The Refuge

Good Morning

JUNE 13

TRUE PEACE

Gideon built an altar . . . and named it The LORD is Peace.

JUDGES 6:24

It’s not in the appeasement of evil, ungodly compromise, or by engaging in the false security the world offers that you’ll ever find true and lasting peace. You will only do so by obeying God.

Gideon understood this firsthand. Judges 21:25 says, “In those days . . . everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” This did not bring anyone tranquility. On the contrary, the Israelites’ idolatrous ways invited continual assaults by surrounding armies. So God called upon Gideon to obey Him and to stand against the invaders.

Being from the smallest, weakest tribe, Gideon felt unprepared for the challenge. Wouldn’t it be easier just to get along with the oppressing Midianites?

The Lord’s answer? “Surely I will be with you” (Judges 6:16). Yes, Gideon’s righteous stand would stir up the enemy, but God would be his abiding peace and lead him to triumph.

The same is true for you. Obeying the Lord may not be easy or popular, but you can have peace no other way. So stand firm in Him and trust that He will be your place of rest.

Lord, lead me—I will obey You. I praise You for being my peace, amen.

In His presence . . . find true and lasting peace.

Good Morning

JUNE 8

LED TO THE SOURCE

“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

ISAIAH 6:8 NIV

Have you ever found that when reading your Bible or listening to a sermon, sometimes God will lead you to the same passage over and over again?

I recall an occasion when I was seeking the Lord’s will about a decision I faced, and every morning I found myself reading Isaiah 6. I was into the third week of this before I realized I was being rebellious toward the Lord with regard to what He required of me. Somehow He would not let me escape verse 8. When I finally said yes to the Lord, Isaiah 6 was no longer prominent in my morning meditation.

One of the most rewarding experiences in the Christian life is to face a challenge and meditate upon Scripture until we know our heavenly Father has spoken. Through His Word He directs us, challenges us, warns us, and reassures us.

Will you be open to what He is saying to you today? Then be sure to pay attention to the verses that keep turning up.

Father, thank You for Your Word and Your persistence with me as I seek to hear Your voice and follow Your lead, amen.

In His presence . . . let Him lead you.

Good morning

MAY 30

THANKFUL ALWAYS

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart.

PSALM 9:1

If you desire to have deep and lasting joy, it’s important for you to develop an attitude of appreciation. You must decide to see the good in situations and choose to be thankful regardless of what goes wrong.

So begin right now by counting your blessings. Think about what it cost Jesus to have a relationship with you. Be grateful for the amazing forgiveness He’s given—pardoning your sins past, present, and future.

Meditate on your wonderful God, who would never leave or forsake you, but loves, protects, and provides for you always. Consider the Holy Spirit, your Advocate in all that concerns you. He empowers you to serve successfully and gives you all you need for life and godliness.

Finally, consider the wonderful plans God has for you and all the loved ones He’s given you to share your life with.

Friend, you have so much to be grateful for. Surely the Lord is worthy of your praise. So worship God and give Him thanks in every situation. Because you’re a child of God and truly, “praise is becoming to the upright” (Psalm 33:1).

Lord, I am so grateful for You! Thank You for loving me and making me Your own, amen.

In His presence . . . give thanks and praise Him.