Tag: God’s plan

May 22, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Power of Words

Opening Verse

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”  – Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Words hold immense power. They can either build us up or tear us down. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that our words can bring life or death. This truth is essential in how we speak about ourselves and others.

Devotional Story

Imagine a young mother named Grace. She often found herself overwhelmed with the responsibilities of raising her children. In moments of frustration, she would say to herself, “I’m a terrible mother,” or “I can’t do anything right.” These words, though said in a moment of weakness, began to shape her reality. She felt more inadequate with each passing day.

One day, Grace’s friend, Anna, noticed her distress and offered some gentle advice. “Grace, your words are powerful. Every time you speak negatively about yourself, you are planting seeds of doubt and insecurity. But if you start speaking life and truth, you can transform your mind and heart.”

Grace took Anna’s advice to heart. She began to change her self-talk. Instead of saying, “I’m a terrible mother,” she would say, “I am doing my best, and I am learning every day.” Instead of “I can’t do anything right,” she declared, “I am capable and strong.” Over time, Grace noticed a significant change in her attitude and outlook on life. She felt more confident and at peace, not because her circumstances changed, but because her words did.

What This Means

Our words are like seeds. What we plant will grow. If we plant negative words, we will reap a harvest of doubt, fear, and insecurity. But if we plant words of truth, hope, and encouragement, we will see a harvest of confidence, peace, and joy.

When we speak words of self-hate, it often stems from a mind poisoned by negative thoughts and lies. By affirming these corrupted thoughts, we further entrench ourselves in a cycle of negativity and despair. God created us in His image and has a unique purpose for each of us. He gives us insights and inspiration, but we must be willing to fight the battle of the mind and walk the path He has laid out for us. We are wonderfully made, and God desires to do great things in our lives. However, we must stop cursing ourselves with negative words and start speaking life.

Think About This

– What kind of words are you planting in your life?
– How can you start speaking more positively about yourself and others?
– Remember, you are made in the image of God, and He has a wonderful plan for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our words have power. Help us to speak life and truth into our lives and the lives of others. Forgive us for the times we have spoken negatively about ourselves. Give us the strength to change our words and, in turn, change our lives. Thank You for creating us in Your image and for the wonderful plans You have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14 (KJV)

 

May 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Don’t Delay Your Blessings

Opening Verse

“Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” – Deuteronomy 5:33 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Sometimes, we miss out on good things because we don’t follow God’s directions. Like the Israelites who took 40 years for a trip that could have been much shorter, we too can get stuck when we don’t listen to God.

 

Devotional Story

The Israelites were freed from Egypt and were headed to a land filled with good things. But instead of a quick trip, they ended up walking around in the desert for 40 years! Every time they ran into problems, they doubted God and didn’t follow His commands. Because of this, many of them never saw the wonderful land God promised, all because they couldn’t stick to God’s plan.

 

What This Means

This story teaches us something important: not following God can really slow us down. God tells us what to do because He has great things waiting for us. If we ignore Him, we just make our lives harder and might miss out on His gifts.

 

Think About This

Are you holding back from doing something God is asking of you? Remember, not listening to God might be keeping you from the best things He has for you.

 

Prayer

Lord, help us to follow Your ways and not our own. Teach us to trust You more, so we don’t wander away from the blessings You have for us. Keep us close and lead us straight to Your promises. Amen.

 

Closing Verse

 “And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,” – Deuteronomy 11:13 (KJV)

 

April 6, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Eternal Reign of the Lord

Opening Verse

“Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established. The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.” (Exodus 15:17-18, KJV)

Introduction

In these verses from Exodus, we see a powerful declaration of God’s ultimate plan for His people and His eternal reign.

Devotional Story

Once, there was a community living in a troubled land, constantly facing hardships and uncertainties. Despite their efforts, peace seemed distant, and safety was fleeting. One day, a wise elder gathered the people and shared with them the promise of God from Exodus 15:17-18. He spoke of a divine sanctuary, a place prepared by God Himself, where they would be safe, cherished, and at rest. This was not just a physical location but a spiritual promise of God’s eternal presence and reign. The elder’s words instilled a new hope in their hearts, reminding them of God’s everlasting dominion and His faithful commitment to lead them to His sacred mountain.

What This Means

These verses affirm God’s sovereignty and His purposeful guidance towards a future where He reigns supreme. They remind us that God’s plans are rooted in establishing a permanent sanctuary for His people, symbolizing His unending rule and protection.

