Summer E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 135

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Beschreibung

Summer. It's a season of joy. A season of warmth and relaxation. A season of freedom and refreshment, and of watching sparkling waters under a blue sky. We spend time enjoying the ones we love, basking in the sun, strolling on the sand, or exploring new and exciting places. We take a break from our fast-paced schedules, invest in relationships, and give ourselves a chance to breathe. This 90-day devotional will encourage you to spend some time with God being refreshed in his presence. Experience his peace, life, and freedom during this season of joy.

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

Summer: A SEASON OF JOY

© 2018 by BroadStreet Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-4245-5581-9eISBN: 978-1-4245-5775-2

Devotional entries compiled by Michelle Winger.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 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 of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. 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. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Design by Chris Garborg | garborgdesign.com

Edited by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com

Printed in China.

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The Lord your God is with you;

the mighty One will save you.

He will rejoice over you.

You will rest in his love;

he will sing and be joyful about you.

ZEPHANIAH 3:17 NCV

CONTENTS

Introduction

Playing Make-Believe

Awakening the Sun

Prize of Glory

Melody of Worship

The Son Before the Sun

Glorious

Joyous Journey

Fully Alive

No More Thirst

In Times of Doubt

Trust the Light

Finding Peace

Lifting the Veil

Eternal Fountains

Truly Special

Understanding Temptation

Rest Secure

A Living Sacrifice

Kindness Defined

Forever Fashion

Glory Origin

Proclaiming Faith

Good Company

Top Priority

Praise through Circumstance

All of You

Help Needed

A Light to the End

Make Your Complaint

Unfailing Goodness

Ordered Steps

Divine Promises

Confused

Step Out in Faith

The Word

Approval

Busyness

Living Word

For Such a Time as This

Uncomplicated Freedom

Sand Castles

Risk

Give Me Liberty

Miracles

Healing Words

The Weight of Grace

Voice in the Wilderness

Hidden Beauty

The Spice Rack

Surrender

Idolatry

Temptation

The Plan

Covering Offense

Deep Friendship

Eternal Perspective

The Greatest Love Story

Stubborn Hearts

Chosen and Called

Things You Do Not Know

Sustained

Generosity

Christian Unity

Stumbling in the Dark

Victory

Our Advocate

Love at First

People of Truth

Gratitude

Heart Center

The Voice of Love

Risk-Taker

Break Every Chain

Faith or Sight

In the Secret

Filling the Gap

Trust in the Little Things

Search My Heart

Limitless

Releasing Beauty

Roots

Just Say No

The War

God’s Ear

Undeniable Trust

City without Walls

A Heart for Others

Change of Season

Just Rest

Peace like a River

INTRODUCTION

Summer. It’s a season of joy. A season of warmth and relaxation. A season of freedom and refreshment, and of watching sparkling waters under a blue sky.

We spend time enjoying the ones we love, basking in the sun, strolling on the sand, or exploring new and exciting places. We take a break from our fast-paced schedules, invest in relationships, and give ourselves a chance to breathe.

This 90-day devotional will encourage you to spend time with God, being refreshed in his presence. Experience his peace, life, and freedom during this season of joy.

Playing Make-Believe

I know that there is nothing better for people

than to be happy and to do good while they live.

That each of them may eat and drink,

and find satisfaction in all their toil—

this is the gift of God.

ECCLESIASTES 3:12-13 NIV

We all played our fair share of make-believe as children, twirling around the room in a fancy dress-up gown or running through the fields with a wild tale alive in our minds. Every child probably had those long summer evenings of chasing fireflies and catching dreams, or playing hide-and-go seek and finding destiny. Our starry-eyed youth took our imaginations on the wildest of journeys as our hearts pounded with the creations of our souls.

Pretending we are someone else, or somewhere else, begins early in childhood and more subtly continues as we age. We still allow imagination to transport us to other places, and other circumstances. Somehow it is easier for us to embrace the wonder of “what if” than the reality of “what is.”

There is nothing better than to be happy in your life. Your life is made up of now. Treasure your life! Be satisfied with where you are. Satisfaction is living each day as if it were the dream.

What dreams are you still holding on to? Enjoy the process of getting to those dreams and remember that God wants your happiness.

Father, as I look back on some of my childhood dreams, I realize that it was nice to dream and it made me feel happy. But today is my reality and I pray that you would help me to see my life as a gift. Stir joy in my heart once again.

Awakening the Sun

All the world can see its story.

Everywhere its gospel is clearly read so all may know.

What a heavenly home God has set for the sun,

shining in the superdome of the sky!

See how he leaves his celestial chamber each morning,

radiant as a bridegroom ready for his wedding,

like a day-breaking champion eager to run his course.

He rises on one horizon, completing his circuit on the other,

warming lives and lands with his heat.

PSALM 19:4-6 TPT

As we appreciate the beauty of the season, God has a fine eye for loveliness too. He is the ultimate painter, creating a beautiful canvas all over the world as it awakes. He wants each of us to be embraced in the warmth of the sun as we are reminded of his warmth and love.

Look up! Turn your face toward the sun. Let its warmth come over you. Just as its light touches every corner of the earth, the Lord is working in every area of your life.

Allow him to do his work in you today. Take time to notice the ways in which he is touching you with his warm embrace. Let your heart be expectant about the possibilities of tomorrow.

What part of your life needs to experience the warmth of God’s love? Invite his light into your heart now.

Heavenly Father, you are glorious! Let your light touch the darkest places of my heart and life today, so that I can reflect your radiance to those around me. Thank you that you can warm the land with the sun, but you can also warm my heart with your glory. Fill me with your presence so I can wake with your hope every morning.

