By Still Waters E-Book

Anita Higman

• Herausgeber: Two Words Publishing LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 445

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

Come away and rest in the Father’s unending love. . . .
 
By Still Waters is a collection of 365 devotions that will quiet and refresh your soul. Encouraging inspiration and insights from scripture offer daily reminders that God not only is present, but He also invites you, His beloved daughter, to come away with Him to rest by still waters—to be restored, comforted, spiritually fed, and assured of His perfect love.
 
Devotional themes include

-Peace in perilous times

-Healing for your heart and mind

-Blessings through obedience

-Freedom from fear

Come and sit for a moment by the still waters of God’s providence and presence. Read words of refreshment and encouragement. Then walk on, confident in the knowledge that God goes with you—whatever may come.

Leseprobe

eISBN 978-1-955449-00-7

Copyright © 2018 by Anita Higman and Marian Leslie. Originally published in English by Barbour Books, an Imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc. 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, OH 44683. www.barbourbooks.com

Digital e-book versions copyright © 2021 by Two Words Publishing LLC, by arrangement with Barbour Publishing, Inc. www.twowordspublishing.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher.

Churches and other noncommercial interests may reproduce portions of this book without the express written permission of Barbour Publishing, provided that the text does not exceed 500 words or 5 percent of the entire book, whichever is less, and that the text is not material quoted from another publisher. When reproducing text from this book, include the following credit line: “From By Still Waters, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.”

Scripture quotations marked niv are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. niv®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked amp are taken from the Amplified® Bible, © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked kjv are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked nlt are taken from the Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked nkjv are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked tlb are taken from The Living Bible © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked esv are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked msg are from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations marked nasb are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked csb have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Published by Barbour Books, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com

Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.

Printed in the United States of America.

Dedication

To Shannon Perry

Thank you for the inspiration, the music, the friendship, and the laughter. You are an amazing gift to this world!

Anita Higman

To Joanna

You are the picture of grace under fire— and that example is a blessing to many, including me. Love, joy, and much, much peace to you, my friend.

Marian Leslie

Introduction

By Still Waters is a collection of 365 devotions that will remind you daily that God is not only there, but He wants you to come away with Him to rest by still waters—to capture your heart with His winsome love—to restore you, quiet you, woo you, inspire you, stroll with you, and beautify you all the way to your soul. May you delight in this journey. . . .

Day 1

Joy Comes in the Morning

Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5 niv

Impossible. Sometimes that one word describes the day perfectly. Right? Other words that might come to mind are dreadful, unredeemable, unbearable—with a little of the ridiculous thrown in.

Some days feel like all that can go wrong has indeed gone wrong. The world has done its worst.

How do you overcome traumas and disappointments? How can you rise above chronic illness and loss? With the heart knowledge of a real friendship with a real God. When all the pretty words of the world crumble away like fool’s gold, the promises of God remain as solid as granite.

Even when circumstances appear hopeless, He really is working things for our good. God Almighty can—in His supernatural power—wash away the terrors of the night. He alone can bring peace and joy in the morning. If you don’t feel like singing, that’s okay. If you weep, He weeps with you. If you doubt, He’s still there.

Reach out to Him. See what good things the Lord has for you.

Lord, help me to know that You are powerful—the whole earth is under Your authority—and yet You are attentive and gentle enough to cradle me in Your steadfast love. Amen. —AH

Day 2

Dust Dwellers

Let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy.

Isaiah 26:19 niv

When the sun’s rays stream in through the window, children like to pound the couch cushions. Thousands of particles turn and fly and tumble in the sun-warmed air.

It’s so much nicer to think of it as a dust-fairy celebration than a sign of household neglect.

We are dust dwellers. It does not matter if you dust once a year or once a day, every time that light shines into your home, dust will appear. Most of us have no idea how many layers of dust we’re living with at all until that light reveals it.

Isaiah 26 speaks of “those who dwell in the dust.” They are those who dwell in the dust of nations leveled to the ground by the Lord for their disregard of the oppressed. And they are those who choose to live in a dust cloud instead of following the clear path God makes for us.

The truth is, if you are a dust dweller, chances are you miss a lot. But when the light of God’s glory starts to shine in your life, you can’t help but see that He is the way to perfect peace. He is the Rock eternal. He is the one who can accomplish all that we cannot—even dusting. And that’s something to wake up and shout for joy about!

