Devotional Time with God

When worry moves in, the realization that everything is hopeless creeps in. I tend to step back and think about what I can do to remedy my situation, whether it’s raising a child, paying my taxes, earn for the family, or just deal with my health.  Is it all worth it? Am I able to cope?

I am reminded of this verse:

Taste and see that the Lord is good;  blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

I must take refuge in God, for He’s the solution to all of my problems. I must start with him and He will be there for me.  Here’s to new beginnings!

Lord, I’m asking you to come and fill me with your holy spirit. Protect myself and my family under your wings, keep me safe from harm.  Help me to speak words that you want me to speak, and do what you want me to do. In your name, I pray! Amen.

This world taught me that I’m the center of my own universe.  I’m the god of my own destiny.  I’m the master of my world.

Of course, this teaching is wrong!

Eventually, I will die. Where will I end up? Space dust? All of that love, knowledge, and experiences – POOF, gone!  But I’m glad I know Jesus because He offered me grace and I took it!  I now have an everlasting life promised to me after I’m dead. I now have hope!

I don’t think I can go on trudging along on this earth without God’s healing power (Psalm 147:3).  I will, forever cast all of my care upon him, for He cares for me! (1 Peter 5:7)

Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. Then you will say to the Lord, You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.

Psalm 91:1-2

There’s a lot of places I can hide in this world.  I’m so tiny compared to this planet earth. I can go to some corner of the neighborhood and hide.  I’ve never tried to get lost, but if I want to I probably can.

But is that the kind of hiding that’s beneficial for me?  I don’t want to be lost. I want to be found!  There are times when I’m in trouble that I have to be under God’s shadow, under His protection, under His glory.

I want to hide under God’s refuge – for my own safety!

Therefore,  there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

In Christ, I am forgiven. That’s the promise that God gave me when I confess my sins and give my life to Jesus.  God chooses to look at Christ instead of my sins.  I don’t have to feel guilty anymore, for my guilt has been paid for by Jesus’ blood.

When I walk with Christ, God will always be with me.  I shall fear nothing, not even death (Psalm 23:1-4).  I’m not alone.  God will be there.  He will give me peace that only comes from the grace of God.  I don’t deserve it, but I have it, as long as I take Jesus as my personal Lord and savior!  I’m no longer in control, I take on Jesus’ yoke because He makes things easier (Matthew 11:28-30).  He makes all things bearable.  He makes all things good.

I will always seek God, to walk with Him, to be in His refuge, and to have His forever-peace.

I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.

John 14:27

The bible tells me to go and spread the good news to everyone:

Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind.

Psalm 67: 2

That’s everyone, around the world!  I’ve been struggling just to convert my neighbor, or my co-worker, let alone anyone else in the world.  How can I do this, with a very young daughter and a wife who’s still a baby Christian?  Perhaps I can help those who’s financially in need to go on mission trips.  Perhaps I can go on Facebook and help do the “e-evangelize” approach and use the Internet to reach out from there.

I need to do more for Jesus. For the world’s sake (and for mine)!

Everyday, I struggle with temptations. When no one’s looking, it’s easy to say hey, it’s harmless – and besides, everyone else is doing it!  But how do I know it’s harmless?  My mind may be playing tricks on me, as the devil would like to direct me to the lies and deceits.  The devil would suggest half-truths, like “that’s ok, you’re only human”, or “that’s ok, you deserve a little indulgence once in a while!”  I have to tell myself, at what cost?  Am I sacrificing my spiritual growth? Am I really only harming myself, not the people around me?  Does this have long term effects?

Walking with God is a life time thing.  My spiritual growth takes my life time. Every step of the way, I have to watch where I’m going.  I have to be mindful of the evil temptations to commit sin. I may think I know better, but I don’t.  I need God’s wisdom and grace, for when I stumble I need to depend on Him to pick me up and help me learn my lessons.

Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.

Psalm 50:15

The bible is the source of truth. It is the food for my well being, and the compass of my life. I must consult it, meditate on it. But most of all, since it is God’s word, I must follow it!  God’s honest truth will always lead me to the right path and sets me free.

I deeply love your Law! I think about it all day. Your laws never leave my mind, and they make me much wiser than my enemies. Thinking about your teachings gives me better understanding than my teachers, and obeying your laws makes me wiser than those who have lived a long time. I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble. You have been my teacher, and I won’t reject your instructions. Your teachings are sweeter than honey. They give me understanding and make me hate all lies.

Psalm 119:97-104

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!

Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word.

Psalm 119:39-42

I praise God that I have Him to love me, abundantly.  He’s the only one who can do it. I can’t rely on other people, but they have limited love to give. I have to put God first because He’ll always be there for me.

I hold on to God’s promise for my salvation. Nothing can be more gratifying and comforting! Anyone can insult me. Anyone can hate me. Anyone can ignore me. But God will never do those things. He will always be with me and love me.  I thank God for that promise.

Thank you, Lord, for your grace and love. I can’t begin to imagine what happened if I don’t have you. My life would be unstable. I would get angry way too often. I would have given up way too soon. Thank you for the patience you’ve shown me. And thank you for the good people you’ve surrounded me with.  Pour your love to me, Lord. Fill me with your love. Amen.

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.