“But Lot’s wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)

Letting go of what we have grown accustomed to is not easy. Moving, switching careers, or letting go of relationships, whether good or bad, can be heartbreaking. Many find it extremely difficult to release the old in order to embrace the new.

In Genesis 19, the angels of the Lord warned Lot and his family of the sudden urgency to flee from the destruction about to take place. Lot hesitated, so the angels of the Lord grasped his hand and those of his family and brought them out to safety. At this critical hour one of the messengers of the Lord warned Lot and his family to flee for their lives and not to look back. Unfortunately, Lot’s wife disobeyed and became a pillar of salt. Although the angels of the Lord led her out of the city, her heart and mind were still back there.

Just like Lot’s wife, sometimes we struggle with letting go of what once was. We wholeheartedly know God wants to offer newness, but we cling to the past. We inevitably become double minded and unstable. We struggle with our old familiar ways while God offers freshness. In Isaiah 43:1, the Lord says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” If we cling to the old things God wants us to relinquish, we will ultimately loose out on His current blessings.

When I moved to Florida I struggled for about two years. A lot of change took place and it brought a great deal of discomfort. Upon relocating, I left behind a wonderful church and a beautiful congregation of believers. In my heart, I knew it was imperative I find a local church within my new surroundings. Without much ado, I found one. However, each time I attended my mind was not there. My physical body was present but my heart and mind were clinging to my former church.

God knew my heart. He felt my sorrow. He knew every tear I had shed in desiring a church that was similar to my old one. Then one day, while still in the midst of my struggle the Holy Spirit shed light on my discomfort. I had become double minded. As soon as this revelation sunk into my heart, I asked God for His forgiveness. In consequence, I became comfortable, happy, and content within my new church setting. Moreover, God moved in ways I cannot even begin to express nor ever imagine. Surely, letting go of the old to embrace the new proved well.

Heavenly Father, Pardon us for hanging onto old things that You desire for us to relinqhish. May we learn to embrace the new things you offer in our ever-changing lives. In Jesus name, Amen   

Question: Is there an old behavior, a past relationship, or mindset that God desires for you to relinquish?

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“Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy” (Psalm 64:1 (NKJV).

What you focus on, you empower. Are you thinking about everything that could go right or are you thinking about everything that can go wrong? Consider the fact that after dying on the cross Jesus stripped the enemy of all authority and all power. He no longer has any right or authority to hurt or rob us unless we give it to him by choosing to walk in fear and sin rather than faith, and expecting bad things to happen.

It really is true to say that “we have nothing to fear except for fear itself.” We are those who have been redeemed from the curse and our Father’s plans for us are for good and not for evil. That’s not to say that life’s challenges don’t happen, but we don’t need to add sorrow to our own lives by believing for and fearing the worst.  As a man thinks so he is, and what we look at is what we become. Believe the best, expect the best, focus on the goodness of God. God is love, and perfect love casts out fear.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.

Be  anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:8, 6-7 NKJV).

This devotion is the property of Breakthrough Prayer Ministry and is used with permission.

Questions: What are you focusing on? What are the things that you fear? What could you do in order to stop being anxious about things?

Then Jesus returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” He said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mark 14:32-42).

Jesus must have felt desperately lonely and in need of loyal friends, the night he led his eleven disciples into the Garden of Gethsemane. He separated Peter, James and John apart from the rest, and took them a little deeper into the garden. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

Then he went a short distance further, fell to the ground, and prayed, “Father take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).  When He returned to his three trusted disciples He found them asleep. Can you detect the note of disappointment in His voice as He said, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?”

This scene repeated itself three times. In his most desperate hour, Jesus was alone. Even His most devoted disciples and best friends could not share His time of anguish with him.

In our lives, also, there will be times when human friends will disappoint us. If we’ve been looking to them to meet our needs, we’ll be bitterly disappointed. But that is just the point. We are to look to God to meet our needs Who will never fail us. Jesus was not left without comfort. “An angel from heaven appeared to Jesus and strengthened him” (Luke 22:43).

