Morning & Evening Devotional 12th Tuesday September 12 2023
Good morning! Here’s a morning devotion for September 12th, 2023, based on Nahum 1:2:
Verse of the Morning: “God is jealous.” — Nahum 1:2 (KJV)
Reflection: The idea of God being jealous might sound unusual or even negative at first glance, but when we examine it in a spiritual context, it takes on a deeper meaning. God’s jealousy does not stem from insecurity or selfishness as human jealousy often does. Instead, it reflects His passionate love and desire for a close and exclusive relationship with His people.
In Nahum 1:2, the prophet Nahum is describing God’s jealousy as He seeks to protect His people from harm. God’s jealousy means that He cares deeply about our spiritual well-being and is fiercely protective of us. He desires our love and devotion to be wholeheartedly focused on Him because He knows that true fulfillment and safety are found only in Him.
As you start your day, remember that God’s jealousy is a sign of His love for you. He longs for your heart to be fully surrendered to Him, not because He wants to restrict you, but because He knows that in His presence, you find abundant life and true fulfillment. Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with God and seek to draw closer to Him today.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your passionate love and jealousy for us. Help us to understand the depth of your love and to respond with wholehearted devotion. May our lives be a reflection of your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Morning & Evening: Evening Devotional Tuesday, September 12 2023
“I will sing of mercy and judgment.” — Psalms 101:1
Evening Thought Faith triumphs in trial. When reason is thrust into the inner prison, with her feet made fast in the stocks, faith makes the dungeon walls ring with her merry notes as she cries, “I will sing of mercy and of judgment. Unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.” Faith pulls the black mask from the face of trouble, and discovers the angel beneath. Faith looks up at the cloud, and sees that “‘Tis big with mercy and shall break In blessings on her head.” There is a subject for song even in the judgments of God towards us. For, first, the trial is not so heavy as it might have been; next, the trouble is not so severe as we deserved to have borne; and our affliction is not so crushing as the burden which others have to carry. Faith sees that in her worst sorrow there is nothing penal; there is not a drop of God’s wrath in it; it is all sent in love. Faith discerns love gleaming like a jewel on the breast of an angry God. Faith says of her grief, “This is a badge of honour, for the child must feel the rod”; and then she sings of the sweet result of her sorrows, because they work her spiritual good. Nay, more, says Faith, “These light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” So Faith rides forth on the black horse, conquering and to conquer, trampling down carnal reason and fleshly sense, and chanting notes of victory amid the thickest of the fray. “All I meet I find assists me In my path to heavenly joy: Where, though trials now attend me, Trials never more annoy. “Blest there with a weight of glory, Still the path I’ll ne’er forget, But, exulting, cry, it led me To my blessed Saviour’s seat.”
This evening thought beautifully captures the essence of faith in the face of trials and tribulations. It reminds us that, even in our most challenging moments, faith can triumph.
- Triumph in Trial: Faith is depicted as a songbird that continues to sing even in the darkest dungeons of life’s trials. When reason and understanding fail us, faith remains steadfast and joyful.
- Discovering Blessings: Faith has the remarkable ability to unveil blessings hidden beneath the mask of trouble. It perceives God’s mercy even in the midst of trials, understanding that what may seem difficult is ultimately for our good.
- Seeing God’s Love: Faith sees love in the actions of God, even when it appears He is disciplining or testing us. It recognizes that God’s love shines brightly, even in His correction, and that everything He allows is ultimately an expression of His love.
- Badge of Honor: Faith acknowledges that trials are not punishment but a badge of honor. They are necessary for our growth and refinement, and they remind us that we are God’s children.
- Eternal Perspective: Faith looks beyond the temporary nature of trials and sees that they are working towards an eternal and weighty glory. It understands that the difficulties of this life are preparing us for an everlasting reward.
- Conquering through Faith: Faith is portrayed as a conqueror, riding forth on the black horse of adversity. It triumphs over doubt, reason, and worldly perspectives, singing songs of victory even in the midst of the battle.
- Path to Heavenly Joy: Ultimately, faith leads us on a path to heavenly joy. It acknowledges that trials, though challenging, are part of the journey to our blessed Savior’s presence, where all sorrows will be turned to joy.
As you reflect on these words tonight, may your faith be strengthened, and may you find the courage and joy to sing even in the midst of life’s trials, knowing that God’s love and purpose are always at work in your life.
