Depend on God. Persistently!

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that title. You might read 'Welcome,' the first post, dated November 12, 2008, in the archives

Tuesday, May 19. 2009
Devotions: Ps 78; Deut 8:11-20; Jas 1:16-27; Lk 11:1-13

God established His testimony among the house of Jacob, and commanded each generation to teach God’s words and ways to rising generations, so that they would know and obey their God. But time and again, the people of Israel fell away from YHWH and His covenant; the more He was faithful, the more they turned away, testing God, even as He was sustaining them in the wilderness with water, bread and meat. God’s anger led to the deaths of many, yet the hearts of the people were not steadfast toward God. He restrained His vengeance. He delivered the people from bondage in Egypt, mastering the gods and magicians and kings of that nation, eventually slaying the firstborn of the Egyptian people and even their animals. Even then, the offspring of Israel continued to grumble against YHWH and test His power and patience. Eventually, God chose the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion; He chose David to be His servant leading His people—a shepherd to be God’s undershepherd in caring for God’s people.

Moses warned the people of this tendency: ‘Take care not to forget or ignore your God; keep His commands, ordinances and statutes. Recall how He delivered you and guided you through the wilderness to the land of promise. He gives you the power and wealth you have. If you forget YHWH, you will surely perish. Hear God and obey Him, or die.

James writes: ‘Don’t be deceived, Christians! Everything good comes as a gift from God, the Father of lights, in Whom is no shadow or variation. He created us by His will and word, to be the first fruits among His creatures. So let each person be slow to speak and to become angry; human anger doesn’t work godly righteousness! Put away all filthiness, the rankness of the wicked, and receive the word implanted into you, which can save your souls!

His disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. He replied, ‘Pray thus: Our Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come! Each day, give us our daily bread; and forgive our sins, for we also forgive everyone indebted to us. And preserve us from trial; don’t lead us into temptation.’ Jesus continued: ‘Persist in your praying; keep on asking, seeking and knocking, and God will provide, answer and open for you! Human parents know how to give good gifts—how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!’