Think About This

Consider how God’s promise of an eternal home and reign offers comfort and assurance in our lives today. How does this vision of a divine inheritance shape our understanding of God’s character and His plans for us?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your promise of an eternal home and Your unchanging reign. Help us to trust in Your sovereign plan and to find peace in the knowledge of Your everlasting dominion. Guide us towards Your holy mountain and let us dwell in Your presence forever. Amen.

Closing Verse

“The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.” (Exodus 15:18, KJV)

April 2, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

We Are Extraordinary in His Purpose

 Opening Verse

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7, KJV)

 

 Introduction

In our daily lives, it’s easy to feel ordinary, blending into the routines and crowds around us. Yet, within each of us lies an extraordinary purpose that transcends our outward appearance and routine life.

 Devotional Story

Imagine a small, unremarkable clay pot sitting among many others in a potter’s workshop. To a casual observer, it looks just like the others—nothing special. However, the potter has chosen this particular pot for an extraordinary purpose. He fills it with a precious ointment meant for a king. Suddenly, the ordinary pot takes on an incredible value and purpose, far beyond what its outward appearance suggests.

 

What This Means

Like the clay pot, we may appear ordinary on the outside, but God has filled us with extraordinary purpose. Our value and purpose are not determined by our external conditions or societal status but by what God has placed within us.

Think About This

Consider how your life reflects the extraordinary purpose God has for you. Are you aware of the treasure within, or are you judging yourself by the external standards of the world?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to see beyond our ordinary exteriors and recognize the extraordinary purpose You have for each of us. Teach us to value the treasure within and to live in a manner worthy of Your calling. Amen.

 

Closing Verse

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, KJV)

 

March 15, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Foundation of Spiritual Harmony

Opening Verse

“For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.” – 2 Samuel 7:27 (KJV)

 

Introduction

2 Samuel 7:27 presents a powerful moment of recognition and response between God and His servant. It underscores the importance of self-reflection, the desire for order, and the call to spiritual attentiveness, inviting us to embark on a journey of harmonizing our internal and external worlds.

 

Devotional Story

Consider a craftsman preparing to build a sturdy house. Before the foundation is laid, the ground must be surveyed, plans drawn, and materials gathered. Each step is taken with careful thought and reflection, ensuring the house will stand firm through every season. This process mirrors our spiritual journey. Just as the craftsman plans and prepares, we too must reflect inwardly, organize our lives, and listen attentively to God’s direction. Our foundation is built on prayer, understanding, and a commitment to follow where He leads.

 

What This Means

This verse challenges us to consider our spiritual foundations. It invites us to reflect on how we’re building our lives and whether our actions align with God’s plan. Are we preparing our hearts and minds to be a house where God can dwell?

 

Think About This

In what ways can you organize your internal and external life to better align with God’s purpose? How might self-reflection and spiritual attentiveness guide you in laying a strong foundation for your spiritual house?

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide me in self-reflection and help me to organize my life in a way that honors You. Teach me to listen attentively to Your voice, so I may align my heart and actions with Your divine plan. May my life be a testament to Your steadfast love and grace. Amen.

Closing Verse

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” – Psalm 18:2 (KJV)

 

February 28, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Finding God’s Light

Opening Verse

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

Introduction

Life’s full of challenges. Sometimes, it feels like we’re trying to find our way through a storm. But, it’s in these moments we’re reminded to turn to God, not just for protection, but for direction and strength.

Devotional Story

Let’s talk about Mike. He’s just like any of us, trying to make it through his day-to-day. He’s got a job, a family, and a bunch of responsibilities that sometimes feel like they’re pulling him in a million directions. But Mike has something that keeps him grounded – his faith.

Mike learned that to navigate through life’s ups and downs, he needed to lean on God. He didn’t find this out in some grand moment of revelation; it was through the quiet moments of prayer, the times he chose to be kind, and his efforts to bring his family and friends together in love and understanding.

For Mike, God’s light wasn’t something he had to search the world for. It was in the little things: his morning prayers, his choice to forgive, his willingness to help others, and the peace that came with trusting God’s plan.

What This Means

Mike’s story shows us that God’s guidance is always with us, especially when we’re lost or facing tough times. It’s about seeing God’s hand in the everyday and knowing that His strength and love are what bring true harmony to our lives.

Think About This

Reflect on how you’ve seen God working in your life. How can you trust Him more in your daily struggles? Remember, it’s through connecting with God and others that we find our way and make sense of our challenges.

Prayer

Lord, help us to see Your light in our everyday lives. Give us the strength to trust in You, the wisdom to find Your path, and the heart to bring others together in Your love. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

January 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Embracing Grace in the Storm

Opening Verse:

“Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, ‘We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.’” – Jonah 1:14 (KJV)

Introduction:

The story of Jonah, a prophet who tried to escape God’s command, teaches us about obedience, repentance, and God’s overwhelming grace. Jonah’s experience in the storm and the great fish reveals profound truths about how we should respond to God’s call.

