Spending Time with God: Daily Devotionals to Empower the Life of the Saint

Week 1/Monday

Mustard Seed Faith

Scripture: Luke 17:5-6 (NKJV)

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. So the Lord said, If you have the faith as a mustard seed, you say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you."-

So often we occupy ourselves with asking God for tangible things to the point that we forsake asking Him to cultivate those things that are spiritual. This Christian journey can only be completed by living a life solely built upon faith in Jesus Christ, for pleasing the Lord is unachievable without faith. God has dealt to each of us a measure of faith, but it’s completely up to us to work our faith. But instead of us working our faith, many of us are like the disciples; we’re seeking a stronger dose of faith. However, our need is not for a greater endowment of faith; our need is for the right kind of faith.

One thing that many of us struggle with is forgiveness. We also struggle with controlling our anger when people aggravate us with their negative behaviors, such as deceit. According to Christ, we shouldn’t make anyone sin. Furthermore, if someone sins against us but repents, it’s our obligation to forgive. After such a declaration, the disciples felt that such a robust command could only come to pass if they were endowed with a larger portion of faith. They thought their request for an increase of faith was appropriate, but Jesus Christ informed them that the faith they were searching for had already been sowed into them; it was just a matter of the disciples cultivating it. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17 NKJV).

The command of forgiving those who sin against us can only be obeyed through our faith in the power of God. We must recognize the deficiency of our faith and look to the Lord and His holy word to be transformed. Christ’s solution to the disciples concern was that we must have mustard seed faith. The picture that the Lord paints in verse 6 using the mustard seed illustrates the life of a saint who has found the correct source for spiritual growth. In essence, Jesus wants us to understand that it does no good for Him to give us a larger portion of faith if we’re not going to use it.

—Digest This—

Faith and works must be parallel. A mustard seed has been empowered by God; although it is small, God has placed life inside of it so that when it has been properly planted it may grow and be fruitful. It is the same with you and me; God has given us faith that is not dead, and as it grows, it gives us strength to obey God’s commands.

Week 1/Tuesday

Temptation Comes After Every Blessing

After spending a great deal of time in the Word of God and looking over my life, I’ve discovered a significant pattern that takes place in the life of every saint of God. After every victory and blessing that the Lord gives us, the Devil comes against us, trying to tempt us. After every victory, the Devil will try to manipulate the power of God. Satan is not worried about those who sit by idly, but he becomes worried when he sees you bearing fruit. When he sees that God is working in and through you, he shows up in an attempt to cause a set back or stagnation. I’m rather excited today to share a great treasure with you that is sandwiched in the Word of God—a treasure that shall equip us for the Enemy’s tricks.

Read Matthew 3:17, 4:1

Note: It was immediately after God honored Jesus that Satan began to tempt Him in the wilderness; he was determined to discredit the testimony of God. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where God allowed Satan to tempt Him. After God’s declaration of His satisfaction with Christ, the Devil began to hope that Christ would fail. But God’s permission for Satan to tempt Jesus was also a promise that Jesus wouldn’t fail. Just as the Devil was uneasy with God’s declaration about Christ’s position, the Devil does not like that God has declared that you belong to Him; therefore, Satan will go to the Lord for permission to try you.

Read Genesis 2:16-25, 3:1-7

Note: God gave Adam authority over all the earth. God even gave him the privilege to eat from any tree in the garden of Eden except the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. God blessed Adam with a companion, making him that much more powerful because he and Eve became a team. Satan showed up and tempted Eve. Adam ate from the tree that the Lord had forbidden him to partake from. Satan remains unhappy with God blessing His children, and he’ll go to any measure to raise accusations against us.

—Digest This—

After every positive the devil is determined to compose something negative. We’ve just been given a golden nugget of how to properly increase our faith. Satan is not happy with your choice to spend time with God and he will retaliate, for he knows that you are a threat to his kingdom. You are on your way to spiritual growth. Satan knows that you are about to start producing fruit. Therefore, let us brace ourselves for the attacks and craftiness of the Devil. If you are being tempted by Satan, you have evidence of your position in Christ. The devil does not tempt those that are already on his team; that is why he’s after you. It also means you are in between blessings.

