Well, it’s been a while since my last post, but I will work on backfilling them. It’s been a time of needing to take a stand. It’s been an interesting situation where I am finding myself looking for a new job while not already being employed. I know God has a plan and things are coming together in His timing and so I don’t need to be worried and definitely don’t need to be ashamed. God’s writing a new story through the life I am living that will be for my good and His glory. Have you ever found yourself in an in between or transition place? How did it make you feel? How did you respond? Were you able to stand firm on God’s promises?
Taking a stand when Navigating the Mountains of Wednesday
When Wednesday starts to feel more like a mountain in the way than speedbump, how do you respond? I remember getting God’s message on that Wednesday back in March when I wrote Inspired: There it is in front of you, remember God is greater. Of all the weeks, it came to me during Inspire week. Of all the messages, it was the answer to the question I had and prepared me for the journey that was ahead of me. Even as I find myself in the middle, making my way back and looking to the promised land, I cling to “Here in the middle is where God promises to be“.
Key Takeaway:
Even in the midst of challenges, God’s presence sustains us. Trusting in His greatness enables us to persevere through difficult times.
Scripture Reference:
Psalm 121:1-2 - "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
Application:
When faced with overwhelming circumstances, remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and rely on His strength to carry you through.
Stand by Fathering in Faith: Navigating Uncharted Territory
As dads, this can be a hard place to be. Being the dads God created, purposed, and planned for us to be and yet we are in this unknown land and not yet sure what is going to happen. The dads, our wives need us to be and yet not in a place we are comfortable in or sure how long we want to be here. Being the dads, our kids need us to be and so walking by faith and trusting God so that they can see us walking by faith instead of fear. We need to lean into God more and not allow the lies and deception similar to the 10 spies before going into the promised land and causing all of the Israelites 20 and older from getting to experience the promised land except for the two Caleb and Joshua who had faith that with God all things are possible.
Key Takeaway:
Fathers are called to lead their families with faith, even in uncertain times. Trusting God’s promises enables us to be the fathers our families need.
Scripture Reference:
Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Application:
As fathers, prioritize faith over fear, leading by example and trusting in God’s faithfulness to guide your family through every challenge.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: HERE I STAND
Verse: 2 Timothy 1:8
'So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. '
Luther’s Stand for Truth: A Legacy of Conviction
Today’s Devotional kicks off with a story about Martin Luther when he “was asked to recant his teaching against the church” where “he made a bold statement to the Diet of Worms in 1521. He answered:
“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. May God help me. Amen.”
Luther made this statement in defense of his writings during the Diet of Worms in 15211. It reflects his unwavering commitment to truth based on both Scripture and reason. Luther’s stance emphasizes that he would not recant his beliefs unless convinced otherwise by these two authoritative sources. His courage and conviction continue to inspire generations.
https://sl.bing.net/bWbanRABQJ2
Leading by Example: Joshua’s Stand for Faith
When we are faced with challenges and someone challenges our faith as dads, we need to take a stand for God. Today’s Devotional continues with the scriptual example of how Joshua responded in his farewell addressL
‘“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” ‘
Joshua 24:14-15
Joshua took a stand and gave the Israelites two options as we see above, “choose to serve the God of Israel or choose idols.” It was a personal decision that each person was going to have to make, similar to how salvation through Jesus is a personal decision that not only determines our today but also shares our tomorrow. Let’s be the dads who lead by example and speak for us and our homes “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Renewing Our Commitment: Taking a Stand for God
Today’s devotional closes out with this challenge for us: “Perhaps today you need to renew your commitment to God. Take a stand. Declare, ‘Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me.'”
“Our strength is seen in the things we stand for; our weakness is seen in the things we fall for.”
THEODORE EPP
