God-Inspired Devotionals for Daily Life!

By Cynthia M. Goodwin

Have you ever been brokenhearted, depressed, or stressed out so much it causes anxiety and prevents you from living your utmost for His calling? Many people are experiencing these and other health problems in this fast-paced world we live in; even more so now because of the Covid 19 pandemic. But take heart because God our Father cares so much for you, and He has written you a special love letter to tell you so, called the Bible. Within the pages of the Bible, Word of God is inspiring Scripture which can lift you up out of the miry pit and set your feet on the solid rock of Jesus Christ! It is for this reason God inspired me to write the 365 daily devotionals so it can be your aid in keeping Him in the front and center of your life. The focus is on God telling you to be strong and of good courage. Each day is filled with insight and practical application, along with Scripture verses to inspire you as you have your daily devotional with Him. In addition, after each devotional, I encourage you to delve deep into God’s Word by reading the Further Bible Reading section found at the end of each daily devotional. It is my prayer you will seek God first in all you do because He has a plan for you and desires for you to hear it and live it. Therefore:

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638742258

Book preview

January

Yes, it is the New Year; and no, the title is not a typographical error. You probably thought it should read Happy New Year, not Happy New Life! Though today is the beginning of a brand-new year, we look ahead with excitement to what this New Year will bring! For some who enjoy looking back and reminiscing, they make a New Year’s resolution to stop doing something they did the year before. Unfortunately most—if not all—New Year’s resolutions are broken. One is resolute to exercise more, eat healthier, have a better work-life balance, spend more time away from the devices, especially when they have become vices, but especially be in God’s Word more consistently.

Yet today is the first day, fresh and new, and one which holds great promise for renewal of life. The slate is clean and we start a New Year, leaving the past year behind. But there is another fresh and new life we seek as a Christ follower. When we have committed our life to serving our Lord and Savior, we were given a new life and our old life is gone because we are made new. In other words, the dishonoring things we did when we were not following Christ are the things we put away when following Christ. The worries we had in the old life before are not to be carried into the new life because there is power in the name of Jesus. Hear what 2 Corinthians 5:17 says about our new life:

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Now God never promised this life would be easy; however, He did promise He would give us a counselor in the form of the Holy Spirit. His counselor guides and directs our path into and through this new life. And the fruits of the Spirit are there for us to enjoy. Granted happy is not one of the fruits since happiness is circumstantial. On the other hand, our new life allows us to enjoy the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Now don’t these make a happy new life pale in comparison? So this year, be resolute in belonging to Christ and the rest will follow. Happy new life!

Further Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5

What are your plans for the New Year? Are they to travel more, get healthier, spend more quality time in God’s Word, and be with family and friends? What about being honored? Oh, that one perhaps didn’t occur to you. Well, there is a path you take that does lead to honor. That is if you fear the Lord and are humble in your life. This leads to wisdom and honor. Take a look at what Proverbs 15:33 states:

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).

Now most times, you may think you have the right answer, in terms of making plans in this life, because you know the right way to go and the best plans for your life, don’t you? However, consider what Proverbs 16:1 says:

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer (Proverbs 16:1).

So how can you take the right steps to take the correct course of action for your life? That should be easy enough. Well, that too is determined by the Lord:

A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. (Jeremiah 10:23)

And finally, my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, even the plans you make and the goals you want to achieve must go through the hands of the Lord, for He alone will have His purpose, not yours, not mine. His purpose will prevail.

Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the Lord will prevail (Proverbs 19:21).

I don’t know about you but this calms my heart, knowing God has me right where He wants me today, as long as I am faithful to daily seek His will. And tomorrow, again, His purpose will prevail. Each day has something new in store as to why God put you and me on planet earth. This journey, beloved, is not for us but rather it is to serve Him for His good pleasure. The sooner we take self out of the picture, the better. So the next time anyone says to you they have it all figured out as to what God is doing and why, think again. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. We are finite, He is infinite. We are given glimpses, for sure, but definitely not the whole picture. Let us trust, obey, have faith, and keep hope alive, for God’s plans will prevail. Hallelujah! Now who would you rather have setting the purpose for your life?