Lord, establish peace in my life today. Shine Your glory in my life and help me see beyond the dust. Amen. —ML

Day 3

Traveling Light

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:29–30 niv

As tourists, we tend to put waaay too much stuff in our suitcases, and then we drag that luggage around until we think our arms will fall off. That’s when we ask ourselves, “Did I really need that fifth pair of strappy sandals or that pile of potentially useless gizmos like that battery-powered de-nubber for my sweaters?” No, probably not, but we are determined to carry it all. Just in case. Right?

And so it goes with life. We tend to lug around too much stuff—burdens we were never meant to carry—until we think our spirits might collapse from the weight of it all. But when we hand our baggage over to the Lord—all that doubt and sin and regret and fear and bitterness and failure and sorrow—well, we can suddenly move our focus to the beautiful world God has given us on this earthly journey. All the blessings. All the beauties. All the love. Traveling light never felt so good.

Lord, show me how to give You all my heavy burdens and leave them at Your feet. Amen. —AH

Day 4

The Real Deal

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

John 15:15 niv

All our lives we search for at least one good and true and loyal friend. Don’t we? One who loves us lavishly, without reservation. One who doesn’t pretend to love us because we have something to offer in return—fame, money, prestige, favors, or business prospects. One who knows us truly all the way through—even those sorry, sinful parts—and loves us anyway. One who’s in the relationship for the long haul. No. Matter. What.

In case you haven’t known that truest, dearest friend, it is Jesus of Nazareth. He’s the real deal. He is the most intimate friend you’ll ever find, the most trusted confidante you’ll ever tell your secrets to, and the most cherishing of lovers—right down to your very soul. And Jesus not only wants to be with you for the here and now, but for all time. Now that’s true love!

So, seek the friendship. Embrace the love, the mercy, and the grace of Christ. It’s right here waiting for you.

Oh Lord, thank You for loving me and for calling me friend! Amen. —AH

Day 5

When We Think Praying Matters Not

When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

John 2:3–5 niv

We pray and pray and pray some more. Sometimes we’re caught murmuring, “If in the end God is going to do what He wants, then what is the point of praying?” A perfectly honest question.

In the book of John, we see that Jesus wasn’t planning on creating more wine at the wedding at Cana when they ran out, and yet His mother had faith that He would. And later in this passage we discover that Jesus did indeed make the wine after all. Not just any wine, but the best. Perhaps we can glean from these verses that we can turn the heart of God when we pray. He won’t always give us exactly what we want when we want it, but He is swayed by our prayers and petitions.

Jesus set the example for us by praying to the Father while He was on earth, and His prayers were answered in a mighty way. That should encourage us. When we talk to our Lord, He is not only listening, but He will be faithful to move on our behalf!

Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers and for supplying my every need. Amen. —AH

Day 6

For the Beauty of It

When God began creatingthe heavens and the earth, the earth wasa shapeless, chaotic mass, with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors.

Genesis 1:1–2 tlb

Have you ever created something so excellent, so beautiful, that it made your heart ache with joy? That it made you sigh in your spirit and know there is a God? Perhaps a watercolor painting that captures an orchid so flawlessly, it’s as if you could reach out and pluck it. Or a strain of music on the cello that sounds so sweetly melancholic, it makes your heart smile. Or an arrangement of words that so elegantly expresses your love for someone that your hand naturally comes to rest over your heart.

Do you think God felt these emotions when He created the heavens and the earth? All the vast array of splendor and mysteries and breathtaking wonder? Perhaps He did. We are, after all, made in His image, so we would inherit some of the same emotions.

Creating is yet one more way to connect with the One who created all things—including you. Why don’t you create something today for the beauty of it and then offer it to the Lord as a gift? It will be one of those “by still waters” kinds of moments you will want to experience over and over and over.

Lord, show me what we can create together today. I am excited about the possibilities! Amen. —AH

Day 7

He Wants You Back

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

You might think you’ve sinned too much. Gone too far. Hated too much and loved too little. Cheated and caroused, judged and gossiped. And then lied and denied it all with abandon. Maybe there was a season when you even thought that you could live life without God. Now you realize that without God, nothing good exists. Truly nothing but a hopeless, barren wasteland. Please don’t let the enemy of your soul keep you from those clean, cooling waters of repentance and the exquisite joy of coming home.

Nothing can separate you from the love of God. You can run back into His arms. Right now. He will forgive you for all your sins. All. And He will remember them no more. Let His redemptive power flow through you, restoring your soul. Drink it in. Smile again. Sing songs of splendor. Yes, God loves you. He wants you back. For now. For always.

Lord, thank You that when I go astray and become the worst prodigal daughter, You always welcome me home. Amen. —AH

Day 8

May We Gasp at the Wonder!