Despite Peter’s failure to support Jesus during His darkest hour, Jesus expressed His love for him. “I know how it is: ‘the spirit is willing, but the body is weak’”, He said to Peter (Mark 14:38).

Jesus loved even the people who disappointed Him. He loves real people, not ideal people. And I’m very glad about this.

Dear God, I want to love as Jesus loves. He loves us with all our imperfections. Help me to love my friends like He does. Amen

Questions: What are some ways we can show people that we love them? How have others demonstrated Christ’s love to you in time of need?

About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid

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“How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down upon the collar of his robes” (Psalm 133:1-2, NIV).

Those we love the most often wound us the deepest. Something terribly important is taken lightly, misconstrued, or misunderstood.  On some issues we may never see things eye to eye with those that matter most. Resolution seems out of reach. We need validation.

Why is it so hard for others to understand how we feel? Why can’t they see things our way? My husband and I were having a heated discussion on our way to church. Neither of us felt like going.

The verse that was read was. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers, live together in unity.”

How do we reach that unity? Where is the balance between being able to accept our differences and respect each other’s point of view?

What about the hurt Lord?

God never demands that I urgently accept his point of view. Instead He whispers. Go beyond yourself, in fact—get over yourself. Stop and consider the oil—precious anointing oil — freely poured over acrimonious words, over injured hearts.

Myrrh is found in anointing oil. It has many medicinal uses. In ancient times it was used for cleaning wounds and sores. I have some gaping wounds today Lord. Because myrrh was used in the embalming or anointing of the dead, it represents mortality, suffering, and sorrow. God understands our sorrow. But He calls us to dwell in unity. He has provided the gentle oil of his presence that is freely poured out for us. We just need to be willing to get over ourselves and receive.

Dear Father, when sorrow and sadness brought on by divisions arise, when I feel wounded Lord, when words cut deep, help me to release them to you Lord. I receive your anointing oil, the oil of unity, the precious lubricant that you rub onto the grinding cogs of my heart. Help me to extend the oil of unity to those I love.

Questions: Do you need the oil of unity poured over your life today? Is there someone you need to extend the oil of unity to?

About the author Beverley Rayner

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“But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John’” (Luke 1:13, NIV).

I love the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth.  It is a story of hope; a powerful story revealing that our God is One who listens to our hearts cries and hears our prayers.

Recently, I had been reading through the story of John the Baptist’s conception and Christ’s birth in the gospel of Luke.

When the angel of the Lord came to Zacharias he said, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard”.  Zacharias and Elizabeth were old in age and remained barren.  As we know, in those days it was a shame to be barren.  When I read this story however, I began to wonder what it was truly like for Zacharias and Elizabeth.  What was it like to live knowing within themselves that they probably would never conceive, (unless it was a miracle) only for this moment to occur?

I began to imagine the years that Elizabeth and Zacharias spend in tumultuous prayer, weeping before God, and grieving within their hearts over their barrenness.  I could almost hear their cry and see their faces turn numb over the years. Their hearts must have broken from grief and sorrow.  I’m sure they questioned and doubted where their God was in this seemingly “unanswered prayer”.  I thought about how they might have questioned God, but still remained faithful to Him and His Commandments.

And all the while, I could almost hear the voice of God calling from Heaven saying, “Just wait your time is coming!  You have no idea what I have in store for you. You don’t even have a clue of what I am about to bless you with.  Please wait and hold on a little longer!  Keep hoping, and even if you lose hope, I have still heard because I am God.  I am the One who hears the needs and the desires of my people.  And I have a purpose in all of this.  If you just wait, it will come to pass, and you will have what you desire.”

In truth, Zacharias and Elizabeth had no idea the plan that God had for them.  For years they had to trust God and stand on His faithfulness.  Eventually, out of Elizabeth’s womb would come the greatest Prophet of Old, paving the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ Himself!

