THE FIRST 15. “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:6-7 You are the child of God, brought into his family by the power and grace of Jesus’ sacrifice for you. As believers, we hear we are God’s children. But often we don’t live our lives in response to that truth and instead live out of the mindset of an orphan. Children don’t worry when they have a good father. They don’t wonder if they’ll be able to eat, if they’re loved or if they have a place in this world. The unconditional love of a parent lays a foundation for them to have secure peace and joy. Your God desires the same for you. God wants to lay an unshakable foundation for you based solely on his love for you as his child so that when the storms come and waves crash over you, you remain strong in your identity. First, let’s look at what Scripture says about you, and then take some time to respond to God’s word in faith. John 1:12-13 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Galatians 4:6-7 says, “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Finally, 2 Corinthians 6:18 says, “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Through adoption into God’s family you are now a co-heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 says that we are God’s children, “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” You were born again into God’s family when you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. So what does it mean to be God’s child? What does it mean to be a co-heir with Christ? It means that all that is God’s is yours. He shares with you his kingdom. You have a Father who gives you amazing gifts. You have a Father who absolutely loves spending time with you. Your heavenly Dad’s love for you knows no bounds. His love is pervasive, powerful, and freely given. You no longer need to worry about whether you have a place in this world. There’s no need to concern yourself with whether you will have clothes or food. You no longer have to live in pursuit of the opinions of those around you. God enjoys you. He has a plan for you. He doesn’t take being your Father lightly. He takes complete ownership of his responsibility. He will strengthen you, teach you, develop you, and give you a life of passion and meaning. To be the child of God is to be loved, liked, and completely cared for. So how can you live in response to God’s word? How can you get out of the mindset of an orphan? You must have faith that God is who he says he is and believe he will do what he’s promised to do. Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” You have heard the word of the Lord today. You are his child. He promises to provide for you. So have faith! Faith isn’t something you just conjure up. It’s a response to God’s faithfulness. God has and will be faithful to you. Allow his word to stir up faith within you today. Live in response to his promises and allow the peace and joy of being God’s child to lay an unshakable foundation for you today. 1. Meditate on the truth of God’s word. You are his child. Let it sink deep into your heart. “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:6-7 2. Now ask the Spirit to show you any mindsets you have that don’t line up with his word. Where in your life do you feel stressed? What makes you feel like you don’t have what it takes? Where do you feel unloved or unliked? 3. Now ask God to speak to those places. What does it mean for you to be his child? What about your life should be different? Cast off those mindsets and realign your way of thinking with God’s. “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 God’s love for you is sure. There is nothing you could ever do to remove yourself from his family. Once you are his child, you are his forever. As a Christian you are living under God’s grace, not works. God loves you because he loves you—not because of what you think about yourself or what you do. Therefore, release any thoughts you have of yourself that don’t line up with God’s word. Let go of any burdens you’re carrying today in light of his love. And experience the transforming power of a life lived in response to the faithfulness of God. Extended Reading: Galatians 4

April 18th, 2026 People who have been Christians for a long time sometimes forget that we don't deserve the grace we've been given. When we think we deserve it or that it is ours by right, it is no longer grace, and we no longer live in it. Grace is what makes us a part of God's family. Grace is a simple and beautiful gift from the Holy One, who spoke the universe into existence (in which we are a tiny speck) and who knows how to share and love in ways we can't even imagine. PRAYER I can't do anything but fall down on my knees and thank you, Almighty God, for all the love you have shown me. I can't understand how powerful you are. Your great holiness is hard for me to comprehend. Still, I have all of your grace because your love cost you so much. Thank you. "Thank you!" is something I say a million times. In the name of my Lord Jesus. Amen.

