My Beloved Come Away!
Join Erin every morning, who is a God-lover who will help you to DAILY come into the presence of your Lord and Savior— the “Lover of Your Soul.”
Keep your eyes on the Lord, know the One to run to when trials hit, learn to worship, and heal while sitting quietly in His presence and experiencing His love and perfect plan for your life. Experience while reading this very needed-in-your-life resource!
May 1
“May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your Word” (Ps. 119:74).
Beloved, because we wait for the Word of the Lord, we are able to encourage others who hope in Him, those who also fear Him. They will see us, and they will be glad in Him! Hallelujah!! Didn’t God admonish us in His Word that it is our duty, a portion of the call we have on our life, to encourage the fainthearted? Aren’t we to help the weak? Yet, without feasting on His Word, without longing and waiting for the moment that we may indulge in its delicacies, what do we have to offer those who feel they cannot go on?
Oh Beloved, if you say, “But it is I who cannot go on,” I will tell you that there is a feast that has been laid out for you, which you have failed to recognize. You must now feed yourself. You are ready to reach out and take, no longer to be dependent on anyone for the food that your spirit and soul long for. Feast, and then offer just a portion for others to taste and see the goodness of the One whom we call Lord!
🎈May 1
“May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your Word.” (Psalm 119:74).
Beloved child, because you wait for the Word of the Lord, you can encourage others who hope in Him, those who also fear Him. They, too, will be glad in Him! By feasting on His Word, increasing your longing, and waiting for the moment He fulfills your promises, it will supply you with much more you can offer to anyone who feels they cannot go on and aren’t aware of the superpower of waiting.
Oh, Beloved child, feed yourself daily, throughout each day, so you are ready to reach out and take what He is offering you— no longer dependent on anyone for the spirit food your soul naturally longs for. Feast, and then offer a sample to others so they can “taste and see the goodness of the One” whom you call Lord!
May 2
“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words” (Ps. 119:147).
Beloved, do you seek Him early? It is only those who seek early that He says will find Him. Or do you busy yourself with things that really don’t matter? When you meet Him in the stillness and darkness of the night that has not yet lifted, you will see the glorious rising of the sun. It is a picture of the glorious rising of your circumstance that God has allowed. Now you think of Him, long for Him, talk to Him, lean on Him. These are precious days; do not miss them.
Rise early and find the Lord. He is waiting to hear your cry for help so He can send you all that you will need this and every day.
🎈May 2
“I rise early before the sun is up, and I cry out for help and put my hope in Your Words.” (Psalm 119:147).
Beloved child, do you seek Him early? It is only those few who seek Him early that He says will find Him. Ah, isn't it amazing when you meet Him in the stillness and darkness of the night? You can clearly see the magnificent rising of the sun—which is a picture of the splendid rising of your circumstance that God has allowed for a time.
Beloved child, rise early rather than rolling over to get more sleep so you will find the One Whose Words you hope and trust. He is there, waiting for your “Good morning” rather than your panicked cry for help later on in the day. Remember, He is all you will ever need today and every day.
May 3
“Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the Lord . . .” (Gen. 19:27).
Beloved, do you have a place that you can go to be before the Lord? He has given us permission to enter into His gates with thanksgiving and praise. Beloved, this is the King of kings and the Lord of lords that we have permission to go to whenever we have the desire. This is too great to fathom, too wonderful to believe. If our president or the king of a mighty nation were to give you permission to see him, would you not go there early every morning? Knowing what a privilege it was, would you not fail to take advantage of it?
Beloved, as a child of God, you come not as a servant, though we are, but as a son or daughter. We not only enter, but we embrace His face as He holds us in His arms. Do not neglect the privilege of this place. Go early and meet with the One who rules the entire universe. He is waiting for you.
🎈May 3
“Now Abraham arose early in the morning and hurried out to the place where he had stood in the Lord’s presence.” (Genesis 19:27).
Beloved child, where is the special place that you go to where you are in the Lord’s presence? Remember, once you arrive, enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise so that an anthem, a chorus of uplifting songs in your heart, surrounds you.
Beloved child, your Father is the King of kings and the Lord of lords whom you have permission to go to whenever you desire. This is too great to fathom, too wonderful to believe. Imagine if your president or the king of a mighty nation were to permit you to see him; you, of course, would rise early every morning! What a privilege you have!!
Beloved child, as a child of God, you are not a servant, though we serve Him. You are His son or daughter. That means you do not enter His presence bowed down, but you run to Him and embrace Him as He wraps you in His arms. Go early and meet with the One who holds the entire universe in His hands. Run, He is waiting for you.
May 4
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).
Beloved, this is a promise, and God cannot lie for He is truth. However, He has a condition for this blessing. Have you sought Him first? Has He been first every day? Have you done other things ahead of meeting with Him? Is He the first one you seek when you are hurting, when you have a question, when you have no one to talk to? Is He your priority—is He first in your life? Or are you more concerned, more in love with the husband who has left or the boyfriend that you want? Beloved, the Lord sees your heart. I do not judge, but He can judge who is really first in your life.
Beloved, God is faithful. He will fulfill His part if you put Him first in your life and in your heart. God will add all the desires of your heart when you faithfully make Him first.
🎈May 4
“Above all, first, pursue His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33).
Beloved child, this is a promise, and God cannot lie, for He is truth. Yet, like all of God’s promises, He has carefully included a condition for this blessing. Seek and pursue Him first. And once this prerequisite has been fulfilled, by putting Him first in your day before anything else. Once this has happened, He promises, “All these things will be given to you as well.”