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Proverbs 28:13 niv

Imagine you’re at a banquet, and you can’t quite see the people seated on your side of the table because the person next to you is blocking your view. When your seatmate finally leans back in his chair, and you can see your table companions clearly, you gasp in wonder. Little did you know, all the while you were eating and chatting away, you had been dining with someone you truly love.

All our lives we have been in the midst of the most exalted company of all—the King of kings and the Lord of lords! But our view gets hindered with sin. The good news is that when we confess our transgressions, the Lord offers us mercy. He will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

May we gasp in wonder that the Lord is always in our midst! He is here, ready to listen, to guide, to forgive and restore, to sup with us in intimate communion, and to love us like we’ve never been loved before. Now that’s a dinner guest like none other!

Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving my sins. Please help me to resist the temptations of this world and to follow You more closely. Amen. —AH

Day 9

It All Has Meaning

Then, following him, Simon Peter also came. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The wrapping that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself.

John 20:6–7 csb

In this dark, war-torn, sin-stained world we live in, watching the news almost requires depression meds. Let’s face it, these are anything but peaceful times on our earth. So, what is the one thing that can calm our worries and soothe our feverish brow?

Knowing the promise of Jesus.

It’s interesting to note that in some upscale restaurants, the waiter will drop by to fold your napkin after you excuse yourself to go to the restroom. Why do they do that? Because the staff knows you are coming back. That is surely why Jesus folded the grave cloth that wrapped His head. He not only told us over and over in His Word that He will return, but even in that gesture of folding His burial cloth, He wanted to leave us a clear and hope-filled message. “Yes, I am coming back.”

When we sweat world events, let us ever be reminded of this promise of Christ. It’s a vow that changes everything—the way we live in this world, the way we hope for the future, and even the way we deal with the evening news.

Jesus, I am grateful for Your pledge to return, and I am filled with joyous expectation! Come, Lord Jesus, come! Amen. —AH

Day 10

One Who Will Never Disappoint

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Psalm 116:2 niv

People try to listen to us. They really do. But husbands will eventually glaze over after a while. Maybe even frown in exasperation or nod off right in the middle of one of our “stories from our crazy day.” Sometimes friends are too busy to listen, too exhausted from their long day at work, or they are so weighted down with their own burdens they can’t seem to focus on us. Bottom line? When it comes to human beings truly listening to you and really understanding you, well, everyone will eventually disappoint you. Everyone—even the most faithful spouse, the most trusted pastor, the most beloved friend.

But there is one friend who will never disappoint us, and that is Christ our Lord. He will turn His ear to you and He will listen. No exasperated frowns, no glazing over, and no nodding off. Are we fully embracing this wonderful blessing? This kind of warm attention, this tender affection, this lavish love?

The time is now to call on Him. To be heard. To be understood. To be loved.

Oh Lord, how happy You make me, knowing that You are always there, hearing me, loving me. May we always stay in close communion. Amen. —AH

Day 11

The Elephant in the Room

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:23–24 niv

T he elephant in the room.

It’s called sin. No one wants to look at it, let alone acknowledge it and repent from it. Why? One spiritually deadly word—pride. Humans hate admitting they’ve done anything wrong, so we listen to the whispers that tell us that if we ignore sin, the problem will go away.

Beware of a popular movement that promotes self-compassion,which does not acknowledge sin but promises emotional well-ness by simply letting yourself off the hook. This thinking is opposite from what the Bible teaches. This practice is like putting a bandage over a filthy wound. There can be no healing. Only more pain.

We need to say, “Hey, I see this sin in my life. It’s real, and it’s destroying me. Jesus, I recognize You as the only way, the truth, and the life. Please forgive me. Set me free from the clutches of sin. I want to live with You, now and for all eternity.”

Then comes real freedom. Real healing. Real peace—as gentle and inviting as the waters lapping up on the shores of an irresistibly beautiful pond. May every one of us find that place, that peace.

Oh Lord, I confess my sins to You. Thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Amen. —AH

Day 12

Let Us Live Free

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31–32 niv

T hey say that revenge is sweet, but whoever came up with that adage was not considering the toll on the human heart. We may convince ourselves that retaliation is a jewel that can be polished with pride, but we soon discover it is really a burdensome stone around our souls, dragging us into the depths. Justice in a court of law is not the same thing as taking vengeance on a fellow sojourner, and the latter should be left to God alone, who knows how to administer the perfect combination of righteous judgment and mercy.

Let us live free from these vengeful tendencies as well as other offenses such as rage and slander and bitterness. With the Lord’s help, we can walk free of hate and live a life that focuses on His pure and perfect love.

