Sept 2023 Devo

A ministry of Moody Bible Institute
WHO IS GOD?
Images of God in the Old Testament
SEPTEMBER 2023
Today with Mark Jobe
Who Is God?
From the President of Moody Bible Institute
“Many people have a watered-down version of who God is, shaped
by their own desires, molding Him into who they would like Him to be.”
It seems like just Americans believe in a “higher power,”

yesterday that our but only 56 percent in the God of the
three children Bible. Many people have a watered-
were toddlers. down version of who God is, shaped
Even at a young by their own desires, molding Him
age, I remember into who they would like Him to
them asking Dee be. “They exchanged the glory of an
and me some immortal God for a lie” (Rom. 1:21).
deep theological questions: How Scripture stretches our limited
big is God? What does He look like? understanding. We learn that God is
Because we wanted to raise them in eternal. “‘I am the Alpha and Omega,’
the knowledge of the Lord, we did our says the Lord God” (Rev. 1:8). There
best to explain who God is. We would was never a time when God did not
read from the Bible where Isaiah says exist. God is immutable, He can never
God is so big, He holds the oceans change. “Jesus Christ is the same
in the palm of His hand (Isa. 40:12). yesterday and today and forever”
I would tell them that God is bigger (Heb. 13:8). God is omniscient. He
and more powerful than anything they knows the past, present, and future.
could imagine. I wanted them to know Nothing is beyond His understanding
God so they would grow to love Him, (Isa. 40:28). God is sovereign. God
respect Him, and worship Him. controls the entire universe (Col.
At the start of his letter to the 1:17). He is the storyteller of the past,
Romans, the apostle Paul says that the engineer of the present, and the
God has clearly revealed Himself to architect of the future.
us through Creation and His Word. In his classic book, Knowing God,
Paul writes, “What may be known J. I. Packer says: “Once you become
about God is plain to [us], because aware that the main business that
God has made it plain to [us]” (Rom. you are here for is to know God,
1:19). That’s why, Paul says, we are all most of life’s problems fall into place
“without excuse” (v. 20). of their own accord.” Knowing God
But according to Pew Research will challenge, comfort, correct, and

Center studies, many people are not change us. It is not a once-and-done
clear on the subject. Nine out of ten task, but a lifelong pursuit.
(800) 356-6639
Practical Theology
Beyond Words
by Dr. John Koessler
“Throughout the Bible, God uses images to help us understand
what He is like. While these are not exact representations,
they help us better comprehend His nature and power.”
How do you describe a God who is 9:33; Ps. 84:11). He is a consuming fire
invisible to us? (John 6:46). How do we (Heb. 12:29). Jesus is the living bread
describe the glory of heaven to those that came down from heaven and the
who have never been there? If you are light of the world (John 6:51; 8:12)
God, you use metaphors. In Creation, God did something
A metaphor is a figure of speech even more impressive. He formed
that uses things we know to help what we might consider a living
us understand the unknown. In metaphor: He made humanity in His
their book, Metaphors We Live By, image (Gen. 1:26–27). The important
George Lakoff and Mark Johnson difference is the direction of the
explain that humans naturally think comparison. Scriptures repeatedly
in these kinds of comparisons: “Our warn that God “is not a man” (Num.
ordinary conceptual system, in 23:19; Job 9:32; Hos. 11:9; compare
which we ordinarily think and act, with Isa. 55:9). When the Bible says we
is fundamentally metaphorical in are made in God’s image, it is telling
nature.” It shouldn’t surprise us that us to look at God to understand our
God created us to learn in this way. nature and purpose.
Our God communicates through With the incarnation of Christ,
language. He spoke the first words God went beyond metaphor. Jesus is
recorded in Scripture (Gen. 1:3). not a metaphor for God; He is God. In
Throughout the Bible, God also John 1:1, 14 the apostle says that the
uses images to help us understand One who “was God” also “became
what He is like. While these are not flesh and made his dwelling among
exact representations, they help us us.” Words help us understand what
better comprehend His nature and God is like. But ordinary words are not

power. In the Bible, God is compared enough. As the Logos, Jesus is God’s
to a rock, a sun, and a shield (Rom. last word about Himself (Heb. 1:1).
For Further Study

To learn more, read In the Beginning Was the Word: Language—A God-Centered
Approach by Vern Poythress (Crossway).
MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE

Go Deeper
We hope these questions will help you consider (or discuss with others) what
God is teaching you through this month’s study of His Word. We’ve left a bit
of room to write down your thoughts as well!
WEEK 1: There are many images in the Bible that describe God as being a place
of safety (see September 3 and 5). Describe a time when God was a place of
refuge for you.
_______________________________________________________________________
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WEEK 2: Why do you think God used metaphors to describe Himself. How do
they unlock truth for us about who God is?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
WEEK 3: Today, we tend to describe God as loving and kind, but not usually as a
warrior. Why is this metaphor of God as warrior so important to understanding
His character? (See September 19)
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
WEEK 4: God is an artist! What aspect of God’s creation has captured you with
its beauty? Describe a time when God’s handiwork stopped you in your tracks.
(See September 26)
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Want more questions? Check out the Go Deeper section on our website or app!
(800) 356-6639
September 2023
Who Is God?
With whom, then, will you compare God?
To what image will you liken him?—Isaiah 40:18
Every day we are flooded by images—on social media, television, even the
grocery store shelves. We are visually oriented people. Perhaps that is why the
Bible uses pictures to communicate who God is. This month, we will examine
images of God in the Old Testament. We’ll consider how God is compared to a
rock, fortress, shield, light, warrior, and physician (to name just a few). We will
answer the question: Who is God? It is my prayer that through this study, we will:
• Train our imagination to think about God biblically

• Deepen our relationship with our heavenly Father
• Be inspired to communicate the truth about who God is
Your devotional author,
Ryan J. Cook
Dr. Ryan Cook is professor of Bible at Moody Theological Seminary. He earned his BA in
Bible and Theology from Moody, his MA in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological
Seminary, and his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. Ryan lives with his wife,
Ashley, and their three children in Northwest Indiana.
VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 9
Managing Editor: Jamie Janosz Senior Editor: Elena Mafter Contributing Editor: John Koessler Writer: Ryan Cook
Art Director: Lynn Gabalec Graphic Designer: Rachel Hutcheson Marketing & Production: Paul B. Currie
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Friday, September 1
Images of God
Read Psalm 23:1–6
The Lord is my shepherd,
I lack nothing.—Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd.” Psalm cares for our needs: “He makes me
23 contains one of the most famous lie down in green pastures, he leads
images of God in the Bible. In the me beside quiet waters” (v. 2). God
original language, the phrase is only protects, loves, and cares for His
two words long. Yet, it would take a people. In the same way, we are a lot
whole book to fully unpack its depth like sheep. We trust our Shepherd and
of meaning. are blessed when we follow Him.
This month, we will look at the A theologian explains how the
way God reveals His character to us Bible’s use of metaphor helps ignite
through images. In the Old Testament, our understanding: “Metaphor
God is described as a light, a shield, a consists in bringing two sets of ideas
rock, an eagle, a potter, a craftsman, close together, close enough for a
an artist, a warrior, and a king, to name spark to jump, but not too close, so
just a few. that the spark, in jumping, illuminates
The images of God in the Bible for a moment the whole area around,
are not mean to be exact or perfect changing perceptions as it does so.”
representations. When the Bible We hope that this study will draw
compares God to a shepherd, it helps you closer to God and deepen your
us more fully understand who He is. understanding of who He is.
For example, shepherds in ancient  Since we are studying images,
Israel were often servants or hired why not start a picture journal?
hands. This does not mean that God Whether you are artistic or just love
is a hired hand. to doodle, try to capture images that
But Psalm 23 shows us how God teach you something about God
is like a shepherd. He provides for us: using paint, colored pencils, or even
“I lack nothing” (v. 1). What a powerful crayons.
statement! He guides our way and
Pray with Us
Heavenly Father, as our Shepherd we ask You to guide our study of the Old
Testament this month. You have chosen each of these images to reveal Yourself
in a way we can grasp; may this study enhance our understanding of You.
6 TODAY IN THE WORD

