Raindrops from Heaven E-Book

Twila Belk

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Seitenzahl: 314

Beschreibung

Raindrops from Heaven is a beautifully designed book with short readings for every day of the year. Each page includes a reminder from God's Word of His power, presence, or purpose. Join the author as she revels in the rain. Splash in the puddles of God's goodness, and delight in the deluge of His incredible love. Let the words in each chapter descend on you like dew and shower your spirit with the reality of who God is. "Let us acknowledge the LORD; Let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the son rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." Hosea 6:3, NIV

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC.

Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

RaindropsFROMHeaven

Gentle Reminders of God’s Power, Presence, and Purpose

© 2015 Twila Belk

ISBN 978-1-4245-4980-1 (hard cover)

ISBN 978-1-4245-5013-5 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Let us acknowledge the LORD;let us press on to acknowledge him.As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;he will come to us like the winter rains,like the spring rains that water the earth.

HOSEA 6:3, NIV

Contents

Introduction

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Introduction

Years ago, while in the midst of bleak circumstances, I stared out the window and noticed the parched landscape due to a long-lasting drought. In my spirit I sensed God telling me, “Twila, the rain is coming. The rain is coming, and it’s for you. Revel in the rain. Splash in the puddles. Delight in the deluge.” God gives me that message often. It’s one he wants to soak deep within my soul.

Rain has become symbolic to me of God’s goodness and greatness. God speaks to me through the rain and reassures me of his love. I’m reminded of his power, presence, and purpose in my life.

Let the words in this devotional wash over you; allow them to saturate your mind and your heart. Meditate on the Scriptures at the top of each page. As you turn your thoughts to the truth of who God is and how great his love is for you, receive encouragement, hope, and comfort as you trust that God is big enough for all you need.

Dancing in the rain,

Twila

“You heavens above,rain down my righteousness;let the clouds shower it down.Let the earth open wide,let salvation spring up,let righteousness flourish with it;I, the LORD, have created it.”

ISAIAH 45:8, NIV

January 1

ALPHAAND OMEGA

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,”says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was,and who is still to come—the Almighty One”(Revelation 1:8, NLT).

Almighty God, as the new year begins, I’m grateful that you are the Alpha and Omega, the A to Z in my life. You are—

Awesome and Amazing. Blesser and Burden bearer. Counselor, Comforter, and Caregiver. Defender, Deliverer, and Debt eraser. Eternal and Enough. Famous, Father, and Friend. Giver and Guide. Holy, Healer, and Helper. Indescribable and Incomprehensible. Jesus, Jehovah, and Joy giver. King of kings. Love, Light, and Life. Master, Messiah, and Miracle worker. Name above all names. Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. Promise giver, Promise keeper, and Provider. Quieter of my soul and Quilter of the pieces of my life. Redeemer, Revealer, and Renewer. Savior, Shepherd, and Shield. Truth. Unmatchable, Untouchable, and Undeniable. Valiant warrior and Victor. Wonderful, Worthy, and Wise. exactly what I need. Yesterday, today, forever. Zealous.

You are my A-to-Z God for every day of the year, and thousands ofpages could not contain all I have to say about you.

How is Almighty God the A to Z in your life?

January 2

EVERYTHING TO LIVE FOR

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’sgreat mercy he has caused us to be born again into a living hope,because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Now we hope for theblessings God has for his children. These blessings, which cannot bedestroyed or be spoiled or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you.God’s power protects you through your faith until salvation is shownto you at the end of time (1 Peter 1:3-5, NCV).

Yes, Father, because of Jesus I’m alive—truly alive. I can look beyond the darkness, pain, and disappointment of today and toward the future, knowing that you have everything under control and that nothing comes into my life without your concern and your provision.

Someday soon, I’ll be healthy and whole and living a forever life with you in heaven. In the meantime, you’ve given me everything to live for and something to look forward to. The hope I have allows me to endure the here and now through your bubble of grace because I’m assured that the best is yet to come.

How does Jesus’ resurrection change your life today?

January 3

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessedus with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we areunited with Christ (Ephesians 1:3, NLT).