Instructions from the Bible about times like we live in now. 1 Peter 4:7-11 NKJV The end of all things is at hand; therefore keep sane and sober for your prayers. Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace; whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

NATURE; THE KEY TO UNLOCK A TREASURE HOUSE. Consider the wondrous works of God ... the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge. Job 37:14-16 The whole natural world is designed to be an interpreter of the things of God. To Adam and Eve in their Eden home nature was full of the knowledge of God, teeming with divine instruction. To their attentive ears it was vocal with the voice of wisdom. Wisdom spoke to the eye, and was received into the heart; for they communed with God in His created works.... In the natural world God has placed in the hands of the children of men the key to unlock the treasure house of His Word. The unseen is illustrated by the seen; divine wisdom, eternal truth, infinite grace, are understood by the things that God has made. As the dwellers of Eden learned from nature’s pages, as Moses discerned God’s handwriting on the Arabian plains and mountains, and the Child Jesus on the hillsides of Nazareth, so the children of today may learn of Him.... On everything upon the earth, from the loftiest tree of the forest to the lichen that clings to the rock, from the boundless ocean to the tiniest shell on the shore, they may behold the image and superscription of God. Here are mysteries that the mind will become strong in searching out.... All may find themes for study in ... the spires of grass covering the earth with their green velvet carpet, the plants and flowers, ... the lofty mountains, the granite rocks, ... the precious gems of light studding the heavens to make the night beautiful, the exhaustless riches of the sunlight, the solemn glories of the moon, the winter’s cold, the summer’s heat, the changing, recurring seasons, in perfect order and harmony, controlled by infinite power; here are subjects which call for deep thought, for the stretch of the imagination. [113]

🙋‍♂️ G’day 🆔 DAY 5 – PEACE AND THANKSGIVING When Christ Is My Peace and My Praise 🌅 #WorshipAndTheWord – It Is Well When Christ Is My Song 🎶 #ItIsWell #HoratioSpafford🎶#MyTribute #AndraeCrouch #MiscGospel When Jesus rules the heart, peace becomes stronger than the storm. ✨ ✝️ Christ has not merely given temporary comfort — He has secured eternal peace through His death and resurrection. Because of the cross, guilt is broken, fear is answered, and the soul can rest in the finished work of Jesus. ✝️ This changes how we walk through pressure, grief, uncertainty, and spiritual battle. We do not deny the storm, but we refuse to bow to it. In Christ, we stand steady, give thanks, and declare that He is worthy in every season. 📝 Peace That Guards the Heart ✏️ God’s peace is not fragile; it stands watch over the believer. 📖 Philippians 4:6-7 — NIV “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ➡️ When we bring everything to God, peace becomes our guard, not panic. 📝 Christ-Centred Gratitude ✏️ Thanksgiving is the right response to the goodness and mercy of God. 📖 Hebrews 13:15 — NIV “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.” ➡️ Praise is not based on convenience; it is the fruit of a life anchored in Jesus. 📝 Give Thanks in Every Season ✏️ Gratitude is a command that keeps the heart aligned with God’s will. 📖 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — NIV “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ➡️ Thanksgiving in every season strengthens faith and keeps joy alive. 📝 Let Peace Rule and Gratitude Overflow ✏️ Peace and thankfulness grow together in a Christ-governed heart. 📖 Colossians 3:15 — NIV “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” ➡️ Where Christ rules, peace leads and gratitude follows. 🎺 Beloved: Do not let sorrow write your theology. Do not let pressure decide your confession. Jesus Christ is Lord in the valley as surely as on the mountain. Your peace is not found in circumstances changing quickly, but in Christ reigning fully. Reject anxiety. Reject murmuring. Reject the lie that God has left you alone. Lift your eyes today and walk in truth. Give Him thanks while you wait. Give Him praise while you heal. Give Him glory while you stand. This is the way of faith. You are not abandoned, and you are not defeated. The Lord who redeemed you is sustaining you. Let peace rule your heart, let gratitude fill your mouth, and let worship rise again today with strength and sincerity. 