Lord, please don’t let me give in to the temptation of thinking it’s my right to settle the score with people, but instead help me to be kind and compassionate in all my dealings, forgiving others as You’ve forgiven me. Amen. —AH

Day 13

Nearer to Each Other

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.”

Hosea 11:4 niv

God has many attributes, but one facet of His character is love. Hosea 11:4 gives us a glimpse into His tender care for us when God speaks of leading His people with the cords of human kindness and His ties of love. This verse doesn’t just refer to people in Bible times, but to us in our modern world.

The Lord is reminding us that He is so completely in love with us and cares for us so dearly, that He refers to Himself as a parent lifting us up to His cheek, so we can be nearer to Him. Then He feeds us tenderly with His strong and loving hand.

When life appears to be spinning out of control, our hearts long to know such comforting words—that God still loves us, in spite of our sin, rebellion, and denial. Our spirits call out in welcoming laughter and joy to hear this good news! How can anyone turn away from such love?

Lord, I am awed, humbled, and profoundly grateful that You loved me enough to send Your Son to die for me. I love You, Lord, with all my heart. Amen. —AH

Day 14

The Best Night’s Sleep

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27 niv

As Christians, our spirits should feel as calm as palm fronds gently swaying in a warm tropical breeze. After all, we are trusting in the Lord for all our needs, right? But many times, the jittery anxiousness in our inner being more closely resembles a palm tree bent low, as if battered and frayed in hurricane-force winds. Big difference in those two visuals. Even when we are at rest we are not always at peace. Can you relate?

As Christians, we are promised real peace from our Lord. Not the counterfeit serenity the world promotes and peddles. But a lasting, supernatural, quiet joy that settles deep in the soul. The kind that gives us a refreshing night’s sleep. The warmest laughter. And the most genuine smiles.

“Don’t let your heart be troubled,” our Lord reminds us. Trust in Him. Accept the peace Christ offers freely, and share it with all those who cross your path.

Lord, I trust in You for all my needs, and I accept the peace You speak of in Your Word—the peace that passes all understanding. Amen. —AH

Day 15

Getting Ahead of God

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

2 Peter 3:8 niv

When it comes to God, His timing is everything. But does mankind usually wait patiently on God? In the Bible we read how Abraham and Sarah got ahead of God by making a baby “their” way, which delivered disastrous results. And we see many similar “human fixes” today in our own lives, with equally destructive effects.

Why then do we still cling to this mode of operation? Perhaps we secretly harbor the thought, God is too busy to take care of all our needs, so we’ll help Him take care of things. Many times in the Bible when people prayed to God, they didn’t receive what they wanted at that moment. Since God is all-knowing, only He knows the perfect timing for everything. He has a vantage point that is far different from ours—it is not a finite perspective, but eternal. After all, it says in 2 Peter, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”

In our fast-paced world, we want everything. Right. This. Minute. But there is much virtue in patience. It’s yet another way to live a “by still waters” kind of life in the Lord.

Lord Jesus, please help me to wait on You with faith and patience. Amen. —AH

Day 16

If Not for Love?

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 niv

Why, Lord, did You come to be with us? All that magnificent glory—enough to fill the universe—and yet You willingly humbled Yourself to the confines of a mother’s womb. All that growing up with brothers and sisters and laughter and tears and noise and bother. All that education in the woodworking profession to help Your earthly father in the family business. All that training up in scripture and gaining of wisdom so You could begin Your miraculous mission. And then finally, taking on the betrayal of friends and the unfathomable suffering we know You endured. Why?

Lord, I know why You came to be with us—it was all for love. You loved us enough to save us from ourselves. To offer Your hand of friendship and redemption. To bring us the truth that would set us free. All we need to do is say yes!

Oh Lord, my answer is yes! My heart is overflowing with gratitude that You in all Your majesty felt the desire to come down to live among us and offer us life eternal. May I always follow Your grace and truth. I look forward to being with You in heaven and knowing that kind of love for all eternity. Amen. —AH

Day 17

Are You That Lost Sheep?

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.”

Luke 15:3–6 niv

Being utterly lost in the middle of a big bustling city can be truly scary. Why? Because of all the unknowns out there. Maybe the strangers we meet will wish us harm. What if darkness falls before we can discover which way we went wrong? In our frantic state of mind, we begin to search for a friendly face, someone in authority who might guide us where we need to be.

That is so much like our spiritual lives here on earth. We are all lost and in desperate need of someone to save us. Maybe we don’t know all the missteps we made, but we know something is very wrong. We have a mighty rescuer in Jesus. He is more than a friendly face in the bustling crowd of strangers. He is the only one who can guide us safely home. He is hoping you will always call out to Him whenever you have need.