Week 1/Wednesday

Nutrition For Spiritual Growth

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV)

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior a new birth takes place within you. Along with new identity comes a new way of living. Therefore, the characteristic of our old being becomes dead. Through our profession of faith in Christ, we now live through Him. Being that we have been saved through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are new creatures. We are no longer children of wrath, but we are now children of God. We have been born of the Spirit and we must now seek heavenly nourishment instead of indulging in worldly pleasures. We are to drop all the cares and ways of this world that we may take on the characteristics of our Father.

Christianity is not something that we can walk into with an I know it all attitude. We must remember that we were naughty by nature, but we’ve been born again. Therefore, being nourished by the Word of God is a necessity. Peter uses a baby in this scripture to symbolize the importance of the Word of God in the life of a believer. Just as a baby cannot grow physically without the intake of milk, we as children of God cannot grow spiritually without the Word of God.

By nature, babies pant and crave their mother’s milk. Nobody has to command a baby to drink milk; it automatically has a longing for it. Through the intake of milk, the newborn’s body receives nourishment and grows stronger. The same is with you and me, the saints of God; we should desire the pure milk of the Word of God that we may grow stronger in our faith. It is the Word of God that shall transform us. We shouldn’t have to be forced to study and meditate upon the Word of God, but we should crave the Word of God, being that He is our Father and we’ve already experienced His goodness (1 Pet. 2:3). We must accept the invitation of David that has called for us to try the Lord, for in trying Him we’ll discover that the Lord is good.

—Digest This—

By craving the Word of God, we will grow up in our faith. God’s Word will make us stronger believers and our position in Christ will become evident to others, through our maturity in the faith. We must long for the pure milk of God’s word and refuse to settle for any alternatives. The Word of God is the greatest for our lives and we must become thirsty for what our Father has spoken. His word is truly the nutrition for spiritual growth.

Week 1/Thursday

God Can Do All Things

Scripture: Luke 1:37 (KJV)

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

God specializes in things that seem to be unachievable. He never fails to amaze us, for He works miracles before our eyes. But sometimes we allow people and even our own thoughts to manipulate our faith. Our own thoughts cause us to question the abilities of God. Most dialogue we hear today is about how it’s impossible for someone to change and it’s impossible to live a holy life. But someone who declares impossibilities is battling with doubt. This scripture is so powerful and I believe it’s going to deliver someone from fear and doubt instantaneously, for this one verse will give us joy in the midst of our calamities. You may be facing situations in your life that seem unfixable, but be encouraged because God’s power cannot be diluted nor hindered by the volume of your circumstances.

Mary learned of the favor and blessings of God that were bestowed on her life through an angel. He confirmed that God is able to do all things and even gives evidence of His marvelous works. Gabriel tells Mary of her cousin Elizabeth, who was once barren, but she was now pregnant even at an old age. Through Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary was able to see that God is able to perform miracles that go against the declaration of nature. The Lord is able to change the word that nature has declared of your situation, for nature declared Elizabeth as barren, but God caused her to bear a child. The Lord can make the lame walk, make the blind see, cure cancer, and save any sin sick soul. With God nothing is impossible.

What have you been struggling with in your life that’s too big for you to handle? Have you tried turning it over to God? Nothing is too hard for God if only you’d just believe. Who has the power to make the sun shine during the day and the moon appear at night? Who can love sinful people like you and me so much that He’d give His only begotten Son? God is our source. God has spoken against impossibilities since the beginning, He has stood by his Word, and He will always perform His Word.

—Digest This—

God has delivered you before and He will do it again, for He is faithful. We must believe that God is able to do all good things even when He does not choose to change our situations. But even when the Lord does not change our situations, He’s so loving and gracious that He’ll equip us to handle what has been trying to handle us. Never worry about how something will come to pass, for if God spoke it He is able to perform it.

