30/05/24
JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
TODAY’S WORD
What do you see? The first mention of right timing has to do with the dove—that’s a picture of the Holy Spirit. It’s the Holy Spirit who can guide you to be at the right place at the right time.
Today’s Scripture
The men were afraid that the ship would hit the sandbanks of Syrtis, so they lowered the sail and let the wind carry the ship.
Acts 27:17, NCV
THE WINDS AND THE WAVES
In Acts 27, God promised Paul that he would stand trial before Caesar in Rome, but the ship he was on was caught for fourteen days in a huge storm with hurricane-force winds. When all hope had been given up of being saved, the captain decided to stop fighting the storm, lowered the sails, and let the wind blow them. But when they shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul shared the good news with the islanders, and many were healed and became believers. What looked like a setback in God’s plan for Paul was actually a divine detour to move him to people in need.
While we stand against sickness, addictions, and abusive situations, there are some storms and troubles that are leading to where God wants you to go. You have to quit trying to make it work out your way. It’s a divine detour. If you fight it, you’re not going to win. What you can’t see is that trouble is transportation, moving you into your purpose, perhaps into a position to make a difference in someone else’s life.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that the winds and waves that I face today cannot stop Your plan for my life. Thank You that my purpose is firmly and securely anchored in You. I believe and declare that the storms and detours cannot defeat me and are pushing me into my destiny. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
SECOND SECTION
Let’s take a look at the first mention of eth (“right timing”) in the Bible. This word first appears in the phrase “in the evening” in the passage above.
But look at what the dove has in its mouth—an olive leaf. When the flood during Noah’s time ended, God sent a message through the dove bearing a leaf that there would be no more such worldwide flooding and destruction (Gen. 9:15).
It was a message of peace to men. It tells us that the message the Holy Spirit brings is one of peace.
My friend, the Holy Spirit leads us on the wavelength of peace. Sometimes, when you are about to do something, perhaps sign an agreement, plan a vacation, or take part in some activity, you might feel a lack of peace.
If that happens, please stop and take time to pray about what you are about to do because the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the peace (or lack of it) He puts in us. He doesn’t speak to us through nagging or accusations. He leads us through peace. When there is no peace in your heart, it’s time for you to reevaluate your decision and listen to His leading.
There’s another beautiful truth hidden in the first occurrence of the word eth. Eth appears in the phrase “in the evening” not only in Genesis 8:11, but in other parts of the Bible as well (Gen. 24:11, Josh. 10:27). When I studied it, I realized that evening time is the time of our Lord Jesus’ finished work at the cross.
The Old Testament priests had two daily sacrifices, one in the morning at 9 a.m. and the other in the evening at 3 p.m. Jesus was crucified at 9 a.m. and He died at 3 p.m., thus fulfilling the type of both the morning and evening sacrifices.
At the time of the evening sacrifice, all of God’s judgment had fallen on the body of Jesus. The floods of God’s judgment were ended by the sacrifice of Christ. The Holy Spirit comes to you speaking peace, telling you that there is now no enmity between you and God, because judgment has passed.
You are not perfect but you can have peace with God, and you can ask Him for success and be confident of His covering in all that you do because all your sins have been judged in the body of Christ!
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