A formula for victory

I'm changing course with my daily devotions so this one comes from reading 1 Chronicles 16:37 - 18:17

God I see that you show up where there is righteousness. You gave David so many victories. You brought the story of Joshua and Achan to my mind. Joshua conquered great cities when God was with them. Once unrighteousness entered Israel by Achan stealing, you COULD (not would) not be with Israel when they fought the small town of Ai. A symptom of tolerating unrighteousness is that I’m getting beat by the little things. 


I love a story about a guy who took his 5 year old daughter to feed the ducks at the pond. While they were feeding the ducks, a goose came over and started honking angrily at his daughter. Then the goose runs at the little girl. Protectively the father picks up his daughter and starts running from the goose. The father is 6'3 and 220 lbs. After 15 seconds, a thought enters his mind "Wait a minute, I'm running from a 20 pound goose." He turns around and yells "Hey, stop chasing me or I'm going to punt you." This story always challenges me to see if I'm running from any geese. Any way, back to being spiritual :) 


Joshua’s response is extreme but clarifies what I need to do with the unrighteousness that I have tolerated. Joshua casts lots to find out who sinned and put Achan and his whole family to death. My prayer is that I will put to death all the ways that unrighteousness is trying to take over, so that I will have victories in sharing God’s love with others. 

John 17

John 17 journal

Proverbs of the day Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. This verse challenged me to check for jealousy. Am I jealous of someone in my family or work? How can I let go of that and experience the peace that comes from walking with God?

John 17

Jesus prays that his disciples won’t be taken out of the world, but that they would be protected from the enemy. I also read today about Felix and Paul. Paul would not compromise his integrity and give Felix a bribe. Felix unfairly left Paul in prison. Has life been unfair to you recently? It amazes me how God uses unfair situations to strengthen my character (ouch) and through a stronger character, I can be responsible with the blessing that he has given me. Jesus also prayed that I would come to know the righteous God. I pray that all the distractions will leave me and I will be able to see, hear, and know more of God today