Saturday, September 2
God as Light
Read Isaiah 60:1–22
The Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.—Isaiah 60:19
Did you know that the Bible begins Messiah and the nations will stream
and ends with references to light? to Zion to know the Lord (v. 3). In this
Light was the first thing God created time, God is described as light, “the
(Gen. 1:3). In Revelation 22:5, we learn Lord will be your everlasting light, and
that when we are reunited with Jesus your days of sorrow will end” (v. 20).
all traces of darkness will finally be The hope that Isaiah 60 describes
gone: “There will be no more night. is for Israel and the nations to be in
They will not need the light of a lamp the “everlasting light” of the Lord
or the light of the sun, for the Lord (v. 20). This means they will be in
God will give them light.” the very presence of God and fully
In the Bible, light is a represen- experience His glory. At that time,
tation of God’s presence and glory evil will be abolished and defeated
(2 Chron. 5:13–14; Ex. 34:29). Light (v. 21). Throughout this passage and
stands for goodness and holiness as elsewhere through Scripture, light is
opposed to evil (John 3:20). Light is used as a symbol of God’s blessing
truth as opposed to the darkness of and favor. We look forward to this
falsehood (Ps. 19:8; 119:105). Light is time when God’s everlasting light will
a symbol of God’s favor and blessing abolish darkness for good!
(Prov. 4:18; Num. 6:24–26).  Can you imagine living in God’s
Today’s passage, Isaiah 60:1–22, presence away from the effects of
looks forward to the redemption of sin? Can you imagine a world where
Israel: “Arise, shine, for your light has truth wins? No more darkness. No
come, and the glory of the Lord rises more sorrow! One day all people will
upon you” (v. 1). During the millennial submit to the Lord Jesus. That is our
kingdom, Israel will recognize the future hope.
Pray with Us
You have given us the light of Your Word, Your truth. You have led us into
relationship with You. You have shown us the path of righteousness. Thank
You for the promise that we will one day dwell in Your eternal light.
MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 7

Sunday, September 3
God as Refuge
Read Psalm 31:1–24
Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.—Psalm 31:2
We all remember childhood games He knows God ultimately wants what

where there was a “safe” place. is best for him (v 19).
If you got to it, you could not be Over and over in the Psalms, God
tagged or pursued. As adults we is described as a refuge. This does not
look to many things for security. mean that dangers and trials will not
When facing difficulty, we turn to come our way. But during these perils,
our family, our friends, or even the we can turn to God as “our refuge
comfort of our home. and strength, an ever-present help
In today’s reading, David was in a in trouble” (Ps. 46:1).
challenging situation. Traps had been Jesus demonstrated this trust on
set for him (v. 4). He was sorrowful Good Friday. With His dying breath,
and downcast with grief (vv. 9–10). He proclaimed to the Father, using the
Not only did his enemies oppose words of this psalm, “Into your hands
him, but he had become the object I commit my spirit” (v. 5; Luke 23:46).
of malicious gossip (vv. 11–12). In God the Father was His refuge. While
this crisis, David describes the Lord Jesus would endure the pain of the
as his refuge. God is his ultimate safe crucifixion, He would be vindicated
place. David knows he cannot trust in His resurrection.
in his own ability, military might, or  Do you think of God as your
even the strength of his fortifications. refuge? He is your safe place when
Instead, he asks God to be “my trials come! The psalms proclaim that
rock of refuge, a strong fortress to God is our refuge and strength both
save me” (v. 2). He trusts in God’s for now and for eternity. If you can
faithfulness and acknowledges that draw, try to portray a refuge, a hiding
“my times are in your hands” (v. 15). place of safety and comfort.
Pray with Us
Lord, being a Rock and Refuge does not mean You shield us from pain and
trouble. Today we pray for those who are hard-pressed and angry at You for
their pain; show that You are good and trustworthy, even in their anguish.
8 TODAY IN THE WORD

Monday, September 4
God as Water
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.—Psalm 42:1
Water is one of our most basic needs. because he wonders about the same
Without it, our bodies quickly break thing: Where has God gone? Why has
down. Yet, it is very easy to take it for God forgotten me? (v. 9).
granted. When I get home from work, Yet even amid his sorrow and
my wife has never asked me, “Did you sense of abandonment, he knows God
get enough water to drink today?” is with him. He tells himself, “By day
It just doesn’t seem that important. the Lord directs his love, at night his
However, if I did not have easy access song is with me” (v. 8). He preaches
to water, it would quickly become to himself, “Why, my soul, are you
an obsession. downcast? Why so disturbed within
Psalm 42 opens with one of the me? Put your hope in God” (v. 11).
most memorable images in the Psalter. He ultimately knows that God
The Psalmist’s longing for God is cares for him as his Savior and
compared to a deer in the wilderness protector (v. 11). He also knows that
panting for water. The reason why the he needs God as desperately as a man
psalmist longs for God so desperately dying of thirst needs water.
is that God seems absent. When  God is the foundational source
things are going well, it is easy to take of our life. While we may sometimes
God for granted. But that is not the take God for granted, without His
case here. The psalmist laments, “My constant care we would not survive.
tears have been my food day and Like the Psalmist, we thirst for God.
night, while people say to me all day Even in times of fear or sorrow, we can
long, ‘Where is your God?’” (v. 3). This completely trust in God’s love, care,
taunt of his enemies pierces his soul and provision.
Pray with Us
Teach us to eat and drink and do all things to Your glory. May our satisfaction
in all good things stem from satisfaction in You. We thirst for close communion
with You. Satisfy our thirst, we pray.

Tuesday, September 5
God as Rock
Read 2 Samuel 22:1–51
My God is my rock,
in whom I take refuge.—2 Samuel 22:3
Looking back on his life, David must or explosives, a rock was the ultimate
have been amazed at all the trials he picture of stability and strength. If you
had endured and how much he had were wandering in the desert, a rock
accomplished. He began his journey would be a welcome sight. It would
as a humble shepherd, went on to provide needed shade and shelter
face the giant Goliath, served in Saul’s from the sun.
court, became a fugitive living in the Throughout the trials of David’s
wilderness, worked as a hired soldier life, God had been his rock. God was
for the Philistines, and ultimately his source of safety and security. No
ascended to the throne of Israel. In matter what he was going through,
2 Samuel 22, David reflects on a time he could call upon the Lord knowing
when God delivered him from Saul. that God would hear and provide (v.
Although he may have composed 7). When it seemed like the world was
this poem shortly after the event, it is crashing down around him, he could
included at this point in the book to count on God (v. 8).
provide a fitting summary of David’s  God is your rock too! Solid.
relationship with God. Strong. Certain. We can cling to Him
In the central image of this poem, when everything else seems uncertain,
David describes God as a rock. “The knowing that He will never let us
Lord is my rock, my fortress and my down. God met our deepest need
deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom through the death and resurrection of
I take refuge” (v. 2). “For who is God Jesus for our sin. We can declare with
besides the Lord? And who is the Rock David, “The Lord lives! Praise be to my
except our God?” (v. 32). In a world Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock,
before the invention of powerful drills my Savior!” (v. 47).
Pray with Us
It is true that even when life hardly seems worth it, You are a Rock in our lives,
assuring us that we are saved, that we will one day be delivered from pain
forever, and that we are accepted as Your children.
10 TODAY IN THE WORD

Wednesday, September 6
God as Fire
Read Deuteronomy 4:15–24
For the Lord your God is a consuming fire,
a jealous God.—Deuteronomy 4:24
Can you imagine a world without fire? them in the form of any image or
Fire provides us with light in the dark shape. Instead, God spoke to them
and warmth in the cold. Fire enables “out of the fire” (v. 15). Fire is flickering
us to cook food, refine metals, and and immaterial (the opposite of
power a car. Yet, fire is also dangerous. solid). The choice of fire was meant
It can destroy homes and cities. The to teach Israel that they should not
ancient Greek culture highlighted the make an image of God in the form
importance of fire by naming it as one of any created thing (vv. 16–19).
of the four basic elements along with Their worship of God should not be
water, air, and earth. inspired by an object. Instead, they
In the Old Testament, God’s should remember what God had done
appearances are often described as for them. How He had redeemed
fire. God appeared to Abraham as a them from Egypt (v. 20). Their focus
torch of fire (Gen. 15:17). He appeared should be on God’s words and deeds.
to Moses in the burning bush and as  We may be tempted to worship a
a fire on Mount Sinai (Ex. 3:2; 19:18). god created by our own imagination.
Fire symbolizes God’s holiness and John Calvin remarked that the human
purity. Fire is also used to portray heart is “a perpetual factory of idols.”
God’s anger. The prophet Nahum asks, Yet, God made Himself known to
“Who can withstand his indignation? us in Scripture. He desires our full
Who can endure his fierce anger? His and undivided worship. If we turn to
wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks false gods, we risk being the object
are shattered before him” (Nah. 1:6). of God’s anger. As Moses reminds us,
In today’s reading, Moses reminds “the Lord your God is a consuming
Israel that God did not appear to fire” (v. 24).
Pray with Us
As we enjoy Your love and compassion, let us not forget that You are a God of
justice, and that sin moves You to wrath. We revere You as Creator, as One who
has power to destroy and avenge. Keep our hearts turned to You.