Here’s the thing:  God is in the business of resurrecting our dreams!  He longs for those things that He has placed inside of you to be accomplished.  And even when we lose hope, our prayers are never ever lost, rather they are heard by God, and God remembers them.

I want to encourage those of you who have prayed, and have longed for things to come to pass.   God hears your prayers and your cries!  He knows your hearts’ desires.  And, maybe, just maybe, He is holding out for something you couldn’t have even imagined!  And if you just hold on,  He will bring back to life and resurrect those desires that seem to have died long ago, in His perfect time.

Our God is a God of resurrected dreams!  Know that with God, nothing is impossible.

Heavenly Father, I pray for all those reading who have dreams that have died.  I pray God, that the Word over their lives would be accomplished and that you would fulfill the desires of their hearts.  I thank You for hearing their thoughts and knowing what You have placed within them even before the foundations of the earth were laid.  I thank You that You are faithful to perform Your Word.  I pray for a measure of hope to be reinstalled within them, and a faith to believe that with You, nothing is impossible.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Questions: Can you tell us about a time when you felt that God was not hearing your prayers? How did you keep on trusting Him in spite of the situation?

About the Author Brigitte Straub

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“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your (God’s) ways may be known on earth…so that all the ends of the earth will fear him” (Psalm 67:1-2 & 7, NIV).

I have participated in many Bible studies where I have been challenged—or have challenged others—to glean the “big idea” for the verses under consideration.  In the well-meant pursuit to discover the primary meaning, or dig beneath the surface, it is easy to gloss over simple, small words intended to have tremendous impact.

In the Psalm quoted above, the writer clearly calls to God for blessing. How often the Jews were in danger from their enemies or living in the sorrow of c. They were pleading for relief, even for victory in the midst of unbelievable odds. But somehow—perhaps looking back to the Abrahamic Covenant which stated that all peoples on earth will be blessed through you, or forward to the words of Christ, go into all the world—the writer sees that God’s gracious blessing has a purpose far beyond personal application.

When God pours his blessing into our lives, the purpose spills over to the world around us, “so that God’s ways may be known on earth.”  Any other plea for blessing is far too small.

Father, thank you for the blessings you regularly pour into my life; help me creatively see each one expanding into the lives of those around me.  Amen.

Questions: What blessings is God pouring into your life? How are you responding to those blessings? What is the purpose of these blessings that God is giving us?

About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle

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Do you agree that joy has it’s beginnings in grief?

“Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Paradox: a statement or belief contrary to received opinion, especially one that is incredible, absurd or fantastic.

“…true joy often is hidden in the midst of our sorrow, and the dance of life finds its beginnings in grief.” (Henri Nouwen in Here and Now)

Only to those who have experienced the discovery of joy “hidden in the midst of sorrow” does the paradox make sense. The Apostle Paul describes God’s peace as “beyond all understanding” and joy in sorrow is closely akin to such peace. How could Paul, imprisoned for his faith, write words like “I always pray with joy” and “Rejoice in the Lord always…I will say it again, rejoice!” How could the hymn writer pen, “It is well with my soul” after the death of his four daughters?

I believe the simple – though never simplistic – answer is found in the words of Charles Wesley:

Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and Kind adore;
Mortals, give thanks and sing and triumph evermore.
Jesus the Savior reigns, the God of truth and love;
When He had purged our stains, He took His seat above.
Rejoice in glorious hope! Jesus the Judge shall come,
And take His servants up to their eternal home.

We are told in the New Testament to “fix our eyes on Jesus” and herein, I believe, lies the key to joy. When we consistently focus on Jesus – even in the midst of sorrow – we slowly begin to believe that He reigns, He cannot fail, He is the God of truth and love and then, we rejoice in glorious hope.

Father, I don’t like pain and sorrow, but help me see that no tears are wasted in your sight. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus.

Questions: Why is it hard for you to rejoice in difficult times? Why do you think Christians can experience joy in the midst of sorrow? The Apostle Paul says that we are not to be anxious for anything but to bring everything in prayer to God. What do you think is the relationship between choosing not to worry and experiencing joy?

