by marian | Apr 12, 2016 | Devotionals
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.–Psalm 84:2 The psalmist has this beautiful passion to be in God’s presence. It is where he is the most blessed and so he can wait to be once again worship His Lord. It is something that he wants more than anything else. His salvation is so precious to him that he yearns for that hour and minute when he will be again in devotion before God. He anticipates the moment when he will feel gladness and have songs of praise to the Almighty God. Father God: Create this kind of heart in me that seeks you above other pursuits. Birth within my heart a single-minded devotion to You. May revival sweep over my life so that joy of the Holy Spirit abounds in everything that I say and do. In Jesus’s name,...
by marian | Apr 11, 2016 | Devotionals
“Give me wisdom and knowledge.”–II Chronicles 1:10 When it comes to presents, most of us know exactly what we want. We don’t have to think about it too much. One day, the Lord gave Solomon a blank check-of-sorts. He basically said, “Go ahead and ask for anything your heart desires.” But Solomon did not share might be considered a typical, “Kingly” kind-of-list…you know, like money or that all his enemies would be put to death. He knew what he wanted more than anything else. He had his priorities straight and they reflect a heart that was seeking God above anything material or vain. He wanted wisdom! The Lord loved this request! Why He loved it so much that He couldn’t help Himself…and He even blessed him with what he didn’t ask for–like wealth and long life and so much more. We serve a Lord who is more than generous to His children than we can imagine or deserve. Father God: Like Solomon, I ask for wisdom and knowledge. When You guide me through the truth of Your word, I will have Your wisdom that far surpasses anything the world offers. Your knowledge gives a sure foundation I can depend on....
by marian | Apr 9, 2016 | Devotionals
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”–John 8:12 This radiant light seemed to overflow into my home today as the fresh fallen snow from last night had made the world brighter this morning. I opened all my curtains to enjoy every bit of this winter glow in spring! I didn’t even need to turn on any lights throughout the day because every room was basking in this light. This is the kind of brightness the Lord sheds into my life. I can follow Him and know that He will lead me. I have His light for my journey. Whether on an easy path or a rough road–whatever a day or a season of life may bring–I know that He leads me into life. And with that, He gives me His joy, peace, contentment and fruitfulness. I know for sure that Jesus will lead me all the way. Father God: I can take steps of faith when You lead the way. I can walk in Your light and learn to trust you. The worries of the present and uncertainties of the future are in Your capable hands. I know Your Word will light my footsteps. In Jesus’ Name,...
by marian | Apr 8, 2016 | Devotionals
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.–Psalm 77:11 I love looking at old pictures. I have albums of photos and can easily spend an afternoon pouring over them one by one. I seem to enjoy it even more when I look at them with my mom or aunts. Their jokes and laughter make it even more fun. The Psalmist says that he also remembers the amazing acts of God. He looks back into his part and revisits those moments where God showed up in a mighty way. This is a lesson we should never forget. Gracious Father God: I have so many wonderful memories where I can remember your presence and guidance. May I always bring to my mind how You have always been working for my good all of my...
by marian | Apr 7, 2016 | Devotionals
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.–Ephesians 5:15-16 There are so many people on their phones that most of the time they’re clueless to their surroundings. Whether crossing a street or driving on it, pedestrians and drivers seem to have their eyes glued to their phones. They are in their own little world hardly noticing the “real” world that they’re really part of at that moment. The Bible calls us to a life of discernment. It warns us that it’s very easy to be foolish and just go with the flow. It takes effort to truly pay attention to every step we take. The way we begin this is by considering how we use our time. The world expects us to be frivolous in what we occupy our eyes and hearts with. The message is that fun is the most important and a good laugh is all that counts. There’s nothing wrong with having a good time and enjoying a good joke. Of course, we need to have balance in our lives, but wasting the hours away with non-stop entertainment is not the way to spend your precious life. We have a call to use our time in the best way possible–striving to bring glory God and to lay up treasure in heaven. Every single day I’m bombard with messages via the media for any kind of evil imaginable. When I am grounded in God’s word, then I can walk in God’s wisdom–not in the philosophy of this world. Building upon a firm foundation...
by marian | Apr 6, 2016 | Devotionals
Walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.–I Thessalonians 2:12 When someone fails to live up to their name, they hang their head low. They’re disappointed not only in what they did, but also for not reaching for that higher standard in their lives. A committed follower of Christ also has a name to protect. That believer has a calling from God to live their entire lives in such a way that honors God. When there’s a summons from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we must be willing to follow His example. Father God: I pray that my life–every choice I make–brings You glory. I ask You to help me walk so I can reflect You. May I have your meekness, humility, and grace. May I always be worthy of the name, “Christian,” in everything I say and do....