Thursday, September 7
God as Shield
Read Genesis 15:1–6
I am your shield,
your very great reward.—Genesis 15:1
When you think of a shield, what Abram’s response is surprising.

comes to mind? Superheroes? He asks God how he can trust His
Knights of the Round Table? In promise since he was still childless (vv.
Genesis 15, God describes Himself 2–3). Remember, God had promised
as “a shield.” Abram had just rescued that Abram’s offspring would become
his nephew Lot along with the other a great nation (Gen. 12:1–3). Years
residents of Sodom and Gomorrah had gone by, yet Sarah and Abram
from a group of marauding kings still did not have any children. Abram
(Gen. 14:1–24). This was a stunning wondered if God was able to keep this
military achievement for a man who new promise if He had not followed
was not an experienced warrior. through on the first one.
Clearly, God had been at work. God asked Abram to come
Yet, the victory put Abram in a outside and look at the stars. Imagine
vulnerable position. He had made being in the wilderness with no
enemies. Remember that he was not ambient light. God proclaimed, “So
living among his own people and shall your offspring be” (v. 5). God
could not count on the support of was reminding Abram that He has
those around him. created the stars. Could not the One
God appeared to Abram in a who spoke the universe into existence
vision and said, “Do not be afraid, be trusted to keep His word today?
Abram. I am your shield, your very Abram believed God (v. 6).
great reward” (v. 1). A shield was  God is your shield. He protects
designed to protect a soldier from and defends you as well. Just like
arrows or spear thrusts. God told Abram, we are called to trust in God
Abram that he had no cause for and His Word. We can be grateful that
worry. He would protect him. the Creator of the universe is active on
our behalf today.
Pray with Us
Lord, teach us to depend on You as a knight would rely on his shield. In trouble,
doubt, or fear we seek You out. Grant us comfort and assurance that You are
with us.

Friday, September 8
God as a Strong Tower

Read Proverbs 18:1–24
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.—Proverbs 18:10
Have you ever heard of someone who and security? For the righteous, “the
lives in an “ivory tower”? That kind name of the Lord is a fortified tower”
of image is often used to describe (v. 10). They find their security and trust
someone who is out of touch with in God. When difficulties come, they
reality. While they might be highly know exactly where to go. They do not
educated, they lack first-hand life hesitate or wander between this tower
experience. and that one. Instead, they “run to it
The word “tower” occurs 50 [the Lord] and are safe” (v. 10).
times in the Bible, but never in that By contrast, the strong tower of
sense. The tower in the Bible refers to the rich is often their wealth (v. 11).
a military fortress. Cities had towers They “imagine it a wall too high to
built into the corners of the wall as scale” (v. 11). The word “imagine” is
defensive fortifications. They also had the key one. They think their wealth
a tower in the middle of the city as a will save them but it is no match for
final stronghold if the enemy was able the kind of strong tower that the Lord
to breech the outer wall. If you lived provides. Not every wealthy person
in a city in ancient Israel, these towers trusts in their riches instead of God.
would be a daily visual reminder of a But trusting in wealth is a special
place of safety and security. challenge for those who have much
In today’s reading there are two (Matt. 19:23–24).
proverbs that are intentionally paired  Take a few minutes and reflect on
with one another in verses 10–11. the image of God as a tower. Where
These two verses paint a contrasting do you run to for safety and security?
picture between the righteous and the When challenges come in life, do you
wealthy. Where do they turn for safety run to the Lord?
Pray with Us
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help
comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1–2). More than
any other power, we trust You, Lord.

God as Lion
Read Isaiah 31:1–9
Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,
the Root of David, has triumphed.—Revelation 5:5
So far in our study, we have Even if a group of shepherds tried

reflected on objects that are used as to scare the lion away, it is not going
metaphors for God. God has been anywhere (v. 4). That is how fiercely
compared to light, a refuge, water, God will protect Judah. The image
a rock, fire, a shield, and a strong of a lion evokes great power and
tower. Today and for the next few irresistible strength.
days we will examine passages that We have a bike path by our
compare God to an animal. house with a particular spot where
In Isaiah 31, the prophet was red-winged blackbirds nest. In the
addressing a nation in crisis. The spring, when we walk by that area, we
fierce Assyrian army had threatened are often bombarded by protective
Judah’s existence. Judah looked to blackbird mothers. That is similar to
Egypt for an ally, thinking that if they another animal image God uses for
could associate with another powerful Himself here: “Like birds hovering
nation, they could save themselves. overhead, the Lord Almighty will
God warns Judah not to be like those shield Jerusalem” (v. 5).
who “trust in the multitude of their  Because God is fiercely powerful
chariots and in the great strength of and protective of His children, we
their horsemen, but do not look to the have no reason to fear. While we may
Holy One of Israel, or seek help from not have an army breathing down our
the Lord” (v. 1). Our God is a greater neck, we still worry about things such
ally than any human army (v. 3). as the economy, job loss, or cultural
To drive this point home, God change. Take comfort that God is the
paints a vivid image. Imagine a lion same today as He was in the past. He
crouched over and defending its prey. shelters and protects His own.
Pray with Us
While our bodies may suffer, our souls are secure in You. No physical or spiritual
power can cut us off from You. Father, thank You for protecting us like a lion. No
evil can claim us, for we are Yours.

Sunday, September 10
God as Eagle
Read Exodus 19:1–8
You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried
you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.—Exodus 19:4
Did you know that Benjamin Franklin Himself (v. 4). He desired to be in a
once proposed that a turkey should close relationship with them. When
represent the United States on our we think about our salvation, it is
national seal? Most Americans are important to remember the same
probably grateful that instead, in 1782, truth. God delivered us not only to
the bald eagle was selected to adorn save us from sin and judgment but
the Great Seal. The eagle has been a also to bring us into a relationship
symbol of power and strength from with Him (1 Cor. 1:9).
ancient times. In the remainder of the passage,
In Exodus 19, we read about God outlines His purpose for calling
another nation, Israel, that arrived Israel. He called Israel to be His
at Mount Sinai. In this important special people so they would be a
passage, God summarizes the “kingdom of priests and a holy nation”
covenant relationship into which He (v. 6). They were not to ignore the
was inviting Israel to enter with Him. rest of the world but represent God
He reminds Israel what He had done: to them. They could do this through
“You yourselves have seen what I example, witness, and by keeping and
did to Egypt, and how I carried you proclaiming God’s Word.
on eagles’ wings” (v. 4). Here God  We are grateful that our God has
compares His actions in the Exodus brought salvation for His people. As
story to an eagle, symbolizing the those who hope in Him, we can claim
speed and power of His deliverance. this promise: “Those who hope in the
God makes an important point Lord will renew their strength. They
about why He delivered Israel. He will soar on wings like eagles; they will
did it not only to save Israel from run and not grow weary, they will walk
slavery but also to bring them to and not be faint” (Isa. 40:31).
Pray with Us
Lord, we read these wonderful promises of strength, hope, and courage—but
we often still struggle with weakness, doubts, and fear. Help us in our weakness
and show us how to find strength and courage in You.

Monday, September 11
God as Parental Bird

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge.—Psalm 91:4
A baby bird is entirely dependent those things. The world is not a safe
on its parents for survival. The tiny place. Yet, this psalm reminds us of
creature lacks the ability to procure another reality. These threats are
food or defend itself, even against the not beyond God’s protective care
least agile predators. For safety a baby or supervision.
bird relies on its parents. In the face of How are we to understand the
danger, many bird species will shield lavish promises in this psalm? The
their young by covering them with psalmist declares that “no harm will
their wings, safeguarding them from overtake you, no disaster will come
predators or inclement weather. near your tent” (v. 10). Yet we may
Today’s reading abounds with wonder why our daily experience
protective metaphors for God. God proves otherwise. Many of the most
is a “shelter,” “refuge,” and “fortress” godly people in the Bible faced
(vv. 1–2). One of the most poignant persecution and suffering.
metaphors compares God to a bird These promises are best
sheltering its offspring under its wings. understood when referring to God’s
For a baby bird, there is no safer ultimate defeat of evil at the return
place on earth than under the wing of Christ. While sitting in a prison cell,
of the parent. Paul wrote, “The Lord will rescue me
The Bible frequently states that from every evil attack and will bring
we live in a world filled with threats. me safely to his heavenly kingdom”
This psalm lists pestilence, plagues, (2 Tim. 4:18).
and the threat of foreign armies as just  Are you facing difficulties? No
a few examples (vv. 6–8). These threats matter how threatening life can be on
can easily become the focus of our earth, nothing can separate us from
lives. We worry about losing our job, the love of Christ. His is a wing under
our health, or our relationships. The which you can always find shelter.
truth is that sometimes we do lose
Pray with Us
We do not understand why You allow evil to unfold in the world, but we take
comfort in the knowledge that nothing is outside Your control. Shelter us under
Your wings and secure our faith in You.