This week memorize (Philippians 4:4 – 7) and journal any changes that occur in your life.

About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle

Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009.

“Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept” (Mark 14:72).

As long as Peter lived, a fountain of tears began to flow whenever he remembered how he denied his Lord. It is not unlikely that it was so, for his sin was very great, and grace granted to him afterwards was even greater.

This same experience is common to all of God’s children; according to the degree the Holy Spirit has removed your natural heart of stone. We, like Peter, remember our boastful promises: “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” (Matthew 26:33, NLT). We eat our own words with the bitter herbs of repentance. When we think of how we promised we would act, and how often in, overt or subtle ways, we have denied our Lord, we may weep whole showers of grief.

Peter must have contemplated, at length, his denial of his Lord. The place in which he did it, the reasons that led him into such heinous sin, the lies and blasphemies he uttered, and the dreadful hardness of heart which drove him to do so again and yet again. How can we, when we are reminded of our misdeeds, and their exceeding sinfulness, remain indifferent and stubborn? Shouldn’t we repent of our sin, and cry to the Lord for renewed assurances of His pardoning love? May we never take a dry-eyed look at sin. Doing so threatens us on a dangerous and lonely path, with a tongue parched in the flames of hell.

But Peter must also have thought about his Master’s look of love. The Lord followed up the rooster’s warning voice with a cautioning look of sorrow, pity and love. That glance was never out of Peter’s mind so long as he lived. It was far more effectual than ten thousand sermons would have been without the Holy Spirit. The regretful apostle would be sure to weep when he recollected the Savior’s full forgiveness, which restored him to his former place. (John 21:15-19)

To think that we have offended so kind and good a Lord is more than sufficient reason for being constant weepers, both out of sorrowful repentance and at the same time joyful, thankful forgiveness. Lord, smite our rocky hearts, and make the waters flow.

Questions: When you look at the world, what issues bring you sadness? What about within your own life?

About this Author Charles Spurgeon

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The familiar saying, ‘If life hands you lemons make lemonade’ doesn’t always give me incentive to run to the market.  Recently, my family has gone through tough transitions.  I believe most of you have encountered the same thing. To list a few: the loss of a job, unfair justice and heartbrokenness.  Most times, we aren’t prepared for this and it hits us sideways.

I usually sit trying to grab my bearings, trying to breathe, and then realize I have just landed on Planet Lemon.  How do I deal with the lemons of life?  I have a choice to make which will make a huge impact on my life.  Imagine yourself holding two flags.  One is a plain white flag, and the other is embossed with a picture of a huge lemon.  You now have a choice which one to hold up high and claim.

1.    White Flag of Surrender to Defeat.
Have you heard yourself say the phrase that I have found myself saying?  Fine, Forget it. That can be a knee-jerk reaction to a hard situation.  The easy street on Plant Lemon is to become sour and start blaming others.  None of us like the sadness that comes over us and the truth of our reality.

Giving up on “You” is one option that leaves you feeling defeated, empty and a sense of hopelessness.  We all need hope and knowing that we are worth the fight.  This white flag is not the answer. “The Lord is our God, and we are His people, the sheep he takes care of in His own pasture”. Don’t give up on You!!!  Wave the…

2.    White Flag of Surrender to Jesus.
Jesus is the One who gives us Hope.  I love the image of the Shepherd holding a lamb in his arms.  He holds us tight and walks with us on Planet Lemon.  The Great Shepherd gives us incentive when we can’t make sense of it all.  I can honestly say that I don’t understand the situations in life that seems so heartless and hopeless.   However, I have also seen despite the unanswered and pointless painful situations brought upon me, God has been faithful.

He doesn’t take away all our pain and sorrow but He does help us through the situation to make lemonade much sweeter and ‘just right’.  As I make my own recipe of lemonade, I choose to trust and follow Jesus.  He surrendered His life to make our life sweeter.  We can than turn to Him and praise Him for the next step.