Prize of Glory

His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

ROMANS 8:16-17 NLT

We are God’s children. Scripture confirms this for us, so we know it to be true. As his children, we can rest in the knowledge that we are set to inherit all that is his. While that doesn’t exempt us from going through rough patches, the good news is that Scripture also tells us that we get to share in his glory. And that is excellent news indeed.

Glory isn’t just something nice like a sunny day or a delicious piece of chocolate. It’s downright fabulous. Resplendent beauty and magnificence are just a couple of ways to describe it.

Imagine the most beautiful place you’ve ever been, or the most amazing moment you’ve ever experienced. It pales in comparison to the glory of God—and we get to share it! Rejoice in this as you reflect on your day. Though you may experience suffering along the way, sharing in his glory is the best prize you could ever receive.

What are the things that are worrying you most about this season in your life? Reflect on the bigger picture today and set your heart on the future glory.

Lord, give me a good outlook for my day ahead. Thank you for providing me with a different perspective. I know I can get caught up in the worries of the world, and while that is real, your glory is also a reality for me. At times, I approach my day with dread, fear, or anxiety, but I know that ultimately this life goes beyond death—you gave me the reality of eternity. Thank you for that!

Melody of Worship

God’s splendor is a tale that is told;

his testament is written in the stars.

Space itself speaks his story every day

through the marvels of the heavens.

His truth is on tour in a starry-vault of the sky,

showing his skill in creation’s craftsmanship

PSALM 19:1-4 TPT

Have you ever felt the song of your heart praising the Lord? No words may come, no verses, no chorus, and yet your very being feels as though it may burst from the music inside you. You are not alone. Even the very heavens praise God in this way!

The Bible tells us that without words, and without even the slightest sound, the skies burst forth in a song of praise for the glory of God. Isn’t that an amazing picture? Can’t you just envision an orchestra above you?

Break forth into your song. Allow your heart to feel the words, even if you cannot fully form them. Give God all your praises today. He is so deserving of them. Let your heart be a celebration of your love for Jesus Christ. Give in to the melody of worship inside you.

Picture all of creation worshiping God the way he deserves to be worshiped. Thank him for his goodness to you throughout your life.

What song is on your heart right now? Worship God with your song.

Heavenly Father, the heavens declare your majesty. As I think about the sun, moon, and stars, may I recognize your voice in your creation, calling me, beckoning me to join in the beauty of the song that they sing. I worship you today. My heart is full of your splendor, and I want that to spill out onto my day.

The Son Before the Sun

In the morning,

having risen a long while before daylight,

He went out and departed to a solitary place;

and there He prayed.

MARK 1:35 NKJV

When do you find time to pray? Even if we are intentional and passionate about prayer, the everyday activities in our life will almost always take priority over time with God—even in the summer when some get a break in their routine. It is often said that prayer can happen at any time, and of course it does, but is there value in setting aside a specific time to communicate with the Lord?

Did you ever realize that the notion of quiet times comes from the example set by Jesus? Jesus would get up before daylight and pray in a solitary place. We are not often told what he prayed about. It’s not the content that matters; it’s the willingness to maintain our relationship with the Father and seek his will.

Instead of trying to fit prayer into your busy day, pray before it gets busy, so you can cope with the pressures of life. Be like Jesus and find the time and space to wait upon the Father. You will find your days become much more pleasant and difficulties are easier to face when you have the right frame of mind from the beginning of the day.

How will you fit prayer time into your life during this season?

Jesus, I give you this time now. Thank you for the opportunity to spend some quiet time with you. I know you are gracious and you are not concerned with religious practice. Help me to get into a good routine of introducing you into my mornings so I am equipped to love you and others throughout my day.

Glorious

On the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and on your wondrous works,

I will meditate.

PSALM 145:5 NRSV

Leaves changing from green to orange to red. Gently falling snow. A rainbow-colored sunrise. A sprout of newness in the dirt. The smell of freshly cut grass. The rustling of leaves in the trees. The smell of a pine tree. Billowy, moving clouds. Sunshine kissing your cheeks. It is amazing that our Creator would make all this for us to enjoy. It’s glorious, really.

Days often go by without us stopping to notice the wonder around us. We forget to slow down. We ignore this incredibly beautiful world that God made for us to explore and enjoy.

Can you make time today to slow down, take a walk outside, and soak in God’s presence that’s all around you: in the beauty of the sunrise, in the gentle wind blowing through the trees, in the fragrance of a flower in bloom. It is amazing what a walk with a friend, a run through the woods, or the feel of bare feet on grass can do for your soul. Try to make that happen before the day ends.

Can you take time to get outside and enjoy all that God has created?

Creator God, give me an opportunity today to see your glory in your creation. Help me to stop in amazement at the beauty you have put into your world. Help me to discipline myself to get outside and notice the world around me. Thank you that your hidden glory is revealed when I take the time to consider the beauty of nature.

Joyous Journey

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

JAMES 1:2-4 NIV

There is great joy in the journey: in the mundane details, in the difficult times, in the confusing moments, and in the tears. There is so much joy to be found in the quiet and in the noise.

Pity parties and comparisons create a direct path for the enemy to steal our joy. There is hope in Jesus and the gift of little joy-filled moments. They come in varying forms: sunshine rays pouring in the windows, a nice person at the check-out counter, a turn-the-radio-as-high-as-it-can-go kind of song, a dance party in the living room, or the taste of a delicious meal after a long day.

There’s a journey of joy in waking up every day knowing it’s another day to breathe in the fresh air, head to dinner with a girlfriend, or grab coffee with a co-worker. Find joy in the moment, whatever the moment is.

What do you have to be joyful about? Spend time dwelling on those things.

G