Beloved child, God is, above all, faithful. He will fulfill His part as you put Him first in your day, life, and heart. God, the Father, will add all the desires of your heart to your endless list of blessings—when you faithfully make sure He is first.
May 5
“So Abimelech arose early in the morning and called all his servants and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were greatly frightened” (Gen. 20:8).
Beloved, when the Lord speaks to your enemy, will you be ready? Because of Sarah’s obedience, the Lord spoke to her enemies:
“Then God said to him in the dream, ‘Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her. Now therefore, restore the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours’” (Gen. 20:6).
Will you be ready to receive the blessings? God spoke to Abimelech in his dream, in the night. When he arose early, he was ready to make things right with those he had unknowingly offended. Will you be in the proper place to receive when your enemy comes to make things right? So often we sleep. We fail to be sober. We neglect to remember that this is a spiritual battle. We fail to meet with our leader, early, to be ready to fight the battle that lies ahead.
Beloved, you must not fail to be ready, to keep watch. Be ready, rise early, and meet with Him.
🎈May 5
“Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified.” (Genesis 20:8).
Beloved child, will you be ready when the Lord speaks to your enemy? Because of Sarah’s obedience, the Lord spoke to her enemies: “Yes, I know you did this with integrity in your heart. It was I, God, who prevented you from crossing the line. I protected you from yourself by not letting you touch her.’” (Genesis 20:6).
God is the One who spoke to Abimelech in a dream, in the night, so the moment he arose early, he was ready to make things right with those he had unknowingly offended understanding Who had kept him from doing what was not right.
Beloved child, you must not fail to be ready, to keep watch. Be ready, rise early, and meet with Him.
May 6
“Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34).
Beloved, so many become anxious during our wait. We especially become anxious when a trial comes our way. He tells us to be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to make our requests known to Him.
Have you prayed, have you sought His help for your present situation? Not for your future situation, but for your present, this very day? He says not to worry about what is tomorrow and also to forget about the past. It is today that you must seek Him for.
Beloved, let go of the past and do not worry for tomorrow. The Lord has given us this day. He tells us to rejoice in it, and again rejoice!!
🎈May 6
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34).
Beloved child, so many people are plagued with being anxious even though He tells us to be anxious for nothing, but in everything, ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart.
Beloved child, let go of the past and do not worry for tomorrow. Be sure you speak to Him about today. He has planned a day full of things you never imagined or dreamed of—especially the gift of obstacles where you can watch Him show you around, over and through them all! The Lord has given us this day to rejoice and be glad in it!!
★★★★★
May 7
“So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave them to Hagar, putting them on her shoulder, and gave her the boy, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beersheba” (Gen. 21:14).
Beloved, it was early in the morning when Abraham obeyed the Lord and sent the other woman away. No longer did Sarah see her or their son. God, in His mercy—God, who rewards obedience—spoke to Abraham and told him to “listen” to the voice of his wife. It was her desire that she no longer wanted to bear the mocking of the other woman’s presence. And so, early he arose and sent her away.
Beloved, are you walking in that much obedience, that God has set aside a time to speak to those in authority in your life? God did this for me (and many others) who fell in love with their Lord and who proved their love by their obedience to Him. Where are you in your desire to restore your life? Do you have a love affair going on with the Lord? Is He all you can think about? Do you consume His Words as love letters? Are you walking in a self-denying obedience that has proven your love to Him? And has this intimate walk so transformed you into His image that others, especially your loved-ones, are being drawn to the Lord through you?
Beloved, arise early and meet with your Lover.
🎈May 7
“Early the next morning, Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar, the mother of his son. Abraham gave her their son and sent her away. She departed, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness…” (Genesis 21:14).
Beloved child, it was early in the morning when Abraham obeyed the Lord and sent the other woman away. Sarah would no longer mocked by the other woman the moment God told Abraham, to listen to his wife's voice and to send this other woman away.
Beloved child, as you walk in the same obedience, your Father will speak to anyone who has been allowed to torment you for a time after you have made Him your priority.
Beloved child, arise early and meet with the One who longs to be with you.
May 8
“So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him” (Gen. 22:3).
Beloved, there was no delay is Abraham’s willingness to walk in obedience, even when he faced an incredible and painful command, that the son of promise, all his future, was to be sacrificed on the altar—a promise dead. But Abraham knew about the love of God, and, he had been trained in obedience. Heavy of heart, trying desperately to find hope in all of this, he was willing to rise early, to take what he needed, and go to where God had sent him.
Beloved, is your obedience like Abraham’s? Do you listen and obey, rising early to do what the Lord has asked you to do? Or have you failed to do even the little things? Do you live your life daily neglecting to do some of the little tasks that He has impressed on your heart to do? Do you still walk where you want to walk, do what you want to do, say what you want to say, neglecting to recognize that you are His servant, that He is your Lord?
Beloved, you will not be ready for the enormous test that lies ahead when you cannot pass the little ones that you consistently ignore. Seek the Lord this morning. Ask Him to show you the tasks you have failed to do; write them down and do them. Then you will be ready to pass the ultimate test of obedience and be blessed with your promise.
🎈May 8
“Abraham did as he was told. Early in the morning, he got up, saddled his donkey, and taking two of his trusted servants with him and his son Isaac, he cut the wood for the burnt offering and traveled to the place God had spoken to him about.” (Genesis 22:3).
