What Evidence of God do you see? (Dec 6)

by

Verses for the day

  • Joel 2:26-27 Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the LORD your God, who does these miracles for you. Never again will my people be disgraced.
    Then you will know that I am among my people Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and there is no other. Never again will my people be disgraced.
  • John 12:24-28 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.

Thoughts

  • As God encourages the prophet Joel with how He is going to restore the nation of Israel when they choose to respond to him, he says, “You will praise the Lord your God who does these miracles for you. … then you will know that I am among you, that I am the Lord your God and there is no other.
  • We have had some pretty stressful days lately. And I have definitely felt the need for dependence on God. And in the words of Joel, “for God to do some miracles.” As I thought about what I want God to do, it made me stop and ask the question, What has God done? What have I seen that has only one explanation…God Himself at work?” As I took some time to answer that question, it was encouraging to feel the words of Joel 2:27 “Then you will know that I am among my people Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and there is no other.”
  • What is the evidence in your life that God is with you? What evidence have you seen of His presence, or His work in your life recently? Again, it was so encouraging to meditate on that question and write down things God has done, and things He has communicated to me through His Word that assures me that He is very much active in my life.
  • It’s interesting what John said in John 12:24-28 “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.”
  • When we choose to give up our idols, our desires, and seek to walk with Him, and follow in His steps, that is where true joy and contentment is found… even in the midst of stress and trials.

Prayer

  • Father, thank you for the reminder of your presence. Joel 2:23 says that “the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness.” We sure receive a lot of rain around here. Father, every time it rains, may it remind me of your faithfulness. Help me to take time when I am feeling stressed, to stop and look back at the miracles that you have done. And as I do, i know that it will remind me that you are with me and that you are my God!
  • I pray for those who read this, that as they stop and consider the evidence of your presence in their lives, that they will be encouraged and sense even more that you are with them. Father give them courage to face whatever stress or trial they face today with confidence in you and your faithfulness to you. May the rain (or snow for you Michigan people) remind them of your faithfulness.
  • I pray today that those who read this will desire to be as John described in John 12:24-28. To be like kernel of wheat planted in the soil. Willing to die to self in order that through death they will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 
  • Father, you reminded us that “Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” May you help all of us to give up the cares of this world and self, and give us a desire to live for you and be available to you so that you can produce a tremendous harvest through our lives.

Leave a Reply