Week 1/Friday

Peace That Calms Any Storm

Scripture: Mark 4:38-39 (ISV)

But Jesus was in the back of the boat, asleep on a cushion. So they woke him up and asked him, Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to die? Then he got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Calm down! Be still! Then the wind stopped blowing, and there was a great calm.

Are you going through any storms and looking for a way out? Many of us are experiencing various types of storms such as lay-offs, financial struggles, sickness, and bereavement. Frustration is on every hand and we’re desperate for answers on how to make it through our storms. Jesus is present with us at all times (Deut. 31:8), and He shows us how to have peace in the midst of our storms. While the boat was being tossed and driven by the raging sea, Christ was resting. He didn’t’ have to panic, for He is the Creator of all things. Jesus was also able to be at peace because He understood His Father’s promise, for the Sea of Galilee wasn’t Calvary. God allows the Devil to cause storms in our lives for our edification. Although storms may rage on the outside, Jesus lives within us and His Spirit empowers us with peace. Therefore, we must be confident of God’s protection.

But what happens when we struggle to walk in peace? The disciples failed to cling to the teachings of Christ; therefore, they went to the Master. Many of us are being tossed by life’s storms and have taken our eyes off of Jesus. We too like the disciples, have forgotten about Christ’s power, His presence, and His holy Word. When the disciples awoke Jesus, the Bible says that He got up and spoke the word. Jesus didn’t have to raise His hand or do any physical work to calm the storm. The Lord never moved a finger, He just said, peace be still; immediately the wind and sea understood their obligation to obey Christ’s command. What the devil meant for evil God turned it out for the disciples good. The very troubles that took place during their pilgrimage aided them in reaching their destination. Mark 5:1 informs us that the disciples did make it to the other side just as the Lord declared they would.

—Digest This—

How long will you allow storms to control your life? You’ve got the Prince of Peace living within you. Today is your day of deliverance; just allow Christ to take over your situation. He will give you peace to calm any storm! You don’t have to attempt to stop the storm; let the Lord speak the word. Not only will the storm cease, but God’s hand will move you from fearing the storm to being in awe of the Savior.

Week 1/ Saturday-Sunday

Meditation

Satan has been busy this week, but a child God always comes out on top. Whenever you desire the things of God, you’ll quickly discover how Satan turns up the heat. But in spite of how Satan has come against you, continue to stand strong in the Lord. Serving the Lord is eternal just as the life of a saint through Christ is eternal.

During this week we have learned that God calls us to have mustard seed faith. The Word of God has also informed us of the Devil’s pursuit after those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. We’ve been able to tap into the key of growing as a saint, which is digesting the Word of God. Christ has also given us the assurance that nothing is too hard for God. So, whatever has come against you this week, know that you are able to stand through it all because our God can do all things.

I encourage you to stay focused as the waves of life seem to be growing stronger. Jesus will provide you with peace that is beyond mankind’s comprehension. After this week, we should be able to meditate on God’s faithfulness, assurance, and provision. We can stand strong and be confident in our walk with the Lord, for we know that we are not alone and God will provide all that we need in this life.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Week 2/ Monday

Pleasing God While Silencing The Word

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:15 (NIV)

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

So often, we try many things in life to silence our critics, but we go about handling such a task in the wrong way. Have you wondered how to please God and find satisfaction in this immoral world at the same time? I know this may be interesting for you to know, just as it was interesting for me to discover. It’s actually possible to please God and silence the world at the same time. Here in this scripture Peter tells us that the results of doing the will of God is, the empty talk of foolish men will come to a halt.

