Matt 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
The Blackaby and Blackaby daily devotional I read today contained this gem: “There are levels of intimacy with God.” The truth of this statement resonates deeply. My relationship with God is just that—a relationship. And just like any relationship, if I want it to deepen and grow, I have to be willing to invest time and effort.
Matt 7:7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be open to you.”
But God is not like people (how true that statement is on so many levels), so how do I develop a more intimate relationship with Him? I think that answer varies slightly based on each individual, but the overarching tenets are the same—Seek Him daily. Spend time in His word. Look for His presence, His blessings, His light, in your circumstances. Talk to others who are farther along their faith journey. Ask. Seek. Knock. Know that He will respond.
Jer 29:13 If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that You want a close relationship with each of us, but You allow us to seek You instead of forcing Your way into our lives. Help us to feel the need to deepen our relationship with You, no matter where we currently are on our faith journey. Help us to ask, seek, knock daily, so that we may daily draw closer to You. Amen.
Isaiah 62:5 …as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
Have a blessed day.
Life’s surprises…. (devo reflection)
Psalm 139:16 …all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Life is often full of surprises, a fact which the planner in me does not appreciate. Life’s surprises aren’t always fun, either. My planner nature has much to do, I think, with wanting to be prepared for anything, with NOT wanting to be surprised. But that’s not how life works. And because I know my precious Savior holds me securely in the palm of His hand, I need to find a way to be ok with the uncertainty of life.
Jer 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I don’t know what life holds for me, but I know the One who does. I don’t love unplanned, unpleasant surprises, but nothing is a surprise to my Savior. He can work all things, ALL of them, for my good and His glory, if I allow Him. Thank You, Jesus.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that You hold me together, no matter the storms or struggles of life. Help me, Lord, to trust in You—Your goodness, Your grace, Your mercy—no matter what life has in store. Thank You for Your willingness and ability to take all things, even life’s unpleasant surprises, and use them to draw me closer to You. Amen.
Col 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him….
Have a blessed day.
When the going gets tough…. (devo reflection)
Romans 12:2a Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….
Sometimes God calls us to do difficult things. When the hubs and I felt His prompting for this incredible AT adventure, I don’t think we really had any concept of what He was calling us to do. It has been an amazing journey thus far, but it has had its challenges—both on the trail and on the home front. But God is good, He is with us, and He can use all things for our good and His glory. Thank You, Jesus.
Romans 12:2b …Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
There is so very much that I don’t know, don’t understand about my amazing Savior, but I know He has promised to be with me always (Matt 28:20); I know He has a plan for me (Jer 29:11), and I know I will find Him when I seek Him with my whole heart (Jer 29:13). Even when I’m struggling, I know these truths and I can trust them because the one who promised is faithful (Heb 10:23). Thank You, Jesus.
1 Thess 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for the promises of Your word, for Your fierce love and Your plan for each of us. Help us, even when the going gets tough, even when we are struggling in the present moment, to keep our eyes, minds, and hearts focused solely on You. Help us to be thankful in ALL circumstances, Lord, knowing that You are sovereign and can use all things, even the difficult things, for our good and Your glory (Rom 8:28). Draw us closer. Help us to shine Your light. Amen.
Col 3:10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.
Have a blessed day.