Further Bible Reading: Proverbs 15, 16, 19, Jeremiah 10

When God created us, He gave to us a specific number of hours in each day. We all have twenty-four little hours in a day, no matter where we are in the world. Every continent, every country, every person has twenty-four little hours with which to accomplish what is set before us. Now within that short twenty-four-hour period, there are must-haves. Some of the must-haves include time to sleep, taking in nourishment, bathing, and using the restroom. Now these four things combined could take one-third of our twenty-four little hours, depending on the number of sleep hours required for each individual. In order to make a living, we must work. This will usually take up more than another third, depending on the workday and commute. So we are left with approximately eight hours. These eight hours are divided into segments, some for family and friends, some for exercise and/or recreation or entertainment, some for bill-paying, housekeeping and yard maintenance, grocery shopping, cooking, attending church and social functions, personal maintenance, volunteer time, school, and the like.

Now we all do a number of these things, some better and more efficiently than others. However, there is one key element not on the list that should be part of the must-haves list. Did you notice what it is? It is our daily devotional with God. In actuality, this daily devotional, including reading the Bible, prayer time, studying the Scriptures, and listening to God are the most important things we can do to gain a heart of wisdom. When we gain wisdom, we are able to understand what God’s desire is for each individual. We must learn to be a good steward of the twenty-four little hours God has given each of us so as not to squander time. We should number our days and stay cognizant of each precious moment we have been given because of God’s mercy and grace. Psalm 90:12 says:

Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Therefore, gaining a heart of wisdom comes from seeking and being in a place where we learn from God all through the twenty-four little hours, but especially when we specifically set time aside for devotion to God. That learning occurs when we seek Him first. After all, no one ever says in their last dying breath, "I wish I would not have spent so much time with the Lord! Au contraire, mes ami (on the contrary, my friends)! These twenty-four little hours we have been gifted is much more precious when we take a portion of it to set aside for God—and God alone!

Further Bible Reading: Psalm 90

Yesterday, I met someone God put in my path and I in hers. It was definitely for the sole purpose of listening to her story, speaking into her life, and gaining a greater appreciation for God’s love for us. She began by telling me the hardship in life she has been through. The story began with her mom on drugs and an absentee dad which led to homelessness. Then she continued to share about turning to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to numb the pain. Her marriage to an alcoholic, who became an adulterous husband, led to divorce and being a single parent of five children. The story ended with losing her son in a horrific motorcycle accident, causing insurmountable pain. The pain was so deep and the chasm so wide for her to try and understand why she had to face these things in this life. Through the pain and heartache, she called out to the Lord in desperation which began a new perspective on life. God comforted her as only He can, and she learned to put her trust in Jesus!

Why she opened up to me—a total stranger—I do not know; only God knows. The thing that struck me about this woman was how blessed she feels. Throughout the course of the conversation, she kept repeating how God has taken care of her all the way through every trial and tribulation. She said if it were not for God’s love, she would not be molded into the woman she is today. Hardship, yes. Danger, you bet. Tears and broken heartedness, absolutely! Yet her steadfast love of God, whom she calls her dad since she knew not her own human dad, made me take a long pause and consider all God’s blessings in my own life. Her steadfast love for God, despite what could be considered devastating hardships, was a testimony of God’s grace, mercy, and love to all who know her story and/or who have other stories to tell. Through tears, she shared intimate details of her life and I wept with her. She stands firm in her faith that God will not ever abandon her and nothing shall separate her from His love. To quote her, I love my Jesus! I love my Jesus! Now as extraordinary as her life has been, she is most assuredly correct in there being no one or nothing which can separate us from Christ’s love. In Romans 8:35, 37–39, we see just where her faith takes root:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (Romans 8:35)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37–39)

In the paths that lead to new and/or renewed insight, we see but a dim reflection of God’s glory, His mercy, His grace, and His love. We are all simply passing through. It is not until we are perfected with Him in heaven, He will be fully revealed. His love in action is unfathomable to humans. He gave us His one and only Son to die for our sins so we can experience His sweet, sweet, sweet love He continually lavishes upon us day and night. True unconditional love is what God offers to all who believe in His Son, moment by moment. And this woman is absolutely right in her faith because there is nothing that shall separate us from God’s love. Whether you are in the valley or mountaintop, He is there!

