Tag Archive for: Israelites

Beautiful people

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Beautiful People (Copy)

“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are”—Markus Zusak.

Today’s society relies so much on exterior beauty as a compass for determining worth and physical attractiveness. Size matters. Fitting into a “0-1-2” is considered lovely or glamorous. If the path to accomplish this goal leads to emotional trauma and anorexia, this is not healthy or appropriate.

When faced with a decision regarding a suitable warrior, shepherd boy David was chosen. Age was against him. He was not extremely tall or built large physically. In fact, Goliath towered over young David. Anyone could see that he posed no match for the Philistine giant. Other than battling wild animals to fend off destroying his flock, David possessed no war medals. Yet, God counted him a worthy defender of the Israelites. David’s inner strength and victory came from his commander and chief: God.

Women and men look on the outside, but God looks on the inside. What’s beneath the surface is the stuff that equals courage. Is there evidence of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in my life? (Galatians 5:22, 23)

I want to be beautiful—beautiful on the inside; what I am not just who I say I am. To do this, my actions should reflect my words. My words reflect what’s in my heart and mind. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Dear God, Thank you for providing the model for beauty. You sacrificed Your only Son so that I could enjoy life to the fullest. I want to be worthy of this ultimate gift by reflecting beauty from the inside out. You are more concerned about what’s in my heart.

What character qualities are you cultivating?

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Prescription for Discouragement (Part III):

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God knows when I’m tired and just want to roll over and sleep. He knows when I can’t pay one more bill or make a phone call to a friend of family member. We all need that critical refreshment and renewal time.    Muskegon Lake shoreline

Help me recognize when I need to schedule quiet, down-time alone and with you, God. You don’t confuse physical weariness with spiritual weakness. You allowed Elijah to sleep – then he was ready for the battle and ready to receive much-needed insight from You.

Then God appears to Elijah—not in a great and powerful wind, not through an earthquake, nor in the fire, but “after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). But God, I’m been zealous for you, but those Israelites—they keep rejecting you. And now I am the only one left to serve you and they’re trying to kill me too.

Once Elijah finished his pity party, God then gave Elijah his marching orders. Oh, and by the way, there remained 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal. God knows the WHOLE story. Just like Elijah, we don’t see the entire picture, but God does!

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Be strong

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

God encourages Joshua as a new generation of Israelites prepares to enter the promise land. They’d been wandering around for 40 years in the desert. I’m guessing they were mighty eager for a chance to finally cross over to Canaan and wondered more than once when they’d be finished wandering. Those words bring comfort to me too. Just like Joshua and the Israelites, I need to remember that no matter where God leads, He’ll be there by my side and promises to never leave me.

Discouragement enters my heart when a loved one misunderstands me and a close relationship goes sour. My tendency is to want to fix it right now. My mind projects into the future and dwells on a worst case scenario outcome. I find it hard to be patient and wait for God to work out the situation His way and in His perfect timing. God knows what I’m going through and the defeat I feel.  The remedy is to put on the full armor of God, stand strong and be courageous. With God on my side, who can be against me?

Prayer: Dear God, forgive me for being so impatient and wanting it my way right now.

Ask: Is there some battle or war you must fight this week? Do you believe God knows about your struggle? Is there any reason why you cannot let go and let God shoulder the burden for you?

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