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Would you like to read the Word daily, but don’t know how to begin? Reading our Daily Devotionals is a good way to develop the habit of studying the scriptures. Visit this page to find a scripture for every day of the year, complete with practical advice for applying the principles to your everyday life. It is possible to enjoy reading the Bible. Simply set time aside each day, and soon daily Bible reading will become a lifestyle!
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).
We live in a world of confused people who neither know nor care about God’s will for their lives because they’re trapped by their own thinking. Lining up our thoughts with His thoughts sets us apart from all others.
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63, NKJV).
Everything on the physical level begins on the spiritual level, where God’s Word operates. Reflecting on it and letting it impact our thoughts elevates our lives.
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
What we choose to think about is immensely important. Depression and peace of mind both come from the thoughts we meditate on.
“My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge” (Psalm 9:3, 4, NIV).
We need not be fearful of what’s going on in the world today. God has promised through His Word to protect us and keep us safe. Nothing and no one who rises up against us will be able to harm us.
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible” (Hebrews 11:3, NIV).
The evidence of God’s handiwork is visible all around us when we look at the twinkling stars at night, a beautiful sunrise, or a field of colorful flowers. But above and beyond what the eye can see, faith is the acceptance of things unseen, which are just as real as the physical world.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
We’re free from worrying or fretting about worldly things because God takes care of us—His people—and He’ll fill our every need. All He asks is that we keep our priorities straight and put Him before all else.
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:7, 8).
When we search for God and earnestly seek Him, we’ll be able to find Him. During life’s painful times when we feel alone and abandoned, we can turn to God and sense His presence.
“‘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’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
God has great plans for us. He intends to raise us up as His people and set us aside as His beloved, highly favored children. Jesus is our hope; the future He offers is eternal life.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
When we patiently wait for God’s instructions for our lives instead of running off and doing our own thing, God will empower us for the task. The world will notice the strength and endurance we have, because it comes from a divine source.
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10, NIV).
When we put our trust in others they can let us down; however, we can always depend on God. When we earnestly look for Him, we will find Him.
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:2).
The word “trust” is mentioned repeatedly in the Scriptures because it’s important to trust God in all situations. The same promises that were given thousands of years ago still hold true today. When the devil attacks us through whatever means he uses, God is our protection.
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
When we cultivate a relationship with Jesus, joy and happiness take root and bloom in our lives during good times and tough times. We should continually stay connected to God through prayer and give thanks for what Jesus has done for us.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV).
Just like leaves of a plant depend on the branches and stems to live, we need Jesus for eternal life. When we live according to His teachings, we let the seeds His Word plants in our heart come to fruition.
“He replied, ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it will obey you’” (Luke 17:6, NIV).
Jesus was a very effective and powerful speaker, and He often used agricultural terms to make His lessons easier to understand. As Christians, our faith in Him is stronger than any actions or deeds we could accomplish on our own. Even the tiniest spark of faith is enough for God to work miracles.
“So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons” (Mark 1:39, NIV).
During Jesus’ ministry on earth, His words were powerful enough to drive out demons and restore people to wholeness. Throughout the centuries, they have remained just as powerful. Whatever demons we struggle with in our lives today are powerless against Him.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 1:3, NIV).
The word “radiance” brings to mind the sun in the sky, which we need physically for light and life. The radiance of the Son is similar to that analogy, only infinitely greater. Jesus is the photograph of the Father’s love.
“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).
Jesus uttered this to the Father as part of a prayer to Him just before He died on the cross. Because of His obedience and insistence on completing the mission on which God sent Him, we can now inherit the same promises as the ones Jesus received. Because He overcame death itself, we now have eternal life through Him.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Every day, we can remember the great love the Father has for us. This love transcends earthly boundaries and is eternal and unchanging.
“So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12, NIV).
The spiritual gifts mentioned refer to the talents God has blessed us with; the church is not just a building, but the body of Christ. God gave each of us certain talents that we can use for His glory.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23, NIV).
Whatever vocation or profession we’re in, and wherever our careers take us, we should always give our best efforts and set an outstanding example. We can stand out as Christians by working for God’s glory, rather than for any earthly rewards.
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1, 2, NIV).
A thankful, joyful heart is very important to God. When we praise Him and express our thanks and gratitude for what Jesus has done for us, it’s hard not to be joyful.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38, 39, NIV).
God will never leave us, no matter what happens. When we pray, we can be thankful for His continued presence in our lives.
“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right” (1 Samuel 12:23, NIV).
Prayer is a spiritual tool; we can offer up to God intercessory prayers on others’ behalf. As Christians, this is something we can all do.
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:13, 14, NIV).
Prayer is how we can talk directly to God, and it’s a powerful form of communication. When we pray to Him, He has promised to answer us.
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19, 20, NIV).
God is closer than we realize. When we gather with others talk to Him in prayer, He isn’t distant or far away. He’s right here with us.
“When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple” (Jonah 2:7).
When we’re truly in despair and in deep trouble, God will answer a prayer from the heart. Even when we forget Him for a while, He never forgets us.
“The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29, NIV).
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we’re made righteous in the eyes of God. Prayer is a heart-to-heart conversation with God, and He has promised to hear our prayers.
“Thus saith the Lord, ‘The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.’ The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, ‘Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee’” (Jeremiah 31:2, 3).
In the Old Testament the Israelites were in the wilderness, which may have seemed like the middle of nowhere, yet God knew exactly where they were. Likewise, no matter where we are or what circumstances we find ourselves in, God can still bless us.
“Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15).
God’s promises for us include happiness as well as prosperity, abundance, strength, and good health. When we rely solely on Him for direction and purpose in our lives, these blessings can begin manifesting themselves.
“They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more” (Jeremiah 31:12, NIV).
God’s will is to bless us abundantly with every good thing. True happiness and joy come from the Lord, and when we rely on Him, we want for nothing.
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
God’s arrival on earth in the form of a man was heralded in advance, and He was born to us just as it was foretold. “Immanuel” means “God with us;” He has promised never to leave us.