Lord, some days I find myself so lost and alone. Please place me on Your sturdy shoulders and carry me back home. Amen. —AH

Day 18

Embrace That Promise!

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

John 14:2–3 niv

Tears flow easily on this side of eternity, especially when it comes to saying goodbye. As a baby, Mom leaves you in someone else’s arms, and that tiny “letting go” feels scary and unnatural. When the school bus driver rumbles down the road with your precious cargo for the very first time, teardrops trail down your cheeks. Then there are the empty-nest send-offs, the friends who move away, and worst of all, that dreadful loss when your beloved is taken away in death. You ache so deeply, you feel you may never recover.

But as Christians, we are promised to one day reside with the Lord—in a special place that He’s prepared for us—where there will be no more heart-wrenching farewells or tears or loss. To have that daily assurance from God’s Word can give us peace that will sustain us through the most grueling days and through those nights that threaten to keep us sleepless and sorrow filled. Embrace that promise. He is coming back!

Thank You, Lord, for heaven—the land of no more sad goodbyes, but instead a place of Your joyful presence! Amen. —AH

Day 19

A Longing Deep Within

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yetno one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 niv

As humans, we chose our own way—a way that led away from the light and the beauty and the wholeness and the love. Away from God.

But we have a living legacy—that mankind was made in God’s image. Even after our epic fall into sin, that sublime rendering is still imprinted deep in our hearts.

Every one of us comes to a time in our lives when we know that there is more to life than just making do, day after day after day. That this transient world can’t be all there is to our existence. We ache for a paradise lost—for that exqui-site beauty and wonder beyond our brokenness, for that intimate relationship with our Maker. We long for the time when we could walk with Him in the cool of the evening.

Jesus came to fulfill that deep longing in our hearts. To offer us mercy and forgiveness. To bring us back to a place of beauty in our souls. To restore us to a place of fellowship with the Father. To offer us paradise!

Lord, thank You for setting eternity in my heart. May I never be parted from You! Amen. —AH

Day 20

Shrinking Violets

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7 niv

We are not always bright, bold, and beautiful in our faith. Sometimes we can be half-hearted in our walk, ineffectual in our interactions and relationships in the world, and maybe even cower a bit when dealing with Satan and all his temptations and influences on our lives.

But 2 Timothy reminds us that the Spirit of God gives us something far from a “shrinking violet” mind-set and lifestyle. As Christians, we have every reason to display true grit as we walk in God’s glory. We can march forward confidently with conviction and poise, and with the Lord’s help, we can courageously stand against the attacks of the enemy. The Lord gives us power and self-discipline to accomplish all that He has called us to do, and because of our great hope in the Lord’s promises, we can find joy and laughter and love!

So, if you find yourself being a shrinking violet, ask God to turn you into a sunflower—bright, bold, and beautiful—in the Son!

Thank You, Lord, that You have given me not only the desire to live a triumphant Christian life, but You have given me all the supernatural power to make it happen! Amen. —AH

Day 21

Oh How Dearly You Love Me!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1 niv

Have you ever smothered your child in kisses? Those moments usually come when your heart is merrily and utterly besieged with emotion for your child—feelings of delight and devotion and pure affection for your beloved wee one.

John tells us that God has called us His children, and He has lavished love on us. That word lavished is intriguing, since it means heaping and smothering and showering. There is no holding back or skimping with that word. It’s all-out love.

In the Bible, the Lord makes it clear that He loves us ardently, in words and in action. The most significant deed was creating a perfect plan of redemption with His only Son, Jesus. He didn’t do it out of some distant and disconnected duty to His creation, but because we are His sons and daughters. And as we find delight and joy in our children, the Lord finds joy in us.

How have you responded to such sweet and boundless love?

I am so humbled and happy, knowing how greatly You love me, Lord. I love You too! May I always bring You delight in all I do. Amen. —AH

Day 22

The Darkest Valley

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 niv

Some days we face such brutal news that it feels as though death is knocking at our door. Maybe not a literal death. But boy, oh boy, when too many things go wrong with too many of the people we care about, well, it can feel like a kind of death.

What can we do in times when we walk through those darkest valleys? When all seems lost? And maybe even when it feels that a physical death would be welcome over the torment of this life?

The Bible does not promise us rosy days all our earthly lives. In fact, Jesus told us there would be trouble in this life. But Jesus overcame the world. And the Bible does give us promises—that the Lord will not leave us when we’re in those dreadful valleys. With Christ by our side we have no reason to fear evil or dark valleys or even death.

Take comfort in knowing the Lord is with you. Not just in a faraway place. He’s right here with you. Now. Always. Know this. Believe it. Speak it out loud until it makes it from your lips down to your heart.