Beloved child, Abraham didn’t wait to obey. He got up early to walk in such incredible obedience when facing an incredible and painful command God had told him about.
Beloved child, imagine being asked to give his son back to His Creator, the son that fulfilled the promise, all his future sacrificed on the altar. Yet Abraham personally knew the love of God, and he had been trained in the art of obedience.
Beloved child, you, too, will be ready for the enormous test that lies ahead all because you, too, consistently practice obedience to God and all those He sets in authority over you—the good, the kind, but also those who are unkind and unfair—so you will be ready to pass your final test of obedience and be blessed with your long-anticipated promise.
May 9
“For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea” (Ps. 107:25).
Beloved, it is the Lord who raises up all the stormy winds that blow against us. When we continually choose to see them coming from the enemy, we respond in ill fashion. It is the sovereign hand of God who does much to cause us discomfort in order that we learn to lean on Him. It helps us to reach down deep in the soil of our souls to lengthen our rooting in Him. It helps to blow away the leaves and bad fruits to be carried away to lighten our branches and thereby allow for new growth.
Beloved, let us praise Him for the winds, especially the stormy winds, which blow against us. Can you share my heart when I praise the Lord for the storm that blew my house down, that revealed where my house had been built? It was only because the Lord allowed my house to fall into rubbish that I could become resolute to rebuild on the rock of my Savior.
Let us watch for the storms that will continue to come our way with expectancy rather than dread, for we know Who has raised them and that He has sent them to perfect us.
🎈May 9
“For He spoke and ordered a violent wind that whipped up and lifted the waves of the sea.” (Psalm 107:25).
Beloved child, never forget that it's the Lord who raises up all the stormy winds that blow against you and your life. No, it’s not the enemy, it is God, your Father who is blowing away the dead leaves and bad fruits to lighten your branches and allow for new growth.
Beloved child, rather than worry, praise Him for the winds, especially the stormy winds, which blow against you. Watch with expectancy rather than dread, for you know Who has raised the gusts to perfect you and lift all your burdens.
May 10
“And in the morning they arose early and exchanged oaths; then Isaac sent them away and they departed from him in peace” (Gen. 26:31).
Beloved, Isaac was blessed this day because of the obedience of his father, Abraham. The enemies that plagued Abraham were not confronting his son. But God told Isaac, “Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and multiply your descendants, for the sake of My servant Abraham” (Gen. 26:24). What a powerful and incredible God we serve! He is faithful to bless our children, and those living around us, for our sakes when we show our loyalty and devotion to Him.
Beloved, in our world today we mock our heritage, we joke about spending the inheritance that we should be leaving for our children. But more than material inheritance, what about the spiritual inheritance that we should be “laying up” for our children and those we love? Will God bless them for our sakes? Oh, Beloved, cannot the love for others forge us on in our quest to restore our families? Could we ever look at them and not yearn to do for them all that we can? Will we selfishly continue to wallow in self-pity and fail to fight for them and their future? What we do today will be passed on to our children and others. Will your loved-ones find water in their dry well, for the sake of His servant, you?
🎈May 10
“Early in the morning, they got up and exchanged oaths [pledging to do nothing but good to each other]. Then Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace and safety.” (Genesis 26:31).
Beloved child, Isaac was blessed because of the obedience of his father, Abraham. God told Isaac, “Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and multiply your descendants, for the sake of My servant Abraham.” (Genesis 26:24).
Beloved child, even though you are young, whatever you do today will be passed on to your children and all the ones you love. Thinking about others and their future, not just yourself and what you want today, will set you on the perfect path for a future of peace and safety for you, your family, and your friends.
May 11
“They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths; their soul melted away in their misery” (Ps. 107:26).
Beloved, does the storm that the Lord has raised up in your life have you in misery? Is your very soul melting away? Oh, how difficult our human nature is, to trust God, to fear not, to take Him at His Word. Let us rejoice, because, through our very weaknesses, He can make us strong. He is stretching us and maturing us so that we can be more like Him. When we can rest in the midst of all the storms that blow into our lives, then will He say, Enter into My rest.
Beloved, if you are presently in the midst of the storm, do not try to control your ship but, instead, roll with the waves. Let go and allow God to send you along on His tide. God sees where you are and where you are headed. He will not allow you to be shipwrecked as long as you are trusting in Him and not in your own strength or understanding. Beloved, learn to relax in your pain, and, in the relaxing, you will find that it greatly eases the distress.
🎈May 11
“Relentless waves lifted the ships high in the sky, then drove them down to the depths; their courage dissolved into misery.” (Psalm 107:26).
Beloved child, when your courage dissolves into misery, it’s the perfect opportunity to thank Him in the midst of your weaknesses. Only He can make you strong, stretching you and maturing you so that you can become more like Him.
Beloved child, when you find yourself in the midst of the storm, do not try to control your ship but, instead, roll with the waves. Let go and allow God to send you along on His tide. God sees where you are and where you are headed. He will not allow you to be shipwrecked as long as you are trusting in Him and not in your own strength or understanding.
Beloved child, learn to relax in your pain, and, in the relaxing, you will find that it eliminates your distress.
May 12
“So Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on its top. And he called the name of that place Bethel; however, previously the name of the city had been Luz. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God’” (Gen. 28:18–21).