We have been called by God to give Him glory, but in a sense we are to separate ourselves and live as aliens from another planet (1 Pet. 2:11). We are to stay far away from the desires of the flesh, knowing such desires war against us in hope of attacking our soul. Our fleshly desires that we picked up by nature, battles against the Spirit that lives within us. But through God’s strength we can abstain from fleshly things. We have been instructed to live holy just as the Lord, our Father, is holy; even in the midst of adversity. God has given us the strength to change our way of thinking, which liberates us from being enslaved to the desires of our flesh.

Even though we live in a midst of vicious people, who are full of deceit and immorality, we must be persistent in living an upright life (1 Pet. 2:12). The joy of our salvation will lead others to Christ. Do you know the impact that you can make on an unbeliever’s life by just choosing to obey God? When the unconverted soul sees how you continue to live righteous in spite of the different mayhem you experience, they will glorify God.

We must also submit ourselves to every human authority. Never choose to submit based on a person’s character, but submit yourself for God’s glory (1 Pet. 2:13). Although the world teaches that a person must give respect in order to receive respect, we must submit to all authority. I know it may seem senseless to respect those who are disrespectful, but we must do whatever is necessary to glorify our Maker. Pray for everyone’s wellbeing so that when they receive welfare you too will receive it (Jer. 29:7).

—Digest This—

Are you pleasing God and silencing the world, or are you trying to straddle the fence? Keep in mind that there isn’t a fence to straddle when it comes to your soul. If we try to please the world and serve God at the same time we’ll find ourselves as enemy of our Maker. Therefore, we must stand for God or we’ll find ourselves falling for anything.

Week 2/ Tuesday

Making An Impact

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

All of us have been designated to the place that we now reside, based on the sovereignty of our Creator. But often times, we go through life not recognizing the purpose behind our placement. We must carry out our assignments where we are instead of waiting until we get to the place where we think we should be. Today’s scripture proves this very point. Jeremiah is writing to the exiles of Israel, while they were being held captive in Babylon. Israel was being encouraged to become comfortable in the city of Babylon and God is speaking those very words to us today. You may not be where you want to be in life, but God has placed you where you are right now for His purpose. Your current position shouldn’t stop you from living how God called you to live. We are to faithfully serve the Lord in spite of where we’ve been placed. None of us know how long God has planned for us to be in this position, but we must make an impact wherever we’ve been positioned.

The main thrust of the matter in this passage is that God is calling Israel to move past mourning about their condition to trusting God’s sovereign will. He called them to work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. We are also in a city that is not our home. Even though the world is not our home, we’ve got to work for the peace and prosperity of this world. We spend too much time trying to pronounce curses on our jobs, cities, states, presidents, enemies, and government. Our misdirected focus is causing us to leave so much work undone. Instead of spending time complaining about what is going wrong in the world, we must do our part. The body of Christ must work and press towards bringing peace and prosperity!

—Digest This—

Jeremiah says, Pray to the LORD for that city, and when it prospers, you will also prosper. Instead of praying against the world we must pray for the world. Don’t tear down the place where you’ve been stationed, build that place up through your walk with Christ. If the city starts to flourish, the blessings of God will overtake you.

Week 2/ Wednesday

Be Patient, The Lord Hears You

Scripture: Psalms 40:1 (NIV)

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

Trouble would not bother us if we knew how long it was going to stay and what purpose it served. Our biggest dilemma comes when we don’t know when our troubles will end. During the times of trouble, does it seem to you that God is not moving fast enough? What has been your reaction? In knowing that He works things according to His will, have you become frustrated or have you waited patiently on the Lord? I have to be honest; patience is not my strongest attribute. It is something that I’ve had my share of struggles with and I’m sure that you can agree with me on that subject. At times, it seems that we’re standing all alone crying for help but God is nowhere to be found. Through this scripture, David shows us how to be patient and even though it may seem as if God does not hear us, He is attentive to our cry.

David said, I waited patiently for the Lord. David did not attempt to rush God. To wait patiently means that you are waiting in confidence; trusting that God will show up on time. David had confidence in God’s power and His faithfulness. Therefore, He was patiently waiting for God’s good and perfect will for His life to unfold. He knew that God was going to intervene on his behalf at the right time.

