Spending Every Day with Jesus: Mom’S Notes to Her Kids and Friends

Copyright © 2013 Patsy Ann.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

1 (866) 928-1240

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4908-0627-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-0628-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013915407

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/4/2013

Copyright © 1981, 1982 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights are reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

BECAUSE HE LIVES

Words by William J. and Gloria Gaither. Music by William J. Gaither. Copyright © 1971 Hanna Street Music. All rights controlled by Gaither Copyright Management. Used by permission.

THE KING IS COMING

Words by William J. and Gloria Gaither and Charles Millhuff. Music by William J. Gaither. Copyright © 1970 Hanna Street Music. All rights controlled by Gaither Copyright Management. Used by permission.

Table of Contents

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, 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.™. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations 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)

For a couple of years my daughters and I had the same devotional book so we could be on the same page each day with God’s Word.

In November of 2012 I was deciding on what book to buy when the thought came to me to write my own devotional. I had seven weeks to write 366 devotions. Now, what verses have meant so much to me over the years? There are so many. God’s Word brings such joy and walking with the Lord over the years I have found that His Word remains true and inspiring. This is what I have tried to instill in my children and friends throughout the years.

I had the privilege of my brother, Bob, leading me to Jesus as Savior of my life. And, then to make Him Lord of my life, Bob encouraged me to memorize Scripture beginning with Psalm 119:11. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NLT) The only way to do this is to read, read, read, and read it some more. Later on I will share verses with you that I believe, because I had them in my heart, helped me to make better choices.

How about right now memorizing Psalm 119:11? You might want to start a little verse card file. Write this verse on a little card and when you have it hid safely in your heart then put the card in a little box and write a new verse on a card and start all over. Pretty soon you will have a whole box of verses neatly hidden in your heart!

Because this book started out to be just for my family I chose to say Happy Birthday to each member of our family’. Memories of my Mom and my childhood make up some of the devotions in this little book.

Because everyone needs Jesus, many of the pages are encouraging you to share your faith in Him with others as you have opportunity. My prayer is that the Scripture will grab your heart (it will not return void—Isaiah 55:11) and you will enjoy spending every day with Jesus.

Patsy Ann

J

a

n

u

a

r

y

A BLESSED BEGINNING

January 1

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (KJV)

We begin at the beginning. You see—this is our foundation. It is so important to know that it was God Who created this earth. GOD CREATED—not a big bang, but a wonderful creation by a wonderful God that loves us. God spoke and there it was. Sky, oceans, mountains, trees, fish, animals, mankind! All began as God spoke! Sounds, night and day, angels, time, all creation began as God gave it life!When you get a chance, visit a zoo and an aquarium to see the great fish and animals. Think about how the first ones looked! Think about the first man and woman. God named them Adam and Eve. He gave Adam the job of naming all the animals. Think about the fun Adam must have had as he named each one.

Look at people! No two alike! Amazing that we see billions of faces—and no two alike! Even twins have a little difference that becomes noticeable as you know them better. Think about how it must have been to be the first on earth.

Begin reading Genesis today and praise God for His mighty and wonderful sights and sounds. Praise Him for giving you life!

What a beginning!!!!!

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

WE NEED THE ARMOR OF GOD

January 2

Genesis 3:12-13 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. ¹³ And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. (KJV)

When the Lord asked Adam what he had done, Adam immediately put the blame on Eve. Eve immediately put the blame on the serpent. What foolish people we are. We cannot hide our sin from God. He knows our thoughts, our actions, even our motives. When we choose to blame others for our sin, we only add misery and discomfort to our lives.

Let’s begin this year looking into our hearts and be honest before the Lord. Let us put on the armor of God from Ephesians Chapter 6, and set out for a joyful and precious Walk with Our God day by day.