Amen and amen!

Further Bible Reading: Romans 8

Isn’t it just like our human nature to seek after more, bigger, better, best? We seem to be in constant pursuit of quality and quantity. Take for example, our phones. We never used to have cell phones, and now, every year they become more and more like microprocessors—and more expensive, too! First they were big and clunky, starting as a giant car phone, then they became smaller, which was better, then they became big again with the best features to boot. I recall way back when my husband was teaching about computers, he had a TRS-80 computer in his classroom in 1980. Even though it was already three years old, it was the best at the time and actually made computer history as one of the first mass-marketed fully assembled microcomputers. But something newer and better came along and the TRS-80 was gone, except for the relics in the computer graveyard. Let’s face it, everything on earth will get old and perish. Where is that old TRS-80 now anyway? Probably taken apart for parts then eventually tossed out into a landfill.

When we seek the things of this world, we miss out on what God truly wants us to seek and that is a deeper relationship with Him. Granted, He understands we need clothing, food and shelter; however, He desires for us to seek Him first because He will provide the things we need. As it is written in Matthew 6:33:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Now when we are doing research about a purchase of a home, vehicle, doctor, specialist, restaurant, we do extensive research. Do we do the same amount or more research and study into getting to know God more and more? A heart search? Do we dig into the facts from the Bible so we understand Him better? A heart search? Do we give our best to Him in this regard? A heart search? If the answer is yes to one or all of these, praise the Lord as one seeking Him with a whole heart—a heart search! And do we know what God says about seeking Him that way? Read Jeremiah 29:13 for the answer:

You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.

Today let us join together to do a heart search, from one heart to God’s heart, and we will truly find this to be the only pursuit worthy of more and more of the time He has granted us here in this world!

Further Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29, Matthew 6

I often wonder what it must have been like before the fall in the Garden of Eden. I can imagine walking in the cool of the morning among beautiful green trees and multicolored flowers with the birds singing so sweetly. Then there in the distance, God is walking toward me! My Abba, my heavenly Father, and we walk and talk, laugh and express love and joy. There is a calmness there like none other. God loves me and I love Him. We are glad to be together in fellowship because there is perfect love. Just when I thought it could not get any better, God begins to sing a joyful song over me with the most glorious voice I have ever heard! My Abba Father encourages me to sing, patiently teaching me the lyrics and melody! There is peace, joy, love, and understanding as we rejoice together in the music and I worship Him in song!

Doesn’t that sound incredible? Do you know what is more incredible? I do not have to imagine the aforementioned story because it can and is actually happening, perhaps not in the Garden of Eden but definitely with the singing. Every moment we are on this planet, the Lord is living among us. He is and always will be our Mighty Savior. He saves us from an eternity banished from Him and provides us a way to have that personal relationship with Him because of Jesus’s great sacrifice to save us from our sins. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, when we ask Him to forgive us and come into our life, we then receive this gift of salvation leading to eternal life. We experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our life, and a deepened relationship with the Lord our God. The Lord our God delights in us with gladness and His love calms our fears. He rejoices over us with joyful songs. Sound too good to be true? Take a look at what Zephaniah 3:17 says:

For 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.

The next time I am imagining the Garden of Eden, there with my Abba Father, I will think again. I do not have to imagine it because it is real and happening in my relationship with Him. It is in the stillness of the morning when the birds sing so sweetly or the calmness of the evening and everywhere in between. He is there and will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you, Lord!