Father, I’m reveling in the rain, splashing in the puddles, and delighting in the deluge of your heavenly downpour in my life. You saturate my spirit with nourishment from above and give me everything I need for a strong, healthy, and productive life.

Thank you for the blessings of your power, presence, and purpose. I’m spiritually rich and overflowing with joy because of your goodness and love toward me.

What does being blessed with every spiritual blessing mean to you?

January 4

GOTTA TELL SOMEBODY!

The LORD is my strength and my song,and he has become my salvation;this is my God, and I will praise him,my father’s God, and I will exalt him(Exodus 15:2, ESV).

Lord, the crescendo is building, and I can’t contain the song in my heart. I have to brag on you, because the world—every person—needs to hear about my amazing God.

You are the reason I can sing when life is less than perfect. You are the one who gives me strength to put one foot in front of the other when the path before me is steep and full of twists and turns. You are the one who saves me from my enemy. You care about me. You intervene when I waver. You are at work in me, and through me, and for me, and I just gotta tell somebody!

Thank you for being my song, for making me strong, and for keeping me right where I belong—in your hands.

What kind of God do you have?

January 5

GIVER OF WISDOM

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who givesgenerously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you(James 1:5, NIV).

Lord, when tests and challenges come at me from all sides and I don’t know what to do, I simply need to ask you for wisdom. You promise to give it to me in abundance. As I think about it, coming to you is the wisest thing I could do because you are the source of wisdom. I don’t need a dozen degrees from a fancy university. I don’t need a string of initials behind my name. I need only to get to know you better and learn to trust you more.

Help me appreciate the lessons you give me and the wisdom I gain through the trials I face. Thank you for allowing me to see things from your perspective.

For what circumstance do you need wisdom right now?

January 6

EPIPHANY

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star theyhad seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead ofthem and stopped over the place where the child was. When they sawthe star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw thechild with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipedhim. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts ofgold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:9-11, NLT).

Jesus, you didn’t give the wise men a map when they sought you. You gave them a star. How appropriate that a bright light would guide the wise men to you—the Light of the World! Being in the presence of the Light filled them with great joy.

Today, Lord, the joy of your presence in my life fills me with light. It illuminates my face and radiates from my eyes. People are drawn to the light within me and discover it’s from you. Thank you for shining through me and for the joy that you give.

Are you filled with joy in Jesus’ presence?

January 7

GREAT THINGS

“He alone has spread out the heavensand marches on the waves of the sea.He made all the stars—the Bear and Orion,the Pleiades and the constellations of the southern sky.He does great things too marvelous to understand.He performs countless miracles” (Job 9:8-10, NLT).

God, you alone stretched the heavens across the canvas of the universe. They declare your glory. You alone strategically hand-placed the stars in the sky and provide their source of light. Their brilliant design speaks of your magnificence.

You alone created the mighty waters and control when they ebb and flow. You alone sustain all of creation since the beginning of time. You alone are capable of doing great things far beyond the boundaries of my comprehension. You alone have infinite wisdom.

This is a good reminder that you don’t need my help in running your world.

Do you need to release control of something going on in your life right now?

January 8

HE REJOICES OVER ME

The LORD your God is living among you.He is a mighty savior.He will take delight in you with gladness.With his love, he will calm all your fears.He will rejoice over you with joyful songs(Zephaniah 3:17, NLT).

Lord, my soul dances with the reality that you have such strong feelings for me. I envision the glimmer in your eyes and the wide smile that brightens your face when you look upon me. I’m comforted by the warmth of your love as you hold me close to you. The songs you sing over me put a melody of praise in my heart.

You delight in me, love me, and rejoice over me. I feel it, Lord, and I’m in awe that the God of the universe would shine his favor on me the way you do. I delight in you, Lord. I love you, Lord. Because of your presence in my life, I rejoice.

How do you feel knowing that the God of the universe has such strong emotions for you?

January 9

HE’S WITH ME

“So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”(Isaiah 41:10, NIV).

Father God, thank you for the assurance of your presence in my life. Thank you for being my God. Thank you for strengthening and helping me. Thank you for upholding me.

