from being completely open and honest with God and growing closer to Him? Are you at odds with so many others in your life that you just cannot seem to focus on what is real?
When we come to Him with an open and honest heart and truly desire to dwell in His Sanctuary and follow Him, wonderful things happen in our lives. We desire to have peace in our relationships with others and treat others with love and respect. When we have Jesus Christ in focus, then the other areas will follow. It will not be easy, but with Christ at our side and walking with us, it will be better than living a life of chaos.
Are you there yet? If not, what are you doing about it?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Security And Rest In The Almighty
"Security And Rest In The Almighty"
By Zach Wood
Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
There was a song written many years ago by the Christian rock band Skillet called "Rest". I would like to share the words of the chorus with you:
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And I rest in the wonder of Your Grace
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And I rest in the wonder of You
When I listen to this song, it reminds me of the peace and security I can find in my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is one of their slow songs and is a great worship song. I would encourage you to look up the song online and listen to it. I am sure it will be a blessing to you as well.
When we come to the shelter of the Most High, He promises to give us a place of rest. When we are resting in the shadow of His Wings, He will protect us and give us rest. The words in this passage are so very powerful in describing the ultimate security, peace and rest we find when we abide in Christ and walk with Him. There is no greater source of comfort and strength. When we are weary, He invites us to come to Him and find peace and rest. He is truly our refuge and fortress.
If you need rest for your weary soul, then please take the time to come before your Savior and just rest in His presence and Holiness. Just take the time to bask in the wonder of His Love. He loves when we come to Him and take in all what He offers. There is no other place where we can find eternal security. He is our true source of rest, security and shelter.
Rest in the shelter of His Love and the wonder of His Grace.
By Zach Wood
Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
There was a song written many years ago by the Christian rock band Skillet called "Rest". I would like to share the words of the chorus with you:
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And I rest in the wonder of Your Grace
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And I rest in the wonder of You
When I listen to this song, it reminds me of the peace and security I can find in my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is one of their slow songs and is a great worship song. I would encourage you to look up the song online and listen to it. I am sure it will be a blessing to you as well.
When we come to the shelter of the Most High, He promises to give us a place of rest. When we are resting in the shadow of His Wings, He will protect us and give us rest. The words in this passage are so very powerful in describing the ultimate security, peace and rest we find when we abide in Christ and walk with Him. There is no greater source of comfort and strength. When we are weary, He invites us to come to Him and find peace and rest. He is truly our refuge and fortress.
If you need rest for your weary soul, then please take the time to come before your Savior and just rest in His presence and Holiness. Just take the time to bask in the wonder of His Love. He loves when we come to Him and take in all what He offers. There is no other place where we can find eternal security. He is our true source of rest, security and shelter.
Rest in the shelter of His Love and the wonder of His Grace.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Nothing Compares
"Nothing Compares"
By Zach Wood
Psalm 86:8-10
Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Each of us have times when we discover something that becomes a favorite to us. Each of us has a favorite pizza. Each of us has a favorite flavor of ice cream. Each of us has a favorite place to go and shop for clothes. Each of us has a favorite place to vacation. Each of us has a favorite restaurant we enjoy making repeated visits to. Each of us has a favorite CD we like to listen to. Each of us has a favorite beverage.
These things are special to us. We remember them. No matter what other pizza, ice cream, CD or store we go to, nothing seems to compare to what our favorite is. There is just nothing like our favorite.
When I read this passage in Psalm, I cannot help but think how there is no other god except the true Living God Who gives us the best life we could ever hope to live. Many of us have tried so many different ways of living. We try to live this way or that way and we just want to live a life that is like no other. We try following people and how they live, but the truth is, once we discover Who God is and learn of His marvelous deeds, nothing quite compares to anyone else. There are no other gods we could live for and experience what we do when we follow and live for the One True God.
There is only One True God. Nothing can compare to Him. I am so thankful that I can worship a God Who loves me unconditionally, Who gives me another chance when I mess up again and again, Who comforts me when I am falling apart in my life. This is a God Whom I want to serve. I do not desire to serve anyone else. There is no other god who could love me, guide me and direct me. Bottom line, there is no other true and living God. There is only One who came to die on a Cross and is real and living. I am so thankful I serve a God who is the Real Thing.
Nothing compares to the One True Living God.
By Zach Wood
Psalm 86:8-10
Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Each of us have times when we discover something that becomes a favorite to us. Each of us has a favorite pizza. Each of us has a favorite flavor of ice cream. Each of us has a favorite place to go and shop for clothes. Each of us has a favorite place to vacation. Each of us has a favorite restaurant we enjoy making repeated visits to. Each of us has a favorite CD we like to listen to. Each of us has a favorite beverage.
These things are special to us. We remember them. No matter what other pizza, ice cream, CD or store we go to, nothing seems to compare to what our favorite is. There is just nothing like our favorite.
When I read this passage in Psalm, I cannot help but think how there is no other god except the true Living God Who gives us the best life we could ever hope to live. Many of us have tried so many different ways of living. We try to live this way or that way and we just want to live a life that is like no other. We try following people and how they live, but the truth is, once we discover Who God is and learn of His marvelous deeds, nothing quite compares to anyone else. There are no other gods we could live for and experience what we do when we follow and live for the One True God.
There is only One True God. Nothing can compare to Him. I am so thankful that I can worship a God Who loves me unconditionally, Who gives me another chance when I mess up again and again, Who comforts me when I am falling apart in my life. This is a God Whom I want to serve. I do not desire to serve anyone else. There is no other god who could love me, guide me and direct me. Bottom line, there is no other true and living God. There is only One who came to die on a Cross and is real and living. I am so thankful I serve a God who is the Real Thing.