God as Bear
Read Hosea 13:1–16
It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands
of the living God.—Hebrews 10:31
The largest bear species in the world Because of their rebellion, God
is the polar bear. Male polar bears declares that He will come as a judge.
can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and He uses three animal metaphors to
stand up to 9 feet 10 inches tall! describe His anger toward Israel.
While ancient Israel did not have any He will be like a lion, a leopard, and
polar bears, they did have a respect climactically like a “bear robbed of
and fear of a bear’s power. There is a her cubs” (v. 8). No one wants to
proverb in the book of Amos where get between a bear and its cubs!
the prophet says, “It will be as though The image is clear, fierce judgment
a man fled from a lion only to meet is coming.
a bear” (5:19). That is similar to our Part of God’s judgment is to give
proverb “Out of the frying pan and Israel what they wanted, the kind of
into the fire.” leadership they asked for (v. 10). God
In Hosea 13, God pronounces knows this will only lead to ruin. God
a judgment against the northern is heartbroken over the sin of His
kingdom of Israel. Israel had people. This passage reminds us of the
engaged in idol worship and even seriousness of sin. God is not to be
offered human sacrifices, something trifled with. He desires our allegiance.
God detested. They had done this  In modern culture, we tend to
although God had delivered them focus on God as love. We see Him as
from slavery to Egypt and warned our friend. But it’s good to remember
them to “acknowledge no God but that we serve a powerful, almighty
me, no Savior except me” (v. 4). God who will judge and punish sin.
They forgot their dependence on Understanding this attribute of God
God and became proud. makes us even more thankful for
our salvation.
Pray with Us
The image of a bear robbed of her cubs sobers us, reminding us that this is the
wrath we justly deserve for our sin. Yet with Your own blood You shield us from
Your anger. We thank and worship You, our compassionate God!

God as Shepherd: Part 1

Read Ezekiel 34:1–31
I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.—John 10:11
What animal is mentioned most not lead with compassion but with
often in the Bible? If you guessed harsh brutality (v. 4).
“sheep,” you are right! Sheep were God declares that He will
an important part of the economy personally shepherd His people
of ancient Israel. It is no surprise that (v. 11). He will seek the lost, heal the
many biblical characters spent at sick, provide, and protect His people
least some of their life as shepherds, (vv. 11–14). This type of leadership
including Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, is personal, sacrificial, and loving.
Moses, David, and Amos. He protects the weak from the
Shepherding in Israel was oppression of the strong (vv. 20–21).
different than it is today. There were In verses 23–24, God says He
no fenced-in fields. Instead, shepherds will shepherd His people through
had to be with their sheep to protect “my servant David.” Ezekiel is writing
them from predators, lead them to during the exile, long after David. The
good pasture, shelter them from the promise is that there will be a coming
weather, and tend to their injuries. Davidic ruler who will be the ultimate
Shepherds became symbols of good Good Shepherd. This promise is
leadership. Like shepherds, good fulfilled by the Lord Jesus. Jesus
leaders are compassionate, caring, and declared, “I am the good shepherd.
protective of those under their care. The good shepherd lays down his life
In today’s reading, God for the sheep” (John 10:11).
denounces the so-called shepherds of  As followers of Jesus, we have a
Israel. The priests and leaders of Israel Shepherd who cares for us, guides us,
had failed. They had extorted their protects us, and loves us. What a gift
people and did not care for them (vv. this is! Perhaps it is time to return to
2–4). They have not tended the sick your image journal and paint an image
and weak or sought the lost. They did of a Shepherd caring for the sheep.
Pray with Us
You truly are the good shepherd. The longer we follow You, the more we
are amazed by Your careful guidance and discipline. We look back and see the
ways You directed our steps, even when we didn’t know it. Thank You, Father!

God as Shepherd: Part 2

You led your people like a flock by the hand
of Moses and Aaron.—Psalm 77:20
Did you know that there are over These troubling doubts increased
a billion sheep on the earth today? his anxiety. Imagine, if a sheep
In New Zealand, sheep outnumber started questioning the shepherd’s
people five to one! Humans have a care and trustworthiness!
long history of tending sheep. Since The Psalmist then paused and
sheep are naturally defenseless against encouraged himself to remember
predators, they tend to be nervous who God is and what He had done
and easily frightened. (vv. 11–12). He reflected on God’s
If you think about it, we have stunning deliverance of Israel from
a lot in common with sheep. The slavery in Egypt. He reminded himself
world often seems like a dangerous that God is powerful and cares about
place. Anxiety and fear are rampant His people. Verses 16–18 remind us
today, even among the most wealthy of the disciple’s observations about
and successful. In today’s reading, Jesus: “Even the winds and waves
the Psalmist expresses deep distress. obey him!” (Matt. 8:27). This powerful,
Instead of peacefully sleeping through mighty God is our Shepherd, and we
the night, he groans and stretches out are His sheep. Note the comparison of
his hands to heaven in desperation God’s people to a “flock” in verse 20.
(vv. 2–3). He laments to God: “You  Sheep need a shepherd to
kept my eyes from closing; I was too protect, lead, and calm them. We
troubled to speak” (v. 4). need that too! When doubts creep
Most disturbing was the fact in, remember what God has done
that his situation made him question for you. Best of all, God showed His
God’s faithfulness. He wondered love by sending Jesus to save us from
if God would keep His covenant sin. He made a way for us to be in
promises and be true to His nature as fellowship with Him. “The Lord is my
compassionate and gracious (vv. 7–9). shepherd, I lack nothing” (Ps. 23:1).
Pray with Us
No matter how desperate our situation, we can find comfort in memories of
how You have helped us in the past. Preserve these memories and remind us
often, we ask; in present trouble let us not forget Your proven faithfulness.

Q&A
Questions & Answers

by Dr. Michael Rydelnik, professor of Jewish Studies
and host of Moody Radio’s Open Line
Q If all our sins are forgiven, what

exactly will our judgment be
when we stand before God?
so that each of us may receive what is
due us for the things done while in the
body, whether good or bad” (2 Cor.
5:10). This refers to the judgment of
A It’s clear in Scripture that, if we

believe that the Lord Jesus died
as our substitutionary sacrifice and
a genuine believer’s works. When we
stand before the Lord at this tribunal,
the judgment will be like fire, testing
that He was raised from the dead, “the quality of each person’s work”
all of our sins—past, present, and (1 Cor. 3:13). If our works endure the
future—are forgiven (1 Cor. 15:1–8). fire of judgment, we will receive a
Romans 8:1 says: “There is now no reward. But if our works are burned
condemnation for those who are in up, we will experience a sense of loss.
Christ Jesus.” Trust in the Lord Jesus Paul assures us that this person, whose
establishes for us a forever-forgiven work is burned up, still “will be saved”
relationship with God. Nevertheless, (1 Cor. 3:15). Clearly, the Bema Seat of
in this life, we will continue to sin (1 Christ is a judgment of the believer’s
John 1:8, 10) but hopefully less and works, leading to a reward or loss
less as we grow. When we sin, we of reward, not an eternal judgment,
break fellowship with God, but never leading to salvation or condemnation.
our relationship. Therefore, we need In my opinion, the greatest
to confess our sins directly to God reward to be received is to one day
(1 John 1:9) to restore our fellowship hear the Lord say, “Well done, good
with Him. Confession of sin renews and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21).
our walk with God and restores And should we receive crowns as
our lines of communication. Our rewards, we will only cast them at the
relationship with God is established feet of the Lord Jesus who deserves all
when we trust in Jesus, and our the credit, since all we have done or
fellowship is repeatedly renewed and accomplished is of His grace alone.
restored when we confess our sins.
As for our judgment before
God, even followers of Jesus who are
eternally forgiven will stand before
Q Is it possible to get a brief
outline of Israel’s past, present,
and future? This will answer a lot of
Him at the Bema (Judgment) Seat. questions for me as well as for a lot of
Paul writes, “For we must all appear other people who think that Israel has
before the judgment seat of Christ, been replaced.