Further Bible Reading: Zephaniah 3

What does freedom mean to you? For many born in the United States, freedom means someone had to sacrifice for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and many other freedoms we receive. There was and still is a price for this freedom. Our founding fathers believed in freedom and wrote it into the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Amendment 1 states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Now this freedom says nothing about the truth nor does it say anything about the Spirit of the Lord guiding our principles. We have freedom of speech and the press, but that says nothing about speaking the truth with these freedoms. Nor does it say freedom of religion means Christianity. There is a higher calling then when it really comes to what freedom means to those who follow Christ. The freedom we have has to do with our walk on this earth. It begins and ends with the truth. When we know the truth, given to us by the Spirit of the Lord, we sense love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. In John 8, Jesus is talking to the Jews about freedom. He explains they must continue in His Word, which is truth, then they will truly be His disciples:

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).

Now they did not understand what Jesus was referring to regarding freedom. They understood the freedom as we understand the First Amendment of our constitution. But Jesus was talking about being a slave to sin and having freedom from that sin. He was explaining about a deeper kind of freedom. Freedom from worry, anger, malice, hatred, etc. This is what Jesus said:

Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’ (John 8:34–36).

The Lord further explains:

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).

We have freedom like no other when we follow our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We also experience the freedom in this country because God gave our forefathers the wherewithal to write the constitution and bill of rights. Jesus’s love paid it all for us so we could have freedom. I am thankful for our freedoms in the U.S., but I am eternally grateful for the spiritual freedom which comes from above. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed! This is true freedom!

Further Bible Reading: John 8, 2 Corinthians 3

When I was a counselor, I would counsel students on various aspects including personal, educational, career and social areas, as well as fear and self-discipline issues. Now do you recall how awkward you felt at eleven to fourteen years old? For boys, one minute they are compliant and helping out, then poof, they start acting like someone we don’t recognize; they do not seem to care about anything and dare not lift a finger to help. Sleep is their best friend, and they are timid about most things which leads to being easily embarrassed! For girls, one minute they are playing with Barbie dolls and doing cartwheels on the lawn, then the next minute, they trade dressing up Barbie for dressing up themselves. The lipstick, once for their dolls, is now on their lips. They care about what they wear, what people say, and how they look. Oh, what a contrast, except for the timidity! But that is the point. God created males and females very differently, and He takes us through a transformation whether we are adolescents or grown adults.

Now there is something God gives to both males and females in a similar measure, depending on their own personal walk with Him. He gives us the Spirit of God which banishes timidity and ignites us with self-discipline, power, and love. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, believing He is God’s Son, God lavishes us with the power of the Holy Spirit because He considers us sons and daughters of our great God who is our Abba Father. He is the one who takes away the fear, increases our self-discipline, and we no longer have to be timid about sharing the Gospel. It’s a transformation like no other. Take a look at these two verses to see how much God transforms us:

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

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of son ship, by whom we cry, Abba! Father! (Romans 8:15)

Now this transformation is mental, physical, and spiritual. The physical transformation is how we modestly present and treat our bodies as his temple. The mental is what we read and take in each day. And the spiritual is the Holy Spirit, as our counselor, prompting us to walk daily in the transformational power God provided in the power of Jesus’s name! The end result is a transformation in our life others can see that glorifies God in Heaven! This is the kind of transformation everyone needs!

Further Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 1, Romans 8

Have you ever had someone refresh you just by being together? It is a double blessing when it is mutually edifying and you sharpen up one another. That is what happened when a dear friend visited and we had sweet fellowship together for a brief five and a half hours. We laughed, we cried, we prayed together, we ate, we confessed our sins to one another without judgement, we hugged, and it was simply powerful! The power comes from the Holy Spirit of God who indwells us both, and because of this connection, our conversation had depth and meaning and was seasoned with salt. God’s Word tells us to confess our sins and pray together.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

I must confess, there are few people with which our conversation just flows from one thing to another effortlessly. And it is all focused on the Lord and what He is doing in our lives, both blessings and hardships. I learn humility from this friend. I learn compassion and learn how to be cognizant of intimidating people with what can be called personality plus on my part. I am loved unconditionally and so is she. We both understand this love we share is the lifetime kind of love—the kind God intended for sisters in the Lord. When we live in love, we live in God. There is no mistaking we can rely on the love God has for us. He shows us His beautiful nature when He connects us to another who shares the same love for God. We read in 1 John 4:16 the following about love:

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

So, dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, make it a point to meet with someone to spur one another on in good deeds and encourage one another so you can grow and be sharpened in the Lord, especially as the day of Christ’s return approaches. For it is written:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24–25)

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

Let’s all sharpen up!

