Pastor Tammy McNair
Sister Circle Ministries
Devotionals
Stop, Don't Look Back (12/30/10)
I'm reminded of the story of Lot and his wife when God told Abraham that he was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because these cities were doing wickedness in His sight. Now Lot knew these cities were sinful but still was willing to tolerate sinfulness by allowing for him and his family to remain there for selfish gain. Lot was for social and material advantages and probably felt his family could remain faithful unto God in the midst of the sinfulness in the cities. However, saints God tells us in "Hebrews 10:25 (New Century Version) You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming."
Even in the midst of Lot and his family living amongst the sinful cities, God showed mercy on them because of Abraham's prayer unto God on their behalf. God sent forth angels to warn them of the coming destruction to the cities because of the sinfulness and wickedness. They were instructed by the angels to leave immediately. Lot and his family hesitated to leave immediately so the angels assisted them by getting them out of the city quickly. They were instructed not to look back as the city was being destroyed (Genesis 19:17). As they were fleeing the city, Lot's wife looked back and when she looked back she turned into a pillar of salt.
God is "Sounding the Alarm" and telling His people, Stop, Don't Look Back at the things of the world that seem appetizing to your flesh. Why, because turning back will only lead to spiritual destruction? We live in the world but we are not of the world because we are reborn again through the salvation of Jesus the Christ!
In "1 John 2:15-16 (English Standard Version) Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world."
Here are three aspects of the sinful world that creates hostility to God and that God doesn't want us to look back to:
- The lust of the flesh – impure desires, sinful pleasures, and sensual gratification (1 Corinthians 6:18, James 1:14, & Philippians 3:19)
- The lust of the eyes – coveting or lusting for things which are attractive to the eyes but forbidden by God, including the desire to watch that which gives sinful pleasure (Exodus 20:17, Romans 7:7)
- The pride of life – spirit of arrogance, pride, & self –sufficient independence that doesn't recognize God as Lord or His Word as final authority. Seeking to exalt, glory, & promote oneself as the center of life (James 4:16)
Lot's family had a close relationship with people that were not God's people. The people there were sinful and wicked and behind their sinful ways their cities where destroyed because God was not pleased. Let our ways continue to please God and stay in close relationship with Him, fellowship with the saints to be encouraged, and strengthened through the power of words that bring life and not death.
Remember, Stop and Don't Look Back to the things of this world but keep looking to God and mediate upon His Word day and night!
It’s God’s Way or the Highway (3/16/10)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
In this time and season God is calling for us to do things His way and not our way. So many times we try to put something into place and expect God to bless it. God is saying, no not in this season, in this season God is calling for those that will truly worship him in spirit in and truth (John 4:24).
In your worship time with God, to know that you heard from God and that you are carrying out the plans that God has given you and not leaning unto their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Be still until you hear.
We have to know that in this season it’s God’s Way or the Highway because God is not allowing disobedience by doing things our way. For disobedience is rebellion and rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23), so I know we don’t want to be rebellious unto to God which is a form of witchcraft because surely we don’t want to be acting as if we are a god and trying to move the hand of God through our own agenda.
Let’s get into the right position for seeking God for His divine will and plan for our lives and obey it for that is the only way you will prosper in this season. Doing what He has called you to do and not want you think you should be doing or want to do. Don’t get stuck looking from the highway going in a different direction looking at others as they are riding on the wave of God because they are doing it His Way.
Be blessed and encouraged to do it God's Way.
Written By: Elder Tammy McNair
Confidence Facing Your Enemy because God is Your Shield (2/4/10)
Psalm 3:1-8
LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah
But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah
I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around.
Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the LORD.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah
Honor the Lord Our God (2/5/10)
Psalm 34:7-9
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
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