Devotional Time with God

I picked my friends with utmost scrutiny. I don’t trust easily, and I’m certainly very picky who I share my life with. It comes to no surprise to me that I have very few friends. But that’s ok because I don’t need that many friends.

So when I read that God wants me to be His friend, I got confused. God certainly can choose his friends, but why me? What’s so special about me? It turns out that if I love God, then he’ll call me his friend. That’s a privilege worthy of praise. I wouldn’t befriend someone that easily!

Of course, the friendship means I also have to trust God. I also have to obey His will. I must choose to be close to Him. I must value His values.

In more ways than one, I have to be like Jesus, my personal savior… And friend!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Having a close relationship to God involves in continuous communication with Him. It may sound like one way, or just talking in my head – but I know God is listening. The words that I speak or think must be of thanksgiving to Him. The motive of my prayer is to honor God, not to control Him.

Lord, reveal your will to me as I enter into this close relationship with you. Guide me. Purify me. Protect me. Let my focus be on you – always!

Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.

Romans 6: 13

Surrender does give me the negative connotation that I have to give up and stop trying. But it’s only negative because it depends WHO I’m giving up to.  To God, giving up means stop trying to control my own life and trust that He’s in control.  I have to stop trying to be the boss of my life.  I have to stop trying to control the people around me. I can only influence, but tell them what to do.

In the book “What On Earth Am I Here For?”, in chapter 10, Pastor Rick Warren mentioned:

Sometimes it takes years, but eventually you discover that the greatest hindrance to God’s blessing in your life is not others, it is yourself — your self-will, stubborn pride, and personal ambition.¹

I’m always in the way. I’m always the stubborn one and eventually becomes a stumbling block to my own spiritual growth.  I need to remove that block and let God be the one in control.

I’ll surrender to God because He will make it worthwhile and sweet.

1. Warren, Rick (2012-10-23). The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 107). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. [↩]

It’s so wonderful to see my daughter grows, from a tiny baby into the active kid that she is now. I went through her cute, cuddly, crying, or cranky moments. Throughout all of them, I never stopped loving her. I never stopped to deny her to love me back. I never abandoned her.

I’m always there for her.  I know this because she trusts me, completely. She knows she can depend on me. I can’t be that far away from her. I will always take care of her.

Drawing from this experience, I know God wants me to be close to Him. I know God wants me to trust him, completely. I know God loves me, no matter what. In turn, I’ll love Him back.  That’s how I make God smile, as He takes pleasure in my devotion to Him, no matter where I am, no matter what the circumstances might be.

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

2 Corinthians 5: 9

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

Psalms 149:4

I was made of His image. I experience feelings what God feels. God does take pleasure on His creation, just as I have with the stuff I created. I can only imagine what it would be like if I can make something living – and the closest that I can experience was the birth of my daughter. That was pure joy, and it’s still a pleasure watching her grow. That pride, seeing my child succeed is exactly what God will feel when I, His creation, also succeed.

I give all the credit to God, for my love and success are all for His glory!

Everything comes from the Lord. All things were made because of him and will return to him. Praise the Lord forever! Amen.

Romans 11:36

It’s as simple as that: God gets all the credit!  Just as He should be, because He created everything in this universe. From the tiny molecules to the biggest star.  What more can I say?

I praise Him in the morning when I wake up, for the breath that I take, for the strength that I have, for the life that I’ve lived. I thank God for my family and good friends.

Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.

2 Corinthians 4:18

My kid asked, if this world is not perfect, then why does God put us here?  Why not make us and put us directly in heaven?  My answer is our purpose. It’s related to our own free will. Since I, a human being, tend to want whatever’s best for me, I won’t be living out my purpose, which is to worship God. I have to do it willingly – because I want to!  That’s why life in this world is tough, because it goes against my programming. It goes against the purpose that God has planned for me. I’m to learn how to live out my purpose in life, according to God’s will. I’m to treat life on earth as a temporary assignment, to learn to find God’s values, not mine.

I remember that song from Carrie Underwood, “Temporary Home”, that sings about that we’re just passing through and we don’t belong here.  We’re longing for that special place and I know it’s called heaven.

Every temptation that has come your way is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist; at the time you are tempted he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Life is not easy. I grew up, struggling to find my place in life, wondered what I’ll do with my life. I struggled how to fulfill my needs – or even figuring out what my needs really are! Along the way, I’ve encountered trouble… Lots of troubles! Big and small, I’ve seen them all.

Life just felt like one tests after the other. It has always been my biggest worry. It haunted me through college, and sometimes I wake up in a cold sweat thinking I didn’t pass those exams at school!

But now I know, God has given me grace. He empowers me to handle my tests. He gave me the abilities to solve my problems. Fortunately, He gave me much more, with the ability to solve other people’s problems – sometimes!

I’m very grateful that God chose me, gave me a purpose, and granted me the strength to go through it.

This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.

1 John 2:17

Many times I closed my eyes, before I go to sleep, and wondered if I’ll ever wake up.  First of all, I thank God that I wake up every morning, to a brand new day, and new challenges. Meditating over the word of God, I realize this life is only temporary. I have a greater purpose – to be with God, forever.  I’m here on this earth to prepare for eternity.  To love, as Jesus loves.  To care, like Jesus cares.  To worship God, with all my heart.

My life is different once I know I’m made for eternity.  My focus is to do God’s will – to represent love, because God is love.

You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3

I did remember the times when I struggled just to wake up. I argued to myself, what’s the point? I was doing the same old job. I would be dealing with the same old crusty people. I would be achieving nothing and not recognized for my work – again!  It was just meaningless chores.

But, it all changed when I know Jesus. It all changed when God gave me a new direction in life: start a family and love them!  It all changed – for the far better!  Suddenly, I have a purpose in life. Suddenly, God is in control and He has placed the important markers for me to reach. He always provided what I need. I just have to trust Him to lead the way.

God is my driving force. He placed the important people to lead through life.  God has given me a purpose to prepare myself for eternity.