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Devotions

September 3 - Don\'t Promise God What You Won\'t Deliver

By Terra Hangen

Today’s Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12

Central Thought: All too often we make false promises to God that we don’t follow through on, and this angers God.

    The author of Ecclesiastes tells it like it is. Ecclesiastes is often translated as “teacher” or “preacher,” which is fitting since he writes with a strong, cynical tone, reminding readers of how they fall short. He doesn’t mince words, explaining that our vows to God must be kept because God abhors fools.

    Talk is cheap, as we are told by this preacher, and these verses describe how people often make extravagant promises to God and then forget their vows. It is better not to make vows to God than to make inflated promises and appear like fools when the vows are abandoned. The preacher also demands that we speak few words and honor those vows that we make, saying that a fool’s voice is filled with many words.

    When praying, choose your words wisely, be in deep rapport with God, follow his direction, and keep each vow that you make.

Devotional Prayer: Lord, help me so that my prayers contain only pure and meaningful words that are not full of endless babble and empty vows. Help me to know Your will and to follow Your direction, fulfilling any worthy vows that I make in Your name.

Today’s Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7; Psalm 47:1-9; Proverbs 22:16

September 2 - God Is Our Refuge During Tsunamis And Earthquakes

By Terra Hangen

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11

Central Thought: When the earth shakes and the seas wash over the land, rely on God.

Psalm 46:2 resonates with everyone who has been through a violent earthquake. When the very earth we stand on seems to betray us and tries to shake us off, fear courses through our bodies. This Psalm tells us that God is our refuge in all times of trouble.

When Psalm 46 continues with the image of mountains rushing into the sea, many of us will recall the news coverage of the December 2004 tsunami. Walls of water smashed into buildings far inland, and we saw the stricken faces of the survivors. We can increase safety with early warning systems and earthquake-resistant buildings, but our one true fortress is our Creator. In times like these, people who know this Psalm are comforted, as God reminds us that He is our refuge and our strength.

Devotional Prayer: Dear God, let us trust You even when the earth quakes, mountains move into the sea, and the seas rush over the land.

Today’s Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 22:15

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