Because you are with me, I have no reason to fear. Because you are my God, I have confidence to face each day. Because you strengthen me and help me, I am courageous and competent. Because you uphold me with your right hand, I will not fall or fail. This I know to be true: you won’t leave me; you won’t stop being God; you won’t release your firm grip on me.

Are you fearful or dismayed? Do you need strength and help? How does this promise speak to you?

January 10

IN HIS ARMS

“I am the LORD your Godwho takes hold of your right handand says to you, Do not fear;I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV).

Lord, I wondered how you could take me by my right hand, yet uphold me with your righteous right hand at the same time. And then I realized the best way for you to do that would be to hold me in your arms!

When the storms of life threaten me, or when I face troubles of many kinds, I can reach up to my heavenly Father and know that you will pull me to your lap and into your big but gentle embrace. I lay my head on your breast, listen to your heartbeat, and realize that it’s beating for me. With every pulsation, you communicate how loved I am.

For me, your arms are a place of comfort. A place of warmth. A place of rest. A place of contentment. A place of safety. A place of security. And you delight in keeping me there.

Do you need to sit on the Father’s lap today?

January 11

COMPASSION

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because theywere confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd(Matthew 9:36, NLT).

Jesus, when you see crowds, you don’t see a multitude of faces. You see each person individually. You see the one who feels all alone, even when she’s in a crowd. You see the one who is defenseless. You see the one who has fears. You see the one who feels insecure. You see the one whose heart is heavy with grief. You see the one who is confused. You see the one who needs help. You see the one who is lost. And you have compassion on each one. Thank you for seeing me in the crowd and knowing what I need.

How does Jesus’ compassion affect you?

January 12

GOD’S PURPOSE

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21, NIV).

Oh God, I could brainstorm a multitude of options for the course of my life. My first plans would probably be to remove the hurts, sorrows, heartaches, and hardships. That would make things easier for me. Then, of course, I would leave out the irritating people. They just cause problems. As my mind gets rolling, I come up with all kinds of ideas.

But when I stop to ponder how my ideas would impact me, I realize important truths. I wouldn’t know joy without suffering. I wouldn’t know peace without turmoil. I wouldn’t know grace without trials. I wouldn’t have a need for hope, and I wouldn’t have a need to trust you. Without a need to trust you, I wouldn’t know who you are. Thank you that your purposes, and not mine, prevail.

What are some of the options and plans you’ve brainstormed for your life?

January 13

GOD IS NOT HUMAN

God is not a man, so he does not lie.He is not human, so he does not change his mind.Has he ever spoken and failed to act?Has he ever promised and not carried it through?(Numbers 23:19, NLT)

You’re not a man, God. That’s great news! Men lie, but you don’t. Your words are always sincere and never deceitful. Because you’re not human, you aren’t wishy-washy or affected by hormones like I am. You don’t change your mind. If you say something is going to happen, that’s the way it is. Period.

You’ve never failed to act on your promises. I can count on you to come through every time. I praise you for being my true, resolute, and trustworthy God.

How does God’s not being human impact you?

January 14

GRACE, LOVE, AND FRIENDSHIP

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours(2 Corinthians 13:14, TLB).

Jesus, because of your amazing grace, I don’t have to perform or live up to a certain set of standards. You haven’t rejected me because of who I am or what I’ve done. Instead, you’ve showered me with kindness. Your grace empowers me, frees me, and causes my heart to leap with joy. I can’t describe it, but I happily live in the reality of it.

Father, because of your extravagant love, I feel valued and cherished. Your desire to have a personal relationship with me sent Jesus to the cross to make it possible. The magnitude of that is hard for my mind to grasp.

Holy Spirit, because of your intimate friendship, I’m learning to appreciate and walk in the light of amazing grace and extravagant love.

Lord Jesus, Father God, and Holy Spirit—your beautiful, supernatural gifts are far beyond anything I deserve, and I’m grateful.

What is your response to God’s grace, love, and friendship?