Q&A
“The greatest reward to be received is to one day hear the Lord say, “Well
done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21). And should we receive
crowns as rewards, we will only cast them at the feet of the Lord Jesus.”
A God’s special plan for the Jewish

people is clearly laid out in
Scripture. In the Old Testament, God
forever forgiveness (Rom. 10:9–13;
John 8:24).
God has begun to fulfill His plan
chose Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to for the Jewish people by restoring
establish the unconditional Abrahamic them to Israel (Ezek. 37:1–27). A time
covenant. The Jewish people were will come when Jewish people will
given promises of the land of Israel, of experience even worse persecution
offspring with one special messianic than in the past, “the time of Jacob’s
descendant, through whom the whole trouble” (Jer. 30:7). Ultimately, the
world would be blessed (Gen. 12:1–3; nations will gather against Jerusalem,
15:1–21; 17:1–22; 22:15–18; 26:1–6; attempting to destroy the Jewish
35:9–12). nation (Zech. 12:2; 14:2). The Jewish
When God redeemed the nation people will finally call out to Yeshua
of Israel from Egypt, He brought (Jesus) the Messiah to save them
them to Mt. Sinai and called them (Zech. 12:10), leading to the Lord’s
to be a nation of priests, mediating return and deliverance of Israel (Zech.
the knowledge of God to the rest of 14:3–5). The Jewish people alive at that
the world (Ex. 19:4–6). Because Israel time, having believed in Yeshua, will
could not keep the Law that God had be forgiven and delivered, just as Paul
given them, they needed a Redeemer. wrote, “all Israel will be saved” (Rom.
God sent the Messiah Jesus. Although 11:26). Afterward, the Lord Jesus will
many Jewish people believed in Him, establish the throne of David and rule
most did not (John 1:11). As a result, over Israel and the world in Jerusalem
the Lord Jesus said He would not (Isa. 2:3–4; 9:7; 11:1–10). In that great
return until Israel welcomed Him back messianic kingdom, the true destiny
as the Messiah (Matt. 23:37–39). of Israel will be fulfilled: “[T]en people
The Jewish people remain from all languages and nations will
God’s chosen and beloved nation take firm hold of one Jew by the hem
because of the promises God made of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with
to the Patriarchs (Rom. 11:28–29). you, because we have heard that God
Nevertheless, despite their status, is with you’” (Zech. 8:23), leading all

Jewish people need to trust in Jesus as the nations to the knowledge of the
their Redeemer to experience God’s God of Israel.

Friday, September 15
God as King: Part 1

Read Psalm 47:1–9
For the Lord Most High is awesome,
the great King over all the earth.—Psalm 47:2
There is almost nothing worse intimately involved in our lives. David

than working for a bad leader, in declares, “The Lord is near to all who
a workplace filled with confusion, call on him, to all who call on him in
mistrust, and frustration. On the truth” (Ps. 145:18).
other hand, when we work for a good The fact that God rules over all
leader, even the most difficult job can things gives us hope. This psalm looks
seem bearable. forward to a time when God’s rule
Again and again, the Bible will be recognized by all people (vv.
refers to God as King. In democratic 8–9). When Jesus returns to rule from
nations, we may be a bit suspicious Jerusalem, “He will judge between
of that title. But unlike many earthly many peoples and will settle disputes
kings, God is not an elevated tyrant for strong nations far and wide. They
concerned only with his own power will beat their swords into plowshares
and privilege. In today’s reading, the and their spears into pruning hooks.
Psalmist celebrates God’s rule with Nation will not take up sword against
great enthusiasm: “Sing praises to nation” (Micah 4:3).
God, sing praises; sing praises to our  What does it mean to live under
King, sing praises” (v. 6). God’s rule in the present? One way is
Psalm 47 celebrates God’s rule to remember that our lives are not our
over all the earth, including all the own, but everything we have belongs
nations (vv. 1–2). As believers, we owe to Him (1 Cor. 6:19–20). We submit to
Him our allegiance. We can trust God God as King in every area of our lives,
as King. Our King wants to hear from trust in His wisdom and guidance, and
us. He delights to receive our worship seek to glorify Him in all that we do.
(v. 6). He cares for us personally and is
Pray with Us
The greatest earthly ruler cannot compare to Your perfect justice, wisdom, and
tender loving care. We trust You because You are worthy of trust. We serve You
because You are deserving of our allegiance.

God as King: Part 2

Read Daniel 4:1–39
For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.—Psalm 97:9
“It is legal because I want it,” King the city and boasted, “Is this not the
Louis XVI said. This quote embodies great Babylon I have built as the royal
the attitude of monarchs throughout residence, by my mighty power and
history. And while the Bible recognizes for the glory of my majesty?” (v. 30).
the authority of human kings and While the words were still on his lips,
rulers, God is the King of kings! Any God pronounced judgment on him.
human king is under God’s authority. The once mighty king was reduced to
Daniel 4 is an unusual chapter. It living with animals and eating grass
is the only place in Scripture where like an ox until he acknowledged
a Gentile king is allowed to speak God’s sovereignty (v. 33).
for himself. In the form of a letter Imagine if you lived at that time.
or proclamation, Nebuchadnezzar King Nebuchadnezzar looked all-
testifies about God’s work in his life. powerful. What a striking object
He recounts a dream he had about lesson to see a person who seemed
a mighty tree that was cut down. so majestic now humbled in such a
Naturally, he turned to Daniel for its dramatic and public way. When the
interpretation. Daniel declares that king finally acknowledged God, his
God has pronounced judgment on sanity was restored. He declared,
Nebuchadnezzar for his pride. He “[God’s] dominion is an eternal
would be “driven away from people” dominion; his kingdom endures from
and “live with the wild animals” generation to generation” (v. 34).
until he acknowledges the truth that  It is easy for us to get discouraged
“the Most High is sovereign over all by the failures of human leaders. But
kingdoms on earth” (v. 25). be encouraged today! No matter how
And that is exactly what happened. things may look at times, God is on
One day, while Nebuchadnezzar was the throne. Even those who walk in
relaxing on the palace roof, he surveyed pride, “he is able to humble” (v. 37).
Pray with Us
Today’s passage reminds us that You are always in control! Even the most
powerful leader cannot act outside of Your dominion. We ask You, Lord, to
guide world leaders in wisdom, steering them away from evil.

God as Potter
Read Jeremiah 18:1–17
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.—Isaiah 64:8
Many people dream of being an (v. 6). This is both a warning and
archaeologist like Indiana Jones, a source of hope for Israel. If God
discovering lost treasures from the announces judgment against them
ancient world. However, actual and they repent, God can relent from
archaeological digs are usually not so His judgment and bless them (v. 8).
spectacular. Pottery is one of the most But if they are rebellious against God,
common discoveries, in part because He can reconsider the good He had
it is highly resistant to decay, but also planned for them (v. 10). Just like a
because pottery was so widely used potter, God can change course in the
in ancient cultures. midst of forming the clay to create
In today’s reading, God instructs something else.
Jeremiah to go down to the potter’s Tragically, Israel was being
house (v. 2). Jeremiah notices that, in clay that was difficult to work with.
one case, a potter started to make They had forgotten God and turned
one object, but the clay was not to idols (v. 15). Most significantly,
cooperating. Rather than giving up they remained unrepentant. They
on the clay, the potter smashed it and proclaimed, “It’s no use. We will
shaped it into something else (v. 4). continue with our own plans; we
God used this scene to teach Israel will all follow the stubbornness of
about their relationship with Him. our evil hearts” (v. 12).
God is the potter, and Israel  Are you ever stubborn clay? We
is the clay. There is a relationship are at our best when we recognize
between them. The clay can be our position before God. We need
unyielding to the potter’s hand, but to realize that He is the potter. God
the potter remains in control of what has called us to submit so that He
happens to the clay. God has the can shape us in the image of His Son
same kind of freedom as the potter (Rom. 8:29).
Pray with Us
When we harden ourselves against You, please soften us. Change our hearts to
align with Yours. Teach us to desire the things that You desire, for You are wise
and Your desires are holy.

God as Builder
Read Job 38:1–41
Where were you when I laid
the earth’s foundation?—Job 38:4
On May 1, 1931, the Empire State around God’s work in Creation. God
Building opened to great fanfare. At presents himself as the main architect,
the time, it was the largest building in carpenter, and builder of the world.
the world. The construction involved He alone knows the secrets of the
over 3,500 workers and took three universe because He is its Creator.
years to complete. Architects, iron God is the master builder.
workers, stone masons, carpenters, How does God’s answer relate
and plumbers were all needed, along to Job’s question? God reminded
with many other specialties to craft Job of his place in the universe.
the iconic building. The questions forced Job to reflect:
In Job 38, God is the master “Where were you? Who are you? Have
builder. He created not a skyscraper you ever? Are you able?” God was the
but the entire universe! He alone is Creator; Job was merely a creature.
the Creator of everything. You may He was not to judge God. He did not
remember that the Old Testament have the information, the standing,
book of Job shares the story of a man or the capacity to do so. He had been
who had lost everything. His house, speaking “words without knowledge”
wealth, reputation, and his children (v. 2).
had all been taken from him. Job  This is not an easy message to
could not fathom why. What had he hear, but sometimes we need to be
done to deserve such calamity? reminded of our limits before God.
Job’s intense suffering impacted There are some things we will not
his relationship with God, and he know. But one truth we do know is
began to question God’s justice (Job that we worship a fully competent
31:35). God met with Job “out of the and caring Creator. We can trust in
storm” (v. 1), giving him a series of His sovereign rule.
rhetorical questions that centered
Pray with Us
The words of Job, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours
can be thwarted” (Job 42:2), show us that You, God, are truly beyond our
comprehension. It is not our place to judge You, but instead to worship.