Why am I discouraged?  Why am I restless?  I trust you!  And I will praise you again because you help me and you are my God.

What Flag are you holding right now?  Have you been placed on Planet Lemon and wondering how to make your own sweet lemonade?  Where is God in this situation and do you trust Him?

Father God, I cannot always understand the situations of life.  Please help me to hold up the White Flag of Surrender to Jesus and trust You to walk with me and give me Your guidance.  May I then be able to taste the bitter sweetness of the lemonade that comes for all this?  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Questions: Are you struggling right now and need some help?  How might God help you through the situation that you are facing?

About the Author Linda Goodhand Rodgers

Are you hurting from the pain of having lost a loved one? We care and want to pray for you.

The name Jeremiah is Hebrew in origin. It means “the Lord exalts.” Jeremiah is the author of the book of Lamentations. To lament is to express sadness with weeping. It is to mourn. The opposite is to celebrate — yet that’s precisely what Jeremiah does!

In the middle of his sorrow, he finds hope and comfort in his God. Jeremiah said, “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him’” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV).

Babylon had plundered Jerusalem. Yet even as smoke was still rising from the ashes, Jeremiah understood these tremendous keys:

1. God’s compassion never fails.
2. His mercy is new every morning.
3. Great is God’s faithfulness.

How could anyone cry out, “Great is your faithfulness!” in the middle of loss? The answer is that Jeremiah knew God could turn tragedy into triumph. He had a revelation of God’s steadfast love. A love that is resolute despite surrounding circumstances.

Lamentations & You

How about you? Has there been a loss in your life? Have you seen disaster in your home or family? Have you experienced a heart break of any kind?   If so, be encouraged. As you lift your head like Jeremiah and look up, you will see the triumph of Christ on the horizon. God will take the damage you have suffered and turn it into gain. God is your portion. No matter what has occurred in your life, He is your eternal inheritance, lasting measure, and life share.

God is Your Standard for the Flood

Many hundreds of floods occur each year; some are greater in intensity than others. To prevent flood damage, men build defenses such as levees, dams, and reservoirs to deter rivers from bursting over their banks.

One of the greatest dams ever constructed is the Hoover Dam in Black Canyon on the Colorado River, about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. It took 21,000 men, more than 5,000,000 barrels of cement, and 726 feet of height to erect the giant barrier and control the flow of water from Lake Mead. The Hoover Dam power plant generates hydroelectric power for use in Nevada, Arizona, and California. It produces more than 4 billion kilowatt-hours a year. That’s enough to serve 1.3 million people.

If a man made dam can do this—what can God Almighty do for you?

Isaiah declared, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him” (59:19, NKJV).

The Lord declares that He himself will stand as a supporting base against the thing that would seek to bring harm to you! Imagine the power of God in your life! Yes, disaster comes. It came to Jerusalem. It came to Jeremiah. It will come to you. But your lamentation during a disaster can turn to unexplainable joy as God’s dynamic power rushes over you.

God alone causes the clinching of man’s heart to cease:

* He did it for Joseph as Joseph knew God’s promotion and ruled in Egypt.
* He did it for Esther as Esther knew God’s providence and saw the deliverance of the Jews.
* He did it for Ruth as Ruth knew God’s redemption and became the great grandmother of David.
* He did it for David as David knew God’s loving-kindness and led the nation of Israel.
* He did it for the Lord Jesus as Jesus knew God’s sovereign will and died on the cross for your and my sins.

God was steadfast to all of them. And He’ll be steadfast in love to you.

The name Jeremiah means “the Lord exalts.” God will exalt you above your lamentation and sorrow today—just as He did for his prophet of old.

“All your waves and billows have gone over me, and floods of sorrow pour upon me like a thundering cataract. Yet day by day the Lord also pours out his steadfast love upon me” (Psalm 42:7-8, TLB).

Questions: How can your lamentation during a disaster can turn to unexplainable joy?

About the Author Jacqueline Overpeck