An Upward Look for February by Pastor Darvin Oakes

February 1

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYBlessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  (Psalm 32:1)

	We who are saved from our sins ought to be the happiest of all people on this earth!	Since we all are sinners by birth (Psalm 51:5), by choice (Isaiah 53:6), and by practice (Romans 3:10, 23) we must receive forgiveness from God to go to Heaven.  You may remember your past sins, but if you are saved, God has put them in the forgetfulness of the past.  God will never more remember your sins or hold them against you.	Your past sins are covered by the precious blood of Jesus who died on the cross to pay sin’s penalty of death (Romans 6:23).  Men try to cover their own sins in other ways.  They may deny them, ignore them, or make light of them.  That will not work.  Only the blood of Jesus can cover them.	Throughout this day, praise Him that your sins are gone!     ~~~
Song for Today: My Sins Are Gone (N. B. Vandall, 1934)
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 32; Exodus 20-22

February 1

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYBlessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  (Psalm 32:1)

	We who are saved from our sins ought to be the happiest of all people on this earth!	Since we all are sinners by birth (Psalm 51:5), by choice (Isaiah 53:6), and by practice (Romans 3:10, 23) we must receive forgiveness from God to go to Heaven.  You may remember your past sins, but if you are saved, God has put them in the forgetfulness of the past.  God will never more remember your sins or hold them against you.	Your past sins are covered by the precious blood of Jesus who died on the cross to pay sin’s penalty of death (Romans 6:23).  Men try to cover their own sins in other ways.  They may deny them, ignore them, or make light of them.  That will not work.  Only the blood of Jesus can cover them.	Throughout this day, praise Him that your sins are gone!     ~~~
Song for Today: My Sins Are Gone (N. B. Vandall, 1934)
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 32; Exodus 20-22

February 2

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYFor the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.  (Psalm 33:4)

	 “Do right, if the stars fall!” that old-time preacher, Bob Jones, Sr., would preach in his most famous sermon.  Today’s congregation might want to choose another message as its favorite - something like, “If it feels good, do it.”  Though man has changed his thinking and practice, God has not. 	The psalmist declares, "For the word of the Lord is right."  God’s Word is the final authority on what is right.  God never changes.  If He says it is right, then we can count on it - it is right.	To compromise on doing what is right is sin.  We have no right to change God’s rules or challenge His authority.  King Saul tried to vary from God’s word just a little bit and it brought on him downfall and destruction.  James teaches that it is sin not to do right.	Do right, if the stars fall!     ~~~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 33; Exodus 23-24

February 3

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYThe angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.  (Psalm 34:7)

	Rich and famous men and women employ bodyguards for their protection; however, we who are the children of God are continually protected by His angels, who deliver us from all the devastating traps of the devil.  Our protectors do not sleep nor slumber, but they encamp about us 24-7 to see that we make the journey through this life to eternity safely and land on Heaven’s shores.	It was an angel that appeared to Gideon and commissioned him to fight against the Midianites and deliver Israel.  In 2 Kings 19, an angel smote the enemies of Israel.  Angels announced the birth of Jesus.  It was an angel that warned Joseph to flee to Egypt, so that baby Jesus would be safe from Herod’s sword.  An angel in Acts delivered Peter from prison and certain death.	Do not be afraid; God’s angels will protect and deliver you today!     ~~~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 34; Exodus 25-26

February 4

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYAnd thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.  (Exodus 28:12)

	Do you have a prayer list?  Aaron’s prayer list was unique!  Moses was told to have the names of the children of Israel engraved upon two onyx stones which were then placed upon the shoulders of Aaron so that when he ministered before the Lord, God would be constantly see them.  In verses 29 and 30 Moses is reminded that those names would be before the LORD continually.  Those same names were also engraved upon the twelve stones that were upon his breastplate so they were always upon his heart.  	We should constantly bring the names of our loved ones, who are upon our hearts, to the Lord in prayer.  In Luke 18, we are encouraged to bring our petitions before the Lord again and again.  Make a daily prayer list.  Pray for those who are upon your heart repeatedly.  God will hear and answer faithful prayers!     ~~~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 35; Exodus 27-28