January 15

GLORIOUS FREEDOM

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me,for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,that the blind will see,that the oppressed will be set free,and that the time of the LORD’S favor has come” (Luke 4:18-19, NLT).

Jesus, you carry the keys to my freedom and the promise of better things to come. Yet so many things try to hold me captive. The fear of tomorrow. The guilt of my past. Shame and regret. The expectations of others. My stinking thinking. The lies of the enemy. All these things blind me to the truth of your Good News.

The truth is that you have a plan for my life. The truth is that the road to liberty is paved with grace and hope for my future. The truth is that your authority can release the shackles from my feet so I can dance. The truth is that I have a choice—I can remain a prisoner, or I can be set free. I choose glorious freedom.

What’s your choice?

January 16

POWER OF GOD

I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power ofGod at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also theGentile (Romans 1:16, NLT).

Jesus, the good news about you is a lighthouse for those who need direction. A safe place for those who are abused. A hospital for the hurting. A treasure chest for those in need. A key that unlocks prison doors. A story that changes lives. A fountain of life-giving water. A muzzle that silences demons. How can I be ashamed of a message that brings healing, forgiveness, salvation, joy, peace, hope, freedom, and life?

I am not ashamed of this good news. Why? It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—and that includes me.

How has the good news about Christ transformed you?

January 17

HE HOLDS THINGS TOGETHER

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together(Colossians 1:17, NIV).

Lord, I like the feeling of having it all together, and I like to be in control. But no matter how hard I try, my life at times seems to spin wildly out of alignment. Not only do I lose my sense of power, but I get dizzy too. My circumstances and the people around me are unmanageable, and the world as I see it appears to be spiraling downhill quickly.

Thank you for releasing me from the heavy burden and false notion that I need to keep the earth revolving on its axis, because I fail miserably at it. And thank you for the reminder that you were in existence before all things. You alone created all things. You alone control all things. You alone hold all things together. I’m glad that all things, including me, are in your hands.

What is something you’re trying to control that should be left in God’s hands?

January 18

DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplishwhat is now being done, the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20, NIV).

God, you gave Joseph lofty dreams, and all evidence pointed to a promising future. Yet a big interruption in plans seemed to change everything. He had serious family issues. He was abandoned, sold into slavery, and had to start over in a new land with a different language. He was mistreated, lied about, imprisoned, and forgotten. His integrity was compromised. He was a victim of other people’s agendas, and his circumstances were out of his control.

Years went by and the dreams appeared to vanish. But look what you accomplished when everything seemed hopeless! You promoted Joseph from prisoner to prime minister and through him you saved his entire nation from demise!

As with Joseph, you can use divine interruptions in my life to groom me into the kind of person you want me to be. They aren’t always pleasant, convenient, or easy, but you can use them to accomplish great things.

How has God used the interruptions in your life to groom you?

January 19

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY

He who forms the mountains,who creates the wind,and who reveals his thoughts to mankind,who turns dawn to darkness,and treads on the heights of the earth—the LORD God Almighty is his name (Amos 4:13, NIV).

Lord God Almighty, your name is great and you do great things. You formed the majestic mountains. Their beauty, size, and structure point to a powerful God. You create the wind. I can’t see where it begins or ends, but I know when it’s at work. It comes as a mighty force or as a gentle breeze and points to a powerful God. You turn dawn to darkness. Daytime and nighttime are under your control, and that points to a powerful God. You tread on the heights of the earth. Your footprint points to a powerful God.

I revere you—the all-powerful God—and I’m in awe that you would turn your attention to me. You choose to reveal your thoughts to me. You desire a relationship with me. I’m not insignificant to you. That’s a big wow.

How do you feel knowing that God Almighty wants a relationship with you?

January 20

WISDOM AND POWER

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;wisdom and power are his.He changes times and seasons;he deposes kings and raises up others.He gives wisdom to the wiseand knowledge to the discerning.He reveals deep and hidden things;he knows what lies in darkness,and light dwells with him” (Daniel 2:20-22, NIV).