Further Bible Reading: James 5, 1 John 4, Hebrews 10, Proverbs 27

Have you ever considered how many answered prayers we are given over the course of a lifetime? There are so many—they are too numerous to count. We pray for help, and God is there to help. We feel like we are going to slip into the depths of the abyss, figuratively, literally, and spiritually, and God will not let our foot slip. We pray for God to watch over us, and He watches over us even when we are not even aware of His divine intervention. We pray for protection, and again, God is there like a Faithful Father, keeping us from harm. He watches over our coming and going, now and forevermore. Read the beautiful God-inspired words David wrote in Psalm 121:1–8:

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.

He will not let your foot slip—

He who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—

He will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

So then, it is imperative to stay close to the Lord and not wander off. Just as a child stays close to their parents for safety and security, so too we are provided safety and security, when we stay close, by reading, praying, and meditating on God’s Word. This does not mean things won’t happen to us on this earth, but it does mean God has prepared our hearts; so we seek Him for refuge which He alone provides. That way, when our prayers are answered with the peace that passes all understanding, we will recognize it for what it is, not as the world sees it as coincidental but rather for what it really is—answered prayers from God, trusting He knows what is best for us!

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).

Further Bible Reading: Psalm 121, 1 John 5

So many times, we go through life and end up repeating the same mistakes over and over. It is difficult, not impossible, to see it coming, you know, the test God has given to you before, and well, you did it again! Failed test number 123! Where do the tests end, and why do we need to be tested anyway? Remember, the testing of your faith produces perseverance, and this is something you require for a lifetime! It is difficult to realize you missed the mark once again and know the same test will come again.

Take for example, the button you have that someone can push. Let’s call it a pet peeve. It seems innocent enough. Whatever it is, it is keeping you from God’s best in your life. It could be anything, from getting upset when someone tailgates, cuts in front of you, or drives too slowly, to waiting in the long grocery lines when the receipt runs out or they are changing checkers in your line. It could be a jab someone says to you that is unkind, or a computer crash. How about being falsely accused? It is not so much what it is but rather the response to the circumstance. Why do you do the same thing over and over, hoping for a different outcome? Do you respond in Christ’s love? Do people see the light of Jesus in you? You want to do the good but do not do it. And the wrong thing you do not want to do, you do again and again!

There is an answer that is as simple as child’s play. You should ask! Ask God how to respond, what to say and when. You should ask God for wisdom in the matter. You should ask God when you lack wisdom in the testing of your faith. You should ask God for guidance in the situation to have an attitude of grace to see it from His perspective. When you are being tested and you lack wisdom, you should always ask our Creator for the correct path. What if He wants you to speak about His love to some stranger in the grocery line so He slows it down to create opportunity? What if the other driver just experienced an incredible loss and they were unaware of how they were driving? What if being falsely accused allows you to speak to the boss about God’s love? Recall what happened to Jesus when He was falsely accused. Yet in God’s mercy and grace, He created opportunity for the world to be saved by Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. He has promised to provide wisdom without finding fault and actually gives wisdom generously. All you should do is ask! Scripture says it this way:

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

Now when you find yourself in the same test, or another type, for that matter, quick, ask God for wisdom on how to handle the situation. Perhaps it is for yours or someone else’s safety, guidance, patience-building; it could be about a relational problem or a needed attitude change. If you begin to look at things differently, with the wisdom God gives, you should ask God what it is you must learn to grow more Christ-like. You should ask…

Further Bible Reading: James 1

When I was young and in grade school, I simply enjoyed searching through encyclopedias and being tested on certain subjects. English and spelling were my all-time favorites. In spelling, sometimes the teacher would have us raise a hand if we wanted to go to the board for a spelling competition; and my hand was always up, being waved around. Not so with math. As I entered high school, my math skills were not improving; in fact, they were getting worse as the tests became more difficult. There was a stark difference in my behavior when the teacher would ask a math question—it was time for no eye contact, looking down, and pretending I didn’t hear!

