By Pastor John Tolbert
Devotion is time that is set aside to spend time with the Lord. Time spent in the word and worship allows for an individual to increase their relationship with the Creator of All. While it is equally as important to be discipled by those that are mature in Christ, one’s daily devotional time is necessary to develop a personal and fulfilling relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The following is a simple tool that can be used individually or as a family. Each day we will read God’s Word, Reflect on His Word, and make an intentional effort to apply His word as we walk this road called life. As you go through each devotional prepare to meet God. Allow the word to not only rest in your heart, but to come alive in your life.
Day 1 – Peace
Scripture – Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
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Daily, we face challenges in this journey called life. As we travel down the road, we encounter situations that causes us to experience a full range of emotions. Sometimes these emotions are so overwhelming that we feel as if our very life is being sucked right out of our bodies. During these times, we must allow God’s word to remind us of who HE is and the power that we possess through His Mighty name, Jesus.
Application of Prayer
Take a moment to reflect on the fact that God provides the peace that can go beyond your understand. Take a moment to pray. First, begin by thanking God for giving you peace about whatever you may be facing. Thank Him for being Jehovah Shalom – the God of Peace. Ask the Lord to calm YOUR spirit and invite the God of Peace to reign over you.
Day 2 – Encouragement
Scripture – Psalm 9:9-10 (NIV)
9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
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Hard times are a part of life, just as good times. However, it is the hard times that come to challenge our faith. Life’s challenges often seem to overshadow everything good that has occurred beforehand. Remember the name, which is the character of God, is what we must trust. He NEVER fails! Let this be your encouragement.
Application of Prayer
As you are going through your day verbally remind yourself that God never fails. When a situation comes that causes emotions to arise, encourage yourself by reading the scripture verse and saying aloud, “GOD NEVER FAILS!”
Day 3 – Strength
Scripture – Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
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Strength is sometimes associated with a person’s physical ability. In a day where physical health and well being is so important, internal wellness is sometimes forgotten or pushed aside.
It is the joy of knowing that in good health or sickness; in life or in death; God is in control. It’s trusting that whatever the outcome, God ALWAYS operates in for our good. This is why we have joy in the Lord. He never has an agenda that is evil, but to give us an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).
Application of Prayer
As you are praying today, focus on the fact that Jesus Christ’s plan was to come to the earth and endured the cross for you. Because HE LIVES, you can face tomorrow. Thank God continually today, through prayer and praise, for your strength.
Day 4 – Clarity
Scripture 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)
For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
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We live in a world of opposites. Sadness and Happiness. Poor and Rich. Darkness and Light. The Lord, in all of His graciousness, has provided a reprieve. In times of darkness He becomes the Light. He becomes the clarity that is needed to allow you to make the right decisions even when the path does not seem to be completely lit.
His word says that He is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your pathway. Invite God into your journey. Only He can provide clarity in the time of darkness. Let Him be the Light.
Application of Prayer
Today is the day that you ask God for clarity. Pray for clarity to know when He is speaking to you so that you can stay on the path that He has lit for your life’s journey.
Day 5 – The Mind
Scripture – Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
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Have you ever been in contact with a believer that has been faced with calamity but seems to weather the storm like a champ? You hear them say things like, “though they slay me yet will I trust him.” You begin to wonder, “Where are they finding the strength and the sanity to sustain themselves during this test?” Usually those troopers have fortified their minds through the word of God.
Just as those “Word Warriors” build themselves up in the word of God, increasing your knowledge of who God is allows you to trust and have confidence and steady our mind during trying time.
Application of Prayer
Read the above scripture once every hour today (if you can). Take a deep breath in through your nose, and exhale through your mouth before and after reading the word of the Lord. After reading the scripture sit and meditate in silence on what you just read. Rehearse the word in your mind and pray aloud thanking God for His perfect peace.
Day 6 – Unity
Scripture – Colossians 13:13-14 (NIV)
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
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Unforgiveness and bitterness are areas that have been proven to affect one physical health. In addition to affecting one’s physical health, unforgiveness can also negatively affect one’s spiritual relationship with God. That is why the Word indicates we are to forgive a person 70 times 7. It’s not necessarily that the Lord is keeping count, it to help the reader understand how Christ approaches forgiveness as it pertains to the church.
Application of Prayer
Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to ask for forgiveness. This is the application for today. Reflect over your life. Is there anyone that you have harbored ill feelings towards that needs forgiveness? Remember, forgiveness is not about the other person. Forgiveness is about you and strengthening your relationship with God.
Day 7 – Hope
Scripture – Romans 5:5 (NIV)
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
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As we journey through life, we all know that it will be filled with both joy and sorrow. The power of God’s loves allows us to go through the most trying situation with a steadfast hope that does not disappoint. God is so great that His presence has the ability to overshadow life’s disappointments, and give you hope and the the desire to continue to live life to the fullest.
Application of Prayer
Today, rest in the hope of God. Allow His hope to encourage you to stand and not give up. Read his word aloud today and declare hope in faith. His word make us a promise and it will NOT disappoint.