Beloved, have you set up a memorial in your mind, in your heart, that you are solely devoted to the Lord? After the Lord meets with you and gives you a special word, or a special verse, do you set it in a place to remember it? These times should not be set aside or reasoned away. They are precious and, very often, vital to your going forward, to your not giving up.
Write it on your heart, in your Bible. Show the Lord that you are holding onto His Word, onto Him. And when doubt or questions arise in your mind, or if someone doubts what you believe, you will have hidden in your heart the faith to go on.
🎈May 12
“So early the next morning, Jacob took the stone he had put under his head, set it up as a pillar, to honor his experience with God, naming that place “house of God.” Then Jacob made a vow: ‘God is going to be with me, keeping me safe on this journey and giving me bread to eat and clothing to wear so that I return to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord will certainly be my God.’” (Genesis 28:18-21).
Beloved child, set up a place of honor in your mind, in your heart, that you are solely devoted to the Lord. After the Lord meets with you and gives you a special Word or a special Promise, ask Him to remind you to use it and grow by it every day.
Beloved child, write experiences like this on your heart, in your Bible, but also ask Him where you can share your testimony—the testimony that could mean someone struggling will be able to overcome the wicked one. Not only will it minister to someone else, but your Father will bring it to mind when you need it most—what you have hidden in your heart—giving you the strength and determination to go on.
May 13
“They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, and were at their wits’ end” (Ps. 107:27).
Beloved, have you come to the end of yourself? Are you at the point where you do not know where to turn or what else you can do? Then rejoice! This place where you have arrived is the place that the Lord has predestined for you. It is the place that all must pass through in order to get His orders for our lives. When we can come to the place where we no longer “go where we want to go” but now say, in sincerity, “Thy will be done,” then we will begin to see God’s plan unfold.
Beloved, it is at this place that many give up and instead take over, take back what little that they have all ready given over, the error being that they think God has made a mistake and cannot be trusted. Oh, no, that is not possible! Nor is it a sign from God that He wants you to “help yourself.” God wants us and longs for us to “lean on Him”—not on our own understanding. Those are His Words and His heart. It is our pride that has the audacity even to think that the Creator of the universe is unable to handle our situation. It is only His patient waiting “that none should perish” that causes our slow progress.
🎈May 13
“They reeled and staggered like drunks. All their skill was useless.” (Psalm 107:27).
Beloved child, when you come to the end of yourself, you are at the perfect place This place where you have arrived is the place that the Lord has planned for you to be. It is the place that everyone must pass through in order to get to the place where we no longer “go where we want to go” but begin to say, “Thy will be done.”
Beloved child, we will begin to see God’s perfect plan unfold once we can give everything over to HIm. God never said that "God helps those who help themself.” God designed us to “lean on Him”—not on our own understanding or strength. Who but the Creator of the universe is able not just to handle our situation but cause something outstanding and impossible to happen?
May 14
“Now the Lord said to Moses, ‘Rise early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh, as he comes out to the water, and say to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Let My people go, that they may serve Me’”’” (Exodus. 8:20).
Beloved, are you ready to present yourself before your enemy? So often we go about our day without preparing ourselves for the day when God will call. The day will come when the test lies before you, ready to be conquered or failed; which will it be?
Do not let a day or moment go by when you have not prepared yourself with humility in dealing with someone, in meekness when something unfair is judged against you, in yearning when you would have time to meet with the Lord but neglect to do so. The Lord said to go early. Are you ready? If He said to “go now,” would your life, your spirit, and your home be in order? Beloved, if your answer is no to any of these, be diligent to do them promptly. And then continue to do them faithfully so that you will be ready when your Master calls you to meet your enemy face to face.
🎈May 14
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Rise up early in the morning and present yourself to Pharaoh, as he goes out to the water, say to him, "Thus says the Lord, ‘Let my people go, that they may serve Me.’” (Exodus. 8:20).
Beloved child, be ready to present yourself before your enemy when the Lord calls you to go. Do not let a day or moment go by when you have not prepared yourself with humility when dealing with someone who is difficult. With your Brother’s example of meekness, be ready to go early every time something unfair comes against you.
Beloved child, continue to spend time, the first moments of your day with your Beloved, so you will be ready when your Master calls you to meet your enemy face to face.
May 15
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses” (Ps. 107:28).
Beloved, have you cried out to the Lord? Maybe you have cried, “Please, Lord, bring my love back home to me!” and your love is still gone. But restoring a life is a progressive journey. Those who were on the ship were not magically or supernaturally set at their destination, but they were brought out of their distresses when they cried out to the Lord. Have you cried out for this particular storm? God wants each storm to be a signal for you to call on Him, to cry to Him so that He can show Himself strong on your behalf. Then, in the midst of this, you will know Him more intimately—glory to God!!
Beloved, never fail to cry out to Him whenever you see the stormy winds begin to blow; never fail to watch for Him when the seas of life, especially along the course you have chosen to travel, are full of the stormy tempest.
🎈May 15
“‘Lord, help us!’ they cried in their trouble, and immediately he saved them from their distress.” (Psalm 107:28).
Beloved child, how beautiful to remember the Lord is just a cry away from immediately coming to your rescue. Never forget, God designs each storm to be a signal for you to call on Him, to cry to Him so that He can show Himself strong on your behalf. Then, in the midst of this terror, you will know Him more intimately!!
Beloved child, never fail to cry out to Him whenever you see the stormy winds begin to blow. Whether the path you’ve chosen to travel is the correct path or you’ve become lost, He has promised to save you from your distress immediately.