February 5, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYHow excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.  (Psalm 36:7)

	What is lovingkindness?  Many people are kind because their job demands it.  Clerks may say, “Good to see you,” or “Have a nice day” simply because they are trained to do so.  They show kindness, but is it really lovingkindness?  	Our Heavenly Father shows kindness to us because He really loves us.  To be loved by anyone is special, but to be loved by the God, the Creator of the universe, is beyond our comprehension.  He invites us to come to Him in our times of trouble and cast all our cares upon Him.  When the storms of this life howl, we can feel safe and secure under the shadow of His wings.  We are so blessed!     ~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 36; Exodus 29-30

February 6, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYThe steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  (Psalm 37:23)

	None of us is wise enough to direct his own steps.  How many times have we tried, only to find ourselves in the middle of a mess?  Our foresight is limited.  Only the infinite God can direct our steps perfectly in the way that we should go.	Sometimes it is hard for us to turn the helm over to the Lord and surrender our will to His, but when we do, we will discover that His results are much better than our own.  	Let the Lord direct your steps today, and when you get to a crossroads and need direction, turn your eyes to Heaven and ask Him to take over.  You will never regret that move.     ~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 37; Exodus 31-32

February 7, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYAnd he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.  (Exodus 33:14)

	Moses had asked the Lord to let him know who would be sent with him to lead Israel through the wilderness.  The Lord answered, “My presence shall go with thee!”  Moses immediately knew that God’s presence was the very best option.	He then replied, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.”  Moses did not want to go anywhere without God’s presence, neither should we!	Jesus explained that the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, would come and through His presence we could be successful in our godly walk and work.  Do not attempt to do God’s work without God’s presence.	Be blessed today as you rely upon His precious presence and power!     ~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 38; Exodus 33-34

February 8, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYAnd now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.  (Psalm 39:7)

	David, the champion of Israel, considered who he really was.  He thought of his age and realized that life was very short.  He thought of himself at the peak of his fame, and power and declared that it was altogether vanity.  That is when he cried out, “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.”	After considering his fragility, David then came to the comforting conclusion that he need not worry, since his hope was in the Lord!  No man, whether great or small, is anything without the Lord, but the smallest is great through Him.	Look up today and receive strength from God.  He is all-sufficient!     ~~
Song for Today: The Solid Rock (Edward Mote, 1834)
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 39; Exodus 35-36

February 9, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYAnd he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.  (Psalm 40:3)

	When Jesus saved me He put a new song within my heart, a song of praise, not the sad song of this world.  	It is just natural for me to walk around throughout the day singing songs of Jesus.  Other drivers may think I’m crazy as I drive down the highway singing from the depths of my heart.  James declares, “Is any merry?  Let him sing psalms.”  I have a song in my heart because there is joy unspeakable and full of glory deep inside.	Are you stressed?  When those wonderful words about Jesus and His love proceed from your mouth, it is hard to dwell on your troubles.  Try singing your cares away today.  It works!    ~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 40; Exodus 37-38

February 10, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYThen a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.  (Exodus 40:34)

	Rarely has God’s presence and glory on this earth been as tangible as when His cloud covered the tabernacle and His glory filled it.  The children of Israel were assured that the almighty Creator of the universe was in their presence and they in His.  God had come down to them to bless and lead them on their journey.	Although we may not see such an exhibit of God’s glory ourselves, we can be assured that He is with us.  Jesus said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  (Hebrews 13:5)  The Lord is intensely interested in your journey.  Walk today with a smile on your face and assurance in your heart that He is with you!     ~~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 41; Exodus 39-40

February 11, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYYet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.  (Psalm 42:8)

	How much does God mean to you?  The Psalmist declared that He was “the God of my life.”  Those who know God best consistently walk with Him.  Good times or bad, they continue to walk with the Lord.	In valley experiences, you can still sense His lovingkindness, still sing His song in the night, and still cast your cares upon Him in prayer.  Don’t just use God as a spare tire, never thinking about Him unless you are in trouble.  Constantly be in communication with the Lord and walk in the light of His word.  You cannot know the fullness of His blessings until He becomes your life.	Walk with Him today.  Make Him the God of your life!     ~~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 42; Leviticus 1-3