In retrospect, math probably would have been a favorite subject if given the right circumstances. A great math teacher, like the man I married, coupled with loads of studying and practice, would have developed a deeper understanding of the subject. Rather than avoiding it, I should have practiced it. So too it is with reading and studying God’s Word. If we naturally take to it, like the spelling example, some lessons may be easier to understand. However, if like math, it is difficult to understand, it will take more time digging in and studying and seeking out a good teacher who is well-versed in Scripture. The thing is, God already knows your ability because He is the one who gave it to you. You can ask Him to give you wisdom and search and test you. As Scripture says:

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns (Psalm 139:23).

When you ask Him to search and test you, be ready for an answer because He knows your heart. He knows whether you are fully devoted to Him. He knows this devotion springs from spending time with Him and study, and the more time you study, the more devoted you become. He will test your heart.

A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the Lord is the tester of hearts (Proverbs 17:3).

God not only tests the heart, He tests the mind. He promises to give us according to the fruit of our deeds. Therefore, we must bear fruit in accordance with his will. When we study ourselves approved, we will reap the blessings.

I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds (Jeremiah 17:10).

Finally, sisters and brothers in the Lord, stay alert knowing God will search and test. He will search your heart and mind and test your mind and heart. Let the power of the Holy Spirit of God be your counselor and Jesus’s example be your teacher. Stay faithful in studying and praying daily and do not give up meeting God as some are inclined to do, especially as the day of Christ’s return approaches because we are certainly aware, God will search and test!

Further Bible Reading: Psalm 139, Jeremiah 17, Proverbs 17

One of the most difficult lessons we must learn, in this human condition, is to wait patiently. Not only are we to wait patiently, we are to never lose hope, and embedded in the waiting, to find hope in His Word. I recall a time where I began praying for the salvation of someone very close and dear to me. I began praying daily and waiting upon the Lord. I prayed and waited the first year—and nothing. I prayed daily and waited another year; nada. Then ten years of daily prayer, nothing. Then twenty years of daily prayer, still this person was not saved. I wondered how long must I wait for salvation to come to this dear sister of mine?

It was not until year thirty-eight, praying daily, mind you, that I again shared my testimony like I had so many times before. Only this time was radically different. God opened her eyes and heart, and she prayed that precious prayer of salvation! Wow, it was very moving and a praiseworthy time, filled with joy and tears. Now Christine is not only my biological sister, she is my spiritual sister as well, and we will spend eternity together with God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! The beautiful thing is, God knew I was waiting with my whole being and my hope was in Him and His timing. Just as Psalm 130:5 says:

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.

God sustained me in prayer and renewed my strength because there were many times, during the thirty-eight years, I wondered, How long, Lord? Then He would remind me of this verse I memorized from Isaiah 40:31 which says:

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Now patience is not a strength of mine, but diligence and keeping hope alive is what kept me in daily prayer for her. I did not know what day and hour salvation would come to her; I only knew what Scripture says about hope and patiently waiting. It hopefully won’t take thirty-eight years for your prayers to be answered; but when they are, oh, it is worth the wait! Why wait? We wait upon the Lord, for He always has perfect timing!

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently (Romans 8:25).

Further Bible Reading: Psalm 130, Isaiah 40, Romans 8

Have you ever gone through a drought of some sort and prayed to be refreshed? You wait and pray, then suddenly, before you know it, you are living the answered prayer! That is what just happened. Allow me to explain. Typically both my younger son and I are on the worship team at church. And though we are willing, God has temporarily closed that door for now, at least for me. Usually though, being on the worship team requires lots of practice, at home and at church. My son Joshua can sing and play acoustic, electric, and bass guitar. He can also play the drums and some piano. He and I normally practice together, so there is lots of live music in our home. Not so much now since we are not on the worship team. Granted there is music and song played on Christian radio, but that is not the same thing.