May 16
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and say to him, “Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, ‘Let My people go, that they may serve Me’”’” (Exod. 9:13).
Beloved, are the words of the Lord ever present on your lips? Have you devoured His Word ravenously like one who is literally starving for food? Have you sat in the presence of the Lord, so much so that His very being and purpose now rests on you? Have you been faithful to praise Him at all times, in the best and worst of times? Have you consistently kept the faith, that you may please God?
Beloved, be ready with a fitting word for all those who cross your path. Let meekness, gentleness, goodness, and lovingkindness be what consistently comes from your lips. Anger should be gone; if it is not, then request that the Lord break you. For He has faithfully said the He will never despise the broken and contrite spirit. Brokenness is the only way to receive from Him. Because it is in the mending that you become intimately acquainted with Him.
🎈May 16
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Rise up early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh and say to him, "Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, "Let my people go, that they may serve me.”’” (Exodus 9:13).
Beloved child, always remember to identify who you are speaking on behalf of. Moses didn’t tell Pharoah to let his people go. God made sure that Moses clearly stated what the Lord said. Everyone has options, and many believe what they say has value. Yet it’s His Word, what God says, that is the only truth.
Beloved child, be ready and guided by what your Brother left as an example. In all meekness, gentleness, goodness, and lovingkindness— due to brokenness—is how you will become intimately acquainted with Him through this and all your trials.
May 17
“He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed” (Ps. 107:29).
Oh Beloved, who is this we love and worship, whom the seas obey? The awesomeness of God—His power, His sovereignty—is so often forgotten. How could we ever doubt what He can do? Is there anything too difficult for God? How foolish we are! Oh, we of little faith! How is it that we could doubt?
Beloved, cry out to Him and He will calm the storms. Whether the seas of your circumstance continue to rage, you will be calm in your spirit so that you may lie down below sleeping just as Jesus did, right in the midst of the storm.
🎈May 17
“He commanded the storm to calm down, and it became still. A hush came over the waves of the sea.” (Psalm 107:29).
Oh, Beloved child, it’s hard to fathom how you are a child of the One whom the seas obey. The awesomeness of God, your Father—His power, His control over everything. The enemy holds only a small insect’s worth of power as compared to the One who spoke the world into existence.
Beloved child, cry out to Him, and He will calm each storm in your life. Even when the seas of your circumstance continue to rage, your heart will remain calm to the point you will lie peacefully and sleep just as the Lord did right in the midst of the storm. Lie down and feel Him lying next to you, surrounding you with His love and peace.
May 18
“And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. Then he arose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel” (Exodus 24:4).
Beloved, has the Lord ever visited you deep in the night with a word of encouragement? Never fail to write it down. Write down all the words that He has spoken to you. As a thief, the enemy will try and cloud your thoughts the next day; therefore, be sober. Be faithful. Do not yearn for sleep as much as you yearn for Him and His Word. There will be days ahead, when the war is over, when it will not be such a desperate time. For now, you must be ready, be willing to press ahead even if it means losing sleep.
Then, Beloved, after the night breaks way to the morning sun, rise early and come before the Lord with the praise and thanksgiving that He deserves. Allow Him the honor due Him. Sing praises. Lift up holy hands; lift up a voice of singing to Him, for He has been faithful, once again, to meet with you and fulfill the desires of your heart.
🎈May 18
“Moses wrote down in great detail everything that the Lord had said. Then, early the next morning, he woke up and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve stone pillars that represented each one of the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Exodus 24:4).
Beloved child, the next time the Lord visits you in the night with a Word of encouragement, be sure to write it down. Write down all the Words He has spoken to you because God has warned that the enemy comes swiftly to steal, kill, and destroy. Sleep will be given to you after this present battle is over. For now, be ready and be willing to press forward, even if it means losing sleep.
Then, Beloved child, after the night breaks and the morning sun shines, you will be singing songs to Him for His faithfulness and fulfilling the desires of your heart.
May 19
“Then they were glad because they were quiet; so He guided them to their desired haven” (Ps. 107:30).
Beloved, how awesome are these words to us. Once the storms are through, He will faithfully guide us to our desired haven! We may be all turned around, we may have lost our way, but the Lord will be found faithful to guide us, Himself, personally, to our desire. Beloved, hang onto this promise; remember His Word to you. And then rejoice!!
🎈May 19
“Then they were glad that the waters were quiet when He brought them to their desired haven.” (Psalm 107:30).
Beloved child, how magnificent to know that He will faithfully guide you to your desired haven once the storms are over! You may feel that you have lost your way, but the Lord will guide you, Himself, personally, to your desired haven.
Imagine, beloved child, holding tightly to His promise and not waiting to rejoice!!
May 20
“So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play” (Exodus. 32:6).
Beloved, how sad a verse; when left to themselves, those who had been delivered out of bondage, out of the hands of their taskmaster, they returned to the same evils and sin. Oh, Beloved, may it never be so with you. Has the Lord delivered you from a sin, or many sins, that so easily beset you? Have you been faithful to stay away from the temptations of them, to turn from that evil and instead to do good? Or have you slipped back from the strong conviction of that sin and are entertaining your weaknesses? Beloved, only the righteous will be delivered.
Beloved, are there still sins in your life that you need to seek God for? You need only ask, and He will do it. Turn from that sin and seek the Lord. He will deliver you. But you must ask.
Then lift up holy hands and praise God in the sanctuary!
