Monday
Words of Perfection
The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them (Luke 2:20 NLT).
God's Word and truth are perfect. What God tells us is true, and you can put your total trust in that fact. Everything the angel told the shepherds was exact and true. The shepherds traveled a long way, trusting God's words through His angel. We, too, should listen and follow His Word. We too can put our faith and trust in His Word. It is as He says.
God's will; nothing more; nothing less; nothing else. Thanks be to God, amen.
Tuesday
Human Understanding
All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him (2 Samuel 14:14 NLT).
I have lost a lot of good friends and family members during this past year. It really hurts to lose them but knowing that they all professed a relationship with Jesus, I can rest in that comfort. We will be together one day again.
God's plan is not to destroy us, but to prosper us. He always has a plan to bring us into or "back" into His presence. As humans, we can't comprehend the love, mercy, and grace this requires. What we can be sure of is that He has provided the Way, Jesus, for us to come to Him. We must choose whether we want a relationship with Him or not.
It's our choice whether we love and follow Him or not.
Father, bring us to the realization that you want each of us in your kingdom. Lord, help us to attain the knowledge of your love, mercy, and grace. I ask and pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday
Moral Laws Are Valid
Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:17-19 NLT).
God's Ten Commandments are just as relevant today as they were when He gave them to Moses. Yes, we are living under the new covenant of Christ, but the moral laws are still valid. Jesus accomplished making the ceremonial and judicial laws non-applicable for today. God's moral laws are valid.
Thank you, God, for Jesus and your mighty Word. Amen.
Thursday
Dealing with Life
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).
Our nation seems to be crumbling around us. Everything that is good is now, often, called bad and everything that is bad is often called good. We must remember God's promises and His words. This is more important now than ever before.
It's your choice on how to deal with life. We can worry and fret over problems and stress over stuff we can't control, or we can let God handle these issues. It's our choice. God will and can handle these problems better than we can. He just might handle these issues in a totally different way than we would. He just might amaze us with His solution to our needs. All we have to do is get out of His way and let Him work in our lives.
Thank you, Lord, for being a God of relationship. You created us, Lord, and will never leave us. Thank you, Father God. Amen.
Friday
The Trials Will Pass
(Jesus speaking)
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NLT).
There are many of us who are going through terrible hardships. In these tough times, we must remain focused on Christ. He is with us, nothing catches Him by surprise. He will bring us through these tough times. Remember to stay focused on Him. Rest on His promises.
Trials will come, but they will pass for all those who trust in God!
Thanks be to God, amen!
Saturday
Time to Start Anew
For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland (Isaiah 43:19 NLT).
God is ready to move mightily in your life. Are you willing to let Him? He has actually begun work in you. Are you ready to get out of His way?
The first month of a new year is a great time to ask God to reveal to you the path that you should take. The big thing is: you must be willing to listen, obey, and submit to Him. Are you willing?
Thank you, God, for making a way for your needy children. Amen.
Sunday
God of Grace
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT).
Thanks be to God for saving us from ourselves. He sent Jesus Christ so that through Him we might be saved and our lives changed. He is the Savoir of those who follow Him.
Thank you, Lord! I praise your mighty name. Amen.
(Editor's Note: "God Has a Gift for You" is the good news that restores the broken relationship we have with God because of our sin.)
