May 22, 2026 – Aim
Prevail #143 – Psalm 84:5 – “What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.” Larson makes an important point for those of us (especially me) who aren’t big on goal-setting, “Our souls were not made for aimless wandering. If we wander too long, we’ll wear out, lose heart, and eventually lose our way. The Israelites wandered into trouble time and time again because they relied on their own strength and trusted in their own ability to reason. They forgot about their heritage, which made them forget about their inheritance. Two things will keep us from making the same mistakes in our own lives: dependence and vision…. Find your strength in Him. Through every twist and turn in life, remember that your purpose is powerful…. Keep the vision of eternity before you…. Jesus will get you safely home.”
Power – Colossians 3:1 – “If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Joyce adds her thoughts about goals and vision, “The Bible never tells us to seek things. It tells us to seek (pursue, crave) the kingdom of God (see Matthew 6:33) and ‘the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above’…. To keep your mind on things above doesn’t mean to sit around all the time thinking about the pearly gates and your mansion in heaven. It means to learn to think with the mind of the Spirit…. set your mind to pursue higher things…. think about the good plan that God has for your life and expect something good to happen.”
JC – Jesus Calling offers this about unmet expectations, “When things don’t go as you would like accept the situation immediately. If you indulge in feelings of regret, they can easily spill over the line into resentment. Remember that I am sovereign over your circumstances, and humble yourself under My mighty hand. Rejoice in what I am doing in your life, even though it is beyond your understanding.”
Streams – Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.” The thoughts Cowman shares today come from V. H. F and according to Google, “The author Lettie B. Cowman (compiler of the devotional) drew excerpts from a variety of Christian writers, poets, and magazines. Therefore ‘V. H. F., ‘ simply represents one of the many outside contributors who spiritual truths were woven together into the book.” Cowman, and V. H. F., write, “Whether our burden is a sorrow, difficulty, physical need, or concern over the salvation of a loved one, ‘He works.’ When does He work? ‘He works’ now. We act as if God does not immediately accept our trust in Him and thereby delays accomplishing what we ask Him to do. We fail to understand that ‘He works’ as we commit. ‘He works’ now! Praise Him for the fact that this is true.”
JL – “Jesus, my Rock, I rejoice in my dependence on You! I’ve discovered that this is a place of wonderful security. I found out the hard way that depending on myself, others, or circumstances was like building my life on a foundation of sand…. Now I’m seeking to build my life on the rock…. This is a daily discipline – preparing me for whatever lies ahead…. Relying on You involves staying in communication with You – an extraordinary privilege! …In Your joyous Name, Amen.”