Oh Lord, I am walking that darkest valley now. Please sustain me. Be ever near me. And let me rise up again in joy! Amen. —AH

Day 23

The Perils of the Journey

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:7–8 niv

If you’ve ever been a hiker for long, you know there are perils with this rigorous pastime. You might discover slippery steps next to a rock face and a cliff below that plummets to the ocean. Or a boardwalk that seems way too narrow as it passes over a wild terrain. Or a bridge that swings precariously over a canyon.

When your heart beats like a bongo, your palms go clammy,and you think you’re not going to make it, you tend to cling to something, right? A railing on the boardwalk or bridge. A rope along the bluff. Or we drop down and latch on to the very ground itself.

Sounds good when discussing hiking, but when it comes to this perilous life, we tend to cling to what can’t even steady us, let alone keep us upright. The list of things humans latch on to when they are filled with fear is as long and creative as it is useless. The only One worth cleaving to is Christ. Psalms says He will uphold us as we cling to Him—and that because ofHis help we can actually sing in the shadow of His wings. Clinging was never so real and never felt so good!

Praise You, God, for Your promises as we press forward on this perilous journey! Amen. —AH

Day 24

Come Away with Me

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.

Psalm 23:2 niv

Another day has tanked, and you’re a heartbeat away from giving up. You look up and wonder, “Is there more?”

Then you hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. If you let Him, He will lead you to quiet pastures of green, green grass. Yes, give yourself a moment of repose on that soft patch of meadow. You finally release a breath of air that feels as though it’s been held tightly for a lifetime. Then the breeze sighs through a nearby willow tree. Sheep graze and bumblebees whirl. Water from a pond glistens diamond-like as it laps against the shore. You rest. You listen. And after some soul sharing with the Lord, your heart begins to unfold like the petals of a rose.

In that deep rest, you come to know that your spirit was made for so much more than what you see in this finite and fallen world. You were meant for joy, full and overflowing. You were meant for creative pleasures beyond human imaginings. You were meant for a divine dance with the One who knows you and loves you best. You were meant not only for a few days of heaven but an eternity of it!

Can you hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? “Come away with Me.”

Lord Jesus, please lead me daily to those green pastures and by those still waters. Amen. —AH

Day 25

You Are Mine

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18 niv

It usually happens like this. It’s about three a.m., and you wake up with a start. Maybe from a stomach cramp. A dog’s bark. A bad dream. The room is still dark, and you need to get back to sleep. The problem is, your brain is now working overtime and fear comes calling with a thousand dreadful possibilities. A layoff at work. The same cancer your father had. A sin revisited. A friend’s betrayal. The sudden death of a beloved relative. It’s all just too much.

At the height of your terror, you cry out to Jesus. In one supernatural moment—you remember whom you belong to. You can hear that heavenly whisper, “You are mine.” Yes, you are in a relationship with the one who knows unspeakable suffering. He understands all the things that terrorize you in the darkest of nights. And He is the only one capable of cooling your feverish brow.

And so the night lightens with love—Christ’s love for you—and that love is brighter and warmer than a thousand stars and more than enough to extinguish those night terrors. Yes, He is right there, embracing you with His perfect love.

Lord, thank You for helping me back to sleep when my spirit becomes riddled with fears. Amen. —AH

Day 26

The God of Open Doors

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Matthew 7:7 niv

Boy, oh boy, this old world sure can be a friendless kind of place at times. Kids grow up feeling left out of various social circles—in sports, in clubs, on the bus, in the cafeteria as well as in the classroom, and unfortunately sometimes even in the church youth group. You name it, and kids can and will be left behind, sometimes unintentionally, other times intentionally. And grown-ups aren’t suddenly immune to this problem when they get out of school. They visit social media sites in hopes of staying happily involved and connected with others, only to discover that at times they feel truly disenchanted and more lonesome than ever.

But where mankind fails us—and people will fail us—God does not. We are reminded in Matthew 7:7 that He is a God of open doors. If you seek Him, you will indeed find Him. If you knock, He will open the door for you. No closed heart or locked doors or social snubs there. Doesn’t that sound lovely? Doesn’t that sound warm, right down to your soul?

Imagine being invited into the company of the living Savior. Right here, right now.

Thank You, Lord, that I serve a God of invitations and open doors! Amen. —AH

Day 27

The Mother of All Hugs

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.”