I praise you, God, for you have wisdom and power far above that of presidents and kings and mighty human empires. You are the supreme ruler and have all authority. I’m thankful that even when the state of world affairs looks dark, you are not surprised because light dwells with you. You are able to steer the course of governments and nations. You will have your way in your time.

Lord, pour out your wisdom, knowledge, and discernment on the leaders of this earth. Reveal deep and hidden things to them and cause them to revere you. Show them your ways, oh Lord. Teach them your paths. Guide them in your truth.

Are you able to trust God’s sovereignty?

January 21

IMPENETRABLE EMBRACE

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears fortoday nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell canseparate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earthbelow—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate usfrom the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord(Romans 8:38-39, NLT).

Jesus, I’m comforted knowing that absolutely nothing can get to me when I’m in your embrace. Absolutely nothing can put a wedge between your love and me. Your hugs are impenetrable. Although evil forces come against me, people are cruel to me, heartaches challenge me, and unthinkably difficult trials work to convince me that a loving God wouldn’t allow such things, I remember your promises.

You promised I’d have trouble, and you promised that you’d always be with me. The troubles only cause me to lean harder and cling tighter to you. As I grab hold, your outstretched arms pull me in and lock around me. I rest near your heart, under your wing. You are my shelter, my safe place, my savior, my keeper. Nothing compares to your embrace.

What is trying to get between you and God’s love right now?

January 22

IN THE WOMB

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.You saw me before I was born.Every day of my life was recorded in your book.Every moment was laid outbefore a single day had passed (Psalm 139:15-16, NLT).

Creator God, you were there. You intricately wove all my parts together with your own hands. You watched over me. You saw every move I made. You recorded every day of my life. You laid out every moment. And you did it all before I was born.

As I reflect on that, I realize these important truths: I am loved; I am wanted; I am valued; I have a divine purpose; my life is not an accident; and you created me fearfully and wonderfully to do things no one else can do. I may seem insignificant to myself or to others, but in your eyes I will always have great worth.

Do you realize your value to God?

January 23

THE LOST SHEEP

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, whatwill he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and goout to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you thetruth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’twander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will thateven one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:12-14, NLT).

Loving Shepherd, sometimes in my quest to find greener pastures, I stray off the path and head in the wrong direction. My aimless wandering takes me further away from you, and I feel desperate without my leader and protector nearby. When you notice I’m missing, you search until you find me, and without rebuke hoist me on your shoulder and carry me home to safety.

You bear the heavy load for the joy of rescuing your lost sheep. It’s just like when you bore the weight of my sins on the cross. What great love!

How do you feel when you’re lost?

January 24

HIDDEN TREASURE

“I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches.I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD” (Isaiah 45:3, NLT).

Lord, I thank you for the dark times in my life because it’s during those times I uncover secret riches—the truth of who you are. I value the gold nuggets you’ve given me. Here is what I discovered:

You will never abandon me. Your arms are long. You answer prayer. Your grace is sufficient. You know me better than I know myself. You know just what I need. You are Jehovah Jireh, my provider. You love me more than anything I can imagine. You are creative. You are rarely in a hurry, but you’re always right on time. There’s nothing too big for you to accomplish. There’s nothing too small for your attention. You are who you say you are. You keep your promises. You never change.

I’ve learned that the key to unlocking treasure is focus. Instead of dwelling on the darkness, I need to keep my eyes on you.

What gold nuggets of truth have you uncovered?

January 25

NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him thename above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every kneeshould bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and everytongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father(Philippians 2:9-11, NLT).

Jesus, I struggle to put into words what your name means to me. It’s the sweetest name I know. It changed my life and continues to transform me. Thank you.

What impact does the name of Jesus have on you?

January 26

POWER, LOVE, AND SELF-DISCIPLINE

The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power,love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV).

Lord, you’ve given me a job to do, but I’m wimpy, lack self-assurance, and feel inadequate for the task. Waves of fear and doubt roll over me, and I become intimidated by the silliest things. How I thank you for not expecting me to operate in my own strength! That would lead to failure. Instead, you’ve given me Holy Spirit power that enables me to do things far beyond my ability. I can move forward in the unwavering strength, confidence, and courage that come from you.