God as Warrior
Read Exodus 15:1–18
The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.
Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea.—Exodus 15:3–4
Throughout its history, Israel was in As warrior, God often used forces
an almost constant state of warfare. of nature on His behalf. He parted the
During the events described in the Red Sea, so Israel could walk through,
Old Testament, they were attacked by and had it collapse back on the
the Egyptians, Philistines, Moabites, Egyptians. In other events of the Old
Assyrians, and Babylonians—to Testament, God used hailstones and
name just a few enemies. In such a made the sun stand still (Josh. 10:1–
dangerous world, warriors were both 15). Other times, God empowered
common and necessary. Israel to defeat their enemies (2 Sam.
In many places in Scripture, God 5:22–25). God did not simply side
is described as a warrior. In Exodus 15, with Israel though. When Israel was
Israel had achieved the unthinkable. unfaithful to God, He fought against
They had escaped from Egypt, the them (Deut. 28:25–26).
most powerful nation on earth at the In the New Testament, Paul uses
time. They did not escape because warrior language to describe the
of their military prowess or their victory Jesus accomplished on the
political savvy as negotiators. Instead, cross (Col. 2:13–15). Our ultimate
they were freed from slavery because hope is that Jesus will return as a
God fought on their behalf. After the warrior and ultimately defeat Satan
Egyptian army drowned in the Red and the forces of evil (Rev. 19:11–16).
Sea, Moses led Israel in a hymn of  You are not alone in your battles.
praise that proclaimed: “The Lord is a When we pray to God for help, He
warrior, the Lord is his name” (v. 3). He is powerful enough to handle any
silenced the prideful boasting of the situation. Jesus has already achieved
Egyptian army (v. 9). God showed that victory over sin and death on the
He is unique. There is no one like Him. cross. He will be with us in our trials
Egypt’s gods can’t compete (v. 11). every step of the way.
Pray with Us
You promised us that in this world we would have trouble; but You have
overcome the world (John 16:33). We turn to You in trials, confident that
You have a plan, and You are with us.

God as Judge
Read Daniel 7:1–28
His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom,
and all rulers will worship and obey him.—Daniel 7:27
Several years ago, I had a student its victims and trampled underfoot
in class who was old enough to be whatever was left” (v. 7). Yet, it is
my father. Over the course of the important to remember that human
semester, I got to know him and governments are not a law unto
hear his story. He was originally from themselves. There is a higher power
Cambodia. As a teenager, he was to Whom they must answer.
forced to flee from his home when In contrast to the beasts, Daniel’s
the Khmer Rouge rose to power. vision also includes a picture of God
During the short reign of this regime, sitting on his throne as the judge
an estimated 1.7 million people were (vv. 9–10). A judge is one who not
killed, including many members of this only knows what justice is but who
student’s family. also can hold people accountable.
This is just one example of the In Daniel’s vision, the terrifying and
horrific power of state. In today’s oppressive beast is easily condemned
reading, Daniel has a vision of a and judged by God (v. 11).
succession of kingdoms portrayed as  We often need to be reminded
terrifying beasts. Daniel himself lived that God is the ultimate authority in
under some of these regimes. In his the universe. While human tyrants
lifetime, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed may seem to get away with evil in
Jerusalem. He also saw the Persians the present, God will hold them
conquer the Babylonians. He knew accountable. One day, the Lord Jesus
from experience the beast-like nature will return and rule over all: “His
of empires. dominion is an everlasting dominion
From a human perspective, these that will not pass away, and his
powerful empires seem all-powerful. kingdom is one that will never be
Daniel describes the fourth beast as destroyed” (v. 14). We need not live in
“terrifying and frightening and very fear, but in the confident expectation
powerful . . . it crushed and devoured of our future hope.
Pray with Us
The earth seems full of evil people who go unchecked and unpunished. Yet
we know that all are destined to face Your wrath if they do not repent. You will
ultimately put an end to all wickedness.

God as Farmer
Read Genesis 2:4–15
The eyes of all look to you, and you give
them their food at the proper time.—Psalm 145:15
In 1935, the United States had completing His work, God turned over
6.8 million farms. Today, while the responsibility to Adam. He charged
approximately the same amount of the man “to work it and take care of
land is used for farming, the number of it” (v. 15). The garden would produce
farms has decreased to about 2 million. food that would sustain them. It would
The shift from a family-based farming be a place where they could fellowship
model to agribusiness is the reason. As with God and have meaningful and
a result, most Americans lack firsthand productive work to accomplish.
knowledge of farming. But because of sin, man’s
Farming was one of the most relationship with the land changed.
common occupations in the ancient God proclaimed, “Cursed is the
world. It is not a surprise that one of ground because of you; through
the first images of God in the Bible is painful toil you will eat food from
that of a farmer. In Genesis 1, God is it” (Gen. 3:17). From that point on,
the sovereign Creator. He speaks and farming became more difficult.
the world comes into existence. Then Still, God continued to provide for
the tone shifts in Genesis 2 and God His people.
gets His hands dirty in the soil. He  Most of us purchase our food
“formed a man from the dust of the from a grocery store. But if you have
ground” (v. 7). a garden or farm, you realize the
After creating Adam, God “planted work that goes into farming. Thank
a garden in the east, in Eden” (v. 8). God for who He is as farmer and
God was the very first farmer. He provider. It is by His hand that we
“made all kinds of trees grow out of the are nourished. If you are keeping
ground—trees that were pleasing to an image journal, draw or sketch
the eye and good for food” (v. 9). After something God has created for us.
Pray with Us
Father, we praise You as the originator of functional beauty! Thank You for giving
us trees and plants that are “pleasing to the eye and good for food” (Gen. 2:9).
We owe the pleasure of beauty and good food to You!

God as Vineyard Owner

Read Isaiah 5:1–7
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.—John 15:5
There is nothing quite like the taste care and patiently waited for grapes
of fresh grapes. They are sweet, juicy, to grow. Instead of good grapes, His
and refreshing. I don’t have first-hand vineyard only produced rotten ones
experience of growing grapes, but I’ve (v. 2). In this metaphor, Israel is the
been told it can be a fickle crop that vineyard. God had planted them in
needs constant attention. the land of Canaan and provided for
Grapes were—and still are—one them. Yet, they consistently rebelled
of the most common agricultural against Him (v. 7). The leaders did
products in Israel. In today’s reading, not uphold justice but oppressed
Isaiah envisions God as the owner of a the weak and vulnerable (v. 7). This
vineyard. Planting a new vineyard was parable makes clear that their failure
an especially arduous task. Vineyards was not because of neglect on God’s
were typically planted on a hillside part. Because of their rebellion, they
(v. 1). They needed to be cleared of would be judged (vv. 5–6).
stones (v. 2). In an age before tractors Thankfully, this is not the end of
or other mechanical help, this was the story. God promised: “I will again
backbreaking work. The stones would plant Israel in their own land, never
then be used to build a fence around again to be uprooted from the land
the vineyard and a watchtower for I have given them” (Amos 9:15). God
protection (v. 2). Planting a vineyard does not give up on His people.
was also a long-term investment. It  Jesus taught that the way to live
takes a few years before a vine will in right relationship with God was to
grow eatable grapes. stay connected to Him as the true vine
In Isaiah’s song, God has done this (John 15:1–8). How are you cultivating
work skillfully and carefully. He has and nourishing your connection to the
tended His vineyard with the utmost Lord and His church?
Pray with Us
Lord, we ask You to grant us perseverance and selflessness in forming
connections with a local church body. Draw us near to You and near to
Your people. Teach us to love Your people.

