Daily Devotion for 2/15/11 When God Shows Up!

Happy Tuesday Folks!

Today's Lesson: When God Shows Up!
Scripture Reference: Malachi 3:1

“The Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come.” (1 John 4:7)

As soon as I saw the title, I was excited! Lord knows I needed this lesson. Lets get to it!

Sometimes God shows up dramatically. He can come unexpectedly like a random check in the mail. Or a door opening, or protection during a situation that would under any other circumstance destroy you. Take a look at Psalms 91:11"For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go." Then there will be times where God shows up quietly. He replaces our anxiety with assurance that everything will work out. "Fear not...I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10) When folks ask you what's so different about you, you can say "I have peace" Why you ask? because the God who you chose to seek, came.

Here are a couple of Bible Stories that help to illustrate these ideas:

The first story demonstrates how God intervenes when you are misunderstood and mistreated. "After they had been severely flogged...About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns...Suddenly...all the doors flew open" (Acts 16:23-26) Midnight prayers and songs of praise help you see beyond the problem to God, the great problems-solver. By taking the focus off yourself and putting it on Him, your outlook begins to change.

The second story demonstrates how God intervenes when you are overwhelmed by the sheer size of the challenge: Faced with leading two million Israelites into the Promised Land, Moses prays, "Show me now your way" (Exodus 33:13 God replies, "Here is a place by Me...I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand" When God tells you, "Here is a place by me" get into it and stay there! Even though you can't see Him clearly, you'll feel His presence, experience His goodness, and know that everything is going to be okay.
Amen?

Today's Black History Moments:
Negro History Week began on February 1, 1926. It is now known as Black History Month, but was first celebrated on this date as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson. It became a month long celebration in 1976.

In 1964 Louis Armstong's "Hello Dolly" goes to #1. It will end up being his only #1
In 1804 New Jersey began to Abolish Slavery. It was the last northern state to abolish slavery
In 1968 \Henry Lewis becomes the first African American to lead a symphony orchestra in the US

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmfeKUNDDYs


Have a blessed morning/afternoon and evening folks.

Pray for someone today!

May God bless and keep each and every one of you...

Peace and Blessings from your Sister in Christ,

: LA :