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (KJV)

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

WE NEED TO LISTEN TO GOD—NOT MAN

January 3

Genesis 3:17-19 "And to the man he said, Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. ¹⁸ It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. ¹⁹ By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return. (KJV)

One of the things that I have learned during my walk with the Lord is that things are not always good; things are hard and yes, we will have to work and yes, our beautiful yard will be full of weeds unless we get out there and Weed and Feed. Our gardens and flowers will be overtaken unless we care for them.

Our friendships also need cultivating, and we can do this by sending cards and making a phone call. (I guess today it is TEXT and send pictures over phones) But, we have to take charge. We need to put some effort into our daily lives and love one another and forget about the distractions that come our way.

The struggles we have are because of our sin cursed world. Let’s memorize these verses and give thanks to our Lord Jesus for giving us a new life in Him. We can walk with joy through this life as we anticipate our eternal home. And, we need to make sure we are listening to God by reading His Word daily.

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

THROUGH IT ALL

January 4

Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (KJV)

Oh, you must read the story of Joseph in Genesis. From a child he was being prepared to do a great work for God. We have all kinds of commentaries on Joseph as a teenager and we wonder how he really was! Was he the spoiled child that some say; or was he just a regular kid that God would lead to save a nation.

One thing we know for sure. Joseph went through many trials and hardships as he grew up. Definitely he was a sinner—like us all—but God did not tell us his short comings. By his actions we can assure ourselves that if we choose to obey and not yield to temptations, God will bless!!

I love the fact that Joseph did not blame his brothers, but instead realized that God loved him and was using all that happened to him to bring glory to Himself and to save Joseph’s family.

What are YOU going through today? How are you reacting? Be sure and read Joseph’s story!

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

MAKING DISCIPLES IN ALL NATIONS

January 5

Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (KJV)

Happy Birthday Craig. I hope for you that on this birthday you will enjoy time with your family and also with friends that you have made there in India.

God has called you to be a missionary to the people of Northeast India. Jesus is with you and will give you His love for these precious people. May you be blessed by seeing many come to a saving knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, may these disciples make disciples etc. etc.

Each birthday gets us closer to home—our eternal home. So, treasure each one them and don’t worry about the graying of hair, loss of hair, wrinkles that may come, or extra inches on the belt, for all these are just assurance that you are getting closer! Those of us who are ‘there’ can testify to the JOY of the moment!

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

WRITE A LITTLE NOTE TO SOMEONE

January 6

Psalm 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! (KJV)

Oh, how I love this verse. Whenever I become a little discouraged or down due to the feeling of rejection or whatever negative thoughts comes into my mind, I am reminded through this great Word from God that HE is thinking of me and THINKING I am precious!!!

I sometimes hold a little kitten and think, Oh, how precious—soft little fur and so cute as he jumps all over the floor with a little cotton ball. Well, my Savior thinks that I am precious and the sum of these thoughts cannot be numbered. In other words—He thinks of me all the time!! And, He thinks I am so precious! And, so are YOU!

I was just thinking of someone who may not feel precious. Maybe you know of someone who could use a little note (yes, by mail) just to tell them you are thinking of them today and how that could just make their day.

Come on, get out your pen!

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

PEACE, WONDERFUL PEACE

January 7

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (KJV)

I am still working on this verse! Why do I still get offended over things? I have treasured this verse for years and yet I still find I am sensitive. Oh, Lord, teach me, teach me how to love your law in such a way that nothing offends me. Am I too greedy, too moody, too lustful, too jealous, and envious?

Oh, I have great peace over so much, but I guess, Lord, this may be something to work on for a long time. Let us pray for one another to have that great peace of God and then we will know that nothing shall offend me.

How about making a little list of things that bring offense and pray them ‘gone’ one at a time? Sometimes writing down the things that we are having trouble with helps us to see more clearly. Then we can ‘feel’ that wonderful peace. The wonderful peace of God comes down to us from our Father above. Let this peace sweep over you and relish in His perfect love.

