Daily Reading: Exodus 17
Scripture Focus: Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner. (Exodus 17.15)
Devotional Thought: I love the story in Exodus 17 of how Israel defeated Amalek. The Amalekites had come out against God's people to destroy them. But, Moses sent Joshua - his general - out to lead the battle against them. Moses himself went up on the mountain to pray along with Aaron and Hur.
Moses' hands grew weary. His prayers grew faint. But there stood beside him his brother, Aaron, and a young man named Hur. They encouraged him - even to the point of holding up his weary hands. Israel prevailed that day because of a brave general, a godly leader, and two faithful intercessors who held up the hands of that leader. It was a team effort! But, the most important member of the team was God himself. Moses displayed that when he built an altar to the glory of God and called it "The Lord Is My Banner" - Jehovah Nissi.
The enemy has come against us, hasn't he? We are called upon to engage the battle against Satan. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities. Thank God for godly leaders and faithful intercessors who help us in the battle. These are key ingredients to our spiritual success. But above it all there is the banner of the Lord. He unfurls his banner over the battlefields of our lives and wins the victory.
What are your battles today? Do not be weary or discouraged. Lift up your eyes to the hills from whence comes your help. The Lord is your banner over you today. Jehovah Nissi!
Prayer: "The Lord is My Banner!" You have won the victory at the cross of Jesus Christ and at the empty tomb. Help me to look to you today - and to be victorious! Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. 2 O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. 3 When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. 4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! 5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; 6 the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might; 7 who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, 8 so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. (Psalms 65:1-8)
Comments