🙏 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You that my life is held securely in Your hands. Thank You for the peace that Christ has purchased for me and for the grace to stand firm in every season. I reject fear, unrest, complaint, and every lying voice that tries to pull me away from trust. I receive Your peace, Your strength, and Your steadying presence over my heart and mind. Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in calm faith, deep gratitude, and true worship today. Teach me to honour Christ not only in joy, but also in trial. Let my life testify that Jesus is enough. I declare that my heart belongs to Christ, my future belongs to Christ, and my praise belongs to Christ. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. 🎶📖🔥🙏 🎹 #AltarFrontWorship 🙌🏾 with #PsChrisB-150426 🎶 © “It Is Well With My Soul” – Horatio Gates Spafford (lyrics, 1873) / Philip Paul Bliss (music, 1876) – Public Domain CCLI #7029513 © “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)” – Andraé Crouch – 1971 – CCLI #11218 Used under Fair Use/Dealing for the purpose of Worship and Teaching. All rights reserved. 📺 Watch 🔴 YT: https://youtube.com/live/8zJbNXyGAH8 🔵 FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CaEYxPvbQ/ ✅ Subscribe | 👣 Follow | ❤️ Like | 🔄 Share ▶️ YouTube/FB: [christopherboothministries] ⚫ TT: PsChrisB 🟧 IG: PsChrisB; stchristopheroz; christopherboothoz ✝️ Church: clg.org.au #PeaceInChrist #Thanksgiving #Philippians4 #Hebrews13 #ChristopherBooth #ChurchOfTheLivingGod #CLGPastor #4Square #Saviour #Healer #HolySpiritBaptiser #SoonComingKing #ChristianAustralia #AussieChristians #SydneyChurch #WorshipAndScripture #DailyDevotional #WordOfGod #ChristianInspiration #BibleVerseOfTheDay #ChristianMusic #PraiseAndWorship #WorshipLeader #ChristianLiving #PrayerForTheDay #DailyBread #GodsWordsForToday [followers] [christopherboothoz] [stchristopheroz] [christopheroz] [PsChristopherBoothOz] [PsChrisB] [Tentmakeroz]

🙋‍♂️ G’day 🆔 DAY 4 – LOVE AND NEARNESS Close to Jesus, far from empty religion 🌅 #WorshipAndTheWord – Loving Jesus and Walking Close 🎶 #MyJesusILoveThee #MiscPraiseSongs 🎶 #JustACloserWalkWithThee #MiscPraiseSongs Christian life is not cold duty; it is living fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. ✨ ✝️ Jesus did not save His people merely to improve behaviour but to bring them into communion with Himself. Through His death and resurrection, the barrier of sin has been removed, and the believer now has true access to God. Love for Jesus is not an optional extra in discipleship; it is the very pulse of real faith. ✝️ To walk closely with Christ is to live in daily surrender, trust, obedience, and affection toward Him. Nearness to Jesus guards the heart from mere formality. It keeps devotion alive, convicts sin quickly, and teaches the soul to value His presence above the noise of the world. 📝 Abide in His Love ✏️ This scripture reveals the call to remain in Christ’s love through obedience. 📖 John 15:10 — NIV "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love." ➡️ A close walk with Jesus is marked by loving obedience. 📝 Draw Near to God ✏️ This scripture reveals God’s response to those who come near. 📖 James 4:8 — NIV "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." ➡️ Nearness to God begins with a humble, sincere turning of the heart. 📝 The Lord Is Near ✏️ This scripture reveals God’s closeness to those who seek Him sincerely. 📖 Psalm 145:18 — NIV “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” ➡️ God draws near to those who call on Him with genuine and truthful hearts. 📝 Seek Him While He Is Near ✏️ This scripture reveals the urgency and invitation to pursue God. 📖 Isaiah 55:6 — NIV “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” ➡️ There is a present invitation to seek God wholeheartedly while He is near. 📝 Approach the Throne with Confidence ✏️ This scripture reveals the access we have through God’s grace. 📖 Hebrews 4:16 — NIV “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” ➡️ Through Christ, we can boldly come to God and receive mercy and help. 📝 Draw Near with a Sincere Heart ✏️ This scripture reveals the posture required to truly approach God. 📖 Hebrews 10:22 — NIV “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” ➡️ Nearness to God comes through sincere faith and a heart made clean before Him. 🎺 Beloved: Do not settle for Christian language without Christian nearness. Do not be content with outward rhythm while your heart drifts inwardly. Jesus Christ is worthy of your love, not just your vocabulary. Come near again. Return wholeheartedly. Reject distraction, lukewarmness, and familiarity without intimacy. Today, choose the better portion—walk closely with Jesus and let your love be renewed in His presence. 