Whenever we face trials and tribulations we become frustrated and anxious for our storm to be over. However, we have to learn how to be patient, trusting that God has our best interest in mind. David was suffering, but he never attempted to rush God. He knew that the Lord would clear his cloudy skies. In order to grow like God has planned for us to grow we must stay in the storm long enough to intake the correct amount of rain that is needed for us to be spiritually nourished. David waited patiently, and God’s answer was on time. The Lord turned to David. His praying was not in vain and neither is your praying in vain. God will incline His ears to His children.

—Digest This—

The prayers of the righteous do not go unheard. As a result of the God that lives within you communicating with God in heaven, your prayers are heard (Rom. 8:26). God sees your pain and He hears your frustrations. Times may seem to be rough in your life and it may seem that you are sinking, but wait patiently because God hears you and He will lift you out of a horrible pit at His appointed time. In the mean time, just hold on to God’s unchanging hand and continue to rest upon His promise. You’ll make it through. Don’t give up just hold on and be patient because God hears you.

Week 2/ Thursday

Brought Into Fellowship Trhough The Blood

Scripture: Ephesians 2:13 (NIV)

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Sometimes we have to take a moment to praise the Lord that we may confuse our enemy. Many people think that joy can only be experienced through the reception of tangible things, not realizing that having joy is a matter of choice. Through being received by Christ, our joy has been made complete and we are recipients of all good things. There was a time that we were not talking to God and God was not talking to us, but we were brought back into fellowship with God through the blood of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus has overshadowed sin. Out of all the wrong we’ve done against God’s will, He has not held our wrong against us. Our sins were placed on the shoulders of Christ and nailed to the cross. Jesus satisfied the wrath of God by giving His life as a ransom.

Our hearts should overflow with gratitude whenever we think about the cross and what it represents. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are now at peace with God. Because we are at peace with God, we are able to enjoy peace that surpasses all understanding. We have been made righteous through the blood of Christ and we’re now able to approach the throne of grace. We were once unfit for the kingdom of God, but the blood of Jesus has purified us, presenting us before God as faultless.

You and I were once roaming, lost in the world and not belonging to the family of royalty. Do you remember when you were a lost sheep just wandering around in those things of this world feeding the flesh? Only the blood of Jesus Christ was able to bring us near to God who is holy. God in the flesh had to die in order for us to live.

—Digest This—

Our hope is built on the blood of Jesus and His righteousness that has been imputed to us. Without Jesus Christ dying and being raised from the dead, nothing in this world would matter. We were predestined to taste salvation through God’s perfect will. God, in His mind, had already slain His only begotten Son before the foundation of the world was laid. The blood of Jesus is the only reason you and I are recipients of eternal life.

Week 2/ Friday

Go Ahead, God Is With You!

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Are you hesitating to step out on what God has called you to do? Even though the Lord has confirmed the work that He desires to do through us, often times we find ourselves afraid to move? We all have been called to serve God exactly how He has ordained for us to serve Him. There isn’t a problem with God’s delegation, but there’s a problem with our willingness. God has already given the provision, but we must be willing to walk where God is leading us. We must move forward and never contemplate looking back, for the Lord is with us.

In this text Paul is talking to the Christians of the church at Ephesus. He has just finished informing them that salvation is a gift from God. We didn’t earn salvation, but we’ve been saved by God’s grace. Salvation is a gift given to us through God’s grace. Therefore, none of us have earned a right to boast about our works. Instead of boasting about works we must busy ourselves with giving glory of God. Besides we wouldn’t even have the intellect to do anything good if it were not for God working in and through us.

We are God’s workmanship. We have been made and manufactured by the work of God, not by our own works. The good we know to do was brought about through His Son Jesus Christ. The works that God has set before us were prepared before mankind came into existence. Every work that God has prepared is for the purpose of serving others and glorifying His name; not for the benefits of oneself. God has set a task aside for each of us. God has called us to spotlight His name and to give Him glory through our way of living. The Lord has prepared the good works, but we must launch forward.

