Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- September 16, 2010
“Let them know that it is your hand, that you, O Lord, have done it.” Psalm 109:27
God’s signature is all over a surrendered life. Sometimes He writes with small letters, sometimes with bold expression, and other times with the invisible ink of His intimacy. He only autographs what He is proud of and He is extremely proud of His children. He is proud of your faithfulness when everything around you screams unfaithfulness.
He is proud of the beautiful family you have loved and nurtured over the years. He is proud of the way you steward your finances with generosity and frugality. He is exceedingly proud of the passion and love you have for Him and people. Whatever God touches becomes very valuable because it’s worth can be traced back to divinity.
His appraisal of an obedient life is of great value. So, submit to Jesus and people will recognize and acknowledge the touch of God on your life. Indeed, His touch can be tough and tender at the same time. It is the God’s favor on your life that causes others to say, “The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23).
The hand of God is comforting, but its absence is foreboding. When His hand signs off on you and your activities, there is confidence. God’s notary in the presence of two or three witnesses is heavenly validation. You can move forward. Do not delay. God has validated your ideas, your motives and your actions. You can totally trust Him when He has orchestrated the circumstances, so now you can move forward with abandonment.
Others are drawn to you because of the Lord’s hand on your life. But, if well meaning people try to elevate you to a pedestal, step down and kneel at the foot of the cross. It is at the foot of the cross we lay selfish ambition and every fiber in our being that wants to take credit for God’s blessing. It is at the foot of the cross that God’s ownership of everything is confessed. It is at the foot of the cross the ground is level for all, so none are exalted other than Jesus. When He is raised up all people are drawn to Him.
“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32).
Because we are a conduit for Christ’s blessings, we give Him the glory. A beautiful painting always points to a brilliant artist. It’s the originator of the beauty that deserves credit for their work of art. God will proclaim His presence, power and purpose with or without our acknowledgement. However, His hand is on a life that declares Him. God’s signature is His guarantee. He guarantees He is the one and only true God!
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
Am I surrendered under the mighty hand of God? Do glorify Him with my life?
Related Readings: Exodus 32:11; Ezra 8:31; Nehemiah 2:8; Romans 8:34
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