🎈May 20
“Early the next morning, they arose, offered burnt offerings, and presented fellowship offerings. The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to party.” (Exodus. 32:6).
Beloved child, the ways of the world, like partying, can become tempting if you forget that you are not of the world. It’s why God says, ‘If you were of the world, belonged to the world, the world would love you; but because you are not of the world, because I chose you out of the world, therefore the world, its people, hate you.’
Beloved child, what you have is for eternity. While dancing and partying lasts for a night, it’s the joy of the Lord that will reflect the radiance that is reserved for His children. You are set apart.
May 21
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!” (Ps. 107:31).
Beloved, have you taken time, today, to thank the Lord for His lovingkindness? Have you taken time, today, to thank the Lord for His wonders? Have you done this in private or have you shown this to those you know and meet? Oh, Beloved, God is looking to show Himself to others, those who don’t know Him, those who may presently doubt His existence. We are to be His ambassadors. Have you spoken of Him today? Yesterday? Daily? Is your heart singing; is it merry with the thought of His lovingkindness? With all of this praise on your lips and such joy in your heart, could anyone resist coming to know Him?
Beloved, if instead your countenance has fallen, if you have allowed this gloom to override the thoughts of your Deliverer, then I admonish you to repent. Lie on your face and cry from deep in your heart. Then begin to muse over all that God has done and is doing in your life. Have you been faithful to make a list of all your answered prayers, all the awesome and spectacular things God has done for you and through you? This is a personal encouragement list. It is a list of the truth when the enemy or your flesh whispers lies in your ears that would otherwise make you doubt. If there exists not such a list, then do it now and ask God to remind you of all He has done. He will be faithful.
🎈May 21
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loyal love, and for the amazing things He has done for the people.” (Psalm 107:31).
Beloved child, take time, today, right now—to thank the Lord for His loyal love and for the amazing things He has done!!
Oh, Beloved child, God is always looking to show how amazing He is to the lost, to those who don’t know Him, and to those who may presently doubt His existence. You were called as His child to be His ambassador in order to let His light shine through you so they can see what a wonderful Father they can have just by opening their heart to Him and asking to be His son or His daughter.
Beloved child, believe and imagine each of the important people in your life becoming His!!
May 22
“So he cut out two stone tablets like the former ones, and Moses rose up early in the morning and went up to Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and he took two stone tablets in his hand” (Exodus. 34:4).
Beloved, always we see the men of valor being faithful to do what the Lord has called them to do, and to do it early. Never do you see a hesitancy or pause in their obedience. They do not show the Lord delayed obedience, but instant obedience. It is during the hesitancy that we begin to reason; and when we lean unto our own understanding, we can become disobedient to our Lord and Master.
Beloved, it is a very narrow gate that we must enter, and a very narrow path we must tread. It must be taken with complete dependence and obedience to the Lord. We must hear and then instantly obey. We must tune our ears to listening to that still small voice. Listen to the voice of the Lord, and obey His commands today.
🎈May 22
“So Moses cut two stone tablets that were exactly like the first set. He woke up early the next morning and climbed up Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets, just as the Lord had instructed him to do.” (Exodus 34:4).
Beloved child, as a man or woman of God, a person of valor is faithful to do, be sure to set out and do it early. Never hesitate or pause in your obedience when He lays something on your heart.
Beloved child, never practice delayed obedience with the authority God put over you to train you to obey Him immediately. Because when you hesitate or wait to obey, is when you will begin to reason—when you will lean to your own understanding, which leads to disobedience to your Lord and Master.
Beloved child, it is a very narrow gate that you are entering every day—a very narrow path you are called to travel. Listen for His voice, and then instantly obey. He says His sheep hear His still small voice and follow Him and His commands.
May 23
“Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people, and praise Him at the seat of the elders” (Ps. 107:32).
Beloved, have you extolled, paid tribute to your King? Have you honored, praised, hailed, exalted, exclaimed, and glorified Him who is worthy? Have you magnified and worshiped Him? Beloved, He is so worthy of our praise! But there are those who forget even to thank Him. They keep quiet in the midst of other believers. They even fail to send back a praise report to those who have faithfully prayed for their desperate situation! How sad, how tragic—how we are so full of introspection that we can only see the bad, but ignore or fail to mention the blessings.
Beloved, are we not told that if He be lifted up all men will be drawn to Him? Instead we lift our trouble up for the entire world to see so that our Savior has not a place to stand above the people. They must see His glory! Today do not fail to go back and share what the Lord has done for you. Speak to all who have prayed for you. Speak to all those who saw you in your misery. Speak to all the elders, especially those who doubted God’s ability. You may not yet have all the promises you are believing God for, but there is much that He is doing in your life that shows His greatness. Then will God know that He can grant your petition because you have built Him a tall pillar on which to place your miracle.
🎈May 23
“Let them praise Him publicly before the assembly and before the leaders of the nation.” (Psalm 107:32).
Beloved child, what an honor you have to praise the Lord and show esteem to your Father.
Beloved child, He is so worthy of our praise! Never hide His blessings or keep quiet about each of His blessings that are clearly from Him.
Beloved child, each time you praise Him, He says He inhabits or resides and lives in those praises—imagine how you are bringing the very presence of God right there, where you are—especially in the darkest and most hopeless of situations.
May 24
“Now Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord” (Josh. 6:12).
