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

 

DISH THE STRESS

 

Monday, July 20, 2026

 

DISH THE STRESS

 

Ps 34:17-19

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

 

          Stress is the emotional or physical responses to life’s difficulties. We almost always think of stress as a bad thing, but stress is what tunes a stringed instrument. Without the proper amount of stress, the instrument is out of tune.

 

          Distress is destructive. Distress snaps the string and the instrument is of little value until a new string is attached and placed under the proper amount of stress. It is now in tune again.

 

          If you can’t cry out to God IN righteousness then, for your own sake, cry out to God FOR righteousness. Those who have been made righteous by the sacrifice of Jesus gain a hearing before a merciful God. We are not exempt from stress, but we have the careful hand of God turning the tuning pegs!

 

1 Cor 10:13

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

Dear Lord, my strings are old and worn. Please be careful as you tune me. Let me sing your praises in perfect pitch. AMEN

 

WHAT IS TRUST?

 

Sunday, July 19, 2026

 

WHAT IS TRUST?

 

Ps 62:7-8

7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

 

According to Strong’s Concordance, the word “trust” is to be found in our English Bible 134 times! It is curious to me that of the SEVEN Bible Dictionaries in my library NONE of them are willing to define the word. What, then, does it mean to trust? We don’t know – and yet we do. Trust is the X in every equation! Now, math was never my strength, but I know that X refers to the unknown. At the solving of the equation, X equals the answer sought. Generally, to trust in God is to cast our burden on the Lord when it becomes too heavy for us.

 

Ps 55:22

22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

 

Companions of trust are a holy quietness, security, and peacefulness of spirit springing from a full persuasion of our safety. We know that He CAN sustain us because He is God. We know He WILL sustain us because of His nature. He is gracious and full of mercy. Trust is also to abandon our reliance on human reasoning!

 

Prov 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

Christianity is not occasional but constant. “Trust in Him at ALL TIMES, ye people.” Do not use God like a spare tire or a good-luck charm. He should be the constant object of our trust. Through Him we can draw water from wells that are empty, find food in pantries that are bare and gain clarity when all around is only confusion.

 

Dear Lord! I know that if I am to trust you, I must not lean upon my own understanding! Lord, help me to trust in you. AMEN

 

WE BEHELD HIS GLORY

 

Saturday, July 18, 2026

 

WE BEHELD HIS GLORY

 

John 1:14

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

 

Matt 17:1-3

17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

 

Those of us who make it a habit to be at church will admit that occasionally the ritual and routine burst into true worship. When worship truly happens, we behold his glory although not as fully as did Peter, James and John. On those grand occasions God seems closer and more majestic than ordinary days. We want to save as well as savor these moments and we strive to reproduce and recreate the experience.

 

Beholding His glory is extraordinary and therefore can challenge normal reasoning. Peter wanted to build permanent structures, monuments, if you will, to every glorious person he beheld!

 

Matt 17:4

4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

 

We shouldn’t chide Peter so much because what he experienced was so marvelous that he simply did not want to return to his former mundane existence. He did not want to descend the mountain. He wanted to stay, enveloped in the splendor of the moment. We sympathize with Peter on this point.

 

What Peter, James and John saw was a preview of heaven! Their spirits, made raw by this breach in the veil, recognized Moses and Elijah even though they had been gone for many years. Jesus himself was no longer the carpenter that led them. He was the Lord of Glory. His face did shine like the sun.

 

If we read further in Matthew chapter 17, we see that God broke the spell of that splendor so that they could return to their work in the valley. There the lunatic was healed and Jesus foretold his death and resurrection. Later Peter would cast a hook and catch a fish to pay taxes for himself and Jesus. Somehow, after the vision of Glory, none of it seemed so farfetched as before.

 

Dear Lord, show us enough of your glory today to make the mundane things marvelous. AMEN

 

FORCED TO REST

 

Friday, July 17, 2026

 

FORCED TO REST

 

Ps 23

23 The Lord  is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord  for ever.

 

Only one Hebrew word is needed to translate the entire phrase “he maketh me to lie down.” That word is rabats which means “to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, to brood.” One dictionary definition of the word “brood” is “to think or worry persistently or moodily about something.” Ah, yes! I have been known to brood.

 

Poem: I NEEDED THE QUIET

 

I needed the quiet, so He drew me aside,

Into the shadows where we could confide.

Away from the bustle where all the day long

I hurried and worried when active and strong.

 

I needed the quiet though at first I rebelled,

But gently, so gently, my cross He upheld,

And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things.

Though weakened in body, my spirit took wings

To heights never dreamed of when active and gay.

He loved me so greatly He drew me away.

 

I needed the quiet. No prison my bed,

But a beautiful valley of blessings instead –

A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide.

I needed the quiet, so He drew me aside.

 

Alice Hansche Mortenson

 

Dear Lord, I am familiar with chaos and weariness. Help me to know your rest.  AMEN

 

A THREEFOLD CORD!

 

Thursday, July 16, 2026

A THREEFOLD CORD!