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART

January 8

Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (NLT) King James Version says, Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

I guess this is one of my very favorite verses! I had this put on my license plate the year I bought my little Chevette car.

It is the verse that I prayed so hard to get my church secretary job!! Yes, as we delight in Him, He sure does give us our desires. We must, however, trust Him to give us what He desires for us more. We must always desire that what we want is also best for those around us. We really do not live just for ourselves, but our choices affect our loved ones in certain ways.

What are your desires? How about making a list (yes, another one of those lists) and then praying this verse! Oh, what a joy when our prayers are answered and we are able to share with others how to just simply—

DELIGHT IN THE LORD

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES

January 9

Psalm 126:5-6 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (KJV)

This verse was used in one of the churches we attended with the term soul winning or going out and telling people about Jesus and His great plan of salvation. We truly should weep for the lost. We should fall on our knees before our Heavenly Father and ask Him for many souls to be saved from the eternal fires of hell. Oh, as we see people turn and ask for forgiveness and set out to live for Christ, we will rejoice and there will be shouts of joy in Heaven.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that we can lead someone to Christ. God says that if we go forth with the Word of God, He will work in that person and we shall see them turn to Christ.

Let’s be in prayer together that this verse would penetrate our hearts and we would share the good news of Christ to those we meet. Let’s sow in tears and reap in joy for the souls of men and women.

Make your list.

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

LET US NOT LABOR IN VAIN

January 10

Psalm 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (KJV)

We must let the Lord be the most important Person in our daily lives. We MUST let the Lord build and mold us into what He wants us to be. We labor in vain for sure if we step out on our own.

And, isn’t it easy to do! It is so easy to follow the crowd. So easy to want all the latest toys like everyone else. Even we, as adults, do enjoy the new television sets that come out, the latest phone, the printer with all the services—fax, scanner, copier, printing ability, best quality photos, etc.

We need to build our house upon the Word of God. If the Lord is building our house, we won’t forget daily devotions, daily prayer, daily searching His Word for truth to share with others. Let’s not labor in vain, but give Him our best. Let’s let the Lord build our home by giving Him His time and resting in His Word for our guide throughout the day.

His Word has many instructions on the how to of living life to its fullest.

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

BLESSED SLEEP

January 11

Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (KJV)

During some very difficult and trying times in my life, I learned the meaning of this verse. My walking the floors and worrying did absolutely nothing to change the situation—actually just made for a lack of sleep and much guilt as I realized that I was neglecting the very things that really meant so much to me.

Our time could be better spent on our knees in prayer for that loved one that we care about. Oh, how much time is spent fretting instead of praying? I would love to say it took years for me to ‘learn this verse’, but in some ways I am still learning.

How about you? Do you find yourself staying up late with anxious thoughts? Worrying about each little thing? Well, may I suggest that you take your Bible in hand and read yourself to sleep! His Word will help much more than that time spent in worry!

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

THE BLESSING OF CHILDREN

January 12

Psalm 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. ⁴ As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. ⁵ Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. (KJV)

God gave me six!! 4 boys and 2 girls! I am so happy that the Lord gave them to me. It was after I had my sixth that I found contentment in not caring if I had more. Until then, though, I sometimes wished I would have another. So, God’s Word is true when it says, happy is the man (woman) who hath his quiver full of them.

Yes, my children are definitely a heritage from God and I praise Him each day for my children AND for the children that have come from them. Thank you Jesus!

Take time to pray for families today. Pray that they will be a ‘happy’ family who comes to know the Lord and finds contentment in the precious Word of God.

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

BORN AGAIN

January 13

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (KJV)

What a blessing to know that I have been ‘born again’ from above. I have a Savior that gave me this new life because of His great love for me. Instead of leaving me in my sinful state, he reached down and changed my heart! He gave me a heart to know and understand His plan for my salvation. I look forward to entering Heaven and seeing this precious Savior!