Now my older son, Christopher, visited; and after playing a brisk game of Monopoly, our two sons, my husband, and I, just broke out in song and began singing in three-part harmony. We began with Amazing Grace and we recorded it. In the midst of singing a cappella, it occurred to me, my prayers were being answered! You see, I have been praying for music and song to return and fill our home with joyous songs once again! This is one way God shows us His amazing grace!

We sang, Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.

Sweet words, sweet music, sweet song, sweet fellowship, all to the Lord! Even though this song is old, it felt like a new song. It refreshed my spirit within me. Just as Psalm 96:1 and Psalm 149:1 encourages us to sing a new song:

O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 96:1)

Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. (Psalm 149:1)

The beautiful thing about it is God brought us together again to sing and make music, but the best part is, I know God takes delight in our song with gladness and rejoices over us with joyful songs.

For 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).

As I looked at the faces of each of my family members, they were all smiling and belting out the music and song. There was an angelic look to all of them. Oh, thank you, Lord, for creating music and song, for it is well with my soul!

Further Bible Reading: Psalm 96, 149, Zephaniah 3

What is something you like to do every year? Is it an annual family trip or a new Bible study? Perhaps you like to make a new friend or renew a friendship with an old one, read a new book from a favorite author, or learn a new craft or trade? I enjoy reading through the Bible each year. I must confess though, this year, I only made it halfway through, not because I don’t read daily, I do. It was because so many Scriptures written in the past were so very encouraging and brought me hope, so I pondered on them longer. I believe all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching and rebuking, training and correcting so we can live life the right way. As 2 Timothy 3:16 states:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

There is a very good reason why we must be in the Scriptures on a daily basis and in touch with God every moment. As God’s servants, we need the playbook of life, the Scriptures. How can we go through this life, with all the challenges it holds, and leave the playbook on the desk collecting dust, the very thing that equips us? As 2 Timothy 3:17 says:

That the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God teaches us from the Scriptures, and what was written in the past is relevant today. The Old and New Testaments provide pearls of wisdom for us which we can gather nowhere else on earth. The Scriptures are as relevant today as they were when they were first written. The encouragement we receive from Scripture written by all God’s servants, including Job, Jeremiah, Isaiah, David, or Solomon, though they are old, still provide hope and instruction. Jesus’s words to us are all still worthy to be praised and wise words to live by, then and now. As Romans 15:4 reads:

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

My question then, is what do you do each year that makes an impact on eternity? Daily devotionals in God’s Word are your key to unlock some of the greatest mysteries the world has ever known. But you must pray to God for wisdom, and God is faithful to supply all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus! So what will your year look like? Will your yearly resolution become a revelation? Amen!

Further Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3, Romans 15

How does one make it through the longest day of one’s life when a dear loved one, such as a parent, passes away? The days run into each other and there seems to be no time to mourn. It seems like autopilot takes over because it is such a great loss and it is the only way to get through the planning of the funeral arrangements. Then we slow down and stop to remember the Lord’s great love for us and understand, He is the one guiding every detail of every decision. We are reminded how compassionate He is and His tender mercies are new every morning! Lamentations 3:22–23 says it like this:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Afterward when we have said our final goodbyes, God lavishes us with a flood of love and comfort He alone provides through His Holy Spirit, our comforter, as well as from our family and friends. God hears our plea for relief from despair and draws near to us as we draw near to Him. He tells us not to worry or fear. He is our Abba Father, wrapping His loving arms around us, enveloping us with His mercy and grace. Lamentations 3:55–57 says:

I called on your name, Lord,

from the depths of the pit.

You heard my plea:

"Do not close your ears

to my cry for relief."

You came near when I called you,

and you said, Do not fear.

Any kind of loss feels devastating, but God lavishes the brokenhearted with love and heals them.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).