Tevah

by Macy Johnson

“But when she could hide him no longer,

she got a papyrus basket for him

and coated it with tar and pitch.

Then she placed the child in it

and put it among the reeds

along the bank of the Nile.”

(Exodus 2:3 NIV)

 

Sometimes I feel like I am floating in a rudderless box. Not unlike Moses, as a baby, when his mother hid him in the reeds of the Nile River. Not unlike Noah in the ark. But the frustration is even more real when someone you love cannot be steered by you. I sit and watch the water rise and I pray.

November 8 - Good News

 

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

(Isaiah 61:1 NIV)

 

The prophets of old, like Isaiah, were used by God to point toward the Messiah, Jesus Christ. I want Him to use me. I want to proclaim liberty to those who have been captive by sin. I will listen for His call to serve. I hope you will, too! 

November 7 - Humble Heart

 

“All a man’s ways seem right to him,

but the Lord weighs the heart.”

(Proverbs 21:2 NIV)

 

I want to have a heart that is teachable and humble. I want to be willing to be corrected and have the wisdom to admit when I am wrong. My heavenly Father promised to be close to me when I walk in humility. He will weigh my heart and let me know what I lack and how to be filled with Him. I will seek good for others before seeking my own. I hope you will, too!

November 6 - Bedtime Prayers

 

“When you lie down,

you will not be afraid;

when you lie down,

your sleep will be sweet.”

(Proverbs 3:24 NIV)

 

Sabine Baring-Gould, born in 1834, plunged into his work. He declared he often did his best work when he felt least inclined to apply himself to the task. He stuck to every task until it was finished. He was once responsible for more books in the British Museum library than any other author. He wrote “Now the Day is Over” and many more hymns. I will rest in the arms of Jesus tonight. I hope you will, too!

November 5 - Godly Instruction

 

“For everything that was written

in the past was written to teach us,

so that through endurance

and the encouragement of the Scriptures,

we might have hope.”

(Romans 15:4 NIV)

 

God’s Word is completely sufficient for godly instruction. I find encouragement and hope as I read and study His Word. It guides me in all things. Each word on the page confirms in my heart that God is real and I belong to Him. Even though I have never seen God with my human eyes, I trust Him. I hope you will, too!

November 4 - Prepared

 

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action;

be self-controlled; set your hope fully

on the grace to be given you

when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

(1 Peter 1:13 NIV)

 

Am I obeying God’s commands with unbridled joy or gritted teeth? Is my mind in a “get to” or “have to” serve mode? Can I embrace and enjoy obedience? Will I serve out of self-controlled love or self-serving complaint? I will declutter my mind so I can always be on watch for Christ’s return. I look with joy and hope for that day! I hope you will, too! 

November 3 - Guaranteed Outcome

 

“Hope does not disappoint us,

because God has poured out His love

into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

whom He has given us.”

(Romans 5:5 NIV)

 

Keep your eye on the prize. Biblical hope is expecting an outcome, because it has been promised by your heavenly Father, not just wishing it will happen. It is an ongoing anticipation of what is on its way to you now. One day I will be like Jesus when I see Him face to face. I look forward to that day! I hope you will, too!