🙏 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You that through Christ I have access to You and am called into real fellowship with the Lord. Thank You for loving me first and drawing me near by grace. I reject spiritual dryness, distraction, and empty routine. I receive renewed love for Jesus, fresh hunger for His presence, and a willing heart to obey. Holy Spirit, teach me to walk closely with Christ today—to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and remain near in humility and truth. I declare that Jesus is not distant from me, and I will walk with Him in love, obedience, and devotion. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. 🎶📖🔥🙏 🎹 #AltarFrontWorship🙌🏾 with #PsChrisB-160426🎶 © “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” – Traditional – c. 1930s (Published 1940) – Public Domain © “My Jesus I Love Thee” – William Ralph Featherston – 1862 – Public Domain Used under Fair Use/Dealing for the purpose of Worship and Teaching. All rights reserved. 📺 Watch 🔴 YT: https://youtube.com/live/dSTKJJZMkzs 🔵 FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FMzPYacxX/ ✅ Subscribe | 👣 Follow | ❤️ Like | 🔄 Share ▶️ YouTube/FB: [christopherboothministries] ⚫ TT: PsChrisB 🟧 IG: PsChrisB; stchristopheroz; christopherboothoz ✝️ Church: clg.org.au #LoveForJesus #CloserWalk #AbideInChrist #John15 #James4 #DrawNearToGod #ChristopherBooth #ChurchOfTheLivingGod #CLGPastor #4Square #Saviour #Healer #HolySpiritBaptiser #SoonComingKing #ChristianAustralia #SydneyChurch #WorshipAndScripture #DailyDevotional #WordOfGod #ChristianLiving #PrayerForTheDay #BibleVerseOfTheDay #ChristianMusic #PraiseAndWorship #WorshipLeader #DailyBread #GodsWordsForToday [followers] [christopherboothoz] [stchristopheroz] [christopheroz] [PsChristopherBoothOz] [PsChrisB] [Tentmakeroz]

🙋‍♂️ G’day 🆔 DAY 2 – THE CROSS AND GRACE Where mercy broke your chains 🌅 #WorshipAndTheWord – Grace Flows From the Old Rugged Cross 🎶 #OldRuggedCross #GeorgeBennard 🎶 #AmazingGrace #MyChainsAreGone The cross is not a symbol of defeat; it is the place where sin was judged and grace triumphed. ✨ ✝️ Jesus Christ bore sin in His body on the cross, taking the punishment we deserved. At Calvary, justice was not ignored; it was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of the Son of God. Grace is not sentimental softness. Grace is the holy mercy of God flowing through the wounds of Christ to save sinners completely. ✝️ Because Jesus died and rose again, the believer is no longer chained to guilt, shame, or the tyranny of the old life. Grace teaches us to turn from sin and live unto righteousness. The cross does not leave you where it found you. It forgives, cleanses, transforms, and calls you to walk free. 📝 He Bore Our Sin and Sickness ✏️ Christ defeated sin, sickness and death on the cross. 📖 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." ➡️ Jesus carried your sin so that you might die to sin and live to righteousness, and walk in health and wholeness Spirit, Soul and Body 📝 Grace Brings Redemption ✏️ Forgiveness comes through His blood. 📖 Ephesians 1:7 (NIV) "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace" ➡️ Your freedom is not earned; it was purchased by Christ. 📝 Grace Cancels Debt and Death 📖 Colossians 2:13–14 (BSB) "And you, who were dead in your trespasses... God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross." 📖 Ephesians 2:4–5 "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses—it is by grace you have been saved." Gal 2:20 - Crucified With Christ Romans 6:6-7 - "We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. For anyone who has died has been set free from sin." Romans 6:14 - "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." 2 Cor 5:17 - New Creations in Christ 🎺 Beloved: Do not romanticise the cross while refusing its power. Come honestly to Jesus. Lay down the secret burden, the hidden shame, the weary striving. The blood of Christ is sufficient. The grace of God is greater than your past. Today is not for rehearsing old chains. Today is for walking in what Jesus has already won. Reject condemnation. Reject spiritual passivity. Reject every lie that says you are still bound where Christ has declared you free. Walk in Freedom - saved, healed and whole. 🙏 Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the cross of Christ and for the grace that has reached me through His sacrifice. Thank You that Jesus bore my sin and opened the way for full forgiveness and freedom. I reject guilt, shame, condemnation, and every chain of the old life of sin and sickness. I receive the cleansing, healing, and transforming grace of God. Holy Spirit, empower me to live in the victory of the cross, to turn from sin, and to walk in holiness, gratitude, and liberty. I declare that I am redeemed by the blood of Jesus, forgiven by the mercy of God, and called to live free. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. 🎶📖🔥🙏 🎹#AltarFrontWorship🙌🏾with #PsChrisB-140426🎶 © “Old Rugged Cross” – George Bennard – 1912 – Public Domain - CCLI #19722 © “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” – Chris Tomlin, John Newton, Louie Giglio – 2006 – CCLI #4768151 Used under Fair Use/Dealing for the purpose of Worship and Teaching All rights reserved. 📺 Watch 🔴 YT: https://youtube.com/live/mwT3jBHHVhY 🔵 FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BAoPbqqf5/ ✅ Subscribe | 👣 Follow | ❤️ Like | 🔄 Share ▶️ YouTube/FB: [christopherboothministries] ⚫ TT: PsChrisB 🟧 IG: PsChrisB; stchristopheroz; christopherboothoz ✝️ Church: clg.org.au #TheCross #Grace #Redemption #FirstPeter #Ephesians #ChristopherBooth #ChurchOfTheLivingGod #CLGPastor #4Square #Saviour #Healer #HolySpiritBaptiser #SoonComingKing #ChristianAustralia #AussieChristians #SydneyChurch #WorshipAndScripture #DailyDevotional #WordOfGod #ChristianInspiration #BibleVerseOfTheDay #ChristianMusic #PraiseAndWorship #WorshipLeader #ChristianLiving #PrayerForTheDay #DailyBread #GodsWordsForToday [followers] [christopherboothoz] [stchristopheroz] [christopheroz] [PsChristopherBoothOz] [PsChrisB] [Tentmakeroz]

Do not let sin control the way you live #God #faith #bible #grace #blessings

❤️Jesus Christ chose to bear ours. On the cross, the innocent stood in for the guilty so we could be forgiven, restored, and reconciled to God. 🙏 He took what we deserved so we could receive what He freely gives. #TheSinlessOne #JesusSacrifice #TheCross #GraceAndMercy #FaithInChrist #Redeemed

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SATURDAY 18TH APRIL, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* THE CROSS: CULMINATION OF GRACE. *TOPIC:* SECURES US. *TEXT:* ROMANS 8:31-39. 31. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32. He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? 33. Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36. As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39. neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. *TOPIC:* SECURES US. *THE MESSAGE:* Today's passage emphasises the incredible security and assurance we have in Christ. The love of God is immeasurable such that no accusation or condemnation can stand against His children. This is because they are secured in His hands. Believers today are plagued by trials and spiritual forces from every side, yet this does not disqualify or break the seal of our relationship with God. Regrettably, many believers do not realise and appreciate the depth of God's love and the security they have in Him. They live as weaklings, constantly complaining and without confidence. Despite all you are facing today, you are secured in Christ. Trust Him; He will never abandon or forsake you. *REFLECTION:* You are secured in God's love. *PRAYER:* Lord, I am grateful for the assurance of Your love. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* COLOSSIANS 2:15. "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* 1 CHRONICLES 16-20. ii. Skip to content Dalily Devotional by Elizabeth Haworth Posted onApril 18, 2026 by Editor Heavenly Guidance Christian Applications Store:: Christian devotional App Store; Explore Recommended Christian Books and Devotionals Be thou there, until I bring thee word.” Matthew 21:13 God’s Leading All our movements, meeting and motives should be under the direction of God. All our risings and sleepings – all our actions and attitudes. In days gone by God guided His people Israel with pillars of fire and cloud. They rose and moved, followed, halted and struck camp as God showed the way. God’s Revelation But God no longer leads His people with fire and cloudy pillars. Today we have fuller revelation and such signs and wonders have been replaced. Today there is no need for such visible tokens of guidance – for we have the indwelling Spirit. Today we live by faith in Him. We live by faith alone, and not by sight or signs. Our faith comes by hearing and not vision or supernatural phenomena: Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God – and yet today God’s leadings are no less real and His direction no less unmistakable. Different Times Sometimes we are faced with deep doubt, distrust or disbelief. Sometimes we pass through seasons of pain and our hearts almost faint. Sometimes we simply wonder where God is as trials and difficulties mount up – but He is as close to us today as those times when He led with mighty