John 14:26 amp

When life goes awry and your eye has begun that twitching thing, how do you comfort yourself? Maybe a hug, a scoop of gelato with chocolate sauce, a bouquet of fresh-cut roses, a walk in the sunshine, some good belly laughs over a favorite comedy movie, a lavender-scented bubble bath, chicken and dumplings, a latte with a dear friend, reading a page-turning novel, or even diving into a batch of warm clothes straight out of the dryer? Ahhh, yes. Comfy comforts.

But sometimes even all those delight-filled goodies won’t be enough to calm us and sustain us. When it comes to serious comfort, we need the mother of all hugs. We need the Holy Spirit—Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby. We need all of the above. When Jesus left this earth, He promised to not leave us as orphans, but to send the Holy Spirit. We can rely on His help. Always remember and take heart—in this lonesome world, we are never ever alone.

Holy Spirit, please comfort me, strengthen me, encourage me, teach me, and guide me in all I do. Amen. —AH

Day 28

Such Plenty, Such Pleasure

“Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Acts 14:17 niv

Oh, those roly-poly pumpkins with curly, piglet-tail vines. We pick them, create carved masterpieces with them, eat them in a hundred different culinary ways, or we just roll them down the hill for fun. Yay!

Hard not to wonder what God’s purpose was when He created a pumpkin. Was it to enchant the taste buds? For the beauty of it? For the sheer delight in its shape and color? Or maybe too, it was for the love of us, knowing someday He would see our faces light up over those golden fields—season after season, generation after generation—with smiles.

The pumpkin patch is only one wonder in the many harvest fields that we enjoy. As it says in Acts 14:17, rain from heaven brings us crops in their season. He gives us food and fills our hearts with joy. Praise God for such peaceful scenes, such plenty, and such pleasure!

Wonderful creator God, thank You for all Your kindness in creating the bounty of this earth and all its beauty. I am slain with joy! Amen. —AH

Day 29

All the Bright Stars

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

Psalm 112:7 niv

When we gaze up at a clear night sky, we can ponder two very singular features—the celestial lights, such as the moon and stars, or we can focus on the blackness and the daunting unknown of all that surrounds the many brilliant points of light.

So much like our spiritual lives. We can concentrate on the darkness—the evil tidings that come. Or we can choose to focus on the goodness of our God, the miracle of our existence, and the wonder of His unfailing love. We can use our free will to choose to trust, knowing that the Lord has been our help and strength in the past, and He will continue to be in the future.

The dark night of trouble will come in this life. Yes, from time to time, there will be bad news. We can’t always trust peo-ple or circumstances or even ourselves, but we can count on the Lord. We can put our faith in the many bright stars of God’s good nature, the promises in His Word, and His forever love.

Lord, when bad news comes, remind me of Your consistent help, Your goodness, and Your love for me. Amen. —AH

Day 30

The Book of Love

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

Psalm 36:5 nlt

As parents we long to love our children tenderly, unconditionally, sacrificially, and well beyond measure. Sometimes in a moment of joy and affection, we throw our arms open wide and say, “I love you, oh-so big. Well, no, even bigger!”

When we read the Bible, it’s easy to get bogged down in theological debates and cultural differences we see in ancient times, but we shouldn’t forget that the whole of the Bible can be seen as a book of love—God’s profound devotion to His children. The Bible is a record of the creation of mankind, our collapse into sin, and the epic stories that led up to the greatest story of them all—the birth and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—which offers us redemption from sin and restoration into the kingdom of God. This kind of sacrificial, unfailing love is as vast as the heavens, and it reaches beyond the clouds!

It is as if the Creator of the universe reached down with tender feelings of joy and affection for us, opened wide His arms, and said, “I love you oh-so big. Well, no, even bigger!”

I am so grateful, Lord God, that You have shown us in Your Word how much You love us all—love me—so very big. Amen. —AH

Day 31

Where Peace Is Found

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27 niv

At some point in our lives, we all gaze into the mirror to take one of those serious looks at our reflection. The kind of penetrating stare that goes so deeply we must be searching for signs of tumult or disquiet in the soul. We are hoping we find peace there, aren’t we? That is what everybody wants—every last one of us.

In fact, mankind is in a frantic search for a stillness in one’s soul. We will do anything for it. We try various religions, meditations, Eastern practices, medications—legal and some illegal—and we try to deify various people, objects, or even try to worship a variety of elements in nature. The Bible offers us clear wisdom and power on all matters of peace.

Jesus told us that He will give us peace. It is that simple, that profound, and that beautiful. The Lord is the only one capableof offering us a supernatural peace that passes all understand-ing. Accept the gift! Embrace the Giver!

Lord, I thank You for real peace—that I don’t have to be afraid or troubled in this world! Amen. —AH

Day 32

A Wonky Mess

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:62 niv

Humans are notorious. We sweat the big stuff. We sweat the small stuff. We just sweat a lot.