God as Teacher
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.—Psalm 25:5
Imagine a classroom. What not the healthy who need a doctor,

comes to mind? As a college but the sick” (Matt. 9:12).
professor, I picture desks in rows, Secondly, David’s request
a whiteboard, and a podium in the assumes a posture of humility. Being
front. Education in ancient Israel taught can be a painful and difficult
was a bit different. There were no process. It means changing how we
classrooms. The student/teacher think and behave. Learning to walk
relationship was also bit different. in God’s ways requires that we begin
Scripture was taught mainly in the with the fear or respect of the Lord
home (Deut. 6:7). Learning a new (v. 12). The proud cannot learn. They
trade was accomplished through are too busy looking down on others
apprenticeships. to look up to God. David reminds us
In today’s reading, David portrays that God “guides the humble in what
God as his teacher. He asks God: is right” (v. 9). Our attitude should
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach mirror that of David: “My eyes are
me your paths” (v. 4). He wants to be ever on the Lord, for only he will
guided by the Lord, because he knows release my feet from the snare” (v.
that God is “good and upright” (v. 8). 15). Or as Paul instructed the church
David’s request is based on two in Philippi, “Have the same mindset
important truths. First, God cares for as Christ Jesus . . . [who] humbled
us and desires for us to change. David himself by being obedient to death—
affirms, “All the ways of the Lord are even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:5, 8).
loving and faithful” (v. 10). God cares  God is your teacher. No one else
for him even though he has not been can guide and instruct you like He can.
perfect. God also “instructs sinners in Let our eyes be on the Lord today and
his ways” (v. 8). As Jesus taught, “It is look to His Word for instruction.
Pray with Us
By Your Holy Spirit grant us insight into Your Word. Teach us the sound of Your
voice and the sense of Your prompting. You are the God of all wisdom and You
have made us in Your image; make us wise.

God as Physician
Read Hosea 14:1–9
I will heal their waywardness
and love them freely.—Hosea 14:4
The first step toward healing is recog- Him alone, they had often trusted in
nizing that you are sick. Aspiring alliances with Assyria and worshiped
medical students are often counseled idols (v. 3). They had ignored God’s
to minor in psychology. The reason for command to care for the orphan and
this is that treating someone medically the widow (v. 3). There could be no
involves more than simply diagnosing forgiveness and no healing without
diseases and prescribing treatments. accepting their guilt and turning to
The patient also must accept that they their God.
are sick and that the treatment offered God assured Israel that if they
will help them. would repent, He “will heal their
The prophet Hosea ministered waywardness and love them freely”
to Israel during a time when the (v. 4). God is the great physician. He is
nation was prosperous and thriving able to heal physical sickness. And He
economically. But while their pocket- alone could heal the spiritual sickness
books might have been healthy, their that Israel had brought upon itself.
hearts were not. They worshiped idols God could not only restore Israel,
and oppressed the poor. God raised but He could also cause the nation
up Hosea to warn them of the danger to thrive (vv. 5–8).
they faced if they continued this path.  Perhaps you have struggled with a
In Hosea 14, we read the prophet’s recurring sin in your past or continue
final plea to the nation: “Return, Israel, to do so in the present. Turn to the
to the Lord your God. Your sins have Great Physician! “If we confess our
been your downfall!” (v. 1). sins, he is faithful and just and will
Israel’s sin was like a sickness forgive us our sins and purify us
eating away at the nation from the from all unrighteousness” (1 John
inside. First, they needed to be 1:9). Through Christ’s death and
honest about their condition. Instead resurrection, we can experience
of trusting in God and worshiping true healing.
Pray with Us
Dear God, You are righteous and holy. We confess our recurring sins to You,
Who have defeated sin. Forgive us and purify us; help us overcome ingrained,
sinful habits. In moments of temptation grant us strength.

God as Gardener
The trees of the Lord are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.—Psalm 104:16
Gardeners will tell you that getting God provides water for the animals (v.
your hands dirty and caring for plants 11). He creates a home for the birds
can be therapeutic. During the darkest (v. 12). He provides food for all (v. 27).
days of the American Revolution, The created world is not just what
George Washington took his mind God has done, but how He continues
off the war by drawing up elaborate to provide day after day.
plans for his gardens back home. Even The Psalmist closes with a reality
today, his gardens at Mount Vernon check: God’s good creation has
are a delight to walk through. been infected by sin. Just as a snake
In Psalm 104, God is pictured as a entered the Garden of Eden, sin
gardener. The Psalmist proclaims, “The remains with us today. But it will not
trees of the Lord are well watered, the always be so: “But may sinners vanish
cedars of Lebanon that he planted” (v. from the earth and the wicked be no
16). God carefully plants and cares for more” (v. 35). God has redeemed us
groves of trees. While this is the only from sin, culminating in the finished
verse in the psalm where the gardener work of Jesus.
metaphor is explicitly stated, the idea  We look forward to the New
of God tending to the created world Jerusalem described in Revelation
permeates the whole poem. 22:2–3: “On each side of the river
The Psalmist praises God as the stood the tree of life, bearing twelve
Creator. Gardeners do not only plant crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every
seeds, they also nurture their gardens month. And the leaves of the tree
as they grow. In the same way, God are for the healing of the nations.
did not only create the world but also No longer will there be any curse.”
continues to uphold and sustain it.
Pray with Us
May Your glory endure forever; may You rejoice in Your works—You look at the
earth, and it trembles, you touch the mountains, and they smoke. We will sing to
You all our lives; we will sing praise to our God as long as we live (Ps. 104:31–33).

God as Artist
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.—Psalm 19:1
Michelangelo was perhaps the God’s artistry is also seen in

greatest sculptor in history. When Scripture. God’s Word is “perfect”
asked to describe his craft, he said, and “refreshing to the soul” (v. 7). His
“Every block of stone has a statue commands are “radiant” and “pure”
inside it and it is the task of the (vv. 8–9). They are designed to help
sculptor to discover it.” Artists take us grow in wisdom and bring “joy to
materials in the world and reshape the heart” (vv. 7–8). God’s Word is
them to create something new. not only true but also beautiful. God
Today, we are viewing God as an inspired the writers of the Bible to
artist. But, unlike Michelangelo or any pen gripping narratives and majestic
ordinary artist, God is not dependent poetry. As David reflects on God’s
on using preexisting material. He can Word, he realizes it is “more precious
create from nothing! than gold” and “sweeter than honey”
In Psalm 19, David proclaims: (v. 10). The artistry in Scripture reflects
“The heavens declare the glory of God’s nature as endlessly creative.
God; the skies proclaim the work David desires that his own words
of his hands” (v. 1). David looks up and thoughts would be true and
at the night sky and is awestruck by beautiful like God’s. He prays, “May
God’s handiwork. When we take the the words of my mouth and this
time to really look at the universe meditation of my heart be pleasing
God made, from the smallest blade in your sight” (v. 14).
of grass to the largest super nova,  Take some time today to look
we cannot fail to see God’s grandeur around at the world that God created.
and His artistic prowess. Even though Where do you see evidence of God’s
nature cannot speak audibly, it artistry? As you read Scripture, notice
communicates to us who God is the beauty and the truth contained
(vv. 3–4). within it.
Pray with Us
Lord God, make Your words more precious than gold and sweeter than honey
to us. Teach us the reward of obeying them. We rejoice that in the blood of Your
Son we are blameless forever.

God as Parent: Part 1

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.—Psalm 103:13
Some people struggle with the has compassion on his children, so

biblical image of God as a father. the Lord has compassion on those
Their experience of a human father who fear him.” God is loving and
has made the idea of God as a father compassionate. While at times God
unappealing. It is true that human will correct and discipline His children
fathers are often far from perfect. (Heb. 12:7), He has also provided a
Even fathers in the Bible—Abraham, way for us to be forgiven and restored
Isaac, Jacob, and David—were men in relationship with Him: “See what
of faith but not ideal fathers. We can great love the Father has lavished on
trust, however, that God is our perfect us, that we should be called children
heavenly Father. He is utterly reliable, of God! And that is what we are!”
caring, and attentive to His children. (1 John 3:1).
In Psalm 103, David rouses These truths led David to worship
himself to praise God (vv. 1–2). He God and obey His commands (v. 18).
reminds himself of many of God’s He called out to others to join him in
wonderful attributes. God heals, praise. “Praise the Lord, you his angels,
redeems, forgives, and satisfies you mighty ones . . . all his heavenly
(vv. 3–5). Even when we fail in our hosts, you his servants who do his
relationship with God, He “does not will. Praise the Lord, all his works
treat us as our sins deserve or repay everywhere in his dominion” (v. 22)!
us according to our iniquities” (v. 10).  If you have come to faith in
Instead, God forgives. He removes Jesus, you are God’s child. He is your
our sin as far as the east is from the perfect heavenly Father. Rest in the
west (v. 12). knowledge that God knows you
We find the reason for God’s intimately (v. 14). He loves you and
forgiveness in verse 13: “As a father cares for you.
Pray with Us
“Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise
the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul”
(Ps. 103:21–22). Praise the Father, children of God!