Nothing compares to the One True Living God.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
I Will, Lord, I Will
"I Will, Lord, I Will"
By Zach Wood
Psalm 9:1-2
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
I remember as a child being told to clean my room, take out the garbage and wash dishes. These were the main chores among others I had to do. I did not really enjoy my chores and would have rather done many other things. What kid really enjoys chores and wants to do them? We want to play as kids and do not feel like doing things we consider hard work. Most of the time I did my chores with a "have to do this" attitude thinking "just want to get this over with and done". I know my parents are reading this devotional and can remember those times when I did my chores.
There are many things we do in life that we do not enjoy. Things at work, at home and at church. That is a part of life. We are not going to like every single thing we are asked to do. Sometimes in our minds we are thinking, "If I just hurry and get this done, I can do the other things I REALLY want to do". It happens to all of us. It is normal to like some things we do and not like some things we are asked to do and need to do.
I cannot help but think we treat our relationship with God in this way at time. God desires us to praise His name, tell of His wonders and rejoice in Him. But so many times the way we live our lives does not show any desire in glorifying Him or exalting Him. We must make the choice in our hearts to desire Him and and live for Him. If our hearts are truly desiring Him and we want to live for Him, then this passage in Psalms will come to life in us! If we are sold out and dedicated in our lives to worship Him, we will praise Him. We will rejoice in Him! We will sing His praises!
Do you find yourself living to praise Him? Do you find yourself hungry and desiring Him above anything else? Is He your priority? Will you stop at nothing to glorify His name? These are questions to take to heart and pray about.
By Zach Wood
Psalm 9:1-2
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
I remember as a child being told to clean my room, take out the garbage and wash dishes. These were the main chores among others I had to do. I did not really enjoy my chores and would have rather done many other things. What kid really enjoys chores and wants to do them? We want to play as kids and do not feel like doing things we consider hard work. Most of the time I did my chores with a "have to do this" attitude thinking "just want to get this over with and done". I know my parents are reading this devotional and can remember those times when I did my chores.
There are many things we do in life that we do not enjoy. Things at work, at home and at church. That is a part of life. We are not going to like every single thing we are asked to do. Sometimes in our minds we are thinking, "If I just hurry and get this done, I can do the other things I REALLY want to do". It happens to all of us. It is normal to like some things we do and not like some things we are asked to do and need to do.
I cannot help but think we treat our relationship with God in this way at time. God desires us to praise His name, tell of His wonders and rejoice in Him. But so many times the way we live our lives does not show any desire in glorifying Him or exalting Him. We must make the choice in our hearts to desire Him and and live for Him. If our hearts are truly desiring Him and we want to live for Him, then this passage in Psalms will come to life in us! If we are sold out and dedicated in our lives to worship Him, we will praise Him. We will rejoice in Him! We will sing His praises!
Do you find yourself living to praise Him? Do you find yourself hungry and desiring Him above anything else? Is He your priority? Will you stop at nothing to glorify His name? These are questions to take to heart and pray about.
Monday, October 3, 2011
He Is
"He Is"
By Zach Wood
Psalm 18:1-2
I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
There are some things in life that we wish were for sure and guaranteed. We wish our health was guaranteed good for as long as we live. We wish people could all get along all the time. We wish our finances would always remain constant and cover the bills each month. So many things we wish could be constant and for sure. However, that is just not the way life is.
When I think of all the things in this life that are not guaranteed or are guaranteed, but bring major disappointment, I am reminded that I can look to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for constant, unchanging love and protection. This verse is powerful and should be on our hearts each day. HE IS our strength. HE IS our rock. HI IS our fortress. HE IS our deliverer. HE IS the rock in whom we take refuge. HE IS our shield and salvation and our stronghold. Those statements ring with proclamation!
The question is, do we truly believe God is our everything? Do we truly believe He is our ultimate source of strength? Do we truly love Him and trust in Him enough to follow Him and give Him all we are and are not and let Him direct us?
Could you imagine if this verse read, "The Lord might be our rock, could be our fortress and deliverer. He might be someone in whom we could take refuge and possibly be our stronghold"? If we read that, we would completely fall apart! There would be no trusting totally in God for what He could do. Aren't you glad you don't serve a God who "might" be there for us and who "possibly" can save and protect us?
HE IS the only One we can fully rely on! HE IS the only risen Son of Man! HE IS the only begotten Son of God! Wow! Aren't you thankful HE IS our sufficiency???
Amen.
By Zach Wood
Psalm 18:1-2
I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
There are some things in life that we wish were for sure and guaranteed. We wish our health was guaranteed good for as long as we live. We wish people could all get along all the time. We wish our finances would always remain constant and cover the bills each month. So many things we wish could be constant and for sure. However, that is just not the way life is.
When I think of all the things in this life that are not guaranteed or are guaranteed, but bring major disappointment, I am reminded that I can look to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for constant, unchanging love and protection. This verse is powerful and should be on our hearts each day. HE IS our strength. HE IS our rock. HI IS our fortress. HE IS our deliverer. HE IS the rock in whom we take refuge. HE IS our shield and salvation and our stronghold. Those statements ring with proclamation!
The question is, do we truly believe God is our everything? Do we truly believe He is our ultimate source of strength? Do we truly love Him and trust in Him enough to follow Him and give Him all we are and are not and let Him direct us?
Could you imagine if this verse read, "The Lord might be our rock, could be our fortress and deliverer. He might be someone in whom we could take refuge and possibly be our stronghold"? If we read that, we would completely fall apart! There would be no trusting totally in God for what He could do. Aren't you glad you don't serve a God who "might" be there for us and who "possibly" can save and protect us?
HE IS the only One we can fully rely on! HE IS the only risen Son of Man! HE IS the only begotten Son of God! Wow! Aren't you thankful HE IS our sufficiency???
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)