Devotional Story:

Jonah’s attempt to flee from God led to a ferocious storm, endangering his life and those of the sailors. In this critical moment, Jonah acknowledged his disobedience and asked the sailors to throw him overboard, leading to his encounter with the great fish. This story is a vivid illustration of how running from God can lead us into storms, yet His grace remains available even in our rebellion.

What This Means:

Jonah’s story is a powerful reminder that we cannot outrun God’s presence or plan for our lives. The storm and the great fish were not just punishments for Jonah’s disobedience but also instruments of God’s mercy, leading him back to the right path.

Think About This:

Consider times in your life when you’ve tried to avoid God’s calling. Reflect on how God used those experiences to bring you back to Him. Recognize that God’s grace is always at work, even when we are not aware of it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending grace and mercy. Help us to trust in Your plan, even when it’s difficult to understand. Give us the strength to follow Your calling, and when we stray, gently guide us back to Your path. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“So he prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.” – Jonah 4:2 (KJV)

November 8, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Embracing God’s Grace in the Midst of Storms

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” – 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV)

Introduction:

The story of Jonah is a remarkable account of a man who faced tumultuous trials and tribulations. His journey, marked by storms and a great fish, holds valuable lessons for us about God’s grace. Just as Jonah was swallowed by a whale but ultimately saved by God’s grace, we too can find refuge in God when we submit to Him in the midst of life’s storms.

Key Point Summary:

– Jonah’s disobedience led to a storm that mirrors the trials and tribulations we face.
– When Jonah submitted to God in humility, God’s grace rescued him from the depths.
– God’s grace provides shelter and care, even when we obey with a stubborn heart.

Devotional Story:

In the book of Jonah, we find a man who was called by God to go to the city of Nineveh, but he chose to flee in disobedience. As Jonah sailed away from his divine calling, a great storm arose, threatening to swallow the ship. The storm serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations we often encounter in our own lives when we choose to walk away from God’s plan.

“Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, ‘We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.’”‘ – Jonah 1:14 (NKJV)

Jonah, realizing that his disobedience had brought this calamity upon the crew, instructed them to throw him into the sea. Just as Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, we too can feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face when we disobey God’s calling.

“So he prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.”– Jonah 4:2 (NKJV)

Despite Jonah’s stubborn heart, God’s grace reached down into the depths of the sea and provided him with shelter and protection inside the whale’s belly. It was in this dark and unlikely place that Jonah humbled himself and prayed.

“When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to Him, into His holy temple.”– Jonah 2:7 (NKJV)

Conclusion of the story:

Jonah’s story teaches us that even in our moments of stubbornness and disobedience, God’s grace is ever-present. When we find ourselves in the midst of life’s storms, like Jonah, we can submit to God in humility, knowing that His grace is sufficient to rescue us from the depths and provide us with shelter and care.

Contextual Insight:

Jonah’s journey reminds us of God’s relentless pursuit of us, even when we stray from His plan. His grace is always available to rescue us from the storms of life.

Personal Reflection:

1. Can you think of a time when you faced a trial or tribulation that felt overwhelming, like a storm?
2. How did you respond to that situation? Did you turn to God in humility or resist His calling?
3. Reflect on the grace and mercy that God has shown you in your own life.

Practical Application:

1. In times of difficulty, turn to God in prayer and humility, seeking His guidance and grace.
2. Consider how you can align your life more closely with God’s calling and plan.
3. Reach out to others who may be going through their own storms and offer support and encouragement.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the story of Jonah, which reminds us of your unwavering grace even in the face of our disobedience. Help us to humble ourselves before you when we encounter trials and tribulations, knowing that your grace is sufficient to rescue us and provide shelter. May we always trust in your lovingkindness and abundant grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Conclusion:

In the midst of life’s storms, let us remember the story of Jonah and how God’s grace rescued him from the depths. Just as Jonah found shelter in the belly of the great fish, we too can find refuge in God’s grace when we submit to Him in humility. His grace is our eternal shelter, even when we obey with a stubborn heart.

Further Reading:

1. Jonah 1:17 (NKJV)
2. Jonah 2:10 (NKJV)
3. Additional reading material or author: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado

Faith Notes:

God’s grace is a gift that we do not deserve, yet it is always available to us when we turn to Him in faith and humility.

Reader Participation:

Share a personal experience of how God’s grace has rescued you from a difficult situation or storm in your life.

“So he prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.” – Jonah 4:2 (NKJV)