Beloved, when you move out into your day, make sure that the Lord goes with you. It was as they took the presence of the Lord with them that they had the confidence to take the city. They did not wait but rose early in the morning. How often have you failed to move when the Lord impressed upon you to humble yourself or speak a kind word in due season? Beloved, do not fail to quickly obey, but it must be with humility.
Beloved, are you broken, humble in spirit? God tells us that He will not despise a humble and contrite heart. You can know your heart by your response to the adversity that sneaks up on you. Is there still anger, resentment that wells up in your emotions? Then, Beloved, you need to ask the Lord to break you; do it now and He will be faithful to answer your prayer.
🎈May 24
“Bright and early the next morning, Joshua had the priests pick up the ark of the Lord.” (Joshua 6:12).
Beloved child, when you start out each day, make sure that the Lord goes with you. When they took the Lord’s presence with them, they had the confidence to take the city and win the battle. They did not wait but rose bright and early in the morning!
Beloved child, it’s when you feel broken that He provides the perfect humbled heart where the Lord will take up residence and live. And it’s how you respond to the adversity, trouble, misery, and torment that takes you by surprise that is testing your heart to show your humility. So rather than become fearful when things like this happen, look at them as they were sent—as opportunities to advance in His Kingdom of Light.
May 25
“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Heb. 5:8).
Beloved, there is no other way than by suffering for us to be truly refined. Oh, how the pain of the suffering makes us draw back. Yet, if we can press into it rather than away from the pain, we will feel the very heartbeat of our Lord who is “acquainted with our grief.” Those in the world run from pain or do their best to numb it with drugs, drinking, illicit relationships, or entertainment. But Beloved, it is only truly nullified through one very special relationship, that of our Love, our Lord and Redeemer.
Beloved, there is no other way for us to learn obedience. We must suffer to learn how to truly obey Him from our hearts, so that we can honestly say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
🎈May 25
“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things He suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8).
Beloved child, here’s proof that there is no other way than through suffering for us to be like Him. Yet, as humans, we naturally pull back and do our best to avoid difficulties that cause us pain. Nevertheless, as you learn to press into the pain rather than back away from the pain, you will begin to feel the very heartbeat of the Lord, who is “acquainted with your grief.”
Beloved child, on the opposite side, those living in the world run from pain and do their best to numb it with drugs, drinking, immoral behavior, and entertainment.
Yet, Beloved child, as you know, the only true way to be rid of all pain and trouble is through your very special relationship, that of your Love, your Lord, and your Redeemer—the Father of the universe.
May 26
“Then it came about on the seventh day that they rose early at the dawning of the day and marched around the city in the same manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times” (Josh. 6:15).
Beloved, have you been faithful to remain silent? To faithfully walk around your walled promise that has been stolen from you? Beloved, if you have instead neglected to remain quiet, opening not your mouth when you were led to the slaughter, then repent on your face before the Lord. He was faithful to walk this humble walk to be our example; we can follow in His steps. Has pride kept you from following in His steps? For it is none other than pride when we believe we don’t deserve the ill treatment that we have been receiving.
Oh Beloved, who but our Lord deserves to be exalted, to be treated with honor? But He was shamed, treated as a blasphemer, spat upon, whipped, and hung on a rugged cross for the entire world to see. And we complain. Let us get down on our faces and repent of the pride that has caused us to tell others our woes.
🎈May 26
“On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times.” (Joshua 6:15).
Beloved child, rise early, at dawn, and follow your Father's exact plan. Take the city for Him. Be ready to shout your praise and blow your horn, watching the walls fall, revealing the treasures stored by the wicked that will be turned over to you!
Oh, Beloved child, who but your Father deserves to be exalted, to be treated with honor by His sons and daughters? Who but His children are the Ones He will ultimately bless? Yes, it’s you!!
May 27
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Beloved, through our suffering the Lord has promised to perfect us. He has begun that “good work” in and through you, and He has promised to complete it. How often have we given in to thoughts of giving up? Yet, with this verse in our minds, we can see that if we choose to fall away from our current trial, God will be faithful to allow a new trial in order that our suffering will have its perfect work in us.
Beloved, He wants us to be perfect, lacking nothing, when we are brought into His glory, at that time when we see Him face to face. Oh, how these “light afflictions” will not be able to compare with the glory that awaits us! How many of us who have delivered a baby can look into the face of that new baby and remember clearly the pain endured that has since passed? Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
🎈May 27
“For I am sure, I am confident of this one thing, that the One who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of His coming.” (Philippians 1:6).
Beloved child, remember that the Lord has promised to perfect you through your suffering. He has begun His “good work” in and through you, and He has promised to complete it. You didn’t choose your current ordeal and difficulties; it is God Himself who chose each one to allow a new opportunity for you to seek His path through your suffering to have its perfect work completed in you.
Beloved child, He longs that you be perfect, lacking nothing, when you meet Him face to face. Oh, how these “light afflictions” will never compare with the magnificence you will experience one day! And the best path to reach this is to keep your eyes on the Author and Finisher of your faith.
May 28
“So Joshua arose early in the morning and brought Israel near by tribes… and said to Achan, ‘My son, I implore you, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me’” (Josh. 7:16, 19).
Beloved, when you are losing the battles that are waging war against you, then you must look to sin in your life. God faithfully leads us to victory. He promises that the power in us is greater than the adversary of this world, that we can overcome the evil with the good that we do; however, Beloved, when there is sin in our lives, we will lose. God is a Holy God and He is just. When there is sin, we do not walk in His power; we cannot.
