Devotional Time with God

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Psalm 27:10

The Lord WILL receive me. The Lord will help me and never abandons me. My Lord God is the savior of my life, full of grace and mercy. No one else can match His love, not even my family.

I am so glad to be part of God’s family.

But I won’t do all this in the first year, because the land would become poor, and wild animals would be everywhere. Instead, I will force out your enemies little by little and give your nation time to grow strong enough to take over the land.

Exodus 23:29-30

God is bigger than the universe. God is stronger than a black hole. God is more powerful than I can imagine. So why does God give things bit by bit?  Why does He not give me everything right off the bat?

To build my faith, that’s what He’s doing.  If I get everything I need without any work, I’ll be just using Him. I will not love Him for who He is – instead I love Him for what He can provide for me.  That’s not true love.  That’s not true faith.  Although there are times where I have to rely on Him completely, but for the most part, I have to do my part.

So to build my faith, God’s given me the ability to do things myself. To make my own decisions. To make my own mistakes. At this age, after all the experiences that I have, I come to appreciate how this works.  He makes me strong both mentally and physically. At the same time, He lifts my spirit and elevates my faith.

My transformation takes years – and I’m still being transformed. Still being renewed. I’m possessing “the land”, one year at a time.

Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.

Ephesians 5:25-26

In these verses, I can picture Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, removing all dirt and grime. The dirt symbolizes my sins and mistakes, both present and future. I can see it washed away, leaving just a clean pair of feet. I can also picture Jesus doing this over, and over – for He is the ultimate forgiver, the savior of my life.  My sins are washed away, many times over.

I don’t know how many times I needed God’s forgiveness. But, thank God, He cleansed me all the time! His grace is unlimited. His grace is wonderful!

There is one universal need for all humanity: A need to worship.  It can be anything, or anyone.  Unfortunately, most people choose anything other than the one true God, Jesus Christ.  It’s a pity, because I’ve experienced the life changing effect of God’s word and grace. He’s there when I talk to Him. He gives me strength when I need Him. His word, the Bible, tells me a lot of about myself and how I should behave.

The fruit of my spirit is patience and self-control.  I don’t know how many times I’ve managed my anger issues, and my impulsiveness, through God’s guidance.  I wouldn’t be able to do it – as my youthful years were proof of it.

Now that I’m fully committed to following God’s word, I’m fully enveloped in His glory and safety. My faith is strengthen by each passing moment. I’m reaching my goal – my heavenly goal, sooner than I think.  Life is fleeting and I want to spend it in God’s presence.  For I need a stable life. I need a changed life, away from this world.

Nothing is impossible with God! (Luke 1:37)

No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 2:11b

Sometimes the Bible can get confusing. Sometimes it seems it contradicts. And sometimes it could get downright boring to read.

This is because I’m reading it without the Spirit of God in me.

I need to invite God into my heart and open my mind. The Bible is the word of God, so I need His discernment to interpret it.  There are techniques to read the bible.  But most important, God’s guidance is required. Otherwise, it’s like reading a textbook with full of words, and I won’t get anything.

With the Spirit of God in me, I will know the thoughts of God.

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 1

Blessed is me who will not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.  But my delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His word I will meditate each day and night.  I shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season. Whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever I do shall prosper.

I shall not be like the ungodly, which are nothing but like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. The ungodly shall perish.

Lord Jesus, I pray right now to ask for your forgiveness if I’ve neglected to read your word and obey what it says. I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for the constantly speaking to me, reminding me to follow you, so I may not stumble, nor perish.  Bring on the river, the fresh water for my soul and spirit.  I want to grow in your great beauty and majesty.  I want to be where you are – that is my reward in heaven. I shall hang on to your words, God, as you said in the scripture John 8:31-32, your truths will set me free, indeed.  Amen.

“All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

1 Peter 1:24-25

What I am is weak. Easily swayed back and forth between seasons and worldly circumstances. All of my achievements stand on this weak body.  This body will get sick. This body will die. I can’t rely on this body. I can’t rely on this world to give me what I need.

What I need is God’s word. What I need is Jesus’ love and grace.  What I need is a constant reminder – a constant rebuke from the Lord, that I have to listen and look for God’s calling. Because God is everlasting and I need to be where God is.