A Way in the Wilderness

{Daily Selah}
In my 40-something years on this earth, I have visited many places but have never been to the desert. 

I have, however, spent time in the wilderness a few times. We've all had wilderness journeys, whether it was caused by our own rebellion or whether it was the circumstances of life that left us in a barren valley for a time. 

I'm very thankful we don't have to make our way through the wilderness alone. God promises, "I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert" (Isaiah 43:19).

He has promised He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).

Jesus knew what it was like to wander in the wilderness. He suffered everything we have ever suffered or ever will suffer (Hebrews 4:15). He understands what you're dealing with because He's been there and He's there with you right now. 

He will make a way for you; a way through the wilderness. If your life seems dry and barren right now, call on Jesus. He is the Way and He is the Living Water who will refresh your soul and lead you into truth and victory.

Remember His promise to you:

"I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert" (Isaiah 43:19).

God will make a way... for YOU!

Father, thank You for leading us into truth and victory. If someone is reading this and is in a barren wilderness of life, I ask that you will make a way for them and refresh their soul with Your Living Water. In Jesus' wonderful Name, amen. 

{Daily Selah} is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.

All things... Even the scars...

{Daily Selah}


(Someone at work asked me recently about the scars on my neck. What follows is based, in part, on my answer to her and also partially on a previous post here at Faith Reviewed.) 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV) 





We like to quote that verse, but do we really believe it? 


Do you believe that God can take the bad stuff that has happened in your life and the wrong choices you've made and use them for your good? 

What about your pain? What about the scars? 

Scars? Yeah, I have them.

Some you can see. Some you can't.

Scars on the outside. From surgery twice to remove cancer.

Scars on the inside. From an abusive marriage and divorce and foolish decisions in my youth.

You have scars. I have scars. Everyone does - unless you've had a perfect life.

For a long time, I have said my outward scars serve as a reminder and a testimony of God's faithfulness and healing.

But what about the scars on the inside?

Christian singer Mandisa, a survivor of childhood abuse, knows all about scars.  

But, she also knows the truth of Romans 8:28 and, she knows what scars are for. 

Listen...

Father, thank You for working ALL things together for my good because You have called me and love me. I may not see how you're working for my good, but I trust you and Your Word. Help me to remember what scars are for and to remember they are a testimony of who You are and what You will do for those who love You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 



{Daily Selah} is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live. 

Unchanging God

[Daily Selah]

As much as I love living in Wisconsin, I hate winter. That's a strong word, I know, but let me explain. Winter means wondering if your car will start when it's 20 below zero outside and  wondering if the car does start, if you're going to get the car stuck in 3 feet of snow somewhere. Winter means excruciatingly high heat bills and feeling like you're living in a cave when darkness fills a good part of the day. 

Am I whining? Perhaps a little, but if we're honest, most of would have to admit we really don't like change, whether that change has to do with seasons on the calendar or seasons of life. 

It is very comforting to know that God doesn't change. He is still the same when a blizzard blows through my town and He is still the same when a storm of trouble blows through my life. 

But thou, O Lord, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. -Psalm 102:12

God's unchanging nature means His faithfulness won't change, His mercy won't change and His love won't change. He will never love you any less, He will never show you less mercy and He will never be less faithful.

Sometimes, it seems there's not much, in human terms, that we can count on. 

But, we can always count on our unchanging God. 


Father, You are a wonderful God. You never change and You're always the same. Thank You for the assurance that You will never leave me, You will never stop loving me, and You will never let me go. Thank You for Your great faithfulness to me. In Jesus' precious Name, Amen. 



[Daily Selah] is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.

New Every Morning

Daily Selah is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

-Lamentations 3:22-23

These verses are a huge source of encouragement. No matter what life is throwing at you, you can be sure of this truth. God's love for you doesn't change and His mercies will not end but are new every morning.

No matter is going on, you can be assured of His great faithfulness. That means He will always be there for you and will never, ever break a promise to you. 

New every morning. 

Remember that as you go through the day today and rest and rejoice in God's faithfulness.

Father, thank You so much for loving me even though I have done nothing to deserve Your love. Thank You for for Your mercies, new every morning. I'm so grateful we can rely on You to keep Your Word and Your promises to me. You are a wonderful God, worthy of all glory and honor and praise. I praise You for who You are and for Your goodness to me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD

Daily Selah is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.


            I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever:
                      with my mouth will I make known
                                   thy faithfulness to all generations.
                                             Psalm 89:1

On Thursday evening, I wrote a post about the sure mercies of David and my heart was encouraged in the faithfulness of our everlasting God who has made an everlasting covenant with us.

I went to bed that night with the above verse on my mind and found myself singing the song based on it as I got ready for work the next morning. No matter what is going on in our lives, God hasn't changed. His mercies are new every morning.

He showed us His mercy when He sent His Son to die for us. He showed His mercy when He brought us to Himself, forgave us and called us by name. He shows us new mercy each day.

Sing of His mercies today.

Make His faithfulness known to all generations.



Father, I just want to thank you for the grace and mercy You have poured out in my life. Thank You for mercies that are new every morning. Give us opportunities to make Your faithfulness known, for Your glory, Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.