 

Eccl 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

 

          The Talmud says: “A man without companions is like the left hand without the right.” In Biblical times, and in certain places in our own world, it is simply dangerous to travel alone. The meaning of verse 12 is “One may be overpowered but two can better defend themselves.”

 

          Dr. Warren Wiersbe explained that “Solomon started with the number one (v. 8), then moved to two (v. 9), and then closed with three (v. 12). This is typical of Hebrew literature (Prov 6:16; Amos 1:3,6,9, etc.). One cord could be broken easily; two cords would require more strength; but three cords woven together could not be easily broken. If two travelers are better than one, then three would fare even better.”

 

          Think of a thin strand which, by itself, could not support much weight without breaking but, if braided with other strands, it becomes a rope capable of lifting huge amounts. The strand may boast of its lifting power, but it is ignoring the fact that its real strength is from others. When our strength is insufficient to lift the heavy burden, God blends or braids Himself with our feeble strand and we are able to lift and to bear things too heavy for us.

 

Dear Lord, though the load becomes heavy and I groan beneath it I shall never snap because you are braided to me. Thank you, Lord! AMEN

 

ARE YOU CONTENT?

 

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

 

ARE YOU CONTENT?

 

Phil 4:11-19

 I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

          Paul wrote to thank the Philippian church for their financial contributions to his ministry. In that letter he explains that he had learned [by experience] how to enjoy plenty and he had also learned [by experience] how to suffer want. He was at peace with both situations.

 

          The Greek word for “content” is autarkes which literally means self-complacent.  Dr. Charles Stanley says that contentment is “Accepting God's sovereign control over all of life's circumstances.” Ah, there it is! God’s control.

 

          Contentment, for the believer, comes when we yield control of our circumstances to a higher, benevolent, force. When we worry, scheme, and grapple with the situation contentment flees but when we rest in the Lord contentment is the product.

 

          Heat and cold, pain and pleasure, or plenty and want are all the same to the one who has relinquished control to Jesus.

 

Dear Lord, Today I yield my control to you. I yield to your wisdom, your power, and your provision. Now I can rest in my circumstances. AMEN

 

YOUR LIFE SPEAKS!

 

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

 

YOUR LIFE SPEAKS!

 

John 9:26-27

26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?

 

          A man who was blind from birth was healed by Jesus, the Jews immediately tried to discount his story. Some suggested he was an imposter but his mother said “we know this is our son who was born blind but we don’t know by what means he now sees. This marvelous story and can be found in John chapter 9.

 

          A personal witness is very powerful! The blind man was not a politician nor a theologian. He simply and truthfully told his story. Finally, in exasperation, he asks the Temple leaders “I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? (John 9:27)

 

          Religion kicked him out of the Temple! Big deal! He had met Jesus and now he could see.

 

Dear Lord, let my life display such change that others will ask me how it happened. Let me tell the wonderful story of redemption simply and clearly. AMEN

 

MAKING RESTITUTION!

 

Monday, July 13, 2026

 

MAKING RESTITUTION!

 

Titus 2:9-10

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Luke 19:8

8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

 

          Restitution is the restoration of something that was stolen, lost, or damaged while under my care or responsibility. When Paul wrote to Titus, he uses the word purloining which simply means “taking something for personal use or stealing.” Exodus chapter 22 outlines some strict rules regarding “paying back” that which was taken.

 

          Liability insurance exists to counter the cost of paying back! It acknowledges liability, culpability, and guilt. The concept is drummed into our moral fiber from the first time our mother shouts “give that back. That doesn’t belong to you!”

 

          Some things we have taken can’t be restored because we have consumed them, lost them, or broken them beyond repair. Zacchaeus understood this and felt the pain of guilt when he met Jesus. He quite literally agrees to the terms outlined in Exodus 22.

 

          You can't be right with God while something is wrong between you and another person, and you are to blame for the conflict.

 

Matt 5:23-24

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

 

Dear Lord, Thank you for paying my terrible sin debt. AMEN

 

THE GOD OF HOPE!

 

Sunday, July 12, 2026

 

THE GOD OF HOPE!

 

Rom 15:13

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

 

          Paul, writing to the Romans, offers multiple views of God. In Romans 15:5, He is the God of patience and consolation. The patience is His and the consolation is ours! Here the word “consolation” is paraklesis and is the same word that is translated “comforter” when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit in John 14:16. The word is made more powerful by using a definite article making it “THE consolation.” Consolation is in the person of Jesus Christ.

 

          He is the God of peace in Romans 15:33 and the word “peace” is eirene and indicates both quietness and prosperity. It also is preceded by a definite article which makes it “THE peace.” Peace, both quietness and prosperity, is in the person of Jesus Christ.

 

          In our text this morning, He is the God of hope. Here hope is elpis (el-pece’) and means both expectation and confidence. Once again, it is forcefully preceded by a definite article. The hope that we have in eternity is an expectant hope. It is like an “expectant” mother large with child. She is confident of delivery but uncertain of the date! Many signs, both visible and known only to her, assure her that her hope is well founded.

 

Dear Father, all around we see signs and evidence of your soon coming. Inside us also there is confidence that our hope is well founded. Thank you, Lord, that our hope, our peace and our consolation is firmly grounded in your person. AMEN