God as Parent: Part 2

As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you.—Isaiah 66:13
The most common parental image saying that God is his mother. Rather,
of God in the Bible is as a father. the psalmist is emphasizing our
In Scripture, God is never called intrinsic need for God. Because we
mother. The authors of Scripture depend on God, we should approach
are intentional about how they use Him with humility. David confesses,
language and so we should respect “My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes
that omission. However, there are are not haughty” (v. 1).
several places where maternal Just like a baby depends on
imagery is used to help us understand a mother for nourishment and
God as a parent. Through the prophet protection, so are we utterly
Isaiah, God says, “As a mother dependent upon God. We can do
comforts her child, so will I comfort nothing without God’s help. This
you” (Isa. 66:13). Isaiah asks, “Can a knowledge should give us a spirit of
mother forget the baby at her breast?” humility before God. In the book
God speaks through Isaiah, saying of Isaiah, God affirms this attitude:
that even if an earthly mother could “These are the ones who I look on
disregard her child, God will never with favor: those who are humble and
forget His children (Isa. 49:15). contrite in spirit, and who tremble at
In Psalm 131, David uses a my word” (Isa. 66:2).
similar word picture to describe his  When you place your faith in
relationship with God. He says, “I have Jesus, you become God’s child! As
calmed and quieted myself, I am like His children, we have hope, not
a weaned child with its mother; like because of our ability or efforts to
a weaned child I am content” (v. 2). please Him, but because of His grace
Here David compares himself to the and compassion (v. 3). Humbly come
infant who finds comfort and security to God, recognizing our complete
in the arms of the mother. David is not dependence on Him.
Pray with Us
In humility we depend on You for everything! Only through the work of Your
Spirit do we experience spiritual growth. Only through Your tender care do we
enjoy a world hospitable to life. Remind us always to thank You!

God as Husband
Read Jeremiah 2:1–30
I remember the devotion of your youth,
how as a bride you loved me.—Jeremiah 2:2
If someone tells a married couple wedding ornaments? Yet my people

they are acting like newlyweds, it have forgotten me, days without
is a compliment. Why? Because number” (v. 32). In some ways it might
newlyweds are so infatuated with have been easier to understand if
one another that they see only good Israel was angry with God, that would
things in the relationship. Usually, it at least showed that they cared about
is not until later that they encounter the relationship. It is as if they forgot
struggles. Then we might say, “The they were married.
honeymoon is over.” Often we picture God as a
God’s relationship with His judge handing down a sentence with
people is often described as that of a dispassionate justice. The picture here
husband and wife. God is the faithful, is quite different. God expresses a
loving husband to Israel (in the Old deep sense of betrayal, like a husband
Testament) and the Church (in the who discovered his wife is unfaithful.
New Testament). In today’s reading, God laments, “Have I been a desert
God laments over His wayward to Israel or a land of great darkness?
bride. He reminds Israel of how He Why do my people say, ‘We are free to
redeemed her from slavery in Egypt: roam; we will come to you no more?’”
“I remember the devotion of your (v. 31). This anguish demonstrates
youth, how as a bride you loved God’s love and care for His people.
me and followed me through the  Are we ever unfaithful in our
wilderness” (v. 2). relationship to God? Have we
Yet, Israel was not faithful. They forgotten our first love? The good
worshiped idols (v. 5). They often news is that He does not give up
simply ignored the Lord: “The priests on us. Through Christ, He made
did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord?’” (v. forgiveness and reconciliation possible
8). God asks, “Does a young woman (Rev. 19:7–9).
forget her jewelry, a bride her
Pray with Us
Forgive us if we have turned away from You. Forgive us for persuading ourselves
that hope and fulfillment lay elsewhere. Help our doubting hearts; accept our
repentance. Reawaken our love for You, please, God.

Knowing God
Read Ephesians 1:15–23
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation,
so that you may know him better.—Ephesians 1:17
Pastor A. W. Tozer wrote, “What that we would learn about God
comes into our minds when we think through the enabling power of the
about God is the most important Holy Spirit (vv. 17–18).
thing about us.” This is a profoundly God provides many pictures in
true statement. What we believe Scripture to help us understand His
about God changes the way we character and attributes better. We
think about ourselves, others, and looked at how God is like different
the world we live in. Just like our aspects of the created world—light,
relationship with other people, our water, fire, and shield. We considered
knowledge of God is not a static passages where God is compared
thing. It grows as we get to know to animals—a lion, eagle, or bear.
Him better. We examined different human
We conclude our study of images occupations that illustrate aspects
of God in the New Testament, with of God’s character—shepherd, king,
Ephesians 1. Here Paul prays for the warrior, judge, and farmer, to name
church. His deepest desire is that we just a few. Finally, we looked at the
“may know him better” (v. 17). Paul most intimate pictures of God as a
understands that our first calling is parent and husband.
to remain in fellowship with God (1  It is our prayer that through
Cor. 1:8). God is unlike anyone else. this study, you have grown in your
He created the universe and stands knowledge of God through His Word.
outside of it. The only way we can What are the pictures of God that
know God is because He has made resonated with you the most? If you
Himself known to us. He is revealed kept an artistic journal, maybe you can
through His Word and ultimately share what you have learned about
through the Lord Jesus. Paul prays God by posting some of your pictures!
Pray with Us
We love You, Lord, because of Your tender love for us. We adore You, King,
because You are awesome in power. We depend upon you, Father, because
You are the author of life. Make us every day more like You.

Is prayer a burden?
—
This book seeks to resurrect
and revive our prayer life into
one that God uses to restore
His people to the place of His
blessing. Begin to breathe again
as you offer your heart, desires,
and disappointments to the
God who loves to listen and
respond to you.
—
“The emphasis on the
Holy Spirit’s leading, filling and
guiding our prayer life is at the core
of Dr. Thrasher’s message. May the
resurrection power of Jesus move
in such a way that your prayer life
breathes fresh new life.”
—Dr. Mark Jobe, President of Moody

Bible Institute of Chicago
— — —
“Applying the principles “I am convinced that your “My friend Bill Thrasher
of this terrific book will heart will be challenged, has wonderfully stepped
revitalize our prayers and and your spirit stirred as into that space to lead
our spiritual lives.” you read this book. I know us back, or for some of
God will use these pages us, for the first time, to
—Dr. Michael Rydelnik,
to resurrect the dead an effective prayer life…
Vice President and Academic
Dean and Professor
prayer life of many people reminding us that not only
of Jewish Studies and Bible, in the years to come.” is prayer important for
Moody Bible Institute getting answers but also
—Dee Jobe, Women’s Ministry
for the enjoyment of an
Director, New Life Community
Church intimate fellowship with
Christ.”
—Joe Stowell, Special

moodypublishers.com Assistant to the President
(800) 678-8812 of Moody Bible Institute
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A ministry of Moody Bible Institute

It seems like just Americans believe in a “higher power,”

For Further Study

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• Train our imagination to think about God biblically

Your devotional author,

6 TODAY IN THE WORD

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We all remember childhood games He knows God ultimately wants what

8 TODAY IN THE WORD

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10 TODAY IN THE WORD

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When you think of a shield, what Abram’s response is surprising.

12 TODAY IN THE WORD

God as a Strong Tower

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So far in our study, we have Even if a group of shepherds tried

14 TODAY IN THE WORD

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God as Parental Bird

16 TODAY IN THE WORD

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God as Shepherd: Part 1

18 TODAY IN THE WORD

God as Shepherd: Part 2

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Questions & Answers

Q If all our sins are forgiven, what

A It’s clear in Scripture that, if we

20 TODAY IN THE WORD

A God’s special plan for the Jewish

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 21

God as King: Part 1

There is almost nothing worse intimately involved in our lives. David

22 TODAY IN THE WORD

God as King: Part 2

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24 TODAY IN THE WORD

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26 TODAY IN THE WORD

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28 TODAY IN THE WORD

God as Vineyard Owner

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Imagine a classroom. What not the healthy who need a doctor,

30 TODAY IN THE WORD

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 31

32 TODAY IN THE WORD

Michelangelo was perhaps the God’s artistry is also seen in

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 33

God as Parent: Part 1

Some people struggle with the has compassion on his children, so

34 TODAY IN THE WORD

God as Parent: Part 2

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 35

If someone tells a married couple wedding ornaments? Yet my people

36 TODAY IN THE WORD

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 37

—Dr. Mark Jobe, President of Moody

—Joe Stowell, Special

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