—Digest This—

To perform a task, we usually need a job description and training. God has given us both a job description as well as on the job training. God’s Word is clear of mankind’s duty, for we were created to worship the Lord. Our on the job training is the Holy Spirit, who lives within us. He shapes and molds us into God’s skilled workers. What are you waiting for?

Week 2/ Saturday-Sunday

Meditation

This week has provided you with spiritual fuel, enabling you to press toward the mark of the higher calling. Through the Word of God you’ve learned how to silence your critics. You’ve also learned that God is with you through every aspect of life. You’ve even had a moment to cruise down memory lane as we reflected upon the blood of Jesus that washed away our sins. Through the meditation of God’s Word you should be growing stronger and wiser, for the Lord is strengthening you to stand against Satan.

Not being where we think we should be in life and feeling it’s impossible to please man can be overwhelming if we did not know God. But since we do know Him, we know that striving to please men isn’t of any importance. We don’t understand it all now, but through patience and the working of our faith we’ll be able to stand firm, not letting Satan break our faith.

Regardless of what you may be going through, I assure you that God is all that you need to survive. Through Him your joy shall be made full and if you seek His kingdom and His righteousness, your needs shall be met. Let this week’s readings stain your heart and mind. You shall experience a joy that can’t be given nor taken away by this world. This is truly how to experience the abundant life that has been promised through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Earthly possessions don’t make us who we are; we are special and a part of a family of royalty through Christ. Therefore, let us joyously serve the One who has set us free.

John 10:10 (NKJV)

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 17:15 (NKJV)

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

Acts 18:10 (NIV)

For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.

Week 3/ Monday

To God Be The Glory

Scripture: John 15:8 (NASB)

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

Anyone who loves fruit knows that the biggest disappointment is purchasing fruit that is not pleasant in taste. You go into a supermarket filled with plums, peaches, and apples that look delicious on the outside. But when you get the fruit home and bite into them, you only discover an unpleasant taste that does not meet your level of satisfaction. Well we have a Fruit Inspector who loves fruit. God loves trees that are bearing fruit; He doesn’t like to approach one that is fruitless. Every tree that God has planted is made to bear fruit and not just to utilize soil (Luke 13:7). In other words, God desires to get the glory out of our lives. He didn’t supply us with breath in our body just for us to take up space.

God is glorified by the fruit we bear, so my question today is: are we giving God the glory through our way of living? Are you a tree with leaves and no fruit, or are you just a tree with neither leaves nor fruit. None of us have an excuse because it’s the right season for us to bear much fruit. How do I know it’s the season? Simply because there is not a time in our lives that God does not desire to get His glory. God has approved this season, being that He knows it shall bring His name glory.

We as saints should bring glory to our Father’s name by the way we conduct ourselves. We are to live in reverence of our Creator at all times. To assure a life of fruitfulness, we must know God’s word and abide in it. Doing so will cause us to act on and pray for things that are accurate; assuring us that a time will never occur that we’ll be praying with ineffectiveness. We need to aim for prayers that open up the windows of heaven so that people may see our fruit and the Lord will be glorified. Just Friday, of last week, we talked about good works and how God designed these works for us in the beginning. Today we are talking about the results of what happens through our good works. We will bear a large amount of fruit and the Lord will be magnified.

—Digest This—

Our ability to bear fruit confirms our identity. We are revealed as followers of Jesus Christ, dedicating our lives to the aid of others. A tree does not produce fruit for its own enjoyment, but it produces fruit for the benefit of others. The tree renders unselfish service, just as we are to render unselfish service to benefit others. How many people are starving spiritually because of our lack of bearing fruit? If we fail to do what God has purposed for us, we will be evicted from taking up residence in His vineyard (Luke 13:7).