Beloved, examine your heart. What is hidden in there that you have ignored? What have you failed to do? Seek God this morning and, once He speaks to your heart, once He brings to mind the things you have failed to do, then write them down and commit to do them. Only then will you see the victories being won that will lead you to the restoration in your life.
🎈May 28
“Bright and early the next morning, Joshua brought the people who were defeated in their battles for the Promised Land. ‘My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, by telling the truth. Make your confession and tell what you have done. Don’t hide it from me.’” (Joshua 7:16, 19).
Beloved child, when you are losing the battles that are waging war against you, then you must be quick to confess and never hide it from your Father, who sees all and knows all.
Beloved child, when you try to hide your failures, you will lose not just your peace but the blessings God designed to give you.
Beloved child, ask Him to examine your heart and show you anything that is unpleasing to Him. Then simply confess and ask He set you back high on His Rock. That’s where you see each of the victories about to be won that will lead the lost to the restoration in their life.
★★★★★
May 29
“Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11).
Beloved, here was Paul, who had known suffering. He had been rejected, forsaken, stoned, shipwrecked, and faced a host of other trials. Yet he tells us that he has no wants. He tells us that he has learned, through his many trials, that he can be content in any and all circumstances he finds himself in. Is this not why the Lord has allowed this trial in your life? Are you barely holding on in this trial but could slip if another one comes along? Is it because you are also holding on to bitterness?
Beloved, couldn’t Paul have been equally embittered? He had given up his position to spread the gospel and the result was suffering. But didn’t Jesus tell us that we would suffer? Didn’t He tell us to take up our cross? A cross is a symbol of suffering, of dying to self. Yet, we complain and whine and say “Why me?!” Let us all pray that we can learn contentment in each and every circumstance that we find ourselves in.
🎈May 29
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have been given.” (Philippians 4:11).
Beloved child, the Apostle Paul experienced unimaginable suffering: He was rejected, forsaken, stoned, shipwrecked, and faced a series of other trials, yet said he was never in need. He said that he learned to be content with whatever he was given, good or bad, he was content.
Beloved child, how easily Paul could have complained and become bitter, but rather than complain and whine and say, “Why me?!” he learned contentment in the very same way you, as His child, are learning every day to be content in any and every circumstance that you find yourselves in.
May 30
“And you shall rise from your ambush and take possession of the city, for the Lord your God will deliver it into your hand . . . Now Joshua rose early in the morning and mustered the people, and he went up with the elders of Israel before the people to Ai” (Josh. 8:7–10).
Beloved, once the sin is out of your life, prepare yourself. For once the obedience has been accomplished, the Lord will call you early and He will deliver the enemy into your hand—hallelujah!! God wants to move in your life; God wants to bless you and restore your life. He has a date on His calendar—will you be ready or will He pass you by? Yes, He can pass you by. God says to pray, “Thy will be done.” If God’s will were always accomplished without prayer, then He wouldn’t have asked us to pray. He goes onto say, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us...” Beloved, you will encounter many temptations in your desire to restore what the enemy has taken—temptations to go against His principles, to make an exception “just this one time”; to be deceived by the “angel of light” to fight in the flesh instead of in the spirit, instead of on your knees in prayer.
Beloved, when He calls you to take the city, will sin or obedience undone keep you from your victory?
🎈May 30
“Then you will rise up from your hiding place and capture the city. The Lord your God will hand it over to you. So bright and early the next morning, Joshua gathered the army, and he and the leaders marched at the head to Ai.” (Joshua 8:7-10).
Beloved child, be ready for when the Lord calls you early when He hands your enemy over to you!! Your Father is about to move in your life to bless you and restore everything that is broken or stolen from you. He has the date marked on His calendar, so be ready—today may just be the day!!
Beloved child, the enemy will try to tempt you to do what you know in your heart is wrong. But, turn from that evil and do good. It’s the scheme of the enemy who does his best to make you miss what is about to come into your life.
Beloved child, when He calls you to take the city for Him, be ready!!
May 31
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:3).
Beloved, when we are caught in our own pain and torment, it is so easy to have our focus inward. However, when we focus on ourselves we become blind to those who suffer right around us. Are we not the blessed who know God and His comfort, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who saved us while we were yet sinners? That we know personally the God of all comfort, the Father of mercies that are new every morning? With this comfort that we have received in our affliction, we are to go and comfort others. But it will take our looking out and seeing those poor souls who suffer, and suffer alone.
Beloved, when was the last time you sought to comfort another? When was the last time you looked into the face of those who may be short-tempered with you to see the pain that lies behind that attitude? And can we forget that if they do not know God, they are quite alone in their sufferings? They have no one who has promised never to “leave or forsake them.”
Beloved, right now ask the Lord to give you His eyes to see into the hearts of the hurting. And then comfort with a kind word, a promise to pray for them, or a gentle touch. And then, my dearly Beloved, watch how the Lord refills your heart with new mercies so that you may be able to comfort more hurting souls tomorrow.
🎈May 31
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3).
Beloved child, you are blessed to know God and have experienced His comfort, not just to be comforted yourselves, no. It was designed so you are ready to go and comfort others.
Beloved child, right now, ask the Lord to give you His eyes to see into the hearts of the hurting and to put in your heart the kind word of encouragement, a promise to pray for them, and maybe a gentle touch.
Then, my dearly Beloved child, watch how the Lord causes your heart to overflow with new mercies every morning, equipt with a heart to comfort more hurting hearts tomorrow and every day.