DIVINE DETOURS!

Thursday, July 23, 2026

 

DIVINE DETOURS!

 

Ex 13:17-18

17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed (able bodied and armed) out of the land of Egypt.

 

          The word “near” in verse 17 is the same that is used to describe a near kinsman. It indicates a route that is familiar, comfortable, and much shorter. The reason is that this rag tag group of rebel slaves were not prepared to meet the well-trained and equipped  armies of the Philistines. They would have likely been defeated, discouraged, and would have repented of their own freedom so God took them through the way of the wilderness.

 

          This wilderness way brought them into a trap between two mountains on either side, the Red Sea in front, and Egyptian armies behind. Only God could save them now! What a perfect time for a miracle.

 

          Maybe you are confused by the route by which God is leading you. It is not familiar, it is not comfortable, and it seems dangerous or costly. If this is the case, then be on the lookout for miraculous intervention because God knows the way. Trust Him and follow.

 

Dear Lord, we have walked this way before and here we are safe! How quickly we forget your protection and provision along Divine Detours. Grant us the faith to trust you and to follow. AMEN

  

THE GLORY OF THE CROSS!

 

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

 

THE GLORY OF THE CROSS!

 

Gal 6:14-15

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

 

          The Politics of the Cross: What is it about the cross that makes it such a lightning rod of controversy? We are beginning to see the desecration of Christian graves and crosses by Muslim zealots. Perhaps it was the sign of the crusades which still enrages the Muslim world but the Psalmist, I think, has a better explanation for the geo-political animosity to the cross.

 

Ps 2:1-4

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

 

          The Person of the Cross: Paul knew the power of the cross. Jesus Christ is mentioned 45 times in the book of Galatians which means that one third of all the verses contain some mention of Christ. Christ had completely captivated Paul. The cross was an instrument of cruelty, horror and shame until Jesus hung thereon.

 

          The Power of the Cross: To Paul, a learned Jewish rabbi, the teaching of the cross was foolish. The Jews expected Messiah to come and rule by restoring the kingdom but the idea of Messiah dying on the cross was completely foreign to them. In the death and resurrection of the cross the power of God is released upon the world, the flesh and the devil. The power of the cross is redemption and victory.

 

          The Purpose of the Cross: The cross temporarily set aside the nation of Israel so that the gentiles might be grafted into the vine. Verse 15 says: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision [Judaism] availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. The cross established a new method of relationship with God. The cross levels the playing field because now there is no racial or national advantage. The cross ushered in the age of “whosoever.”

 

          “We may roll the thunders of eloquence, we may scatter the flowers of poetry, we may diffuse the light of science, and we may enforce the precepts of morality from the pulpit. But if we do not make Christ the great subject of our preaching, we have forgotten our errand and shall do no good. Satan trembles at nothing but the cross: at this he does tremble. And if we would destroy his power and extend that holy and benevolent kingdom, which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, it must be by means of the cross."  -- J. A. James (as quoted by) -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Quotable Spurgeon, (Wheaton: Harold Shaw Publishers, Inc, 1990)

 

Dear Lord, today let my focus be upon your cross. AMEN

 

LED BY THE SPIRIT

 

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

 

LED BY THE SPIRIT

 

Luke 4:1-2

4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

 

Rom 8:13-14

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 

          Only twice in the Authorized Version do we read the phrase: “led by the Spirit.” The first refers to Jesus being directed by the Holy Spirit to the place of temptation. The next seems to refer to a lifelong relationship of guidance for obedient believers.

 

          Jesus altered His route of travel to ensure that he passed through Samaria. He felt the need of one miserable woman. He heard her anguished cries though unspoken. He was compelled to change course and to meet her need.

 

John 4:3-7

3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

4 And he must needs go through Samaria.

5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

 

          If the cry of one woman could reach the heart of Jesus miles away, then how can he not hear our cries? Yes, He knows your circumstance and He feels your need. Those anguished cries that you dare not let escape. He hears clearly and is moved to compassion. Cry out to Him! Let Him minister to you. He knows.

 

Matt 9:36

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

 

Dear Lord, you have named every star, and you know my name as well. Nothing is hidden from your eyes. Alter your route to intersect with mine and minister to me today. AMEN