Being ‘born again’ means that my sins are forever forgiven and that I may walk this earth with a love for others to know the joy of having their sins forgiven too! It means that I can share the love of God and witness new birth in those who trust Jesus as Savior. Nothing can bring such joy! Oh, tell others about their need for Jesus.

John 3:7 "Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again."

Joy

Happy Birthday to Jimmy T in Assam, India

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

GOD SO LOVED—AND GAVE HIS SON

January 14

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (KJV)

I listened to a message by a wonderful pastor in Georgia who used these verses to help me understand God’s great love. He said Jesus’s first coming was to love us and give us everlasting life through His shed blood on the cross. He did not come to condemn us, but to save us. We sometimes quote verse 16 but leave out verse 17. He did not come to condemn us!!! Just to give us His tender love and forgiveness. Bless His Name.

Take time to bow and thank Him. Then, make a list of those you would love to see come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Pray faithfully every day for those on your list. Send a little note saying that you are praying for them and write out the Gospel for them to read—because faith cometh by hearing, and hearing of the Word of God! (Romans 10:7)

This blessed truth is cause for great joy deep down in our hearts.

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

PERFECTION IS WAITING FOR ME

January 15

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV)

Jesus is busy preparing a place for ME! And you too, if you know Him as your Savior. What a joy to realize that I have a home in Heaven. What a joy to know that Jesus Himself is preparing this wonderful mansion; and that in due time He will return and take me there.

Will it have my favorite blue carpet? I know it will have streets paved with pure gold. Oh, our eternal home will be so majestic that it will be an amazing sight to behold!

Be not troubled down here. Believe what our God says and know that this short time on earth is just a stepping stone to eternal bliss!

We can only imagine

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

DELIGHT IN THE LAW OF THE LORD

January 16

Psalm 1:1-3 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. ² But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. ³ They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (NLT)

Happy Birthday Steven! What a joy the day you were born. And haven’t we had fun these last 46 years! It is fun to watch some of the old home movies. Not like the modern ones you have today, but nevertheless enjoyable!

I remember when you were just a little guy running around and always full of ambition. Always finding something to do! I also remember your love and caring ways. You always kept going even when the road was tough! Determination! Keep it up!

My prayer for you today and every day is that you will follow the verses above. Oh, that you will stand for the Lord and that you will enjoy delighting in the law of the Lord.

Maybe someone you love is having a birthday today. Take time to wish them a happy day and pray for them to prosper in God’s love.

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY

January 17

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)

This is one of my absolute favorite verses. So clear, so absolute, so simple.

Jesus is the Way! No doubt!

He is Truth! No doubt!

He is Life! No doubt at all.

What plainer words could be written!! This is the only verse that you really need to know to tell someone about Heaven. God says His Word would not return void, so use it! Tell someone today that Jesus is the Way to Heaven. Pray for that person and ask God to let His Word accomplish what He wills! Simple words! Use them often.

Of course, they may ask you lots of questions so be prepared. The book of Romans has many verses to lead someone to salvation. It is called the Romans Road.

Here are the verses: Romans 3:10, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:13, Romans 5: 8, Romans 10:9-10.

Look them up and hide them in your heart so that you are always ready to lead someone to Christ.

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

January Reading—GENESIS—EXODUS—Psalm 1-13

Proverbs—One Chapter for each day of the month

THE CLEANSING POWER OF CHRIST

January 18

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (KJV)

Isn’t it disgusting to feel sticky fingers! But, the feeling of our awful sin is a whole lot more disgusting and so frightening too! So, to realize that Jesus cleanses us from the awfulness of sin is so wonderful. To read His Word and KNOW that He means it when He says that he will blot out our sins and remember them no more, is the greatest of all feelings!

Thank you, Jesus! Thank you for letting me walk in Your light! Thank you for letting me have fellowship with You and other believers. Thank you for your cleansing blood!

Definitely thank Him