Week 3/ Tuesday

Just Wait On Him

Scripture: Psalms 37:7a (KJV)

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:

Focusing too much on the world will cause us to become bitter; because to our appearance, it may seem as though God is not being fair. You’ll take a look at those of the world and it will seem as though they live life without stress or strain. I can remember when I use to get frustrated about the flourishing life of the wicked. But once I realized my significance is in God and not in tangible things, I became comfortable and content with the life the Lord has given me. This Scripture enables me to focus on God and not my surroundings. It supplies me with peace that is unexplainable and I pray that it will do the same for you. We have to make sure that we take our eyes off of the world and put our eyes on God.

David tells us in this passage to Rest in the Lord, which means, Be Silent to the Lord. Being silent means to graduate from murmuring and complaining, trusting that the Lord has your best interest in mind. You don’t have to question God’s will, only trust Him. We shouldn’t weary God about things that are not important, but we should thank Him for all things. You have God and through Him you have a seat in heaven and an inheritance.

In essence David is saying don’t spend your time worrying, just be still and watch God work. Things may not look good right now, but the finishing work is marvelous. David encourages us that God has every situation under control. You’ve been trusting in the Lord and doing good (v.3), delighting yourself in the Lord (v.4), and devoting yourself to Him (v.5) now all you have to do is just be silent before Him. You’ve done all that God requires of you, so there is no need of fixing your mouth to question if the Lord is going to come through. Put a smile on your face, pep up your step, and wait patiently on the Lord. God is worth the wait because when the Lord shows up, He shakes things up. God shows up and shows out.

—Digest This—

God’s arrival is always at the right time, for everything that He does is done according to His will. Let God do things in His time frame. The plan that shall be revealed will prove to you that the Lord always has your best interest in mind. During your time of waiting, just rest in the Lord. Your life is in His hand and you shall be rejuvenated through the power of our God.

Week 3/Wednesday

He Will Suppy

Scripture: Psalms 37:25 (KJV)

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

There is a question that I must ask everyone, whether young or old, including myself. My question is this: since you have been accepted by God, do you feel that you have you been abandoned or forgotten about? Have you ever had a need that God has failed to meet? I can answer that for us all: no. None of us has had to go without the necessities of life. We may not have all that we want, but God provides us with everything that we need. Our source of provision is God; which is why David says that we should not fret because of evildoers. We should not allow ourselves to become frustrated as we view the actions of this world. If your trust is in the Lord you have been favored by Him; therefore, you shall never be forsaken nor shall your seed ever beg for bread.

God is so good to us and He never fails to supply our needs. Even right now in the midst of troubled times God meets the needs of His children. Notice I never said that we would not have any struggles or strains, because tough days shall come. The Lord promised us we’ll have our share of troubles. But although troubles shall arise, we have the assurance that our needs shall be supplied. Yes, you may have gotten laid off, you may even struggle to make ends meet but God is your source. He is truly the God that meets needs. The Lord is the one that supports us and it is impossible for God to fail in taking care of His children. God watches over us. Though the wicked may seem to be ahead, you shall be able to stand through any storm with confidence knowing that the Lord will never abandon you, but shall make a way for you.

—Digest This—

We have nothing to complain about. We have the Creator of heaven and earth that holds us in the palm of His hand. The Lord promises us in His word that He has dedicated himself to us. He said that He will never depart from us nor will He ever disown us. That’s good news, because God is the only One who can give us assurance and a stable foundation.

Week 3/ Thursday

Christ is Your Strength

Scripture: Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Have certain circumstances left you feeling that you are unable to cope with life? Well, in all honesty, at one time or another we have all been left feeling hopeless, but there’s good news found in the Word of God for any soul that has become weary. When we are weak Jesus Christ is strong. He picks us up, rejuvenating our strength to continue this race called life. Today’s text mesmerizes me because in verse 12 it seemed as if Paul was beginning to brag about himself and how he was able to endure any situation. But before anyone is able to begin