visible signs. Indwelling Spirit It is His Word of truth and not our own clamourings that will guide us in the way we take, and it is His indwelling Spirit of Truth and not visible sight that will guide us into all truth – “he who has ears to hear – let him hear what the Spirit says:… Rev.2:29 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying: “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Listening Heart It is His Word that will confirm His promises to our listening heart. It is His indwelling Spirit Who will prompt, this is the way, walk in it. He brought His people to the brink of deep despair by the bitter waters of Marah – and then made them sweet with the Branch of a Tree. Then and Now In bygone days God lead His people with visible signs and they saw with their eyes. He took them through the parched wilderness and gave them water from the rock. Today the Lord Jesus is the living Water that is poured into our hearts by faith – and today He is the Rock of our salvation, from Whose side poured blood and water. Armour of God Moses had to keep his arms up-stretched all day to defeat malicious Amalek – today we put on the armour of God to withstand the enemy that seeks to destroy. In days gone by the foe was defeated with sling and stone, sword and trumpet – today the weapons we use in our fight are not made by human hands, but powerful weapons from God. and with them we destroy people’s defences – that is, their arguments. Earthly and Spiritual The people of Israel marched around the walls of Jericho to gain victory – today we march a seventh time around the city gate of our spiritual Jericho. The earthly walk of Israel is given to demonstrate what we face in the spiritual – both are used by God to draw to Him – to teach us to trust in His strong arms of love. Child-like Faith He will lead us safely through our own valley of darkness that looms ahead. He has promised to keep our steps from slipping and our foot from stumbling. It is a child-like trust in a heavenly Father’s goodness, that He desired then, and it is a simple child-like faith in His Word that He wants from us today, for without faith it is impossible to please God Heb.11:6 Guard and Guide There is a God in heaven and He is our heavenly Father. There is a Man in heaven and He is our heavenly Saviour – He neither slumbers nor sleeps but holds the rein of the universe in His hand. But if necessary He will push us, like Israel, to the last gasp or our extremity… to teach us to trust Him in all our movements, meetings and motives… to train us to submit in our risings and sleepings – our actions and attitudes – until in all things, He alone is our guard and guide. Post navigation Previous Post Previous Stand Fast Proudly powered by WordPress. 2. Evening Prayer I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ⏤ Psalm 4:8 When we cannot see our way, we must trust that the Lord has all our paths mapped out and knows the end from the beginning. ⏤ Charles Spurgeon O Jesus, You love us, and we come now to rest in Your love at the end of this week. It hasn’t been easy for us. We’ve had our work, our tasks, our burdens, our struggles, our anxieties, our duties, and our sorrows. We’re tired tonight. Our feet are weary from the long journey. It’s comforting to remember that You, blessed Jesus, were tired more than once during Your time on earth. We’ve read how You sat down at the well, so weary from traveling in the hot dust that You couldn’t go any further. You understand how we feel when we’re tired. We’re grateful for Your sympathy tonight. Accept our day’s work and make it Yours. Forgive anything wrong You’ve seen in what we’ve said or done. Don’t let anything we’ve done bring harm to Your cause or to anyone else. Forgive any rash words or actions that may have caused pain to someone. Take our work, cleanse it, perfect it, and then use it to help build Your kingdom. The night is before us, but even in its darkness, You walk beside us as our unseen Friend. We want to stay close to You, to hide ourselves in the shelter of Your love—because then no harm will come to us and no evil will touch us. Take care of us—because we can’t take care of ourselves. Keep us—because we can’t keep ourselves. Watch over us in the darkness of the night—because we can’t protect our own lives. Give us refreshing rest in sleep and prepare us for the Sunday that will dawn in the morning. May it truly be the Lord’s Day for us, and may we be in the Spirit, and the Spirit in us. Gather us close to Your heart and cover our home with Your wings. We ask all this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/13/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.