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Written by J. Ryan Lister, a contemporary professor of theology and author.

If we are honest, many of us can think of God as our “magic genie” from time to time. We keep him on the shelf until troubles arise or there is something our neighbor has that we really want. The problem is, real relationships don’t work this way—especially with the triune God. The Lord over all will not be left on the shelf of anyone’s life. Instead, Scripture is clear that all of life—and, principally, the gospel life—is about being in God’s relational presence. This is why David proclaims, “in your presence there is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). When we push all our peripheral issues to the periphery, this is all that is left and all that really matters.

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.  [2 John 1:3]

































The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]

Written by Mark Vroegop, a contemporary pastor and author. This is adapted from his book “Waiting Isn’t a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life.”

Miraculous power and fruitfulness characterized the early church. Reading the book of Acts, we get a sense of the activity, progress, and even the opposition. But we shouldn’t miss the critical moments of waiting… many memorable moments of the early church are connected to waiting on God. We tend to focus on the activity and advancement of the gospel, but it’s important to remember the context of tension-filled gaps. Seeking God in the middle of uncertainty is a familiar theme for those who embrace the call of God. As I look at the landscape of Christianity and the activity of the church, I don’t see a lot of emphasis on waiting. Instead there’s a high premium placed on action, movement, growth, and expansion… Seeing the kingdom of God advance and the hearts of people change brings me incredible joy. But…waiting isn’t just essential for Christians; it’s essential for the entire church in every generation.



“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” [Acts 1:4]
































The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]

Written by Richard Foster, a contemporary theologian and author.  This is an excerpt from his book “Freedom of Simplicity.”

Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “Pray for me that I not loosen my grip on the hands of Jesus even under the guise of ministering to the poor.” That is our first task: to grip the hands of Jesus with such tenacity that we are obliged to follow his lead, to seek first his Kingdom. The [next] step is so simple I am almost embarrassed to mention it, and yet it is so important that I must. Begin now to obey him in every way you can.

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. [Isaiah 41:13]
































The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]

Written by Andrew Murray (1828-1917), a South African writer, teacher, and Christian pastor. This is an excerpt from his book “Humility.”

Here’s a sobering thought: God measures our love for him by the love we show our brothers and sisters in everyday fellowship with them. It is a serious thing to realize that our love for God isn’t genuine if it fails the test of daily life with our fellow human beings. The same thing is true of humility. It is easy to think we humble ourselves before God. But humility before people is the only real proof that our humility before God is more than just a figment of our imagination.

If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen? [1 John 4:20]
































The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]

Written by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), an English Baptist preacher, known as “the Prince of Preachers.”

Lord, help me to glorify thee. I am poor, help me to glorify thee by contentment. I am sick, help me to give thee honor by patience. I have talents, help me to extol thee by spending them for thee. I have time, Lord, help me to redeem it, that I may serve thee. I have a heart to feel, Lord, let that heart feel no love but thine, and glow with no flame but affection for thee. I have a head to think, Lord, help me to think of thee and for thee. Thou hast put me in this world for something, Lord; show me what that is, and help me to work out my life-purpose.  Amen.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. [2 Timothy 3:10]































The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]

Written by J. Ryan Lister, a contemporary professor of theology and author.

There is a difference between saying “God is everywhere,” and saying “God is here.” The former is the default category for most Christians. We talk about God’s presence being inescapable and that he is “everywhere present.” But it seems Scripture is more concerned with his presence manifest in relationship and redemption. And though these divine realities are certainly not at odds, the biblical story does turn on God’s being manifest with his people in Eden, the tabernacle/temple, the incarnation of Christ, and the new heaven and new earth.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  [Psalm 139:7]






























The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]

Written by William Law (1686-1761), a priest in the Church of England who would not take the required out of allegiance to King George I and lost his position at Emmanuel College.    This is an excerpt from his book “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life.”

For let a man but have so much piety as to intend to please God in all the actions of his life as the happiest and best thing in the world and then he will never swear more. It will be impossible for him to swear while he feels this intention within himself as it is impossible for a man to please his prince to go up and abuse him to his face. If you were to stop and ask yourself why you were not as pious as the primitive Christians were, your own heart will tell you that it is neither through ignorance nor inability, but purely because you never thoroughly intended it.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [Romans 12:1]





























The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]

Today’s meditation is from “The Weekly Faith Project,” a journal to cultivate genuine faith, edited by Zondervan.

Faith is allowing God to define who you are. Not the world. Not family, friend, or enemy. And who does God say you are? You are His own treasured possession (1 PE 2:9), His lavishly loved child (1 JO 3:1). He knows every hair on your head and every tear you cry (LK 12:7, PS 56:8). He writes your name on the palm of His hand (ISA 49:16). God knows you, and He calls you “Mine.”

But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. [Isaiah 43:1]




























The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]

Written by the Lead Like Jesus team, an organization founded by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges that promotes a transformational leadership model based on following Jesus.

When we trust in the name of God, we are trusting in God’s character, believing Him to be who He says He is and trusting Him to act in line with His word and promises. When we pray in the name of Jesus, we are trusting in Jesus’ character as the Son of God who opened the way into the Father’s presence for His disciples. We are taking Him at His word, believing that through Him we have been given new life and new hope by the Spirit. Who are you prayerfully and actively trusting in today?

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  [John 14:13-14]



























The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]

Written by A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), an American pastor, author, magazine editor, and spiritual mentor.

Whatever God can do, faith can do; and whatever faith can do, prayer can do when it is offered in faith. An invitation to prayer is, therefore, an invitation to omnipotence, for prayer engages the Omnipotent God and brings Him into our human affairs. Nothing is impossible to the Christian who prays in faith, just as nothing is impossible with God. This generation has yet to prove all that prayer can do for believing men and women. 

Nothing is impossible with God. [Luke 1:37]


























The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]