Thank you for that power. Thank you for the gift of love that helps me to reach out to other people and impact their lives. Thank you for self-discipline that helps me persevere. You’ve equipped me with everything I need to accomplish great things for you.

In what situation do you need the Holy Spirit’s power?

January 27

KEEPS LAMP BURNING

You, LORD, keep my lamp burning;my God turns my darkness into light (Psalm 18:28, NIV).

Lord, when my life seems dark because of the troubles that surround me, I can count on you to light a pathway for me. As I focus on you, I see clearly that your way is perfect, even if it brings me through dismal and dangerous valleys. I see that you are always with me, guiding me and protecting me. And I see how much you care for me because I trust in you.

Your light keeps me from stumbling and falling and keeps me moving forward. I can see hope at the end of the path. You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; you turn my darkness into light.

When have you needed God to turn your darkness into light?

January 28

GOD’S PLANS

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plansfor good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”(Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).

Lord, I know you have a purpose and a plan for my life. You’ve revealed that to me in many ways. Before I was born, you had already recorded my days in your book. You have good plans for me, Lord, yet when I’m in the midst of circumstances that seem to derail those plans, I forget. You have good plans for me, Lord, yet when things don’t happen in my timeframe, I get discouraged. You have good plans for me, Lord, and they are not the same plans as mine. Yours are better. For that I rejoice.

Thank you for your plans to prosper me in you. Thank you for your plans to draw me closer to you. Thank you for your plans to teach me about you. Thank you that your plans include an eternal future and a hope. Thank you for not giving up on your plans for my life.

What are God’s plans for you?

January 29

INFINITELY BEYOND

Glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able todo far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitelybeyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes(Ephesians 3:20, TLB).

Lord, I often say that I run around barefooted because you constantly blow my socks off. You are amazing in what you do—far surpassing anything I could ever imagine. You are big enough to handle whatever I face, and you can use me in ways outside the realms of my wildest thoughts. You are infinitely beyond what society’s rulebook tells me I have to do in order to succeed. You are infinitely beyond what anyone says is possible. You are not contained by people’s words. You are not contained by human boundaries. The only thing that restrains you is limited thinking, limited belief.

You are able. You can do immeasurably more than anything I would ever dare to ask. And you’re my God. Help me to align my thinking with the size of my God.

What big thing do you need God’s help with?

January 30

GIANT SLAYER

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear,and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’sArmies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.“And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescueshis people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’S battle,and he will give you to us!”So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone,for he had no sword (1 Samuel 17:45,47,50, NLT).

Lord, young David’s story is a great reminder for me that when squaring off with my giants, I don’t need to be equipped with an illustrious education, the newest technology, the shiniest weapons, a thousand-page giant-killer instruction manual, or well-trained military reinforcements. If I move forward with an unwavering confidence in my all-powerful God—the Lord of heaven’s armies—there’s no contest. You are bigger than any overwhelming hurdle I face.

What are the giants you’re up against right now?

January 31

STRONGAND COURAGEOUS

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic beforethem. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He willneither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT).

Oh God, heading into new territory can be terrifying, especially when I know there will be battles to face. But you empower me with strength and courage, and I’m able to be at peace because of your presence with me. Your promises have proven true in my life, so I can trust you to personally go ahead of me.

Not only will you lead the way, but you will also act as my shield and protector. You won’t fail me. You haven’t failed me yet, and because of your perfect track record I know it’ll never happen. You won’t abandon me. You have no intention of bailing out when things get tough. Instead, during those times you’ll hold me close. I look forward to the exciting new things you have in store for me.

In what new territory do you need to trust God for strength and courage?

The LORD knows the days of the blameless,and their heritage will remain forever;they are not put to shame in evil times;in the days of famine they have abundance.

PSALM 37:18-19, ESV

February 1

HE DIRECTS AND DELIGHTS

The LORD directs the steps of the godly.He delights in every detail of their lives.Though they stumble, they will never fall,for the LORD holds them by the hand (Psalm 37:23-24, NLT).