February 12, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYThe fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.  (Leviticus 6:13)

	The Lord commanded the priests to keep the altar fires always burning.  Why?  Because He is always ready to forgive sin.  God has taught us in both the New and Old Testaments that now is the accepted time to turn to Him.  His forgiveness awaits your repentance.	Years ago, I led a Muslim man to the Lord.  After hearing the Word of God and being pricked in his heart by the Holy Spirit, he said he was ready to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.  I said, “Let’s pray,” but he exclaimed, “It’s not prayer time yet.”  I then had to explain to him that the true God would hear his prayer any time, not just certain times a day.  He then joyfully bowed his head, prayed for forgiveness and became a child of God.	Isn’t it wonderful that God’s altar is always open!     ~~~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 43; Leviticus 4-6

February 13, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYArise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.  (Psalm 44:26)

	When you have a problem, you can sometimes solve it yourself.  Sometimes your friends can supply the need.  Yet there are times that only the Lord can give you the miracle you need.  Those are the times that the Lord rises to the occasion, performs a miracle, and leaves us shouting the victory.	You may face a problem today that is too great for you.  Do not be like the world that, without God, throw up their hands in disgust and proclaim, “The task is impossible!”  Turn it over to God like the Psalmist did.  Call upon Him for help, and by His wonderful mercy and grace He will do for you what no one else can!     ~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 44; Leviticus 7-8

February 14, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYThou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.  (Psalm 45:7)

	Do we love or do we hate?  We are told that if we love the right things (righteousness) and hate the wrong things (wickedness) that we will he blessed with the oil of gladness.  	Satan tells you the opposite.  He will try to convince you that you will not be happy unless you participate in his wickedness.  He paints a beautiful picture, but his advertisements are false.  Eve listened to Satan and came to the conclusion that a little disobedience wouldn’t hurt, but her wickedness plunged the world into the curse of sin.	On the other hand, one who denies himself the pleasures of this wicked world and loves the righteousness of God will be blessed indeed.     ~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 45; Leviticus 9-10

February 15, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYGod is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  (Psalm 46:1)

	I remember my dad telling about the time he went to sleep while driving and ran off the side of a mountain.  He told of awaking as his truck started off the road and praying, “Lord, help me!”  Now that was a short prayer, but it got answered.  Seconds later, the truck caught, and he crawled out of the vehicle just before the pickup rolled on down the mountain.  When the truck was recovered they found the door by which he escaped mashed shut and could not be opened.  Scores of times, Dad would testify how God answered his prayer and saved his life.	If you need God’s refuge and strength call upon Him today.  His response is quicker than dialing 911!     ~~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 46; Leviticus 11-13

February 16, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYO clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.  (Psalm 47:1)

	When the Tennessee Vols score a touchdown, more than 100,000 fans rock the stadium.  The cheer is so loud it can be heard miles away.  The next day when that same crowd is in church it is hard to squeeze an “amen” out of some of them.  	Some think to be reverent means to be quiet; however, the Lord would like to hear some cheers of joy from the hearts and lips of His children.  We are always winners with the Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts so let’s shout it out and let all know.  Let’s clap our hands in praise to the one who has delivered us from sin and reserved for us a place in His heavenly kingdom!    ~~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 47; Leviticus 14-16

February 17, 2021

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYFor the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.  (Leviticus 17:11)

	We see a trail of blood, from Genesis through Revelation, associated with the forgiveness of sins.  In the Garden of Eden God killed an animal and made coats of its skin for Adam and Eve.  Later, God ordered in the Law that a blood sacrifice be made for the remission of the sins of His people.  We are told in Hebrews 9:22 that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.	When Jesus was born, He knew that some day He would go to Calvary and die on a cross to cleanse us from our sins.  In making the greatest sacrifice ever Jesus gave the one and only thing that could ever redeem mankind, His precious blood.	Remember that the next time you sing, “There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Emmanuel’s veins, and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains!”    ~~~
Song of the day: There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood by William Cowper (1771)
DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalm 48; Leviticus 17-18

An Upward Look

A Daily Devotional Observation from God's Word

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