We cannot seem to let go of the past. We fret over the future. We wring our hands over all the minutiae in our present lives. When we do that as Christians, Jesus says we aren’t fit for service in His kingdom. That makes a lot of sense.

Jesus’ plow illustration is effective in that when a farmer looks back while he is trying to plow, the rows will get crooked, and the field will become a wonky mess. When we keep doing that looking-back thing over our failures, regrets, confessed sins, and fears, we can’t be fully fit for service. We will invariably stumble, lose our focus, our way. Maybe even lose our sleep and our health. We will be useless.

Because every minute we spend looking back, we can’t give our full attention to praising, celebrating, caring, harvesting, serving, laughing, growing, communing, glorifying, creating, giving, delighting, sharing the Good News, fellowshipping, and loving!

It comes down to one word—trust. Where does your trust lie?

Lord, I give You my past, my present, and my future. Help me not to look back but to look forward with anticipation and joy. Amen. —AH

Day 33

We Did It Our Way!

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lordhas laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6 niv

Over the centuries, mankind hasn’t changed much. Not really. Sure we may have a double shot of espresso instead of a double shot of goat’s milk. We might zoom across the freeway in a sports car rather than lumber across a desert on a camel. And we might wear stilettos instead of leather and wooden sandals. But every one of us has gone our own way in this life. Like tottering sheep along a sheer cliff, we have gone astray from our Master and we’re close to peril at every turn. In modern times, we might even say it with a smug little smile, “Yes, we’re doing it our way!”

But “our way” never works. How many centuries will it take for us to learn this vital truth? “Our way” is an exercise in futility without God’s help. And that celestial navigation starts with an acknowledgment of sin. We are sinners. We can say it. But if we confess our sins, we can move forward to a repentant heart, forgiveness, and freedom. Then comes the peace that is sung about in the hymns of old. Then comes the victory that brings a heart full of joy. Then comes the spiritual growth and the beauty of a life well lived!

Lord, please help me to do life Your way! Amen. —AH

Day 34

The Bible according to Me

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of Godmay be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 niv

Living without the truth is like skipping through a building just as someone shuts off all the lights. Most likely, we will either slam into a wall full-force or fall headlong down a flight of stairs. In other words, there’s going to be significant pain if we keep marching stubbornly into that darkness.

Since God created the world, it’s only right that He should be the one who guides us with the light of His Word. But many people don’t think the Lord’s precepts are important, and many no longer even know what the Word of God says.

Today people are simply making the choice to believe whatever they want. That the Bible isn’t God-breathed, but merely a general book of guidelines. They may feel they can twist the scripture to their own way of thinking—the Bible according to me—or simply leave out the verses that offend them. But this mind-set can only lead to more chaos and destruction, while following Christ and the Bible will bring us to a place of peace, refreshment, and renewal—a place where we can find all the deepest longings of our soul.

Lord, may I read Your Word daily and follow Your lead in every area of my life. Amen. —AH

Day 35

My Heavenly To-Do List

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.And by him we cry, “Abba,Father.”

Romans 8:15 niv

Bake a cheesy casserole for my new neighbor. Check. Listen patiently to Aunt Zelda talk about her throbbing gout. Check. Whisk the kids off to school with a Bible verse and a kiss. Check. Look toward the heavens with a grateful heart. Check. Pray for my boss instead of threaten to quit. Check.

Okay. Another day done. Next!

See how simple life would be if God would give us a written to-do list on our mirrors every morning? Then, during the night, that list would miraculously renew itself, and we’d know each and every day exactly what we were to do. We could mark off our days and our lives as efficiently as a robot.

But we’re not machines. We are unique creatures made in God’s image, and what we have been offered from God through Christ is not at all like an impersonal daily to-do list. Romans 8:15 makes it obvious that we are adopted sons and daughters! We’ve been offered loving conversation, intimate closeness, and an eternal relationship with the Most High God!

Let us remember daily, it’s not about the list—it’s aboutthe love.

Oh Lord, how glad I am that You and I are friends! Amen. —AH

Day 36

The Father of Lights

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1:17 nkjv

When we think of light, all sorts of delight-filled images come to mind, such as the peaceful glimmer of moonlight on water, fireflies that wink their way through the woods, cascades of sunlight spilling down from a cloud, the soft luminosity of fox fire, the glitter-spray of starlight, and the dazzling strikes of lightning. Even man-made lights of all kinds come from resources that our creator God made—who is also referred to as the Father of lights in James 1:17. Yes, He is the true source of all light, and these are His gifts to us.